By Frederick Halley

AT 55, Wayne Jones is still touted as one of the best softball players to have ever graced the venues in Guyana, churning out unbelievable batting performances over a career that has spanned more than three decades.What’s somewhat remarkable about Jones is the fact that, unlike some of his peers, he has concentrated strictly on the grassroots sport and has never entertained the thought of entering the ‘hard ball’ arena.
Coupled with his skilful batting and undoubted knowledge of the game, Jones is considered an automatic selection for any squad competing in and out of Guyana but for personal reasons he had never left the shores of his homeland.
Last weekend was therefore a special one for the lanky Jones when he donned colours for the Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) Masters squad in the 12th annual New York Softball Cricket League (NYSCL) Legends Cup tournament.
In an exclusive interview with Chronicle Sport, Jones disclosed that it was always his dream to play softball cricket out of Guyana and was extremely happy that the opportunity presented itself.
Very meticulous with his preparation prior to competing in “big” games, Jones ensured that he had a thorough inspection of the pitch and playing area last Thursday, prior to the commencement of the tournament on Friday and that seemed to have paid off.
Seemingly well set to complete a masterful century on his first game out of Guyana and with wickets tumbling at the other end, Jones went via run-out for a well-composed 97, falling three runs short of a well-deserved century with five deliveries remaining in the 20-over game.
After the game. Jones also recalled being run-out for a fine 76 in the Wolf Warriors memorial tournament currently being played in Guyana in his last match before leaving there and felt he was well prepared for the New York tournament.
Jones’ dominating and match-winning knock against Albion All Stars included nine sixes and five fours with Lloyd Rooplall’s 18 being the next highest score. He also slammed a quick-fire unbeaten 39 (two sixes, two fours) versus eventual winners Regal Masters in last Sunday’s final, albeit in a losing cause.
Prior to Sunday’s final, Jones had expressed confidence that the GFSCA outfit would have emerged victorious but his hopes and dreams were dashed by archrivals and Guyanese counterparts Regal Masters who were clearly the better team when it mattered most.
A product of Bel Air, Greater Georgetown, Jones has won many accolades during his long and distinguished career, representing several top teams, including Bel Air, Youth Stars, President’s XI, Durban XI, Goodwood, Dirty Dozen, Ariel and more recently GFSCA.
He was also a regular member of the Demerara Inter-county team when that tournament was a feature years ago.
Now a permanent member of the GFSCA on and off the field, he is tasked with organising tournaments in his capacity of organising secretary, Jones’ enthusiasm for softball has never waned although he was on the verge of retiring several years back.
That retirement never materialised and, being as fit as ever in the twilight of his career, Jones has no intention of ‘calling it a day’ anytime soon. He’s also hoping that the recent New York trip will be the impetus for several more.