By Frederick Halley
THE fifth annual Prime Minister T20 Softball Cup, organised by the Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL) Inc. ended in a blaze of glory at the Guyana National Stadium on Sunday night with Prime Minister Mark Phillips declaring that all the 20 participating teams were winners.

However, Sunday night’s glory solely belonged to Ariel All Stars, who, in a commanding display, defeated Regal All Stars by eight wickets to claim the Open title. The victory thwarted Regal’s quest for two titles following their success in the Legends Over-50 category earlier in the day.

Set 130 for victory, after disposing of Regal All Stars for 129, Ariel cantered to an emphatic win in 11.2 overs as their jubilant supporters celebrated wildly.

Like they did throughout the three-day tournament, the unbeaten Ariel continued their relentless brand of attacking cricket as Regal bowlers were put to the sword.

Regal had an early success when Richard Latiff sent back David Lukenauth (seven) in the fourth over with only 19 on the board. This paved the way for a brilliant second-wicket partnership of 88 between Shaz Grovesnor and captain Brian Mangar, the two pulverizing the hapless Regal attack to all parts of the fast outfield and smashing them over the ropes.

By the time the fine stand ended at 109 in the 10th over when Mangar departed for a well-played 40, which was decorated with one four and five massive sixes, the game was as good as over.

Man-of-the-match, Quentin Sampson, who entered in a no-nonsense mood, completed the demolition job by thumping four sixes in his unbeaten 25 off a mere six balls. Grovesnor, who batted through the innings, ended on an even half-century, spiced with five fours and a six. Fazal Rafeek took one for 12 from his lone over while Latiff grabbed the other wicket, conceding 26 runs in his three overs.

Regal had earlier enjoyed a rollicking start, reaching 65 in six overs before losing Sachin Singh (23) and the other opener, Patrick Rooplall (31) in the eighth over with 71 on the board.

It became a downward slide from thereon as Regal lost their remaining eight wickets for 58 runs, much to the chagrin of their vocal fans. The destruction was caused by a mixture of brilliant fielding and some poor shot selections.

Apart from the two openers, Fazal Rafeek (14) and Latiff (13) were the only other players to reach double figures. Jonhatan Fernandez was the chief destroyer with four for 21 in his four overs while the impressive Sampson ended with three for seven, also from four overs.

Sampson, who also smashed a fine century in the final round preliminary match on Saturday, earned the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award to add to his man-of-the-match performance on Sunday. Apart from the MVP and man-of-the-match trophies, he also took home a 43-inch Smart television, compliments of Regal Stationery and Computer Centre.

Ariel winnings included the Trophy Stall-sponsored trophy and $300,000 while Regal collected a trophy and $50 000.
Prime Minister Phillips, in brief remarks at the presentation ceremony, complimented the organisers for a splendid tournament and also praised the several sponsors for making the annual event possible. He once again reiterated his support for the continuance of the event, pointing out that he is already looking forward to the 2022 version.

The Prime Minister was also presented with a plaque on behalf of the GSCL Inc by the entity’s secretary, Telesha Ousman.
Among the many sponsors were 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.