AFTER two days of intense battle in the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc. (GSCL Inc.) annual Independence Cup, Speedboat and Regal came out victorious in the respective Open and Masters’ divisions when the tournament concluded last Sunday at the Everest Cricket Club.
Speedboat defeated Regal Allstars by three wickets, while Regal Masters whipped Ariel by 47 runs.
Batting first, Regal Allstars made 137-8. Marvin Babb smashed four fours and three sixes in a top score of 39 not out off 16 balls, while Patrick Rooplall made 26 off 23 balls and Sachin Singh stroke a 10-ball 25.
Kishore Smith (3-15) and Greg Singh (2-14), were the most successful bowlers for Speedboat.
In reply, Man-of-the-match Lennox Marks batted superbly, hitting 72 off just 32 balls, inclusive of five fours and seven sixes.

The right-hander single-handily took the score within reach of the winning total.
With eight needed off the last over Smith held his nerves and ensured his team home with three balls to spare. Speedboat finished on 140-7 in 14.3 overs.
Unnis Yusuf also contributed 17 to the total.
In the Masters’ final, Regal posted 150-7 off their allotted 15 overs.
Eric Thomas top-scored with 37, while Rudolph Baker (31), Mahendra Hardyal (21), Mahendra Arjune (16), Eon Abel (15) and Mahase Chunilall (10), all contributed to the total. Ryan Singh picked up 2-16.
In the run chase, Ariel reached 103-7. Openers Peter Persaud (20) and Mohamed Rafeek (19) gave Ariel a steady start. However, their dismissal saw Ariel suffer a batting collapse, which eventually hampered the chase significantly.
Ron Ramnauth played a little cameo towards the end, hitting three sixes in his 23.
Hardyal was the pick of the bowlers, with 3-28, Laurie Singh had 2-15 and Ricky Persaud 2-18. Laurie Singh was named man-of-the-match.
President of the GSCL Inc., Ian John, congratulated the winning teams and thanked the sponsors.
The competition was sponsored by Trophy Stall of Bourda Market, Regal Sport and Regal Stationery and Computer Centre.