TORONTO, Canada – With just a mere five days to go before the Ontario Masters Softball Cricket Club (OMSCC) stages its first-ever Toronto Cup softball tournament, excitement is at fever-pitch and the organisers are brimming with confidence that it will be a huge success.
Following a meeting of the organising committee on Friday night, it was disclosed that over five thousand dollars (US) will be up for grabs in the three-day extravaganza, set to be staged over the Labour Day weekend, with the winners in the Open category carting off US$3000 and the victors in the Masters division US$2500 in the 20-over affairs.
In addition, the victorious and runners-up in both categories, the most valuable players and the man-of-the-match in the final are assured of trophies, compliments of the Trophy Stall of Guyana. Proprietor Ramesh Sunich, who is also expected to don colours for the Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association side, will present several of the trophies.
The organisers also took the opportunity to engage the umpires who will be officiating in the tournament. At a session, chaired by OMSCC umpires coordinator Suresh Bodhoo and including president Jai Singh and vice-president Azeem Khan, the umpires were reminded of what was expected of them to ensure a smooth and fair running off of the tournament.
The umpires were also urged to be consistent with their rulings on the contentious issue of pelting. According to the playing conditions and rules, no pelting is allowed.
The rule states that “after the second pelt, the umpire gives a warning to the bowler and brings it to his captain’s attention. If the same bowler is called for pelting a third time, he will not be allowed to play for the rest of the game. The bowler MUST bowl under-hand, the bowler MUST carry his bowling arm below the waist. At the point of release (ball), he must not bend his elbow or this would constitute a pelt/no-ball.
As part of the three-day event, the New York Enforcers Cricket Club, in its ongoing efforts to contribute to charitable organisations in Guyana, has planned a massive food drive in conjunction with the OMSCC. Spectators and players are therefore urged to donate generously in the form of canned foods and other items such as school supplies and toys. The donated items will be shipped to Guyana to help the less fortunate.
Among the eight set to vie for supremacy in the Masters division are two teams from the GFSCA, New York Softball Cricket League (NYSCL). New York Muslim Softball Cricket Association, Our Own Sports Club, Caribbean Sensation and a team from the OMSCC. The latter three are based in Toronto.
The Open category comprises six – NYSCL, New York Enforcers, Ontario Softball Cricket League (OSCL) X1, Caribbean Sensation All Stars, Dant Sports Club and GM Sports, formerly Masters/Cove Sports Club.
The welcoming ceremony will be held at the Tropical Nights Restaurant and Lounge, Morningside Avenue, (at Sheppard), Scarborough, starting at 19:00hrs on Thursday, September 3, setting the stage for the commencement of the tournament the following morning. The final will take place at the University of Toronto ground, Scarborough.
Among the other venues to be used in the white ball tournament are Ellesemere, Ashtonbee, Littles, Woburn Park and St Bedes with Dean Park being an alternative.
Meanwhile, the OMSCC has received greetings from Ontario’s Honourable Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Michael Coteau on the staging of the tournament. The text of his message reads:
On behalf of the Government of Ontario, I am delighted to welcome everyone attending the international softball cricket tournament in Toronto.
Events like this one bring out the best in our amateur athletes. They provide vitality and active living in our province’s communities and they provide opportunities for positive interaction and cultural diversity.
The Ontario Masters Softball Cricket Clubs Organisation has been instrumental in promoting cricket in Ontario for 15 years. As the sports popularity in Ontario continues to grow, the club’s contributions continue to enable our cricketers to participate in the sport and enjoy great competition.
Thank you to the club for hosting this event, to all of the event’s organisers, volunteers and sponsors for your dedication and support and to all the families, friends and fans for your wonderful enthusiasm.
Best wishes for an exciting and memorable exhibition tournament.

By Frederick Halley