TORONTO, Canada — The Essequibians may be considered the whipping boys of cricket in Guyana but their counterparts in Toronto, Canada, have been making a name for themselves at the Inter-county softball level. While several other Guyanese were busy celebrating Caribana, they romped to a fourth consecutive victory in the annual Ontario Masters Softball Cricket Clubs (OMSCC) tournament, played at the Littles ground here.
Led by a fine 54 by Most Valuable Player (MVP) Azeez Baksh, Essequibo registered an easy seven-wicket victory over West Demerara, reaching 142 for three in 18.4 overs in reply to their opponents’ 141 for five in their allotted 20 overs. Former Guyana and Essequibo all-rounder Jaimini Singh supported with 35.
West Demerara had earlier hit a challenging 141 for seven, blasting 89 in their last 10 overs after they were 62 for two at the halfway stage. Opener Surin Persaud slammed a top-score of 48 which included three fours and two sixes while Richard Shivrattan supported with 28 and Surendra Beepat a quick-fire 22, which counted three mighty sixes. Rovendra Madholall claimed two for 14 from his four overs.
Essequibo earned their place in the final with a hard-fought one-wicket victory over East Demerara in a close encounter. Set 155 for victory, after East Demerara were dismissed for 154, the Essequibians got to the target with five deliveries to spare, losing nine wickets in the process.
Baksh was again in the spotlight with an undefeated 31 while Imam Gafoor supported with 28. Rabindra Parasnauth claimed three for 17 and Gavin Glasgow two for 30.
Abid Ali led the way for East Demerara with 53 while Ian Baldeo scored 34. Robert Lall was Essequibo’s best bowler with five for 31.
The other semifinal saw West Demerara getting the better of Berbice with Surendra Persaud’s 54 being the top score in his team’s 145 all out in their allotted 20 overs.
The tournament started in 2012 and has been dominated by Essequibo ever since and, according to manager Bobby Ramlagan, he was confident his team would have emerged victorious once again. Ramlagan credited his team’s success to the cohesiveness of the players. Apart from copping the winning trophy, each member of the squad received a medal.
Meanwhile, the OMSCC is gearing up for its big mini World Cup tournament, set to be staged during the Labour Day weekend here, September 4, 5 and 6.
The tournament, which is expected to feature teams from the hosts, Guyana and New York will be played in two categories, Open and Over-45. (Frederick Halley)