IN a specially arranged T20 softball game in honour of the 65th birth anniversary of Ramchand Ragbeer, president of Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA), played last Friday under lights at the famous DCC cricket ground, Parika Defenders won by 16 runs in a keenly contested game.

The visitors, winner of “Guyana Softball Cup 8th Over-50 tournament, won the toss and took first strike amassing 198 for 9 off their 20 overs. Muneshwar Balgobin top-scored with 59 and got support from Anthony Arjune 48 and Dubraj Singh 27.
Bowling for Floodlights, Jailall Deodas took 3 for 15, former Berbice Senior Inter-County all-rounder Anil Beharry, 3 for 25 and Rabindra Singh 2 for 19.

In reply, the hosts threatened, but fell short by 16 runs losing 8 wickets in the process when their overs expired. Beharry led the way with a brutal 103 and got support from Seeraj Bheemsain 35 and Khalid Baksh 26. Devanand Kannan was superb in taking four wickets for Parika Defenders.

Beharry was adjudged best batsman and man-of-the-match, Kannan – best bowler and Singh – best fielder. Kenrick Persaud, captain of Parika Defenders collected the winning trophy. All trophies were donated by Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall, Bourda Market and Market Road, Port Mourant, Corentnye, Berbice.

In the other game, Payless lost by 5 runs to Factory Price in another exciting encounter. However, no detailed scores were available.

The Floodlights team also toured Antigua as part of the celebration of the president’s birthday, losing the windball and taped windball games but winning the feature softball match.

The GFSCA takes this opportunity to thank Antigua and Barbuda Softball Cricket Association for its kind hospitality and a well-organised tour. Parika Defenders, Payless and Factory Price were also thanked for their participation at Friday night games.