… Fierce competition expected as teams vie for supremacy

By Frederick Halley

STARVED of competitive cricket on the local scene since the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, softball fans are expected to turn out in their numbers over the next three days, as the fifth edition of the Prime Minister Softball Cup swings into gear today at several venues across the city and on the East Coast, Demerara.

Prime Minister Mark Phillips is scheduled to meet the 20 teams and officials at the Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO) ground at 08:30hrs this morning before declaring the tournament open and delivering the ceremonial first ball. All participating teams are therefore required to be at the ground properly attired for the occasion.

However, mindful of the health issues, only 40 per cent spectator capacity will be allowed at the venues and also at the Guyana National Stadium where the three finals in the respective divisions – Over-50, Over-45 and Open – will be staged on Sunday.

Those who are unable to attend Sunday’s finals are guaranteed live radio commentary while there will be live action via Facebook.
The Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc.-organised tournament, which was in limbo for several months, has received the blessings of the Prime Minister’s Office and the National COVID-19 Task Force with the stipulation that all players and spectators must be fully vaccinated.

Fierce competition is expected in all three categories as teams vie for the top prize of $300 000 in each with the runners-up earning $50 000. In addition, several incentive prizes will be up for grabs and these include three flat screen Smart televisions for the respective Most Valuable Players (MVPs).at Lusignan

In today’s opening fixtures in the Open Division (Group A) defending champions Speedboat take on Ariel All Stars at the Police Sports Club ground, Regal All Stars meet Success All Stars at the same venue while Name Brand and Airport clash at DCC. Starting time is 09.30hrs.

In the afternoon fixtures starting at 13:30hrs, Speedboat battle with Airport at Police, Regal All Stars engage Ariel also at Police and Name Brand take on Success at DCC.

In the Masters Over-45, the morning fixtures are NY Doctors vs Regal Masters at Ogle, Fisherman Masters vs Success Masters at Lusignan Number 1 and Ariel Masters vs Essequibo Masters at Lusignan Number 2.

Afternoon – NY Doctors vs Essequibo Masters at Lusignan Number 1, Ariel Masters vs Success Masters Lusignan Number 2 and Fisherman Masters vs Regal Masters at Ogle.

The Legends Over-50 has been divided into two groups. In Group A – morning – Floodlights vs Mikes Wellman at Liliendaal Park, Regal Legends vs NY Hustlers at MYO; Group B – Orlando Legends vs Rockaway at GDF Number 1 NYSCL Legends vs Carpet Doctor at GDF Number 2.
Afternoon – Regal Legends vs Wellman Legends at Liliendaal, Floodlights vs NY Hustlers at MYO; Group B – Orlando Legends vs Carpet Doctors at GDF Number 1, NYSCL vs Rockaway Legends at GDF Number 2.

Among the several sponsors are Banks DIH, Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, Regal Sports, Tourism Guyana, Yamin Investment, Shahab Hack, Associated Brands Guyana Inc., Pro Signs, Lucky Star Boutique, Global Office Solutions, Elegant Jewellery and Pawn Shop, It’s Our Life ARD Youtuber, Crown Mining, Dinar Trading, Dyna’s Embroidery, Mohamed’s Enterprise, Permaul’s Trading, Rajiv Gandhi University, P&P Insurance, Star Party Rentals, Trophy Stall, Lucky Star Boutique and Price Chopper.