The Editor, Sir:

At Munro College in 1955, a famous cricket house match was played between Calder House and Coke House. Coke had, by far, the strongest team and one Calder's best cricketer, Paul Levy, was away in Kingston.

Batting first, we of Calder decided that our only hope depended on a large score. We made 56, which is not a large score.

Our captain, Ivor Thomas, called us together in a huddle and declared, "We goin to win de match!! ... Not a ball pass a man ... not a man drop a catch!" and with that he wheeled around and led us onto the field.

He opened the bowling and Christopher Bovell bowled from the other end. There was no no-ball, no wide, no midfield, no dropped catch and no overshy.

We bowled Coke House out for 19 runs. There was, you see, a twelfth man on our team. His name was TEAM SPIRIT - engendered by Thomas' determination.

Thattwelfth man is missing from the West Indies team. Brian Lara has not been able to ignite his men as Ivor Thomas ignited us. It is my opinion that Lara has been too preoccupied with becoming and remaining captain.

Also, if he had concentrated on his batting, he would have undoubtedly become the best batsman of all time. And, who knows, he may have may become a great captain as well.

I am, etc.,

MICHAEL H. ELLIOTT

Gordon Town P.O.

St. Andrew