The inaugural Flair Under-21 Tournament delivered excitement, drama, and rising talent on full display at the Malteenoes Sports Club.
After a weekend of action-packed T20 cricket, Forest Fusion emerged as the first-ever champions, producing a string of confident performances before sealing the title with a ruthless victory in the grand final against Emerald Warriors.
In the first game, Blazing Brigade posted 131 all out in 19.4 overs, with Jonathan Van Lange blasting 40 off 22 balls and Rivaldo Phillips adding a rapid 35 from 14 deliveries. Their effort, however, was pegged back by Forest Fusion’s disciplined bowling, led by Micah Amsterdam’s impressive 4-24. Chasing 132, Fusion showed composure as Zeynul Ramsammy anchored the innings with 45 not out. Supported by Anthon Lim (29 off 22) and Rampersaud Ramnauth (22 off 21), Fusion reached 136-5 in 17.5 overs, booking their spot in the grand final with a five-wicket win.
Match Two saw Emerald Warriors delivering a professional performance against Bartica East Bank Warriors. Batting first, they compiled 141-8 from 20 overs, thanks to Nathan Bishop (32 off 29), Deonarine Dindial (30 off 24) and Joshua Bollers (21 off 23). Bartica struggled in reply, dismissed for 97 in 18.3 overs despite Amos Carlos’ spirited 49 off 41 balls. Emmanuel Lewis ripped through the batting order with a sensational 4-11, ensuring the Warriors advanced with a commanding 44-run victory.
The much-anticipated final on September 28 saw Forest Fusion win the toss and elect to bowl first. Their decision paid immediate dividends as Emerald Warriors collapsed to 66 all out in 15.1 overs. Only Yeudistir Persaud managed double figures, top-scoring with 11, while Fusion’s bowlers shared the spoils – Leon Cecil, Jayden Dowlin, Shane Prince, and Afraz Budhu all claiming two wickets apiece.
Fusion’s chase was a formality. Openers Ramnauth (39 not out) and Lim (24) ensured no hiccups, guiding their side to 69-1 in just 8.4 overs. The emphatic nine-wicket victory crowned Forest Fusion the champions of the Flair U21 Tournament’s first edition.
At the award ceremony, umpires Moses Ramnarine and Dharam Singh received tokens of appreciation. Coaches Rawle Merrel (Forest Fusion) and Martin Perstano Belle (Emerald Warriors) were also recognised. Andrew Lim was honoured with the Best Fielder and Flair Super Striker awards. Amsterdam received both the Most Wickets (5) and Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards. Ramnauth walked away with the Most Runs (61) and the Man-of-the Match award. Bishop won the emerging player award.
The Flair U21 organisers gratefully acknowledged its sponsors for their generous support. The valued sponsors include: Ciarra’s B Rentals Enterprise; BusBox Investment Inc; S Jagmohan Construction & General Supplies Inc; Anil Beharry; S & A General Investment & Construction; SS Green King (Steam Cleaning Services); Kefa Naughton Contracting Services; Crescendo (Construction, Logistics & Procurement Services); Parks Logistics, Plumbing & Electrical Services; Vanguard Construct; Quality Deliverer; 4R Bearings; C Rimple Bats Repair Shop; Exotic Printz; Shondel’s Fresh Produce; One Movement Heat Transfer Shop and ANSA McAL Distribution Inc. Their support is instrumental in nurturing young talent.
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