Better-Hope were crowned the new champions in the 2023 Ontario Softball Cricket League (OSCL) 10-10 A Division Tournament after pulling off a thrilling four-run win over Caribbean Sensation on Sunday at Ellesmere Ground, Scarborough, Ontario, Canada.
In the process, Better-Hope dethroned Mercenary, beating them also in the lone semi-final that took place Saturday at the same facility.
In the gripping final, Better-Hope took first strike at the invitation of Caribbean Sensation and rallied along to a competitive 61-6 from the 10 overs.
Caribbean Sensation responded with 57-9 and their 10 overs ran out. Only Anil Ramoutar offered a fight with 14 as Nick Sarwan grabbed 3-9 from his maximum two overs.
Skipper Sunil Ramkissoon, veteran Avinash Singh and Rakesh Ramoutar supported with one wicket each.
The victorious Better-Hope team strike a pose after the final encounter
When Better-Hope batted, Reyaz Prahalad top-scored with 20, an innings laced with two fours and he got some support from former Guyana youth cricketer Harrienarine Chattergoon, who made 14. Richard Driffield captured 2-3 (02). Sarwan was named Player of the Match for his outstanding bowling performance.
Meanwhile, in the semi-final showdown, Avinash Singh churned out an excellent bowling display to pilot Better-Hope into the final.
The Canada-based Guyanese Singh snapped up 3-9 from his two overs to help bowl out Mercenary for an inadequate 48 in the ninth over while Better-Hope responded with 52-2 in the 5th over.
The tournament was played in memory of Vish Jadunauth, who was a long-serving and dedicated executive of the OSCL. The Guyanese Jadunauth met his demise in early 2022 due to illness. Trophies were sponsored by Norman Sue Bakery.
Leguan Warriors claimed the B Division trophy, having defeated Ramblers Cricket Club by 80 runs.
