In perfect conditions for cricket, Albion Masters of Berbice defeated softball powerhouse, ‘Floodlights’ Masters in a friendly T20 match by 7 wickets with 15 balls to spare at the DCC ground, Queenstown on Saturday night.
The host, more known for their exploits on the softball arena, won the toss and took first strike with opening pair of Ricky Deonarain and Ramo Malone racing to 37 in four overs before they lost Malone for 20. It turned out to be the
Rajin Moonsammy, captain of the winners collects the trophy from Rakesh Arjune (2nd from right) of GFSCA
breakthrough Albion Masters wanted as they took control from there onwards.
Inter-county under-15 player, Aaron Beharry and Deonarain then put on 33 runs for the second wicket before Beharry went for 7 followed by Deonarain for a well-played 39. The innings went into further decline as former national senior all-rounder Hubern Evans and Powan Baldeo made scoring very difficult.
The Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) ‘Floodlights’ Masters lost three quick wickets before former Berbice all-rounder Anil Beharry came to the rescue with a rapid unbeaten 38 off 15 balls (4×6; 2×4) before the innings closed at 130 for 6 off 20 overs. Evans took 3 for 28 off 4 overs.
Albion Masters in reply, lost Subramani Mangali without scoring before Khemraj Sumair and Baldeo put on a fine second wicket partnership of 63. Sumair who enjoyed a charmed life, went for 31 bowled by Dharam Persaud. Baldeo went for 38 but Imran Hussain contributed a rapid unbeaten 35 to see his team to victory. Persaud ended with 2 for 29. Baldeo was adjudged the Man of the Match.
At the presentation, captain Rajin Moonsammy thanked Floodlights Masters for the invitation and promised to host the next encounter. Speaking on behalf of the host, Deonarain congratulated the winners and expressed gratitude to them for travelling all the way from Berbice. He also said that his team is looking forward for the return match.
