PLAYERS and staff of the Jamaica Tallawahs were hosted by the sponsors Appleton Estate Rum and Digicel at a welcome reception at the Norman Manley International Airport’s Pineapple Lounge on Sunday.

The Tallawahs were arriving from Basseterre, St Kitts, where they lost to hosts St Kitts & Nevis Patriots by 119 runs at Warner Park on Saturday.

It was their second loss after falling to Barbados Tridents in Bridgetown on June 23.

But victories over St Lucia Zouks in Gros Islet on June 28 and the Patriots at Warner Park on June 30 mean they have four points and are still in touch with the leaders.

The Tridents have eight points, while the Zouks and the Patriots have seven and six points, respectively. All those teams have played more games than the Tallawahs.

Ahead of today’s contest against the Zouks, starting at 6:00 pm, the sponsors said that an expected electric atmosphere under floodlights at Sabina Park should lift Jamaica Tallawahs.

Tamika West, the marketing manager for dark spirits at Wray & Nephew, including Appleton brand, says the food and drink inclusive Party Stand at the Mound will contribute to a healthy support for the home team.

“Between Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum and the extraordinary Digicel we will certainly be bringing to life, ‘vibes can’t done’ this year” she said.

“We expect nothing except greatness and epic performances from our team this year, especially in the coming week,” West added.

Kamal Powell, the senior sponsorship and development manager at Digicel, said “fans are excited” to see the Tallawahs over the four games scheduled for Sabina Park in the coming days.

Party Stand tickets for games at Sabina Park today and Thursday will be $3,500 per person. On Saturday and Sunday, the cost will be $4,000. A season pass for the Party Stand will be $13,000.

Appleton is the main sponsor of the Tallawahs, while Digicel are major CPL partners.

— Sanjay Myers