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BERMUDA | RSS PODCAST

If you're going to criticise then be a man about it

Someone please tell me why is it when someone tries to do something positive there's always someone on the outside trying to pull them down?

When reading the sports mailbox earlier in the week I just had to chuckle because it was written by someone who might watch cricket, but in terms of giving back to the game doesn't partake in anything.

In case some of you didn't read the letter by Mr. Passionate, in summary he basically had a go at our current captain Irving Romaine calling for him to be sacked as captain – pointing out the requirements needed to be national squad captain as well as commenting on his ever glowing smile.

In return not only did Irving reply, but it prompted a reply from my long time friend and former Gazette sports writer Dexter Smith.

It is obvious that Irving has had enough of all the badgering that's been going on about him and rightfully so. It is one thing to say something about a person, but please don't hide behind a code name - Passionate Cricket Lover.

Many of you may be thinking that I am a hypocrite, because months ago I too made a public statement about Irving and the captaincy. However, one, I was man about it and did it with my name directly through my column.

Two, I highlighted what at that time I thought were relevant and genuine points. Truthfully speaking in hindsight being a former captain I should have stayed away from that topic of captaincy and never went public with my personal feelings, but like everything in life we learn from our mistakes.

Basically, I think the one concern that Passionate Cricket Lover has is whether or not Irving can get the team to rally around him and help us qualify for Cricket World Cup during the qualifying rounds in South Africa in 2009.

That too was a concern of mine until I went with the team to Canada as assistant coach and witnessed Bermuda crushing Canada in the four day and one day games.

During that tour I saw a united team, a team with hunger and passion. I saw a team that wanted to leave a mark and show Canada who was the best in the America's.

As assistant coach I was overwhelmed with the level of commitment that the guys gave while on that tour. They trained with intensity showing pride as they played as a team.

With the addition of David Hemp and the rejuvenated Glenn Blakeney in the team, Bermuda all of a sudden has an extremely potent batting line up. What is good about this is that there is now competition for places, which will bring out the best in each player.

So Passionate Cricket Lover unless you have something positive to say or unless you are willing to come out and help make a difference, please keep your negative comments to yourself. This team does not need and does not want anything or anyone negative around them.

When I sit and look at a few of the guys like Irving, Dwayne "Sluggo" Leverock, and Lionel who were around when the journey first started some four years ago, I just look on in admiration.

There is no doubt that at times these guys got mentally drained. Actually, before the boys went off to Australia I had a chat with Irving and said, "Kid I know you must be tired, but this is your last haul. Go there get yourself in the best shape possible and give it all you've got cause once it's over it's over".

Going to Australia for that intensive camp surely will produce positive results for our team. They will reap the rewards of the sacrifices that they have made.

As a former player I just want to urge the general public to get behind our boys and give them as much support as possible. It has been proven already that qualifying is possible as we have been there once before.

If anyone has any reservations about what hard work, commitment or focusing does - then one only has to look at Obama for strength and realize that through all of the trials and tribulations that may come your way – if you keep your eye on the prize then anything is possible.