The Eastern Counties has become a laughing stock of local cricket. I'm all for advancement and will admit that the current players' concerns are warranted. But the optimal solution wasn't to abandon a 100-year-old tournament that means more to the four communities and the country than the egos and issues held by players on two of the four teams. It's beginning to sound like it's all about money again. Players, the game and the competition are both bigger and older than all of you. More on this after the top 20.

Over, by Drake, advances to #1. Up to #2 is Unthinkable by Alicia Keys, one of the most popular and talented artists on the circuit. Up to #3 is Nothing On You BoB featuring Bruno Mars. Climbing to #4 is L'il Freak by Usher featuring Nicki Minaj, a former essential new jam and a banger.

Falling to #5 is My Chick Bad by Ludacris featuring Nicki Minaj. Sneaking up to #6 is There Goes My Baby by Usher. I've seen people have this as ringtones messages, quotes, etc.

Now some house music. Up to #7 is I'm Not A Superstar by Remady, DJLT's favourite track at the moment. Jumping to #8 its Break Your Heart by Taio Cruz featuring Ludacris, who just quietly and consistently drops hit after rocking hit. Slipping to #9 is Neighbors Know My Name by Trey Songz. Rude Boy by Rihanna slides to #10.

Up to #11 is OMG by Usher featuring Will.i.am. Climbing to #12 is California Girls by cute and irrepressible Katy Perry, featuring Snoop Dogg, a pop anthem for the summer. Tumbling to #13 is Hard by Rihanna. Improving to #14 is a former essential new hit: Commander, by Kelly Rowland featuring David Guetta.

Falling to #15 is Hey Daddy, (Daddy's Home) by Usher featuring Plies. Slipping to #16 is Everything To Me by Monica.

Now the new soca anthem. Improving to #17 is the soca Road March Anthem for 2010 – Planc by JW and Blaz. Falling to #18 is Tik Tok by Ke$ha. Up to #19 is Find Your Love by Drake, this week's essential new tune. Tumbling to #20 is Say Something by Timbaland featuring Drake, a former essential new jam.

Now back to this week's word – the sad state of the Eastern Counties. For people who grew up in Flatts, Harris' Bay, Bailey's Bay or St. David's, cricket is life and the Eastern Counties is the event these four communities think about all year. As a young man growing up, I wanted to play County more than Cup Match, such was the sense of identity with my community and so important was the competition.

I get the bit about needing an audit and I know that some of the executives of the Eastern Counties Committee probably need to go. But as is the case in many charities or such organisations; there are probably only a few persons who want to serve on the committee, so whilst people are criticising, they are often unwilling to put up their hand when it's time to serve on a committee and actually do some work that doesn't involve spouting off to the media about the negatives of the tournament.

The Tournament has lost it allustre for many reasons and the list below includes some suggestions:

1. There is no other competition in the world, in any sport, where at the beginning of the game all you have to do is draw to keep the Cup.

2. They need to create a spectacle to attract a vibrant crowd:

3. People move and/or relocate on a regular basis these days. You don't have the dedicated, diehard, born into County fan base to rely on any more, who were born, grew up and still live in those communities.

4. People can be out boating, BBQing or doing other leisure activities. They need to generate and create excitement to make people want to come out and enjoy the game as well as the other attractions of the game.

5. There are very few real cricket fans in Bermuda. Again, you need to give them a reason to come out and see your product as opposed to doing something else.

6. Fewer kids are involved in sports so even that is lost as a reason for parents and families to come out to cricket games.

7. People are into many other sports and activities during the summer. Years ago people only had cricket in the summer; now there is so much more to do.

8. People want excitement and a result. A limited overs format would give people (and the teams participating) a fair game where the result is based on talent and desire as opposed to trying to defeat the team and the unfair format. No one (especially neutral fans) wants to see games ending in draws with the same team holding the cup year after year. Especially when it can easily be argued that the format is the reason for the victory and not tactics or skill. The more the cup moves around, the more excitement and anticipation is generated among fans. The more interest leads to more attendance which leads to more money for all to share.

9. They need live entertainment at lunch time and after the game. Enhance the atmosphere and the product

10. I am sure there are plenty of large corporate sponsors who would love to be affiliated with County Cup and entertain their local and overseas clientele at these games if it is run and presented in a certain manner but still with Bermuda and Eastern County flair and flavour.

11.It's time to step out of the dark ages. Times have changed and if the Eastern County and its member Clubs cannot realise this, they will continue to die a slow and excruciating death. But the players have dissed the tournament, its history, heritage by not playing the games. The fans will remember this and don't be surprised if it is hard to get them back.

This is from a former player in the Eastern Counties who still loves the competition and everything that it stands for in the four counties and in Bermuda. Peace… DJLT.