the former great batsman still caused a stir at the senior national team's training last week.

A pep talk from the legendary Hunt, who graced Bermuda's cricket programme with flourishing batting displays in the 1940s and '50s, was the latest incentives adopted by the Bermuda Cricket Board of Control new executive.

To aid preparation for Bermuda's first international appearance since the ill-fated ICC Tournament in Malaysia, the BCBC have invited many former national players, such as Colin Blades, Randy Horton, Gary Fray, Adrian King and St. Clair Tucker, to attend training sessions conducted by coach Allan Douglas at Police field.

"Nothing beats a pep talk from somebody who has been there before, and the recent one that they got from Mr. Hunt indeed served its purpose,'' said El James, president of the BCBC.

"It was something that I thought would give the players the encouragement and support that was lacking. To have Mr. Hunt and the many others come by and say a few words and watch them go through simple training tactics has to be a boost for many who hadn't experienced anything of this nature in the past.'' A former long-serving president of the BCBC, Hunt was accompanied by James and gave the entire squad a lively talk, mostly about the importance of pride to be gained from representing their country.

One message he attempted to get through to the players was the importance of going into matches feeling that they could win regardless of the opposition.

Hunt also stressed the importance of being physically fit for the sport, not counting on the coach to get them prepared but for them to take the initiative and put in the time to get physically prepared.

"The real message he delivered was that even though he played more than 40 years ago, and although some rules to the game had changed, many other things remained the same and therefore a similar approach was required in most respects,'' said James.

"Many things he was required to do to become a talented player remain unchanged, many of the executions and game plans remain the same. His advice on the modern day player's approach to the game was extraordinary, reassuring them that the same vital footwork still had to be executed.'' James said that he realised that Hunt continued to have a great interest in local cricket, although he was no longer involved, and he was concerned about the overall approach to the game of the players, including their deportment both on and off the field.

"Let's face it, Mr. Hunt is one of our great pioneers of the sport of cricket and I knew that it would be a great advantage for him to have a few short words of advice to the modern day player.

"He pointed out how Bermuda had a great legacy in cricket and he reckoned that the players needed more guts on the field of play, and noted it was always important for them to feel that they can win.

"The real message that Mr. Hunt tried to instill was that success is not in the triumph but in the struggle. It's in the manner in which a player prepares himself and approaches the game, this will eventually bring out the true character of a player.'' ALMA (CHAMP) HUNT