RICHARD Latif starred with both bat and ball to lead Canadian Legends to victory in the final of the Ontario Masters Softball Cricket Clubs (OMSCC) Division A Over-40 clash, played on Sunday at the Littles Park playing field, Scarborough, Ontario, Canada.
After grabbing two for 13 in his allotted three overs, and helping to bowl out opponents, Masters for 116 in 19.1 overs, Latiff returned to hit a responsible unbeaten 39 as Canadian Legends reached 117 for five in 18.1 overs.

The experienced Latif entered the fray with his team in a spot of bother at 51 for four in the 12th over following the dismissal of Patrick Rooplal for 27. With Abinash Ramnarayan offering stout resistance, the two shared a face-saving fifth-wicket partnership of 60 before the latter departed for 19 (one six). Latiff, whose knock was spiced with one four and four sixes, was at the end when victory was achieved.

Andy Narayan, who got rid of the dangerous Chien Gittens for six, finished with the impressive figures of two for 10 from his three overs while Rishi Samuel supported with two for 20.
Earlier, the Masters batting was undermined by brilliant bowling from the Canadian Legends bowlers as, apart from Latif, skipper Sudesh Beharry bowled impressively to claim three for three while there was one wicket apiece for Rooplall, Gittens and Anil Mahadeo.
Latif was adjudged the Most Valuable Player for the winning team while the honour for the runner-up went to Narayan, both receiving trophies, compliments of TDMJ Accounting and Tax Services, owned by Terry and Jasdavi Mathura.
Both the winners and runner-up teams were presented with trophies and medallions.

Canadian Legends played unbeaten throughout the season, topping the table with 42 points in the five-team division while Masters placed second with 30, defending champions Warriors, third with 27, Rebel Masters fourth with 18 while Leguan Warriors got a mere three.
Latif was also the leading run-scorer in the tournament with 283 runs while his teammate Gittens was second with 171. Warriors’ Rovendra Mandoall registered third place with 152 with Rebel Masters’ Troy Gobin fourth on 143.

In the bowling department, Andy Persaud (Warriors) took nine wickets, Bunty Sukhu (Rebel Masters) eight, while there were six each for Kemraj Budhai (Canadian Legends) and Gobin.
At the presentation ceremony, OMSCC President, Azeem Khan, lauded the teams for the excellent cricket and also for conduct displayed in both finals (Division A and B). (Frederick Halley)