AFTER taking into consideration all the factors involved in the abandonment of the Open category of the third edition of the Prime Minister’s T20 Softball Cup, the executives of the Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL) Inc have decided that the two teams, Regal All Stars and SVC Grill Masters, will share the spoils.

According to a release from the GSCL, the joint champions will each receive G$300,000 cash which represents 50 per cent of the total prize money for the final — $500,000 for the winner and $100,000 for the runners-up.

The release pointed out that more than 48 hours have passed since last Sunday night (November 3) and it is a major challenge logistically for the finalists, Regal All Stars and Grill Masters, to reassemble to replay the final.

The GSCL further disclosed that “moving forward, unless it is permanent lights, no other final will be played under floodlights.”

GSCL, the release said “Firmly believes that the sport of softball cricket is a poor man’s game and will not ask teams to pay any entrance fee for any of our tournaments.”

The GSCL also boasted that “other than the light failure, the tournament was incident free and it is committed to the staging of the fourth edition in 2020 with the same three categories. It said the dates will be unveiled soon.

The GSCL also expressed sincere thanks to all its sponsors, teams, fans, families, the office of the Prime Minister and the Honourable Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Honourable Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan and the local and international media for their support in 2019 and extended congratulations to all of the champion teams while wishing better luck to the other participating teams.

The tournament, which saw three days of action-packed and entertaining cricket, suffered a setback when the lights proved inadequate and the umpires complained that they weren’t able to see.

Following a few stoppages, which started when the women’s feature game was in progress, the organisers made valiant efforts to ensure the Open game could be completed but, after it eventually started, some of the lights malfunctioned.

At the presentation ceremony last Sunday night, both the Prime Minister (acting) Ramjattan and GSCL president, Ian John, apologised to the players and spectators for the hiccup.

Ramjattan assured the organisers that government will continue its support for the tournament and commended them for the introduction of a women’s game. He described the tournament as being “wonderful” while congratulating the respective winners and participating teams.

John also acknowledged that the tournament was a success while acknowledging the mishap with the lights. He lauded the participation of the 26 teams while extolling the winners for their sterling efforts.