Cricketers often experience the “nervous 90s” but apparently devout fans like Ina Howard does not suffer that emotion.
On Saturday, the same day Empire earned their 21st top flight title, the biggest and oldest living fan of the club celebrated her 99th birthday with no signs of nervousness at the Golden Flowers home in Welches surrounded by some of her “beloved children” from the institution in Bank Hall.
Some of those persons attending the celebrations were president Adrian King, assistant secretary Jennifer Grant, former Barbados captain Roland Holder, current Empire Elite Division captain Jamal Smith, leading Elite wicket taker Jomel Warrican, Peter Inniss, Shurland Greaves, Shad Simmons and former police sergeant Michael Murray.
Displaying a sharp wit and a great sense of humour Howard indicated that she was aware that Empire were on the verge of winning the elite cup.
“Empire means more to me than food and I follow everything that you do in the Sunday Sun newspaper,” declared the birthday lady.
During the event, Howard received a call from former Empire batsman David “Pokard” Alleyne from Canada who she quickly recognised as the “oldest Alleyne boy”. And in a twist from the usual, Howard loudly declared her birthday wish which was for Empire to reap more success and for a delighted Roland Holder to continue to score runs.
“With a wish like that I am making a return,” declared the former middle order batsman for the West Indies.
King lamented that supporters like Howard were a vanishing breed and they had played a pivotal role in developing and sustaining clubs like Empire. Howard was honoured by Empire during their 75th anniversary.
Empire are currently celebrating 100 years with a runaway capture of the Elite cricket title. (KB)
