THE stage is set for two electrifying semi-finals today in the Ontario Masters Softball Cricket Clubs (OMSCC) Legends Over-50 tournament.
Three-time defending champions, GTA Storm, will oppose newcomers Warriors at the St Bede ground while Toronto Blizzards clash with Canadian Legends on the adjoining Littles ground in Scarborough, Toronto, Canada. Both games are scheduled to get underway at 2:30 pm.
In last Saturday’s quarter-final action, GTA Storm made light work of KC Stalwarts at St Bede, inflicting a 10-wicket victory over their opponents in a lop-sided affair.
Ian “Russian” Baldeo starred with a fine-all-round effort, grabbing two for five off his three overs, including a double-wicket maiden and came back to slam six fours and two sixes in an unbeaten 48 off a mere 21 balls as GTA Storm reached 84 without loss in reply to KC Stalwarts 80 for nine in their allotted 20 overs.
Skipper Troy Gobin was on 31 not out when victory was achieved, an innings which contained four fours and a six off 16 balls.
Earlier, KC Stalwarts struggled throughout their innings with skipper Marcel Arokium’s 17 being the best effort as Rudy Bhopaul (two for four) and Jerry Brittania (two for seven) gave valuable support to Baldeo.
The Toronto Blizzards/Remax All Stars encounter, played at Dean Park, saw the former winning by seven wickets. Chasing 113 for victory, after Remax All Stars huffed and puffed their way to 112 for seven in their 20 overs, Toronto Blizzards reached the target in 12.5 overs with all-rounder Lalchand Shivraj hitting an unbeaten 63, Sunil Dhaniram (23) and Fazil Rasool 21 not out.
Debidin Moses top-scored for Remax All Stars with a defiant 42 while there were two wickets each for Lal “Dingo” Singh and Shivraj.
Canadian Legends withstood the challenge of upstarts Friendship Masters to triumph by 10 runs at Littles.
Set 220 for victory, after Canadian Legends reached an imposing 219 for four, batting first, Friendship Legends were in the hunt but ended on 209 for six when their 20 overs expired. Sunny Ramadhar (45) and Naresh Prashad (39) led the charge.
No scores were available in the Warriors/Ramblers Rampage game which reportedly ended in controversy. Warriors were however declared winners following a protest from their opponents.
GTA Storm won both of their preliminary round matches against Warriors but will be wary of their opponents in this do or die fixture while Toronto Blizzards and Canadian Legends game should also be an eye-catching affair. (Frederick Halley)