Regal/New York Legends successfully defended their title in the Legends Over-50 category, whipping nemesis New York Softball Cricket League (NYSCL) in yesterday’s final, played in Orlando, Florida.

The victory was sweet revenge for the Guyana-based team who lost to the same opponents in the preliminary round on Friday.

Asked to take first strike, Regal/New York Legends rattled up a challenging 193 all out in their allotted 20 overs. Skipper Uniss Yusuf led the way with a top score of 42.

In reply, NYSCL stuttered to 159 all out in 19.5 overs, going down by 33 runs. Manoj Kumar, batting at number seven struck 45 with three fours and fours sixes. Yusuf crowned a fine all-round performance, bagging four for 33 in four overs.

In Saturday’s semi-final, the Guyana-based team dished out a sound thrashing on Orlando Legends, whipping the home team by eight wickets in a lopsided affair at the Airport ground.

Set a challenging 206 for victory, after asking Orlando to take first strike, Regal/New York Hustlers reached target in 15.4 overs.

The run chase was engineered by openers Asif “Ganguly” Ally who blasted a boundary-studded 86 and skipper Uniss Yusuf with and even half century. The two added 91 in a mere six overs as the Orlando bowlers seemed shell shocked from the attacking nature of the two openers.

The left-handed Ally lashed seven fours and an equal number of sixes in his brilliant knock while Yusuf’s innings contained nine fours and a six.

Ally also shared a second wicket stand of 101 with Jagdesh Persaud who stroked three fours and three sixes in 39 before retiring hurt.

Earlier, Sham Veerasammy slammed a polished 57 for the home team, decorated with four fours and five sixes for the eventual losers who reached 206 for nine in their allotted 20 overs.

Bowling for Regal/New York Hustlers, Jagdesh Persaud took two for 32, John Sumair two for 40 and Roy Persaud two for 42.

Earlier in the day, Regal/New York Hustlers defeated Shaw’s Realty Legends by two wickets to qualify for the semis in a must win contest.

In a closely fought encounter, Regal/New York Hustlers prevailed with two balls to spare in a nail-biting finish.

Set 208 for victory, after Shaw’s Realty reached 207 for six in 20 overs, Regal/New York Hustlers were indebted to a fine undefeated 61 from Khemchand Dindial (five fours and three sixes) and a supporting knock of 36 from Quayaam Farrouq.

NYSCL Legends who lost their opening match on day 1 bounced back to beat Regal-Hustlers Legends and Long Beach to book their semi-final ticket. They then defeated Guyana’s Trophy Stall of Guyana to advance to the final.