… Fierce competition expected in soggy conditions

By Frederick Halley
SOFTBALL fans are expected to turn out in their numbers over the next three days, as the sixth edition of the Prime Minister T20 Softball tournament swings into gear today at several venues across the city and on the East Coast, Demerara in soggy conditions.

Up to press time yesterday, the current inclement weather had, however, thrown a damper on what is expected to be a bumper softball weekend. Despite the somewhat gloomy conditions, the Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL) organisers were pushing ahead for a prompt start and were planning to make several changes to the venues previously announced.

GSCL president Ian John pointed out that despite the conditions being tricky, he was very confident that all the fixtures will bowl off at 09:00hrs and that there will be three fun-filled days of cricket.

The GSCL tournament has the blessings of the Office of the Prime Minister in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport.

Like last year, the finals in all categories will be staged at the Guyana National Stadium on Sunday, following the completion of the semi-finals tomorrow afternoon.

Those who are unable to attend Sunday’s finals are guaranteed live radio commentary while there will also be live action via Facebook.

Fierce competition is expected as teams vie for the top prize of a whopping $600 000 in the Open All Stars, Masters Over-40 and Legends Over-50 categories, with the runners-up earning $50 000.

Each man-of-the-match gets a trophy. The MVP in the All Stars Open is guaranteed a 50-inch flat screen television, the same as the Over-40 Masters winner while the Legends Over-50 MVP will receive a three-piece sofa set.

Meanwhile, the women’s category, which has been introduced for the first time, will see the four teams contest two semi-finals tomorrow afternoon with the two winners advancing to Sunday’s final. East Coast Warriors will take on Trophy Stall Angels while Upper Demerara All Stars oppose 4 R Lioness. The women’s games will be of 12 overs’ duration.

Among the several sponsors are Banks DIH Ltd. (Rainforest Waters), Danny Persaud (YouTuber) It’s Our Life ARD, Trophy Stall, Pro Signs, I & S Trading, Tourism Guyana, Reliance Services, Parsram Discount Store, Ameer & Amrit Furniture Store, Khan’s Trading Enterprise, HL Latino America Furniture (Panama), P&P Insurance, Regal Stationery & Computer Centre, Mohamed’s Enterprise, Chung’s Global Enterprise, Atlantic Marine Supplies Inc., Crown Mining Supplies, Rudisa Motor Company (Guy) Inc., Freelancer Advertising Agency, Krsna & Amp; Balram Printery, Rajiv Gandhi University and Ofimak Office Supplies (Panama).