A BLISTERING undefeated 61 from opener Lenox Mark powered Regal Masters to an emphatic four-wicket victory over New York Softball Cricket League (NYSCL) Dream Team when the final of the Over-40 category of the 20th edition of the Independence Cup climaxed at Baisley Park, Queens, New York on Sunday.

Regal Masters set 153 for victory, after NYSCL Dream Team were restricted to 152 for nine in their allotted 20 overs, Regal Masters reached the required target in 17.4 overs, losing six wickets in the process.
The victory also marked sweet revenge for the Guyanese outfit who were beaten by the same opponents last year.

The experienced Mark, whose 40-ball knock was spiced by one four and six sixes, shared in two important partnerships, adding 47 with flamboyant opener Patrick Rooplall, who struck three fours and two sixes in a quickfire 31 and 72 with skipper Khemchandra Dindial for the fifth wicket before the latter went via the run-out route with 14 needed for victory.
Rameshwar Persaud was the opponent’s best bowler with two for 36 from his four overs.

Earlier, opener Amar Singh who’s top score of 31 included a four and a six and number three Prakash Mahadeo (29 with three fours and six) promised much but were foiled by excellent bowling from the Regal Masters attack. Brian Manniram also slammed a breezy 27 which contained two sixes.

Bowling for the eventual winners, Lakeram Roopnarine claimed three for 19 and Randolph Ketwaroo two for 28.

The winners carted off the winning Eagle and $3,000(US) while all the players were also recipients of medals. Mark took home the man-of-the-match award. (Frederick Halley)