FLOODLIGHT XI continue to intensify their preparation for next year’s Florida Cup to be played February 12-14 in Fort Lauderdale, USA, with another 25-over softball match last Friday evening against eventual champions and hosts Demerara Cricket Club (DCC).

Neil Barry receives the man-of-the-match trophy from representative of Ray’s Motor Spares and Auto Sales.

The victory meant that DCC won the two-best-of-three series 2-0 with a 25-run margin.

DCC took first strike and gathered a challenging 186-9 from the allotted 25 overs, while Floodlight XI, in reply, were left hanging at 161-6 when the overs expired.

DCC’s innings was built around some late flurries from Andrew Legall, who smacked six sixes in the final over bowled by Pitamber Persaud in his unbeaten 40, and former national all-rounder Neil Barry with a cameo 35 not out.

Axed first-class batsman Christopher Barnwell chipped in with 23 earlier as Kamal Seebarran grabbed two for 18 off four overs and Persaud astonishingly finished with two wickets for 83 runs from four overs.

When Floodlight XI batted, opener Richard Persaud slammed five sixes and two fours in his fighting 41, while Dindyal Lakhan and Richard Latif scored 27 and 21 respectively and 19 from skipper Derick Ramotar.

Man-of-the-match Barry was the pick of the bowlers with four wickets for 38 runs off four overs and Linden Lyght with two scalps for 26 runs.

On the winning team, Legall picked up the best batsman trophy while best bowler was awarded to Lyght; best fieldsman went to Barnwell and Ron Ramnauth collected the best catcher prize.

On the losing side, best batsman was Richard Persaud while best bowler award was given to Seebarran; best catcher was Latif and Steve Narine was adjudged the best fielder. All received trophies, compliments of Ray’s Auto Sales on Sheriff Street, Georgetown.

During the presentation ceremony, Ramotar expressed his gratitude to DCC for hosting them and to give them the necessary practice for the upcoming softball tournament.

On the other hand, DCC president Alfred Mentore congratulated his players for winning the game and subsequently the series. He also thanked the Floodlight XI for their participation.