From Frederick Halley in Fort Lauderdale
GUYANA’s lone representative team at this year’s Florida Cup Softball Cricket League (FCSCL) tournament were well placed to enter today’s semifinals after two wins on the opening day in the Over-50 category in the Sunshine State.
After brushing aside USA Legends in the day’s opening encounter by 43 runs, Regal Legends destroyed South Florida Softball Cricket Club (SFSCC) by a comprehensive 252 runs to enhance their chances in what is considered the “group of death,” which also features Corriverton and Softball Cricket Doctors.
Needing a massive 359 for victory, after Regal Legends had plundered 358 for five in their allotted 20 overs, SFSCC huffed and puffed their way to 106 for seven when their 20 overs expired.
Led by a pugnacious 147 from opener Uniss Yusuf and 94 from fellow opener Eon Abel, Regal Legends reached an unbeatable 358 for five in their allotted 20 overs.
In a batting display rarely seen in softball, the two openers added a remarkable 207 in a mere 10.2 overs, pulverising the South Florida team to all parts of the Brian Picollo field.
Looking well set to complete a well-deserved 100, after resuming at the 10-over break on 94, Abel failed to add to his score after smashing five fours and 11 sixes in his fine knock.
Yusuf, in the meantime, continued on his merry way and by the time he departed at 309 for three in the 17th over, had counted 17 fours and 11 massive sixes.
Earlier, Regal Legends, taking first strike against USA Legends, reached a challenging 175 for nine in their 20 overs before limiting their opponents to 132 for three when their 20 overs expired.
Middle-order batsman Nandram Samlall led the way with a top score of 49, spiced with one four and five sixes, while Rohan Fazil took four for 31 in his five overs.
USA Legends were never up to the task despite only losing three wickets.
Regal Legends reached will oppose Ocala Legends in their final preliminary-round game this morning with their sights set on playing the semi-finals in the afternoon.
The tournament climaxes tomorrow (Sunday) with the finals in the Open, Masters Over-40 and Legends Over-50 at Oswald Park.
