By Frederick Halley in New York

AFTER suffering an unprecedented exit on the opening day of last year’s 19th edition of the New York Softball Cricket League (NYSCL) Independence Cup, Regal Legends turned their fortunes around on Friday with two crushing wins when the 2025 version of the tournament got underway in wintry like conditions.

Playing at the Seaview Park in Canarsie, Brooklyn, the Campbellville-based team registered emphatic wins over Trophy Stall Lions in their opening fixture before making light work of Tri State in the afternoon, thereby qualifying for Saturday afternoon’s semi-finals.

Led by a brilliant undefeated 117-run second wicket partnership between Lloyd Ruplall (55 not out) and former Guyana Under-19 player Troy Gobin (53 not out), Regal Legends romped to an impressive 150 for one in 16.2 overs after limiting Trophy Stall Lions to 145 for six in their allotted 20 overs.

The two came together in the third over following the dismissal of skipper Uniss Yusuf (24) and proceeded to delight the sparse crowd and supporters with Ruplall spanking two fours and four sixes and Gobin counting seven fours in an elegant display.

Earlier, Trophy Stall Lions were indebted to Seeraj Bhimsain who hit an undefeated 31 with five fours and a six while skipper Anand Persaud (20) and Sydney Jackman (20) lend support but the top order failed to accelerate after promising starts. Roy Persaud took two for 17 while Gobin crowned a fine all-round performance with two for 30.

Electing to bat first in the afternoon game, Regal Legends were bowled out for 181  in 19 overs after they were riding high at the half way stage at 113 for one. They however lost their last nine wickets for 68 runs after Tri State had the better of the second half.

Yusuf rushed to a quick-fire 52, laced with four fours and five sixes while Gobin was again among the runs with 37 (five fours) and Rudolph Baker (27 with one four and two sixes). Asgar Khan took three for 34.

In reply, Tri State could only muster 85 all out in 17.5 overs with Sukhraj Rampaul top-scoring with 23 (two fours and a six). Mahendranauth “Bobby” Parasnauth bagged three for nine from his four overs, Saheed Mohamed three for 11 and Laurie Singh two for 12.

Meanwhile, Trophy Stall who drew a bye in the afternoon session, still had an excellent chance of qualifying for the semi-finals which were due to be played yesterday afternoon. A win in their morning fixture versus Tri State would have guaranteed them a semi-final place in the three-team group.

NYSCL Legends were also assured of a semi-final place following two wins in the other group which also comprises Parika Legends from Guyana. While no scores are available, reports indicated that Parika’s Oswald “Papa” Chandla, on his maiden tournament out of Guyana, blasted a boundary-studded 109 in Friday afternoon’s encounter versus Marine Legends.

The tournament climaxes today with all three finals set for Baisley Park, 150 Rockaway Boulevard, Queens, New York.