IT was all smiles for the Guyana Floodlight Softball Cup Association (GFSCA) team as they secured a win over the Fisherman’s XI in the Guyana Softball Cup 6 for the Masters’ trophy. The winning side was led by Captain Ricky Deonarine who finished the game in fine fashion with a six over long off to end on 39. It seemed like excellent strategy on the part of the GFSCA side who, after winning the toss chose to send their opponents in to bat in an effort to be good hosts.
The Fisherman’s openers got off to a steady start within the first three overs but a brilliant catch by Ramo Malone on the square leg boundary saw the first wicket fell at 13 for 1.
Fisherman’s,however,seemed undeterred by that loss and were well on course to a good total with the scoreboard reading 43-1 in the eight over. However, it was Kash Lutchman who broke the second wicket partnership in the ninth over to leave the scorecard 44-2.
The third wicket fell 4 runs later in the tenth over just before the break which was taken at 48-2. From this point the tide started to turn against the Fisherman’s team who lost 4 more wickets for 27 runs to leave the score at 67-6.
It was Setro Saraj and Lionel Persaud who held the innings together until they both fell,leaving the total at 110-8. The batting side would only make 8 more runs to finish 118-8 from 20. For the bowling side,Ramo Malone, Manoj Arjune and Ramesh Narine finished with bowling figures of 2-8, 2-13 and 2-20 respectively.
It was then the GFSCA’s opportunity to chase and they did so in fine style with Uniss Yusuf and Ricky Deonarine getting off to a flying start. Yusuf was then bowled by Sathrohan Seeraj for 27 to give fisherman’s their first wicket. Ramesh Narine then replaced Yusuf but fell for 12 runs, also to Seeraj who finished with 2-19.
At this point skipper Deonarine took over, playing sensible strokes while keeping the runs flowing as he rotated the strike with partner Ramo Malone. Deonarine finished on 39 which included two fours and a six that finished the game,while Malone finished unbeaten on 24 which included three fours.
After the game, skipper Deonarine stated that this win was a big win for the club. “This is the highest level of softball cricket and this is like our world cup, it is a great win for us,” stated Deonarine.
In the female final, Mike’s Pharmacy Wellwoman retained their title with a good win over Trophy Stall’s women.
After being restricted to 79 runs from their 10 overs, the Wellwoman side showed their fortitude in bowling out their opponents for 55 runs
. It was Wellwoman’s captain Latoya Smith who turned in a good all-round performance ;scoring 35 with the bat inclusive of three sixes and had three wickets for 12 runs as well.
The Open final between Speedboat and Regal Masters was still underway up to press time.