PM T20 Softball tournament climaxes

By Frederick Halley
A SUPREB knock of 94 from captain, Brian Mangar not only ensured Guyana Knight Riders Ariel All Stars maintain their unbeaten streak which started last year but also allowed them to retain championship honours in the All Stars Open category when the sixth edition of the Prime Minister T20 Softball tournament climaxed under lights at the Guyana National Stadium on Sunday night.

The slimly built Mangar tore the Name Brand attack to threads with an innings that belies his stature, blasting six fours and eight sixes off a mere 43 balls as Ariel All Stars made absolute mockery of the 143 for five made by Name Brand in their allotted 20 overs, reaching the target in 13.3 overs, losing two wickets in the process.

Mangar, who shared in two important partnerships, added 85 for the first wicket with Shaz Grovesnor, whose 35 contained two fours and two sixes while he also dominated in a second-wicket partnership of 56 with former Guyana and West Indies batsman, Zamal Khan whose contribution was a mere five not out. Khan, in fact, played second fiddle after realizing Mangar was in sight of a well-deserved century.

With just three needed for victory, a somewhat disappointed Mangar departed, caught at mid-wicket off Kishan Gangaram, allowing Khan and Jonhattan Fernandez to complete the formalities. Gangaram finished with one for 29 in 3.3 overs while Joshua Sampson took the other wicket, conceding 36 runs.

Earlier, Name Brand innings was bolstered by half-centuries from opener Ramanrine Jugastair (53) and the consistent Sasenarine Sookoo (56), but fine bowling from Ariel All Stars bowlers never allowed them to cut loose. Jugastair hit a four and two sixes in his knock while Sookoo, who was singlehandedly responsible for Name Brand reaching the final, slammed two fours and two sixes. Andy Narine claimed two for 40 and Vishal Phillips one for 22.

Sookoo, it will be recalled, broke the hearts off Regal All Stars players and supporters, spanking three consecutive sixes in the final over to earn Name Brank victory in their semi-final encounter, played at the Queen’s College ground on Saturday.

Ariel All Stars collected the winning trophy and the whopping $600,000 first prize while Name Brand received the runner-up trophy and $50, 000. Mangar copped both the man-of-the-match and Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards, the latter being a 50-inch TV, compliments of Regal Stationery and Office Supplies. The winners, runner-up, man-of-the-match and MVP trophies were all sponsored by Trophy Stall.

At the presentation ceremony, Prime Minister Mark Phillips gave the assurance that once he remains in his position, the three-day softball extravaganza will continue to be an annual affair.

While praising the Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL) for doing an excellent job, the Prime Minister urged them to ensure that teams are given adequate notice on the staging of the tournament.

According to the Prime Minister, who witnessed the entire game, while there must be a winner and a loser, he considers both teams as winners and extended congratulations to them for reaching the final.