Speaker’s Cup softball Cup…

REGAL Legends started their quest for honours in the inaugural Speaker’s Cup Legends Over-50 category with an emphatic 59-run victory over archrivals, Trophy Stall Lions, at the Everest Cricket Club ground, Camp Road, yesterday.

Led by a brilliant second-wicket partnership of 148 by Unisss Yusuf, who clobbered an undefeated 107 and 70 from Ramesh Deonarine, after losing the wicket of Mohendra Arjune (four) with just 11 on the board, Regal Legends reached a daunting 194 for two in their allotted 15 overs. Trophy Stall Lions were restricted 135 for eight, going down by 56 runs.

The partnership between the right-handed Yusuf, who slammed five fours and nine massive sixes and Deonarine, whose knock was decorated by four fours and five sixes, was reminiscent of their stand in the final of the Orlando Cup, played in March, when the two added 163 for the second wicket after Arjune was dismissed in the first over. Yusuf’s contribution then was 80 while Deonarine made 81. Anil Beharry claimed both wickets, conceding 41 runs.

Lokeram Roopnarine was the mainstay for Trophy Stall Lions, hitting three four and six in a top score of 24 with Eric Thomas (three for 23), Deonarine (two for 18) and Yusuf (two for 37) sharing the wickets.

Regal Masters suffered mixed fortunes at the Queen’s College ground in the Masters Over-40 division, losing their first encounter to Ariel Masters while they made light work of Success Masters.

Paul Reid struck five sixes in 53 and got valuable support from Prashad Mahadeo (42 with five fours and two sixes) and Anand Nazamudeen whose 35 contained one four and a six as Ariel Masters reached 144 for seven in 15 overs. There were two wickets each for John Percival, Manoj Arjune and Tyrone Sanasie.

Regal Masters could only muster 110 all out in 14.2 overs with opener Mahadeo being the standout with 42 (five fours and two sixes). Skipper Samuel Kingston (two for six), Arjune (two for 15) and Nazamudeen (two for 23) were the main destroyers.

Regal Masters then inflicted a crushing 131-run defeat on Success Masters who were shut out for a mere 33 in 10.1 overs, replying to their opponents 164 for six in their 15 overs. Balram Roopnarine (four for 10), Sanasie (two for six) and Ramraj Baljit (two for 26) were the bowlers responsible for the rout. Regal Masters were led to their total by 38 each from captain Eyaaz Mohamed and opener Patrick Rooplall.

The tournament continues today with the final set for tomorrow at the Everest Cricket Club ground.