–Rooplall takes lion’s share of individual prizes

IN what can be termed a dominant performance from the onset of the 17th edition of the Florida Cup, Canadian Legends maintained their supremacy to capture their first-ever Masters Over-40 title when the three-day tournament climaxed in Fort Lauderdale on Sunday.

Playing unbeaten throughout, and led by opener Patrick Rooplall’s sublime batting, the Canada-based team, which also included several players from Guyana, defeated Orlando Masters by seven wickets to claim the coveted championship before their roaring supporters and players at Oswald Park (North).

Set a daunting 173 for victory after Orlando Masters reached 172 for eight in their allotted 20 overs, Canadian Legends cantered to 173 for three in 16.1 overs, with Rooplall, who had already registered back-to-back centuries on the opening day, Friday, slamming an unbeaten 85.

The Essequibian Rooplall dominated three important partnerships, adding 67 in 6.3 overs with skipper Chien Gittens (21) for the first wicket, 31 for the second with Ameer Nizamudin (eight), and an unbeaten 59 for the fourth with Lenox Mark, who was unbeaten on a quick-fire 22 off 12 balls when victory was achieved. Rooplall’s brilliant knock was decorated with eight fours and six sixes.

Earlier, former Guyana Under-19 batsman Andrew Gonsalves was the mainstay for Orlando Masters, smashing four fours and seven sixes in his top score of 73 off 45 balls, but apart from Rocky Jawahir, who hit five fours in his 40, the middle and lower-order subsided.

Gonsalves and Jawahir added102 for the third wicket before Orlando Masers slumped from 143 for three to 172 for eight, losing five wickets for the addition of 29 runs. Gittens claimed three for 23.

Rooplall, who deservedly took the Player of the Final award, also copped the Player of the Tournament prize, registering the most runs in the Masters category.

On Friday’s opening day, Rooplall blasted one four and 16 sixes off a mere 41 balls against SSSCA, as Canadian Legends amassed 245 for six. Mark was also among the runs with 80 off 43 balls (six fours and seven sixes). Rooplall also came back later the same day to slam an unbeaten 103 (seven fours and eight sixes) versus Orlando Masters as his team reached 178 without loss in 15.2 overs. Orlando Masters, who were restricted to 176 for five, Gittens was undefeated on 54. Richard Latif struck an unbeaten 96 for the losers.

The semi-final saw Canadian Legends totalling 208 for six, with former Guyana and West Indies One-day player Royston Crandon hitting a top score of 81 with seven fours and five sixes USA Masters replied with 146 for seven in their 20 overs, Gopalchand Beharry bagging three for 24.

Canadian Legends took home the winning trophy and $2000 (US) first prize, while Rooplall dominated the individual awards, which included $300(US) each for being the MVP of the final, and MVP of the tournament. He also received $100(US) from Rashma Raman, and a pair of Clarks boots from Latch Shoes.

An elated Canadian Legends owner, Guyanese-born Junior Singh said winning the Florida Cup has been a culmination of months of hard work, dedication, and relentless pursuit of excellence.

“We are immensely proud to have represented Canada, and brought home the coveted trophy. This victory belongs to each and every one of you who stood by us through thick and thin. Your support is the driving force behind our achievements, and for that, we are truly grateful.” (Frederick Halley)