Regal Masters and Ituni Warriors crowned champs
THANKS to Samuel Kingston’s man of the match performance, Regal Masters outplayed Rangers Masters in every area before coming away with a massive 136 run victory in the Regal Stationery and Computer Centre countrywide Male Over-35 T20 final at the Demerara Cricket Club last Sunday. Also in winners’ row were Ituni Warriors who proved to be too strong for Mahaica Princesses whom they defeated by five wickets, as they took the $50,000 first place prize and trophy that was up for grabs in that category.
Winning the toss and opting to bat first in sunny conditions, Regal X1 hammered the hapless Rangers’ bowlers to all parts of the ground, as their openers posted 70 for the first wicket, before Kingston who made 45 and the left handed Mark Fung added 103 for the second wicket.
A quick fire 56 from the veteran Lance Adams ensured the start given by Kingston and Fung to their team was not in vain, as Regal Masters posed an imposing 22 for 6 at the end of their 20 overs.
Khalil with 4 for 25was outstanding for Rangers Masters, who were guilty of dropping too many catches in the field in comparison to their opponents who held their own as they were dismissed, and never displayed a positive game plan at the start of their reply, for 86.
They lost wickets at a steady rate, with only two of their batsmen reaching double figures against the bowling of Mahendra Arjune who took 5 for 18 with worthy support from Mahendra Hardyal who took 2 for 19.
In the female final, Mahaica Princesses reached 99 for 5 from their 10 overs, to which Ituni Warriors replied with 100 for the same 5 wickets from 8.3 overs to complete a resounding victory, after being forced to scrape past Monar Educational Institute off the last ball of the final over in their semifinal matchup played two weeks ago.
The presentation of individual prizes won during the tournament was done at the conclusion of the male final, while both matches were broadcast live on NCN’s Voice of Guyana Radio.
Kingston received $10,000 as his man of the match reward, while Rangers Masters XI received $50,000 and a trophy for their second place efforts.
At the presentation ceremony, president of the Guyana Softball League Halim Khan congratulated the winners and extended his Association’s thanks to the sponsor Regal Stationery and Computer Centre for a wonderful display of sponsorship and also to the teams for a wonderful display of discipline which highlighted this tournament.
He also made mention of the fact that this is the first ever Over-35 country wide tournament to be held in Guyana in which 47 male teams participated, while the female category was very competitive and the result showed which is the team to beat when it comes to this category.
On behalf of the sponsor, Tanisha Ousman remarked that the company is pleased to be a part of this venture and congratulated all the teams while giving them special thanks for their participation.
Hardyal, who is also Managing Director of Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, expressed heartfelt congratulations to the winners and also satisfaction at the smooth running of the tournament.
He noted the high level of discipline and competitive spirit shown by all the teams and that the company will continue to support the league in its quest to further develop the game for the people of Guyana.