MEMBERS of the Regal cricketing fraternity, including owner Mahendra “Anil” Hardyal and manager of the Over-50 team, Ian John, were among those on hand at the Sandy’s Funeral Home, yesterday to pay their last respects to one of their favourite and staunch players, Eric Mboya Thomas.
It was a scene of grief as members, relatives and friends paid their final tribute to a softball player who made headlines for his prowess in the grassroot game, not only for his robust hitting and wicket-keeping prowess but also for his great camaraderie and sense of humour.

A tower of strength in the Regal Legends Over-50 batting lineup, Thomas played several memorable innings for the team, including a pulsating whirlwind match-winning 62 versus Toronto Blizzards in the final of the South Florida Softball Cricket League (SFSCL) final, played in Fort Lauderdale in 2022. That knock contained eight huge sixes, including six consecutively in an eventful over.

Following yesterday’s viewing, Thomas’ body, was borne out of the funeral home with members of Regal forming a bat arch at the entrance. Thomas was also clad in his Regal uniform.
A funeral service followed at a church at Samatta Point, East Bank, Demerara, where Thomas formerly lived and where he met what turned out to be a fateful accident on the morning of August 22 this year. The burial took place at Golden Grove, also on the East Bank, Demerara.
Thomas passed away on Thursday, November 23 at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, following a three-month battle with life-threatening injuries.