From Frederick Halley in New York

PLAYING unbeaten in all three days of intense competition, newcomers, Ariel Trophy Stall Masters, justified their pre-tournament rankings to emerge winners of the Masters Over-40 category when the 21st edition of the New York Softball Cricket League (NYSCL) Independence Cup climaxed at the picturesque Baisley Park, New York on Sunday.
Representing the lone Guyana-based team to qualify for one of the three finals, the Guyanese outfit, superbly led by the veteran and wily Samuel Kingston, made light work of USA Masters, winning by six wickets in the 20-over affair much to the delight of their followers at the ground and those in their homeland.
Set a paltry 101 for victory, after restricting the home side to 100 for nine in their allotted 20 overs, Ariel Trophy Stall Masters reached the required target in 13.2 overs, losing four wickets in the process.
The victory was engineered by a fine unbeaten 49 from opener Chien Gittens, who once again displayed his batting prowess after the Ariel Trophy Stall Masters top order lost three of their top order batters, including the prized scalp of Richard Latiff for 13.

Undaunted by the fall of wickets, Gittens stood tall, playing some delightful shots and looked well set to complete a well-deserved half-century but was left high and dry on 49 when victory was achieved. He counted five fours and one six in his unbeaten knock.
Earlier, USA Masters, after being inserted by Kingston, lost wickets at regular intervals and at one stage were 58 for seven in the 11th over before Mark Ramkissoon (21) and Shan Persaud (13 not out) added 38 for the eighth wicket to ensure they reached 100, a total that proved inadequate at the end.
Bowling for Ariel Trophy Stall Masters, Harrynarine Dilchand bagged three for 14 and Shawin Hubbard three for 19.
Gittens, who batted consistently throughout the three days of action, copped both the Man-of-the-match for the final and the overall Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards.
Other incentive awards went to Vijay Singh of Central Florida Cricket League for scoring the most runs (150), Nigel Brijlal of USA Masters for taking the most wickets (nine), Pooran Beria of Old School Masters for hitting the highest individual score (124) and Randolph Ketwaroo of Regal Masters for the best bowling figures in a match (four for 14).
Champions Ariel Trophy Stall Masters were awarded with the Eagle and $3000 (US) while all the players also collected medallions. Runners-up USA Masters took home the runners-up trophy.
An elated Kingston, who also led the then Ariel Masters to championship victories in Guyana, declared at the presentation ceremony that, “we came, we conquered and we destroyed….”
The victory also saw a prompt response from one of the top sponsors, Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall fame, who immediately sent out special congratulations to the victorious team on their splendid effort.
Following is the text of Sunich’s message: “Congratulations to Ariel Trophy Stall Masters cricket team. I extend heartfelt congratulations to the Ariel Trophy Stall Masters Cricket Team on its outstanding triumph in the New York Softball League Masters Over-40 tournament. The team’s success is a fitting reward for the hard work invested by the players, sponsors and supporters.
“Special appreciation is due to Mr. Ariel Persaud and his company for partnering with Trophy Stall in co-sponsoring the team. I also wish to express sincere gratitude and congratulations to Mr. Samuel Kingston for his leadership of the team. The team’s convincing and well-deserved victory stands as a reward for his leadership and to the collective effort of his players.
“Congratulations once again on a remarkable achievement. May this success serve as a foundation for even greater accomplishments in the years ahead and continue to inspire the growth of Masters cricket. Best wishes and continued success.”
Among the other sponsors were P&P Insurance Brokers, King’s Hotel & Residences, King’s Jewellery World, HD Brokerage Establishment and Khan’s Enterprise.