County, Cup Match, and International cricket – how do they compare? Recently, I talked with two players who are, or have been, involved at all three levels to discuss this matter.

First, let's take a look at the County game and what it means to players. Most of the time players are extremely committed to County because it is more family based than any other cricket. County has so much history behind it and it is something that has been passed on from generation to generation.

When a player steps onto the playing field to represent his County team they often feel like they are playing for their community and friends, which for some players is everything.

Cup Match on the other hand is the biggest stage we have locally for our elite players to play. It is a showcase for exceptional players to perform. Growing up as a youngster in Bermuda, Cup Match for most kids is a dream.

The electricity that is generated around Cup Match time amongst the fans Island-wide is unbelievable.

Most fans wear their team colours, or have their team colours attached to their car.

I know what Cup Match means for St. Georgians. Most St. Georgians will not wear red in the month of July. As a matter of fact the president Neil Paynter has already addressed a few players for wearing red to a training session. That is the passion and pride that is generated from Cup Match.

Finally, the National Team is the ultimate standard for any player to achieve.

The opportunities that today's players have are incredible. To travel the world playing against some of the world's best cricketers is challenging, but rewarding.

The standard and quality of opposition is phenomenal, thus causing a player to play to the best of his ability. Any passionate cricketer would relish playing at this level because not only do you make a name for yourself Island wide, but worldwide.

Here are remarks from last year's St. George's and Somerset's Cup Match captains, both of whom have been fortunate to play in games at all three levels.

Lionel Cann: "I know when I was coming up County was the biggest thing because our community was closely bonded and all the families attended not just County but league games also. Then Cup Match was the next biggest thing.

"We didn't have that many international matches and it was harder then for people to make the team. Today there are no excuses. It's more international cricket, easier to make the team and there are benefits.

"I think the players of today don't have country pride, are scared to fail, scared of hard work, scared of drug tests and happy to just make the local papers with 20 runs or two wickets or their peers saying you made more than so and so this week. All the politics that have gone on in cricket the past few years have not helped the situation.

"I know for me country comes first, but the feeling I get playing County for St. David`s, it's like no other."

Jacobi Robinson: "Players often focus on Cup Match and County because it is the next biggest thing to playing for your country and besides there is a lot of inconsistency when it comes to representing your country.

"One only has to look at my situation as a prime example. Back in March I got called over to South Africa as cover due to a Chris Douglas injury.

"Once I got over there I played before players who were originally selected in the original team. Now that we are back I can't even make a training squad, yet the same players that I played ahead of in South Africa are selected to train. This reeks of politics.

"I am only in my mid 20s and feel I have a lot to offer the Bermuda national team. However, it is mistreatment of players and inconsistencies like this that makes players decide to focus on Cup Match and County, hence the reason why they lose the passion of playing for their country."

Personally, I must say there is no doubt that the national team is the ultimate for any cricketer. It exhilarates me when playing against quality cricketers who are going to challenge me mentally and physically every minute of the game.

"However, I would be lying if I didn't say walking out to a packed field at Cup Match or County, where horns are blowing and spectators' screaming, is every player's desire.

At the end of the day Cup Match, County and national team are all important to our cricket.

The way I look at it is with County you are playing for your community, Cup Match you are playing for half the Island and national team you are playing for all 65,000 people that live in Bermuda. One thing our players must learn and understand is that whenever you step onto the field to play you should always do your best.

Quote for the week: This country is full of good coaches. What it takes to win is a bunch of interested players – Don Coryell ex-San Diego Chargers coach