AT the end of Bermuda?s historic victory over Canada in the Island national squad?s first-ever One-Day International on Wednesday, coach Gus Logie didn?t seem to know whether to laugh or cry.

No doubt, like the rest of the squad, he was elated the team had pulled off an improbable victory.

But the manner in which it was achieved will have put Logie?s normally steel-like nerves through the shredder.

Given the drama that this bunch of cricketers create every time they contest a big match, they?d be more at home on Broadway.

For whatever reason they simply don?t seem capable of taking the easy route.

Having done the hard work and battered the Canadians into virtual submission at 55 for five and later 91 for eight, they then contrived to let them off the hook.

A tailend recovery allowed their opponents to post 157 ? 50 more than they deserved ? and when Bermuda?s early order bats all got out cheaply it was left to the unflappable Dean Minors and the fiercely competitive Lionel Cann to again pull their team-mates out of the mire.

Minors and Cann were terrific, the victory monumental in terms of our ability to compete at the highest level, and the entertainment value five-star.

Besides the two late order bats, debutant George O?Brien should be given enormous credit, having given every indication that he?s maturing into the type of opening pace bowler the team so desperately need.

All in all it was a fabulous day for Bermuda cricket, barely dampened by yesterday?s loss to Zimbabwe which was of little significance given the weakened make-up of the Bermuda team and the fact that the same sides will be playing for much higher stakes in tomorrow?s final.

But between now and next year?s World Cup, Logie better buckle up . . . with these cardiac kids on board the rollercoaster ride is unlikely to get any smoother!

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JAY DONAWA might feel he?s got a point to prove when he lines up in Somerset next Wednesday morning for the start of the Marathon Derby.

Never a winner, but runner-up more times than he cares to remember, the veteran road runner?s frustrations were laid bare at the end of last year?s race when he vowed never to compete again after a handful of roadside spectators dubbed him ?a loser?.

It was a natural spur of the moment reaction and few ever doubted Jay would be back.

While he?s still to savour victory, in the last decade or more it?s been Donawa perhaps more than anyone else who has epitomised the spirit in which the event has been contested for almost a hundred years ? a gritty, never-say-die determination which has never quite reaped its deserved reward.

Anyone who?s never run the race likely has no idea what it takes to complete the course ? a physical and mental battle to conquer hills, heat, humidity ? let alone perennially challenge for top honours.

You can bet your last dollar that next Wednesday Donawa again will be among those setting the pace.

The likes of defending champion Terrance Armstrong, multiple winner Kavin Smith and the rapidly improving Marshall brothers, Lamont and Larry, will likely ensure that this year?s race will be one of the most competitive in years.

And despite ? or perhaps because of ? the taunts from a small minority last year, there?s little doubt who?ll be the people?s favourite.

Should he cross the line first it would be no less than he deserves. But win or not, Donawa will still be remembered as one of the event?s true champions.