Growing up as an aspiring cricketer there was one team that I really admired. At the time I couldn't figure out why I admired them so. Many of you will be surprised to know that team was Willow Cuts.

St. George's people often talk about St. David's being our rivals but let the truth be told, St. George's versus Willow Cuts is always a war. It took me a long time to understand why I admired this team.

However, after years of playing against them I realised that I loved the fact that they were gutsy players and fought to the very end, never giving up. That is something that cannot be taught.

These days, even though as a club they are going through a transitional period, their players still possess the same qualities. Former player and current coach Rodney Fubler has obviously been working diligently with them and one can clearly see the improvements they have made.

Just recently two of their young players Kevon Fubler and Deunte Darrell were named into the Bermuda Under-19 squad for World Cup qualifiers. These two young players will be Bermuda international players in the future.

They have been groomed by the Fubler brothers and the Basden brothers for years and now Willow Cuts are reaping the rewards.

For those who do not know, the Fubler brothers along with the Basden brothers have been stalwarts of Willow Cuts. I recall being a youngster playing for St.George's and seeing these guys play. They played with passion and the tenacity that was required at the highest level.

Richard and Dexter Basden were both quality batsmen who I have the utmost respect for.

Growing up watching these guys made me want to learn as much as I could from them. Dexter was aggressive and Richard was finesse.

As for the Fubler brothers, I thought Rodney and Kevin were two of the most under-rated players around, but they were what I would call silent assassins. As a matter of fact, it was Kevin Fubler who trapped me lbw for a duck after I had already been out for nought in my previous innings, a Cup Match that I would never forget.

This week I managed to catch up with the veteran and now retired Rodney Fubler to ask him a few questions about his young Willow Cuts team.

Q: Over the years Willow Cuts and St. George's have had some fierce battles, does any one game stick out in your mind?

A: Years ago at the Royal Naval Field when we beat them with one ball to spare, but there have been many battles over the years.

Q: As a club you have never hesitated to play your younger players, is this something that the club believes in?

A: We always believe in the young players but we try to mould them in the Open cricket first to see if they are ready. Open cricket helps to develop them and lets us know if they are ready or not.

Q: Kevon and Deunte have just been selected for the Under-19 World Cup qualifiers, just how good are these two?

A: They are both very good players and as they get older their temperaments will and need to improve.

Q: Then there is your son, Sheroy Fubler, he has improved tremendously over the years. Is he someone Bermuda will see a lot of in the years to come?

A: It depends on him, if his temperament changes. He is a good all-rounder and has shown more interest in the game lately.

Q: It is nice to see the Basden brothers and the Fubler brothers giving something back to the Willow Cuts team. What direction do you see this team going in the future?

A: We need help, we hope to find or raise funds for better facilities. We would like to have a place where these kids can play table tennis and pool, that way we can attract more young players. Our aim is to get back into the Premier League, but it is up to the players.

Just last weekend Willow Cuts played St.George's twice, winning one game and losing one. I personally witnessed a new coming of one of Bermuda's future stars. Deunte Darrell reminded me so much of OJ Pitcher.

He has incredible technique, confidence beyond his years, all that to go along with being a gutsy Willow Cuts player.

Let me just say though that the Willow Cuts team is made up of many more then just these few players. The other players also show the determination and heart that is the backbone of all Willow Cuts teams.

They may be small in structure but big in heart and several teams around Bermuda need to follow their lead when it comes to application and dedication.