THE curtain came down last Saturday night on the Digicel/Guyana Floodlight Softball Cricket Association-sponsored 10/10 tournament for teams in Essequibo.
The final under lights was witnessed by a large and excited crowd, who saw Die Hard Sports Club impressively claim the title for the second year in succession.
It was a colourful and eventful day of activities at the Anna Regina Community Centre ground including the annual ‘Duck Curry’ competition. The distribution of Digicel gifts and phone cards to lucky patrons also took place.

With rhythmic musical renditions in the background and in an atmosphere of jubilation, Die Hard SC, having won the toss, inserted the opposition to bat first.
The decision proved a correct one as Adventure SC struggled to score quickly. Partnerships were sporadic during the innings as only opener Shulz Grovesnor with 39, aided by two fours and a six, kept the scoreboard ticking for Adventure’s otherwise subdued display at the crease.
They were eventually restricted to 91-9 from their 10 overs as fast and accurate swing bowling accounted for most of the wickets. Right-armer and former national Under-19 player Vijay Surujpaul took 4-12 from 2 overs to be the leading wicket-taker in a collectively efficient performance on the field.

In response, Die Hard SC were in a spot of bother after losing their two most accomplished batsmen in Richard Latiff and Patrick Rooplall within the first four overs.
However, it proved the only success for Adventure as an unbroken 75-run partnership between Yaseer Hussain 44 (4×4, 1×6) and Vijay Surujpaul 15 achieved the victory for the defending champions.

They reached the target of 93-2 in 9 overs through responsible batting. Surujpaul’s all-round performance earned him the man-of-the-match award.
Meanwhile, in the earlier semi-final play-offs, Adventure humbled Richmond Youths to win by 24 runs. Batting first they made 92-6 from their 10 overs and reduced Richmond Youths to 68-9 after their overs expired.
In the other semi-final, Die Hard SC amassed 161-4 from their 10 overs batting first. Opener Richard Latiff (5×4, 3×6) stoked a brilliant 66 to post the day’s only half-century.
In reply, United Warriors were not brave enough in their run chase and reached 116-8 from their 10 overs to lose by 45 runs. Latiff had a good game by returning to claim 3-11 in 2 overs.

During the presentation, Die Hard SC received the winners’ trophy and $350 000 while Adventure collected $150 000 as the losing finalists. Richmond Youths and United Warriors pocketed $50 000 eash for reaching the semi-finals.
Following the presentation, the audience was then entertained by a live stage show as patrons and fans celebrated and enjoyed a well organised and fun-filled programme.