NYSCL/Independence Cup 2018
– set up final clash with Better Hope
Regal Masters turned the tables on rivals Floodlights Masters to advance to the final of the 12th annual New York Softball Cricket League (NYSCL) Independence Cup in New York on Saturday.
In the final preliminary round match in the Masters Over-45, the 2017 champions Floodlights stunned Regal Masters in a low-scoring encounter at the Canarsie Park in Brooklyn.
When the draw for the semi-finals was done, it turned out that the Guyana-based sides would go head to head for a crack at the title today. Regal Masters were sent in and got excellent contributions from their top order to put up 213 for 3 from their 20 overs. The new opening pair of Mahesh Chunilall and Throy Kippins put on 115 that laid the foundation for the massive total.
Chunilall’s good form continued, but he was the first to go for 34 (30 balls; 2×4, 2×6) in the 12th over bowled by Unis Yusuf (1-15). Eion Abel (08) followed shortly after, making the score 126-2. Kippins played some exciting strokes, but at 128 was run out for 70, after hitting nine fours and three sixes from 42 balls.
In the 15th over, Rudolph Baker and Eric Thomas joined forces and took the score to 213 for the same three wickets. Baker ended on 44 not out (26 balls; 5×6, 1×4) and Thomas, 31 not out (16 balls; 3×6, 2×4) in an unbroken 85-run partnership.
In reply, the defending champions lost wickets at regular intervals with only opener Unis Yusuf showing resolve and hanging around for 41. At the halfway stage of the run chase, Floodlights were above the required run rate at 109 for 6, with only 105 required but with just four wickets in hand.
Regal Masters, who were sloppy in the field in the group stage, held their catches, and Floodlights were restricted to 176 for 8, falling 37 runs short and bowing out of the tournament. Skipper Ramo Malone batted at number 8 and tried desperately for 31 (14 balls; 3×6, 2×4), but the odds were heavily stacked against him and his side.
Pacer David Harper was the pick of the Regal bowlers with 3-28, and was backed up by Fazleen Mohamed with 2-21, Kippins 2-55 and Laurie Singh, who was very economical with 1-19 from four overs.
Regal Masters will meet Better Hope Masters at 10:00h today at the Roy Wilkins Park in Queens. Better Hope edged NYSCL Masters by three wickets off the last ball chasing 129.
In the final of the Open Category, SVC All-Stars will meet NYSCL All-Stars at the same venue from 14:00h.
