Excellent batting from former Guyana National U19 cricketer Eon Hooper — which crowned a fine, all-round performance — helped Grill Masters recover from the precarious position of 64 for 6 in the 5th over and register a score of 175 for 8 in the 14th over, to defeat Regal Stars in the Banks DIH 15/15 Softball Cricket League.
Eon Hooper was adjudged “the man of the match” in the finale
The quarterfinals, semifinals and final were played at the Albion Community Centre ground on Sunday, with the third-place playoff and the finale concluding under lights.
Regal Stars, batting first, made 172 all out in their 15 overs. Top scorers were Omar Tulsie (60) and A Ramrattie (52), who featured in a 103-run partnership for the second wicket.
Bowling for Grill Masters, David Looknauth and Chandrashakar Arjune each took 4 wickets, with Arjune snaring a hat-trick.
Hooper, arrived at the crease with his team tottering at 64-6 in the 5th over, and hammered a classy 58 not out as he and Arjune (14) batted sensibly, ran aggressively, and timed their hitting to take the score to 132 in the 11th over.
Grill Masters were able to register 175-8 in 14 overs, with Looknauth making 27.
Bowling for Regal Stars, K. Munir picked up 2 wickets.
Hooper received the “Man of the Final” award.
The large crowd on hand to witness the proceedings included Banks DIH Banks Beer Brand Manager Brian Choo Hen, Berbice Sales Manager Nandram Basdeo, and Parliamentarian Reynard Ward.
The day’s excitement, which began from as early as 11:00 hrs, ended in the wee hours of Monday morning.
Choo Hen, Basdeo, and other officials met the teams before the start of the final. They thanked the teams for participating in the tourney, congratulated the winners, and wished the other teams better luck next time.
They also assured that the tournament would continue next year, and that it was all part of the Banks corporate responsibility of giving back to the community.
The spectators were told how much the company appreciated their participation, and the organisers and GuySuCo were thanked for allowing the use of their venues.
Everyone was encouraged to continue supporting Banks DIH products.
In a third-place play-off, Chase XI defeated Young Strikers by 19 runs. Chase XI made 151-4, with Roy Drakes scoring 65, and M Singh 38.
M De Jonge picked up 3 wickets bowling for Young Strikers as they replied with 132-8, of which K Joseph made 18.
Bowling for Chase XI, K Gangaram took 3 wickets.
In semifinal play, Grill Masters defeated Chase XI by 18 runs, after posting 123. Chase XI were dismissed for 105.
In the other semifinal, Young Strikers made 126-5 as Regal Stars replied with 126-6, winning the game by 4 wickets.
In quarterfinal play, Grill Masters (112-5) defeated Turbo XI (110 all out) by 5 wickets.
Young Strikers (122-9) whipped Port Mourant (68 all out) by 54 runs.
Franchise XI (151 all out) lost to Chase XI (155-5) by 5 wickets.
Regal Stars defeated Betsy Ground United by 4 wickets, after making 121-6 in reply to Betsy Ground United’s 116 all out.
Each team was required to play one female in their XI to make the games more exciting. The best female on show was Dian Naidoo of Grill Masters. The most disciplined team on show was Young Strikers.
An exhibition 6-over game was played between a Davendra Bishoo XI and Scorpion XI, which the Bishoo XI won by 5 wickets.
Over $700,000 in cash, trophies and other incentives were up for grabs during the competition. Grill Masters collected $150,000 and a trophy; Regal Stars collected $100,000 and a trophy; Chase XI collected $75,000 and a trophy; and Young Strikers received $25,000 and a trophy.
The victorious Grill Masters Team
There were special giveaways through the day, with patrons winning Banks DIH caps, pens, keyrings and other souvenirs.
There were also bouncy castles and trampolines, among other activities.
Trophy Stall and Guy Signs were co-sponsors, while the tournament was coordinated by Omeshwar Sirikishun.
