The Americas tournament this week has shown us just where we are as a cricketing nation.

We are miles ahead of the Division Two teams, competitive in Division One, but not quite ready for the Kenyans and Irelands of the cricket world.

Bermudians have seen their Bermuda team perform over the last week and have mixed emotions relating to what they have witnessed. As you know, Bermudians can be over critical of their team at times but I have to admit I have been extremely pleased by the support our national team have received during this tournament.

Hence which, I will share a few spectators' points of views and also the views of my Canadian friend.

Bermuda were domineering against the likes of Argentina, Bahamas and Caymans, but found stiffer opposition against USA and Canada. Sitting watching I was satisfied with some facets of Bermuda's game but at the same time disheartened with other aspects of their game.

Bermuda's ability to rebuild after losing early wickets was a stronghold; their ability to bat 50 overs for the most part is a stepping stride in the right direction. Bowlers Kevin Tucker and Jordan DeSilva proved that hard work and patience pays off as both had good bowling stats throughout the tournament.

On the flip side of things, too many of our big bats struggled. I was extremely surprised when David Hemp didn't open the batting. The last major tour Bermuda went on in South Africa, 2009, Hemp opened the batting and scored a tournament high of 170 not out, amassing 557 runs at an average of 185.67.

Also, if Hemp is going to continue to be Bermuda's captain I feel some sacrifices are going to have to be made in terms of him arriving earlier and training with the players.

It would have been appropriate for him to be available for the team's week long training camp which would have focused on bonding, technical and tactical aspects of the game and confidence building. A captain has to know his players in order to form relationships and an understanding of each one.

The inclusion of Janeiro Tucker was simply a godsend. I cannot imagine what would have happened had he not answered the call at the 11th hour. He has by far been Bermuda's most valuable player in this tournament.

However, I just hope his inclusion doesn't discourage one or two of our younger players from training to earn themselves a spot. The rationale behind choosing Janeiro over someone new was probably from the old saying, "Form is temporary, class is forever".

Janeiro has proved his worth and while many of the young players had previously touted and suggested that all the old players should retire because they are ready should now realise that Janeiro and Irvine still have a lot to offer by being the team's top two run getters.

Truthfully speaking, another senior, Dean Minors, if he desired, could walk back into this team as wicketkeeper. Dean was by far Bermuda's best wicketkeeper and his versatility and consistency as a batsman is truly missed at the top level.

Now let's look at the game from a fans' point of view.

First a general complaint that was agreed amongst the fans – they complained that the stadium needs a PA system so that spectators can know who is batting and bowling. Also, a big question was – why was there not a Bermudian flag flying during the matches?

Richard Todd (St.George's cricketer and football coach): 'It has been a positive for Bermuda to host this Americas Cup tournament in that it has not only provided games at home for the national team, but also has allowed young cricketers and spectators the opportunity to view the level of international play for our Americas zone. It provides a reference point for not only our national coaches to measure and asses the Bermuda national team but also for the spectator. Far too often spectators are critical of the national team against opponents, or provide their opinion on which local players are perceived to be "must includes" based on their form and play in the local leagues, without having the reference point to compare them to outside our shores (that is, of course, with the exception of watching Test cricket and IPL on TV)."

Larry Marshall (runner): "I think that when the going gets tough we still struggle to buckle down and make it happen. It's as if we have a mental lapse that we tend to carry over against certain teams."

Kameron Fox (Devonshire Recreation Club cricketer): " We need to work out a batting order that works for us. Overall the cricket has been good to watch. We are beating the teams we should be beating. So far so good!

Lastly, I had a one-on-one with my Canadian friend, Sunil Dhaniram, while he was here in Bermuda and these are his remarks:

Q: How have you found the standard of wickets here in Bermuda?

A: The stadium is fantastic. However, the clubs are not up to ICC standard. They definitely need some improvement.

Q: Having been around for years and played against Bermuda what was your most memorable game?

A: Most memorable was when I was captain, scored 75 and took five wickets. Canada lost in the end by only six or seven runs.

Q: Were there any fierce individual battles that you have had over the years with the Bermuda players?

A: Canada vs Bermuda is always a fierce battle! I have some good buddies on the Bermuda team. We spent time together at the HPC in South Africa. When we're on the field, we battle, we heckle each other but once we're off we're buddies again! This will be my last tour to Bermuda as a cricketer but I will definitely be back for a vacation with my family.

Bermuda, our cricket is in the rebuilding stages and under Moore and his strict regime we seem to be on the right track. To get us back to where we were is going to take quite a bit of hard work and dedication. There are many lessons to be learned from this tournament. How fast we learn from the lessons will decide how quickly we reach the standards that will rank us among the best in our region.

The reality is that the make-up of the players we have right now are simply not good enough to get us back to where we want to be. However, they are dedicated, hardworking and have a passion for the game and for that I respect their effort. If we as a country want to grumble and make a fuss we need to challenge and expose the players who choose not to play for our country.

At the end of the day the key word is professionalism. Until the country as a whole, clubs, players, Cricket Board, umpires, groundsmen develop a professional mentality and approach towards our cricket we will always be second best.