… Women: Trophy Stall Angels face Mike’s Wellwoman; 4R Lioness play Rising Star
ONE can safely say we are mere moments away from the grand finale of the GT&T 2012 nationwide softball cricket competition given the fact that time really flies. But let’s take it one step at a time; first we’ll witness what is expected to be two electrifying semi-final shindigs next Sunday at the Everest Cricket Club ground when  Mike’s Wellwoman throw down the gauntlet to Trophy Stall Angels and 4R Lioness put their reputation and record on the line when they oppose Rising Star.
The male semis are also set for Sunday. Defending champions Wolf Warriors will seek to maintain their dominance and retain the title when they are challenged by Unstoppable. Rockaway Auto Sales ‘A’ X1 and Regal X1 will face off in the other.
But the focus of this piece will be on the female semi-finals with all four teams expressing confidence that they will go all the way but there is room for only two of the four teams.
One thing they all have in common to date is that they have all played unbeaten in this year’s competition which is being run in association with the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport and the Guyana Softball League.
Match-readiness should not be too much of a challenge for any of the teams as they are all competing in another competition which is a major plus.
Abena Parker, an astute leader and captain of Mike’s Wellwoman, has stayed clear of underestimating their opponents for this match-up – the June Ogle-led Trophy Stall Angels. Parker said that they will be training each afternoon of this week at the Softball Association Ground.
“We will be working out daily this week but will not be doing any hard training since we have put in all the hard work already.
“It’s now time to keep fine-tuning the tactics and strategy for what we expect to be our toughest game to date against a good side. I believe that we are up to the required level of fitness. We have worked hard to reach this far.”
Mike’s Wellwoman lost their semi-final game last year to eventual champions, Berbice and have set their sights on lifting the winners’ cheque but they will be taking one game at a time, according to Parker.
“I believe we will take it this year and we have the players who will deliver it for us. Among them are Zola Telford, Onica Wallerson and Katana Mentore. We have great depth in our batting from one to eleven so we are not bothered by what the opposition will throw at us. We can counter effectively.”
Parker was high in praise for their sponsor Mr Mike while also mentioning the unwavering support of Ms Una.
Her opposite number, June Ogle, has also been leading the Trophy Stall Angels from the front and is a very inspirational leader. Ogle said her team is very focused on the task of delivering the championship to their sponsor, Ramesh Sunich of the Trophy Stall.
“We are much focused and have our sights set on going all the way to win the final on May 12 at the Providence stadium. The team collectively put in a lot of work over the past few months and we have been reaping the rewards of committed work.”
Commenting on the standard of play this year as opposed to last year, Ogle said that it is about the same this year, She noted, however, they have played fewer matches.
Some of her trump cards that will be thrown at Mike’s Wellwoman with the aim of outfoxing them are Monica Seales, Nalenie Sumentra, Alicia Allen, Janelli Nero and Tamita Yadram.
Gratitude was extended by both captains to GT&T and all the other sponsors for the vision in having the competition for another year which allows more players to come to the fore and fans to enjoy the teams going at each other.
Supporters of the respective teams are encouraged to come out in their numbers on Sunday at the Everest Cricket Club ground to urge them on to victory which will strengthen their claim for the championship prize. Game time on Sunday is 10:00hrs.
GT&T, Gizmos & Gadgets, Guyana Lottery, Banks DIH and King’s Jewellery will all have giveaways for the fans and that is added incentive to be present.