REGAL All Stars of Region Four, Blairmont of Region Five, and City Stars of Region Six are through to the Regional playoffs of the Panko Steel Fabrication One Guyana Inter-Region Softball Cricket Cup following the preliminary round of matches, played last Sunday.

The Roraima Community Developers (RCD)- organised tournament saw the powerful Regal lineup spanking Success Strike Force by 54 runs at the Better Hope Community Centre ground, City Stars inflicting a seven-wicket win over Sawh Construction, while no scores were available in Blairmont’s victory in the three finals.

Taking first strike, Regal All Stars rustled up an impressive 197 for seven in the allotted in 10 overs, with Rickey Sergeant (50), Brian Mangar Mangar (36), and Sieuchad Budhu (38), being the main contributors. Buju took three for 86.

In reply, Success Strike Force were restricted to 143 for four in 10 overs, with S. Ramcharran (67) and Saif Zombia (22) being among the runs. J. Samson claimed two for 22.

The Region Six final saw City Star overcoming Sawh Construction, who were shut out for a paltry 55 in their 10 overs. Bharat and Balkarran were the chief destroyers, with three for five and three for 11, respectively.

City Star made light work of the total, reaching 56 for three, with R. Rampertab scoring 18. Sinclair took two for 14.

All three regional winners took home a trophy and $80,000 while the runners-up received trophies. Incentive prizes for Region Six were handed out to Videsh Bharrat (best bowler for City Star), S. Sukhu of Name Brand (best batsman), while Bharrat also received the MVP award.

In Region Four, Regal’s K. Oxford walked away with the best bowler award while the player of the final prize went to Sergeant.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Khan’s Construction and Transportation Svs. made good of his promise to support the tournament. According to Khan, sports, especially softball cricket, plays an integral part in the lives of young people since it’s the first kind of cricket they start to play as a kid and he’s very happy to support the regional grassroots initiative.

Representatives of RCD thank Khan for coming on board and gave the undertaking that the upcoming games will continue to be played at a high standard.

The inaugural tournament is branded under Panko Steel Fabrication as the title sponsor and supported by Money Tree Trading, West Central Mall, Regal Stationery and Computer Supplies, U. Balgobin Electrical, Singh Brothers Construction, Amaya Milk Company, TermineX and Blue Spring Water.

According to the RCD, the playoffs winners will pocket $300 000 and a trophy, runners-up $80 000 and a trophy and third place $30 000 and a trophy. The player of the tournament gets $20 000 and a trophy while player of the of final, best bowler and best batsman in the playoffs $10 000 each and trophy. Other incentive prizes will also be awarded for players with the most sixes and most wickets in the final.

The tournament continues this weekend with regional playoffs in regions 2, 3 and 10 while the national playoffs are set for March 31 at a venue to be named.

The organisers pointed out that plans are moving apace to make the final day of the tournament into a family affair with live entertainment and lots of side attractions for all patrons “as we join together in creating One Guyana.”