Ariel Masters escape Fishermen Masters’ net to claim softball title
As the curtains came down on the Mike’s Pharmacy 15-over Softball Competition on Sunday, softball fans were able to witness an intense battle in a low-scoring thriller as Ariel Masters defeated Fishermen’s Masters at the Malteenoes Sports Club.
Richard Persaud scored an important 46 to lead Ariel Masters to victory
Playing in their semi-final matchup, Ariel Masters batted first against Success Masters and posted a commanding 186-5 in their allotted 15 overs as opener Mohamed Rafeek made a blistering 110 not out, which included seven fours and eight sixes to lead the innings.
Supporting him was Manoj Arjune, who chipped in with 22. Needing 187 for victory, Success Masters came very close to the target as they threatened Ariel. Despite Vijay Baljit’s 38 and Sachin Singh’s 33, Ariel were able to restrict them to 172-7. Arjune captured 2-15 and Robert Comacho 2-20, securing Ariel a spot in the final.
As for Fishermen Masters, they were set to battle the in-form Wellman Masters in the other semi-final. Batting first, Fishermen were restricted to 146-8 as Z Asad commanded the innings with a brilliant 44. He was also offered support from Suresh Ramdin, who scored 30 runs and D Thomas, who chipped in 17 despite Wayne Jones’ 4-28.
Fishermen were then able to restrict Wellman Masters for 136-6 even though the in-form Jones scored 68. With that win, Fishermen secured the other final slot.
Ariel and Fishermen were now set to face each other, with the latter taking first strike to accumulate a modest 127-7.
Scoring for Fishermen were Suresh Ramdin, who made 39; Pooran Singh, 36, and Sachin Singh, 20. The pick of the bowlers for Ariel were Comacho who claimed 3-18, Hanoman Singh, 2-18 and Arjune 2-21.
With such a small total on the board, Ariel easily chased the total down in 14.2 overs with 3 balls to spare to end on 129-5.
Taking Ariel Masters over the line were Richard Persaud, who struck three fours and three sixes in a top score of 46, while Troy Lewis made 30 and Comacho supported with 25.
As the event came to an end, organiser Wayne Jones congratulated the winning team and gave high praise to the sponsors.
The competition was organised by the Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA).
