… Toronto Deputy Mayor praises executives for keeping culture alive

MERCENARY’S incredible run of victories continued last Saturday when they made light work of an All Stars combination at the Ashtonbee Reservoir, Scarborough, Canada.

The feature game, played as part of the Ontario Softball Cricket League (OSCL) annual presentation ceremony, which was held outdoors because of the COVID-19 pandemic, saw Mercenary win by 68 runs in the 20-over affair which was witnessed by a fair-sized crowd. Set a challenging 134 for victory, All Stars folded meekly for 63 in 11.3 overs.

All Stars were in immediate trouble, losing openers Mike Kadir and Devon Ramnauth with only two runs on the tins. They never recovered from that disastrous start as Mercenary bowlers kept them in check while also picking up wickets regularly.

Anand Gurdial had the impressive figures of three for 19 from his four overs while Amit Rukhram took two for one from 2.3 overs and Mahendranauth ‘Bobby’ Parasnauth two for 12 from three.

All Stars skipper Troy Gobin, a former Guyana Under-19 player, was the only batter to reach double figures, hitting a four and one six in his 22.

Earlier, Amit Rukhram also starred with the bat with a top-score of 39, which included three sixes while opener Avinash Sookdeo smashed two sixes in 19. Anil Samuel turned in a useful bowling performance, bagging an impressive five for 34 from his four overs, earning the Most Valuable Player (MVP) prize for his team. Amit Rukhram’s all-round effort earned him his team’s MVP award.

Apart from winning a lop-sided final against Canadian Legends, Mercenary also played unbeaten during the season, winning 10 of their 11 games with the other being a no-decision. Their 72 points were also two better than Carr Tec Sports Club’s 70 while Canadian Legends totalled 57 and Leguan Warriors 57 in the 10-team tournament. Leguan Warriors took the Consolation title with victory over 3 counties.

The occasion was graced by the presence of Deputy Mayor of Toronto, Michael Thompson, who in brief remarks prior to the presentation, praised the OSCL executives for keeping the grassroots game alive while celebrating and expanding the culture.

The deputy mayor told the gathering that he was proud to be part of the Scarborough Centre Community which he also represents in the City Council. He alluded to the fact that it’s important to get engaged in what’s going on in the community and pledged his ongoing support from the sport.

Speaking on the touchy vaccine issue, Thompson said he hoped that everyone present was vaccinated although he feels it was perfectly fine to question it.

He also urged the OSCL executives and players that they should stand up and let the authorities know what they need.
OSCL president Ravin Babulall took the occasion to present Thompson with a medal, which he said will adorn his Deputy Mayoral Office as long as he remains a councillor.

(Frederick Halley)