Hi Dean,
I recommend using our Database Accelerator which includes filtering so that you don't have to hardcode your query to return TOP N and so that you don't have to write code. The free dev edition of our Web service suite can be downloaded from http://www.qdabra.com/proddetail.asp?prod=QDBXL1. Send me e-mail and I'll send you a HowTo describing simple steps to use it.
Patrick Halstead
Project Manager at Qdabra