… Final to be staged at Guyana National Stadium

AFTER an agonising wait, the fifth edition of the Prime Minister (PM) Softball T20 Cup, organised by the Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL) Inc., will be staged this coming weekend, November 12-14.

The three-day event, which features both local teams and those from New York and Florida, bowls off on Friday at several venues across the city and climaxes with the final at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence next Sunday, marking a first since it was held in 2017.

According to the organisers, the draw will take place at 13:00hrs today at the Liliendaal ground.
Friday’s official opening ceremony, set to be held at the Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO) ground, Woolford Avenue, Thomas Lands, is expected to be graced with the presence of President Irfaan Ali who will bowl the ceremonial first ball, signalling the commencement of the three-day extravaganza.

Matches are scheduled to be played at the Queen’s College, Police Sports Club, MYO, Guyana Defence Force and Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) grounds.

Like previous years, the three-day showpiece will see teams battle in three divisions – Legends (Over-50), Masters (Over-45) and All Stars (Open). The 2020 tournament was severely restricted because of the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting mainly in only teams participating in each division; but the usual excitement is expected to return this year.

The defending champions are Speedboat All-Stars (Open), Fishermen Masters (Over-45) and Regal Legends (Over-50). In last year’s Open final, Speedboat All-Stars defeated archrivals Regal All Stars while Fishermen Masters registered a thrilling three-run victory over Wellman, with Keith Fraser etching his name in the record books with a scintillating 178. The Over-50 final saw Regal Masters retain their title with a five-wicket win over Savage Legends.

In recent years, the Over-50 have been increasingly gaining more interest and with the likes of New York Hustlers, New York Softball Softball Cricket League (NYSCL) and Orlando Legends battling to dethrone Regal Legends, lots of fireworks are expected to unfold in this division.

Meanwhile, the National COVID-19 Task Force has approved spectator attendance at 40 per cent at all venues, including the Guyana National Stadium and has stipulated that all spectators and players MUST be vaccinated. Adherence to all other COVID-19 emergency measures is mandatory.