Windward recognised their best cricketers during an awards banquet on Saturday, where members and guests were treated to music by DJ Gold Teet, a saxophone rendition of Queen’s “We are the Champions” by Kofi Gilkes, and a tantalizing dinner by Tamarinds of the Islands. Master of Ceremonies, Andrew Lythcott, got things under way with a prayer of thanks before handing over the mic to club President, Richard Cox. Cox congratulated the teams on a very successful year, and recognised the hard work and dedication that all the team members had shown during the 2022 season, and encouraged them to continue the trend for the upcoming year. Following on from the President, Sagicor’s Executive Vice President and General Manager, Paul Inniss also offered congratulations to the club and members on winning the Intermediate Division and gaining promotion to the First Division and looked forward to the continued relationship with the club. MC Lythcott invited guest of honour, The Most Honourable Desmond Haynes, to say a few words. Haynes recalled one of his visits to Windward when he was a youngster, and facing the bowling of Peter Farmer, and losing his wicket shortly there after, before encouraging today’s Windward cricketers to set their goals and don’t let anyone tell them that they can’t achieve them, because he is proof that you can, and wished them continued success, while congratulating the club officers on reaching the milestone of one hundred plus years.First to receive awards were Lindsay Farmer, for his hard work and commitment in the area of social media and photography, Max Symes for his outstanding work ethic during the season on and off the field, his level of dedication to the sport as demonstrated by his unwavering attendance to both Junior and Senior practice sessions, his selection to the Everton Weekes Centre of Excellence and subsequent invitation to the National Under 15 trials, and the tireless effort he exhibited during the quarter, semi and finals of the Intermediate competition, Glenmar Hinds and Latrell Greenidge for being the most impactful players during the limited overs competitions, and Winston Chase, for his fabulous bowling figures while playing the Shield competition at the start of the season. These were presented by player/coach Jafari Toppin. Richard Cox replaced Toppin and presented Amari Wiggins with an award for his Oustanding Individual Performance of having two 7 wicket hauls during the season. He was followed by Jafari Toppin who received an award for the most catches taken during the Intermediate season, tying with Micah Stuart of the second division on 13 catches. Lamar Springer was presented with his award for most wickets taken in the Second Division (17), while Amari Wiggins returned to the stage to accept most wickets taken in the Intermediate Division (49). Tony Edghill was invited to present the next set of awards in recognition of those who made centuries during the season. First to receive his award was Naje Bishop, who recorded 157 against BNOC and 114 against BCC, then Latrell Greenidge for his 103 against Wanderers, followed by Jafari Toppin for 100 against Gladiola, 168 against Carlton, and 104 not out against St. Catherine. The members of the championship winning team were then invited on stage to receive medals presented by The Most Honourable Desmond Haynes, before team captain, Alan Branch added his praise of his team mates, making special mention of coach Toppin, who’s level of dedication and work ethic rubbed off on everyone he trained with. Paul Innis was then invited to present special awards to Latrell Greenidge, who received the Edward Clarke Trophy for outstanding fielder of the year, Rashoun Archer, who was awarded the Ralph Farmer Award, Lamar Springer for most runs in Second Division (292), Jafari Toppin for most runs in Intermediate (484), and Shakeem Blades who was awarded the Outstanding Cricketer for 2022 having made 440 runs and taken 55 wickets during the season. Desmond Haynes was then presented with a pictorial yearbook with photos of almost every player who represented the club during the season, so he would remember the lads, should he ever have to consider them during his tenure as West Indies Selector. The evening was brought to an end with the vote of thanks which was given by Rashoun Archer.
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