I sat under the large poinsettia tree on the south bank of Somerset Cricket Club amazed at the sight before me. It was 1979 and Somerset had just beaten us for the first time in 20 years. There before me was a sight to behold: unbridled joy, euphoria, jubilation and sheer ecstasy.The Somerset Cricket Club field had become a sea of red and blue. The crowd bounced up and down as if at a soca concert, arms flailed, flags waved, there were hugs galore. It was then that I came to realise the importance of Cup Match for many of our citizens. I had been around the game since age six, and realised that I was witnessing a very special moment. I sat mesmerised, taking it all in. I had never seen such an outpouring of happiness.The man who was chiefly responsible for this occurrence was a bearded captain, known as Randy.Name: Kenneth Howard Randolph HortonDate of Birth: January 22, 1945Start in cricket: Actually, I started my career with Somerset Cricket Club while I was still at the Berkeley Institute. I was 15 years-old, and the majority of the senior team went to England on a tour. ‘Bunkers’ Bean stayed behind to captain the remainder of the team, and I made my debut with his side.I played my first Cup Match in 1963. I had a first ball duck. When I went in to bat, I remember Dennis Wainwright saying something to me but I can’t remember what. It wasn’t helpful, as I was so nervous. I can remember the bowler bowling the ball, and I looked up and I couldn’t see anything. Anyway, I was clean bowled and being the last one out, a whole lot of people ran onto the field while I was still out there. That was a rough start.Length of cricket career: I played nine Cup Matches, six as skipper. I played in 1963, again from 1967-70 and from 1977-80. Between 1970 and 1977, I never picked up a cricket ball.(That was during this time that Randy played for the New York Cosmos. His football accomplishments were astonishing: 1971 NASL. Rookie of the Year (second leading scorer), 1972 NASL MVP, top goal scorer, four time NASL. All-Star).Childhood memories with the game: I played in the back yard, up Cooks’ Hill. We played after school until it was dark. We played a lot of cricket; games such as ‘Gets-Out-Goes-In’ and ‘Tip-and-Go-One’.Of course, I played and skippered the teams at West End and at Berkeley.Teams played for: Somerset CC, Willow Cuts, Culham College in Oxfordshire, Mirfield College, Warwick in the Western Counties, and the Bermuda National team.Nickname: They call me Bear.Favourite local match in which you played: This was a match at the Devonshire Rec. They had ‘Dewey’ Trott, ‘Bummy’ Symonds, Lionel Thomas etc, and they bowled us out for 93. We turned around and bowled them out for less.In another game with the Rec. again, it ended in a tie and the two skippers had to go and check the score books.Of course, the Cup Match of 1979 was special, as it was the first time we had won in 20 years.Best international feat: That transpired in Denmark, where I bowled really well. I was playing with the Bermuda National team on a tour of England, Holland and Denmark. I really enjoyed bowling in England as the ball swings a lot.Favourite venue: The Oval in London.Favourite international player: Imran Khan. I liked his approach to the game. When the West Indies had all that pace, he indicated that he would teach his Pakistani players how to bat the West Indies. He was a good all-rounder.Number one supporter: My grandfather, he came to all of my games.Pre-match routine(s): I made sure to get lots of rest. I made sure that I was not going to be tired. I also studied the other team the night before and reflected on the players I would be up against.Favourite dish while playing: It didn’t matter, I like food.Biggest regret in your career: It wasn’t a regret; However, while I was captaining my college team, there was a scout from Worcester present. I got three catches in the slips and they liked my bowling. I was offered trials at Worcester, and I sometimes wonder what might have been.(Some might think that the Cup Match of 1970, when Rupert Scotland and Clarence Parfitt established that unforgettable last wicket partnership in Somerset might have been regrettable. Randy revealed this week that a few of his most senior players were instrumental in encouraging him to continue bowling on that occasion).Any superstitions: NoneFunniest thing you have seen in cricket: This took place in a league game at the Nationals Sports Club. Ed Benjamin was playing with us and two batsmen ended up at the same end. He shouted out, “No man, no man you can make it back.” Of course, the guy didn’t have any chance of getting back and was run out.Hobbies: I like to listen to jazz music and I enjoy travelling.A key to your success: Focus and preparation. I always prepared myself and I always studied the opposition. I also listened to senior players.Advice to today’s cricketer: If you want to be good at something you’ve got to be willing to practise. I took nothing for granted. I listened to my coaches.Motto you believe in: The basics are still the basics.In 1979, Randy was instrumental in orchestrating that famous victory for which he is most remembered. That team included eight ICC players including El James and Winston (Coe) Trott. Still, when it came to taking the new ball, Horton decided that he would lead the way.After delivering the first ball, rather than turn back towards his mark, he proceeded to follow through and finish up within what seemed like five feet of me. With a large afro, and a full beard, it was then that I realised why some called him “The Bear”. For he stared at me as menacingly as one can possibly imagine. There was no sledging, but he didn’t need to. His threatening look said it all. My interpretation of his stare was “Don’t think your behind is going to be out here long. I mean business, and this will be a war out here. I am taking no prisoners.” The sports psychologists call such antics gamesmanship.We had a good laugh about that moment this week, but truth be told, having won so much in football with the New York Cosmos, and with the Trojans ( Silver City), Kenneth Howard Randolph Horton was not going to be denied success over those two days. He was a man on a mission. His Somerset community had waited far too long and his intent was simple. The time was now. The thrill of victory, and the aftermath, was arguably the most unforgettable sporting spectacle anyone has witnessed on these shores.