…Regal Legends, Masters in quest for supremacy
By Frederick Halley
THE 18th edition of the New York Softball Cricket League (NYSCL) Independence Cup is set to bowl off Friday at venues in Brooklyn and Queens and, based on reports emanating out of the “Big Apple,” the stage is set for three days of intriguing and exciting softball.
Unlike previous years, when the Open category was touted as the “crowd catcher,” in tournaments staged in New York, Guyana, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and to a lesser extent Toronto, the Over-50s seemed to have changed that notion.

Unbeaten in finals since entering the Over-50 Division, Regal Legends are aiming to extend that unbeaten streak after completing what was described as “mission accomplished,” when defeating home team Orlando in March, ensuring they were crowned champions in all tournaments at home and abroad.
Skipper Mahendra “Anil” Hardyal, while exuding an air of confidence, is once again warning against complacency, something which was touched on repeatedly prior to the start of the Orlando tournament.

According to Hardyal, although preparations haven’t been that ideal, due to the inclement weather, “we are ready to compete against any team. We know that Regal Legends are being targeted but we are prepared for the challenge ahead.”
Among the other teams expected to pose threats to Regal Legends dominancy are the home side NYSCL Legends, Toronto Blizzards and Orlando.
While Regal Legends made light work of NYSCL in their preliminary round fixture in Orlando, they were made to fight on the two previous occasion the two teams clashed in finals in New York and Guyana.

Set a target of 155 in last year’s Independence Cup, Regal fell behind the required run rate and then lost wickets in a heap but still pulled off the heist with five wickets and three balls to spare thanks to composed batting from Mohendra Arjune and Ramesh Narine and the cool temperament from Throy Kippins.
In another thrilling final versus the same opponents, played at the Guyana National Stadium, as part of the 2022 Prime Minister’s Cup, Regal Legends seemed dead and buried at 104 for 8 in the 16th over, chasing 147 for victory. They were however rescued by a stunning 45-run partnership between Rudolph Baker and Hardyal, rallying to a thrilling victory with four balls to spare.
Toronto Blizzards, who have been dominant on the local scene and are currently unbeaten in the Ontario Masters Softball Cricket Clubs (OMSCC) Over-50 tournament, are quietly confident they are capable of winning the championship, which they did previously in 2018.

Their batting hinges around former Guyana players Sunil Dhaniram, who blasted a boundary studded 193, and Skipper Shiv Seeram, who slammed 121 last weekend in Toronto. Lal “Dingo” Singh leads the bowling attack.
Meanwhile, Regal Masters Over-40s, who won their last two finals in Fort Lauderdale and Guyana in 2022 but did not participate in Orlando in March, are also primed and ready to get back in winners’ row.
The star-studded combination is being led by the versatile Mahendra “Bobby” Parasnauth with the experienced Chien Gittens as his deputy and includes the likes of Patrick Rooplall, Tyrone Sanassie and Samuel Kingston, who registered a blistering century last year in Fort Lauderdale.

Several other teams, including the homesters NYSCL, will however have a say in halting Regal Masters aim for another successful campaign.
The draw for the tournament, featuring the Open All Stars and Masters Over-40 and Legends Over-50 categories, will take place at Johnny’s Restaurant & Bar, Rockaway Boulevard, Queens, where all the participating teams will receive their packages containing the competition rules and other correspondence.
NYSCL president Eric Ferrier wished all participating teams good luck and “for coming into this exciting, flamboyant and colourful city, and welcome in advance to the 18th edition of this friendly and competitive tournament.”

Regal squads: Over-40 – Bobby Parasnauth (captain), Chien Gittens (vice-captain), Patrick Rooplall, Lennox Mark, Lakeram Roopnarine, Balram Roopnarine, Roy Persaud, Tyrone Sanassie, Shaun Deonandan, Krishnanand Balgobin, Mohamed Arjune, Khemchand Dindial, Sheldon Perch, Samuel Kingston and Anand Persaud.
Over-50 – Mahendra Hardyal (captain), Mohendra Arjune (vice-captain), Unis Yusuf, Ramesh Deonarine, Wayne Jones, Eric Thomas, Rudolph Baker, David Harper, Eion Abel, Parsram Persaud, John Sumair, Throy Kippins, Laurie Singh, Lyndon Lyght and Surijdeo Ramdeen. Manager Ian John is making his maiden overseas trip.