By Frederick Halley
THE rivalry started in the Masters Over-45 Division and has now spilled over to the Legends Over-50. However, the result has hasn’t changed.

In another emphatic display, Regal Legends completed an emphatic 92-run victory over their fiercest competitor, Mike’s Wellman, in yesterday’s final of the 2021 Prime Minister T20 Softball Cup, which climaxed at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

The Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL) Inc, fifth annual tournament also saw Fisherman Masters retaining honours with an easy 22-run victory over Ariel Masters in the Masters Over-45 Division.
Winning the toss and batting, Regal Legends reached 171 for six in their allotted 20 overs before Wellman succumbed to 79 all out in 17.2 overs in another disappointing performance.

Skipper Wayne Jones was the only shining light with 26, striking three fours in the process. The only other player to reach double figures was Nandran Samlall (15). The unheralded Eric Thomas, better known for his batting prowess, and who was later named man-of-the-match, finished with the incredible figures of five for 17 from his four overs.

Earlier, Regal Legends innings was built around fine knocks from Ramesh Deonarine who hit 43 with three fours and a six, the consistent Uniss Yusuf, whose 35 included four fours and a six and Rudolph Baker, who spanked two sixes in a quickfire 24. Lloyd Ruplall took two for 26 and Jiantilall two for 32.

The Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in the Legends Division went to Yusuf who took home a 43-inch Smart Television, compliments of Regal Stationery and Computer Supplies.
In what was expected to be a hotly-contested affair, Ariel Masters were dismissed for 147 in 18.2 overs, chasing a victory target of 170 after asking their opponents, Fisherman Master, to bat first on a sunlit morning.

Opener Keith Fraser, who batted splendidly in Saturday’s semi-final versus Regal Masters when he smashed a boundary-studded unbeaten 70, was again among the runs with a fine 52. The burly left-hander’s knock included four fours and an equal number of sixes.

Once Fraser, who was later voted MVP in the Masters Division, was dismissed, Arjune DeRoop with an unbeaten 27, was the lone player to offer any further resistance as Stanley Mohabir grabbed three for 16 and Ramo Malone two for 30.

Led by two fine partnerships, the first between openers Troy Ramsawak and Malone, which produced 80 runs and a further 86 between Ramsawak and Jagdesh Persaud, Fisherman Masters reached a formidable 169 for two after being asked to take first strike.

Ramsawak, who batted throughout the innings, struck 11 fours in an unbeaten 74 off 53 balls while Malone’s 38 contained four fours and a six. Persaud, who went via the run out route, struck a four and three sixes.
Fraser copped the MVP award in this category and, like Yusuf, was also the recipient of a 43-inch Smart television. The man-of-the-match award went to Ramsawak.

Apart from carting off the Trophy Stall-sponsored trophies, both Regal Legends and Fisherman Masters took home $300,000 each while runners-up, Wellman Masters, and Ariel Masters received trophies and $50,000 each.

Ramsawak, Thomas and Jones were also presented with wrist watches, compliments of Guyana Committee of Services.

Details of the Open All Star game, featuring Regal All Stars and Ariel All Stars, will be published in a subsequent issue.