Now that we have entered 2015, the cricket season will be upon us before we know it. The following is my wish list of things I would like to see happen throughout the 2015 cricket calendar year.

n 1, Bermuda regain some pride when they go to the World Twenty20 qualifiers in May.

n 2, The youth leagues to play cricket right through the summer, which would allow our young ones to play more.

n 3, St George’s to regain the Cup Match trophy.

n 4, To see several of the players who have neglected playing for Bermuda come back out and represent their country.

n 5, Cleveland to hold on to the Eastern Counties trophy for another year.

Bermuda will soon be announcing a training squad for the World Twenty20 qualifiers. Even if we do not win this tournament, we must make a good account of ourselves. Don’t get me wrong. I believe we have the talent to do well, but as always it will come down to our dedication and our application. The world will be watching us after that appalling display in Malaysia, so we must put forward an outstanding performance.

Somehow we must find a way to prolong our youth cricket leagues to allow our young cricketers the opportunity to play more cricket. I know there are obstacles that have hindered us in the past of doing this, but, collectively, we must address these issues so that it can be made possible. The growth of our young cricketers is being hindered by lack of practice and competitive matches, therefore we must do whatever is necessary to correct this.

Over the past few years, Somerset have dominated Cup Match and it is definitely time for change. What must St George’s do to be able to dethrone the champions? They must simply select their best possible team. If St George’s are able to do this, there is no doubt in my mind that they can be victorious.

The key to a St George’s victory lies with these three players: Delyone Borden, Stefan Kelly and George O’Brien. Get all three of them in the team together and 2015 can be a victorious Cup Match for St George’s.

Over the past decade, the Bermuda team has had problems with players not making themselves available. I would love to see at least half, if not all, the players who have not been representing Bermuda lately make themselves available for the squad in 2015. If Bermuda is ever to improve and compete, we must have our best players available.

Having been a former Bermuda player, I know first hand what it’s like when your career comes to an end and you have regrets. I have one regret pertaining to cricket that I wish I could go back and change, but I can’t. Now that my career is over, I am constantly asking myself “what if?”.

Players, you have the opportunity to still represent your country — something some people only dream about. Take this opportunity while you can, so that you are not looking back wondering what could have been had you played for your country.

Last season was amazing for Cleveland County, as we overcame all odds to defeat St David’s in the Eastern Counties Cup. We were massive underdogs going into the match, but to be able to dethrone the champions in the fashion we did was astonishing. If that wasn’t enough, to be able to keep the trophy for the entire series made the year even more memorable.

Now the real work starts, defending the Eastern Counties trophy — Bailey’s Bay, Flatts and then St David’s. The Cleveland players are going to have to be 100 per cent focused and committed.

Winning a trophy is the easy part, defending it will be much harder. Last year was no fluke but if we can keep the trophy at Cleveland for another year, maybe then teams and spectators will start respecting us.

Well there you have it, my wish list for 2015. I’m curious to see how many out of the five come to fruition. Regardless, clubs should start preparing now so that we can make 2015 a year to remember.