By Frederick Halley

DEFENDING Over-40 champions, New York Softball Cricket league (NYSCL) were once again crowned champions, defeating Regal Masters for the second consecutive year when the three-day tournament, staged by the NYSCL, ended at Baisley Park, Queens, New York, last Sunday afternoon, before a colourful crowd.

In a highly tense encounter, the home team whipped their Guyanese counterparts by six wickets, thereby ensuring that Regal departed New York without entering winners’ row after their Over-50s were eliminated on the first day, Friday, a rare feat in tournaments of such nature.

Set 129 for victory, after Regal could only manage 128 all out in 18 overs, NYSCL Masters cruised to victory in 17.5 overs.
The homesters were given a fine start of 58 by Samuel Kingston (38) and David Looknauth (27) while number three batsman, Pooran Biera, contributed a valuable 25.
Kingston, who also previously represented Regal Masters, thumped five fours and a six in his knock while Looknauth struck two fours and a six, similar figures to Biera’s boundaries. Roy Persaud, Balram Roopnarine, Fazal Rafiek and Lakeram Roopnarine claimed a wicket each.

Earlier, Regal Masters, after being inserted to take first strike, found the going tough as only Nicholas Chase (25) and Ravy Singh (23) offered any tangible resistance. Chase struck one four and three sixes while Singh’s knock included one four and a six. Balram Beharry bagged three for 19 and Nigel Greaves two for 25. There was also one wicket each for Mahendra Seeram, Looknauth and Popie Singh.

At the presentation ceremony, the winners collected $3000 (US) and the winning Eagle while the runners-up took home a trophy. Players from both teams were also recipients of medals.
Kingston was adjudged the Player of the Final and collected a trophy for his efforts. Trophies were also presented to Balram Roopnarine (Regal Masters) for taking the most wickets (eight) and Ravy Singh (Regal Masters) for tallying the most runs (162).
Long-standing softball player, Anil Beharry of NYSCL, was presented with an Eagle for his sterling contributions to the grassroot game over the years.
The game was marred by some controversial umpiring decisions, prompting some top echelons of the Regal fraternity to voice their concerns in no uncertain manner. However, these were appeased by NYSCL President, Eric Ferrier, who assured the Guyanese contingent that the aim of his body was to stage a fair tournament without any interference from him and his executives.

At Sunday’s presentation ceremony, Ferrier also recognised the valued contributions of the several sponsors which included Nico Seepersaud, Brian and Mark LEBS Electric Inc, Johnny Restaurant and Bar, Tag HVAC Inc, Harry’s Electric, Ryan’s Trucking, Precise Transport, Mike Bansie, Rishi Baldeo, Inner Circle Bar and Lounge, Cricket World and Trophy Zone, Rockaway Roti Shop, Roti Express Restaurant and Bar, Gemini Lounge, Shiv Construction Ince and Mechanical HVAC Inc.
Ferrier also thanked the executives of the other leagues for their support over the years. These included Azeem Khan of the Ontario Masters Softball Cricket Clubs, Ian John and Mahendra “Anil” Hardyal of the Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL) and Regal fame, Anoop Basdeo of South Florida Softball Cricket League (SFSCL), Onkar Singh of Schenectady and Randy Singh of Orlando.