Golden ball surprise at WI reception

The cheering was deafening, whether it was for hometown boy Adrian Griffith or for champion fast bowler Curtly Ambrose.

The occasion was a cocktail reception for the West Indies cricketers on Wednesday night at Chilli Peppers restaurant, located on the Wildey, St. Michael premises of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

The reception was organised by the Jamaica Association of Barbados which invited participation from the Dominica, Grenada, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago associations.

'I love the cricket season because it is the only time of year that we talk of the Caribbean as one nation,' said Mark Lee, president of the Jamaica Association of Barbados.

His words were met with loud approval.

Jamaican honorary consul Elias Azan also made a plea for unity. 'West Indies cricket has always symbolised the unity of the Caribbean,' he said.

'I would like to encourage this sort of kindred spirit, because I believe if we have a united effort, we shall in fact be able to overcome.'

Missing from the function were captain Jimmy Adams, vice-captain Sherwin Campbell and the world's leading Test wicket-taker, Courtney Walsh, who were attending a West Indies Players Association meeting.

Walsh may be disappointed that he was not present.

The Guyana Association of Barbados had a surprise for him: a Guyanese gold chain, with a ball engraved with 435. Team manager Ricky Skerritt accepted it on Walsh's behalf.

Words of encouragement were also given during the course of the evening.

'We wish you every success in the balance of your series with Pakistan and the upcoming tour of England,' said CDB president Sir Neville Nicholls.

'Like the West Indies team, we are a regional organisation, and we grieve with you when you do not do as well as we would like you to, and we rejoice and exalt with you when you do better than we expect.'

Those on hand also heard from West Indies batsman Wavell Hinds, who thanked everyone for the support and indicated the team 'is very committed to the task at hand and will do our best to make you proud of us at all times'.

The evening ended with fans lining up with T-shirts, cricket hats, autograph books, bats, balls and anything else they could find to have autographed by their favourite players.