FLOODLIGHTS XI defeated Police Officers by a comprehensive eight-wicket on Friday evening at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary, Georgetown, in a feature 25-over softball match, as the Guyana Police Force celebrates its 170th anniversary.

The eventual man-of-the-match, Ramesh Sunich, led the way for the winners with a cameo 34 which included a spectacular extra-cover six and a solitary four. He was admirably supported by the in-form Derick Ramoutar who contributed an unbeaten 32.

Police won the toss and decided to take first strike, but could have mustered only 119 from 24 overs, while Floodlights XI, in reply, romped to 122-2 in the 15th over.

Bowling for the law enforcers, Linden Wilson snatched two wickets for 24 runs off three overs.

Watched by a relatively large crowd, the Officers began things shakily losing wickets at regular intervals. With a heavy outfield due to overnight rain, boundaries were hard to get. Welden Blannum was the only stand-out batsman with a patient 23.

Michael Sultan was the other principal scorer with 19 as Pitamber Maharaj snapped up four wickets for 22 runs from his allotted five overs, while the veteran Mike Singh grabbed three for six from four economical overs.

At the presentation ceremony both teams’ players received prizes. The winner received a trophy, while Sunich took home one as well.

On the losing side, best batsman was Blannum; best catcher was Shivpersaud Bacchus; best fieldsman went to Ray Jeffrey and best bowler was awarded to Wilson.

For Floodlights XI, Ramoutar was the best batsman; best bowler was Maharaj; best fieldsman was Bedi Ramjewan and best catcher award went to Ramchand Ragbeer.

All trophies were sponsored by Trophy Stall of Bourda Market and City Mall in Georgetown.