A promising cricketer during his teen years and now a vice president of the Surrey County Cricket Club, the former Prime Minister had the fans roaring with laughter during his role as guest speaker as he went down memory lane and entertained the full house, including Governor General Sir Howard Cooke and Minister of Labour, Social Security and Sport Portia Simpson, with anecdotes from the game.
The banquet to mark the 70th anniversary of Test cricket between the West Indies and England, with proceeds going to the Jamaica Cricket Board of Control, was attended by members of the West Indies and England teams who meet in the first Test of the 1998 series at Sabina Park today.
The toast to the teams was presented by Jason Sharpe and in response captains Mike Atherton and Brian Lara promised a good, clean and exciting cricket series.
In his opening remarks, Laurie Sharp, chairman of the organising committee reminded the gathering in the first Test series between the two teams back in 1928, the West Indies lost 3-0.
``That will not happen this time however,'' said West Indies captain Lara. ``This is my first series as captain and I certainly do not want to lose it.''
John Major and Mrs. Major were presented with a Barry Watson painting titled ``Shock Attack''. The painting depicted a slip cordon of four West Indians crouching and waiting for the inevitable edge.
The guest speaker was introduced by WICB president Pat Rousseau and the vote of thanks was moved by JCBC president Jackie Hendriks.
Special guests included Sir Clyde Walcott, Sir Everton Weekes, and former West Indies captain Richie Richardson. Also in attendance were Gerry Alexander, Rohan Kanhai and Clive LLoyd who all captained the West Indies against England, and Lance Gibbs who once held the world record of most wickets in Test cricket.