On the opening day the annual Republic Cup at the Malteenoes Sports Club ground on Saturday, Ariel Masters and Success Masters beat their respective semifinal opponents to set up today’s final showdown in the Over-40 Category.
In semifinal one, Ariel Masters beat Amazon Masters by six wickets in a low scoring affair. Amazon Masters had first strike but were never allowed to get away and were bowled out in the 17th over for 79. Ariel Masters were lead by Dharam Persaud (3/15) and Peter Persaud (3/25) while Rajunandan Narine stood tall for 36.
In reply, Mohammed Rafeek made 25 as Ariel Masters used 16.4 of their 20 overs to reach the required 80 for the loss of just four wickets. Arjune de Roop was on target with 3 for 26 but lacked the support at the other end.
Ariel Masters will now meet Success Masters who beat HS Masters by 16 runs in the second semifinal.
Part of the heated battle between HS Masters and Success Masters at the Malteenoes Sports Club ground on Saturday
Success batted first and got to 136 before bowling out HS Masters for 120 in the match that was swinging from side to side.
The Over-40 final will be the curtain raiser today at the same venue champions will be crowned.
The second final which is expected to begin at 12:00h, brings together Regal Masters and Mike’s Wellman for the Over-45 title. This matchup has been deemed a heavy weight clash judging from the caliber of players in both line-ups.
Wellman will no doubt look to Wayne Jones, Lloyd Ruplall, Lakeram “Mike” Singh, Jagdish Persaud, Vivekanand Dinesh and Basil Persaud to get them over the line while the well-oiled Regal Masters who will begin as favourites will depend on the inform Mahesh Chunilall, David Harper, Rudolph Baker, Mahendra Hardyal, Mohendra Arjune, Throy Kippins, Laurie Singh and Eric Thomas to take them to another title.
The final showdown of the day will see a ding dong grudge match between East Coast of Demerara champions, Success All Stars and Georgetown’s best Regal All Stars in the Open final from 15:00h. Both teams are gunning for glory which makes the contest too close to call.
The annual Republic Cup is organized by the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc (GSCL Inc) and this year the tournament is being used as valuable practice ahead of the March 16 to 18 Orlando Cup Softball Tournament.
At today’s final, tickets for the annual GSCL Inc’s fund raising Bar-B-Que will be on sale at $1,000 per ticket. The funds raised will assist in sending Regal Masters and Regal All Stars to the Orlando Cup.
