KPL Fundraiser off to a fast start

Samuel Kingston, through the Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL) have organized a tournament to raise funds for a surgery to be done on his right eye after he was hit while playing a game last November at the Gandhi Youth Organization ground. The tournament which is called the KPL fundraiser was off to a rapid start after some impressive team and individual performances were recorded.
In the Masters’ category, played at the Everest Cricket Club, Savage Masters were very savage when they beat Success by 95 runs. Unis Yusuf led the way with an attacking century after Savage batted first. The hard hitting opener clubbed 18 sixes and two fours in scoring 136 of his team’s 245 for 8 from their 20 overs and was supported by Navindra Pooran with 49. In reply, Success were restricted to 150 for 9 with Hakim Mohamed stroking 27 and Rudy Martin 19 as Imtiaz Mohamed collected 2-22.
In their next game, Savage Masters could not replicate their performance and were beaten by Ariel Masters by 51 runs. Taking first strike, Ariel got to 175/6 form their 20 overs with Captain, Mohamed “Stiffy” Rafeek stroking the top score of 42 and was supported by Richard Persaud with 30, Dennis Mangru (24) and Peter Persaud (20). Ramo Malone picked up three wickets. In reply, Savage batting failed to click and they were restricted to 124-8 with Malone scoring 25 and Patrick Khan 22. The ever green Peter Persaud proved unplayable picking up 5-9 from 2.5 overs.
Parika Defenders then turned the tables on Ariel with a six-wicket drubbing. Ariel batted first and made an inadequate 117 in 19.2 overs with Mohamed Rafeek once again among the runs with an attractive 30. Fazal Ali supported with 17 but it was the bowling of R. Narine with three wickets that stole the spotlight for Parika Defenders who replied with 118-4 in 18 overs. Rudolph Pereira struck 49 not out and D. Singh 29.
Regal Masters were the only team to maintain a 100 percent record with two victories in as many matches. The Campbellville-based side first brushed aside Mike’s Wellman by 78 runs then thumped Success Masters by six wickets.
Against Mike’s Wellman, Regal Masters batted first and chalked up 191/7 with Rudolph Baker blasting an even half century, Eric Thomas making 44 and Raymond Harper 31. Eon Lovell picked up two wickets. In their turn at the crease, Mike’s Wellman were bowled out for 113 in 18.4 overs in response. Greg De Franca, Wayne Jones and Lovell made 23 runs each as Laurie “Tony” Singh and Mahendra Arjune snatched three scalps apiece while Mahendra Hardyal had two.

In their afternoon match in cool conditions, Success took first strike and were sent packing for just 61 in 14.1 overs with Rafman Ali and Mark Fung getting 21 and 19 respectively. David Harper and Ricky Persaud each claimed 3-6. Regal then knocked off the target in 8.1 overs with Mahendra Arjune scoring 27.
Mike’s Wellman will then rebound to beat Parika Amazon by a close margin of 13 runs. Mike’s Wellman made 110 all out in 17 overs, taking first strike. B. Dindyal and Wayne Jones made 22 -and 19 runs respectively against Devanand Kanan and Raghundan Narine who snared three wickets each and Rudolph Pereira who picked up two.
Parika- Amazon were then bowled out for 97 in 17.5 overs in reply. Beesham Singh made 23 as Motilall Chumandatt captured 4-15 from there overs, while Jagdesh Persaud and Latchman Kallicharran had two apiece.
In the Open category which was contested at the Carifesta Sports Complex, Farm XI and Regal All-Stars registered victories while De Hoop and Regal All-Stars played to a dramatic low-scoring tie. Success XI was unfortunate to lose both of their games.
Farm XI were out of the blocks early with a seven-wicket whipping of Success XI. Batting first Success managed 121-8 in 12 overs to which Farm replied with 123-3 in 10.3 overs. Rawl Reid cracked 59 and Sachin Ramsarran 37 for Farm XI.
Farm XI also defeated Mahaica by eight wickets. Mahaica were bowled out for 147, batting first and Farm responded with 148-2 in 11.5 overs. Nandshaam Boodhoo stroked 64, while Sachin Ramsarran scored 52 and Rawl Reid 22.
De Hoop held their nerves to pull off a stunning tie over power house, Regal All Stars. De Hoop batted first and made 94-8 in 12 overs. Regal All-Stars were on course at one stage and eventually collapsed to be bowled out for 94 in reply. Vishnu Tannechandra scored 23 and Safraz Esau 16.
In Regal All-Stars other game, they beat Success by six wickets. Success mustered 137-4 in 15 overs, taking first knock. D. Deosarran and S. Deosarran scored 36 and 34 respectively; Kelvin Orford had 2-34. Regal All Stars made 139-4 in 15 overs in reply. Marvin Bobb led with 58, while Martin Dutchin got 36 and Timur Mohamed 18. The tournament continues this weekend. Meanwhile, kind-hearted persons are urged to contribute to Kingston’s operation which may be done through Republic Bank account number 1019355 at Republic Bank or may call 619-5103.