WITH some close and exciting matches in the inaugural “Essequibo Is We Own Softball Cup” that was played on May 3 and 4, the Caribbean Cricket Club (CCC) 2 over 40, Queenstown/Ariel (open male) and Pitch Invaders (open female) were crowned champions at the Affiance/Number One ground, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

CCC 2 beat Essequibo Legends by 10 wickets in the Over-40 category, while Queenstown/Ariel got the better of United Titans by 12 runs in the Opening category and in the ladies, Pitch Invaders defeated Royal Queens by eight wickets.
CCC 2 reached 60-0 in the fifth over after limiting Legends to 59-7 from the allotted 10 overs. Patrick Rooplall led the chase with an unbeaten 34, while Ganesh Mangal contributed 21.
Mangal was the star bowler for CCC 2 by claiming 4-11 from his maximum two overs. He was named the player-of-the-match for his excellent all-round performance. Mangal was also chosen as the best-bowler, while Rooplall took home the prize for the best batter in the final and the MVP of the two-day knockout competition.

Queenstown/Ariel took first strike after winning the toss and decided to bat. They rattled up a competitive 107-6 from the 10-overs and kept Titans to 95-8 when the overs ran out. Opener Jonathan Fernandes top scored for the winner with 38, as D. Hansraj grabbed 3-12 (2). For Titans, Tageraj Khemraj offered a fight with 27. Captain Brian Mangar took 3-16 from his two overs.
Fernandes was given the player-of-the-match trophy while he also copped the best-batter prize.
Mangar was awarded with the best-bowler trophy and Fernandes the MVP of the competition.

The ladies’ action was also thrilling after Adina Smith churned out a brilliant all-round performance to help Pitch Invaders win by eight wickets with nine balls remaining.
Smith collected three wickets for 14 runs in her two overs as Queens were left at 87-5 from the allocation of 10-overs.
Smith then blazed a top-score of 43 to lead the way for Pitch Invaders. She was named player-of-the-match while she also took home the best-bowler and best-batter prizes.

The Hon Charles Ramson Jr, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport attended the final and presented all of the prizes to the outstanding teams and players.

During his remarks, he congratulated the teams and individual players and praised the organisers for a well-run two-day tournament.
Minister Ramson during his presentation promised several clubs to distribute sporting gear for their use and also shed light on the development of sports within the region and the country at large.

The tournament was run by RS Sports in collaboration with Roraima Developers and Essequibo Softball Cricket League.
The organisers expressed their gratitude to Minister Ramson for supporting the event and for being part of the presentation, and all the sponsors and supporters for this inaugural edition.