By Frederick Halley
TORONTO, Canada — Essequibian Mahesh Richard was the toast of the night when the Ontario Softball Cricket League (OSCL) held its glittering 20th annual presentation, dinner and dance at the Eastown Banquet Hall here last Saturday night.

Representing Wakenaam in Conference B, Richard, who was playing in his first OSCL season, topped the aggregate with an impressive 560 runs from 12 matches, averaging 50.91 runs per innings, by far the most dominating batting performance for both conferences.
Richard also had the distinction of slamming an even hundred against GTA Storm, 94 versus Restoration Warriors, 81 against Enmore and 79 versus Cougars, earning prizes for each of them. In addition, the 27-year-old all-rounder also earned two Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards for match-winning performances.
So dominant was Richard’s feat, Scarborough Angels’ Jerry Persaud was a distant second with 419 runs while Restoration Warriors’ Ravenrda Madholall tallied 415, both competing in Conference B. The best batting performance in Conference A was recorded by Kumar Doodnauth of Cricketers Cove, his 347 coming from 13 matches.
Veteran Satrohan “Blade” Balkarran (Conference A) and Rebels’ Paul Balgobin (Conference B) tied for being the top wicket-takers with 26 each with the former having a better average with 3.95 runs apiece and the latter 5.73. The consistent Doodnauth, who also hit a top score of 80, crowned a fine all-round effort by claiming 24 wickets at 2.77 runs per wicket.
Apart from Richard, the other centurions were Troy Gonsalves of Rebels (125 and 103), Davendra “Sunil” Ramkisoon of Better Hope (113), Damodar Daesrath of Dant (101), Keenan Tinto of Enmore (116), Freddy Pestano of Rebels (102), Chandrashekar Baiju of Restoration Warriors (100) and Jerry Persaud of Scarborough Angels (118).
There were five-wicket hauls for 12 bowlers with Rebels’ Paul Balgobin eight for 10 versus Cougars being the stand-out performance. The other awardees in this category were Ganeshwar Babulall (Bellevue), Shane Murli (Caribbean Sensation), Dinanauth Mangru (Cougars), Ron Etwaroo (Cougars), Satrohan Balkarran (Dant), Ashok Ramjas (Essequibo), Lalchan Shivraj (Rebels), Rishi Singh (Rebels), Rajesh Khemraj (Scarborough Angels), Anil Etwaroo (Sunshine) and Royston Naicken (Wakenaam).
Dant, which took their debut season by storm, had to settle for the Grand Championship and regular conference titles while Caribbean Sensation broke their five-year jinx by claiming the Division A playoff and the 10/10 championship, sponsored by owner Harri Sukhu.
The Conference B regular season winners were Rebels who also won the 15-overs Consolation crown and were runners-up to Wakenaam in the T10 Consolatiion game. Wakenaam Cricketers Cove were also in winners row in Conference A, capturing the 15-over title, with former Guyana Under-19 player Ejaz Mohamed gaining the MVP award. Other MVPs included Dant’s Hemnarine Chattergoon and Satrohan Balkarran, Caribbean Sensation’s Jagdeo Singh and Rishi Samuel, Kumar Doodnauth of Cricketers Cove, Azam Haniff of Masters and Naresh Roopnarine of Rebels.
In brief remarks, Guyana Consul General in Toronto, Sattie Sawh congratulated the OSCL for its progress over the years, pointing out that the hard work and dedication of the players are testimonies to the good leadership of the association. “I am sure as you continue to perform like this year after year, your association will certainly take softball cricket to another level.”
Boasting of the achievements of the OSCL, president Albert Ramcharran alluded to the fact that the organisation was celebrating its 20th year and himself and executives were extremely proud of this accomplishment. “We honestly believe that the best softball players in Ontario have always been participating and we sincerely appreciate their interest every season,” Ramcharran declared.
According to the long-standing president, “I have worked tirelessly to ensure that there is always professionalism and commitment, not only from me but all the different presidents, vice-presidents and executives who played meaningful roles. This is indeed a demonstration of great success, and the longevity of 20 years also reminds us that the glorious game of cricket has continued to be very friendly and exciting in Ontario.”
To celebrate the auspicious occasion, Ramcharran presented plaques to each of his executives who in turn handed over one to him.
This year’s Norman Sue Spirit awards were presented to executive members Ranjan Persaud and Ravendra Madholall and were presented by the late businessman’s wife.
Among the many sponsors were Home Trust, Active Green & Ross, I Saw That on TV, Remax All Stars Realty Inc, Rems Employment Agency, Hollis Wealth Financial Advisor, Twilight Family Restaurant, DTE Industries, Norman Sue Bakery and Trophy Stall (Guyana).