Regal Masters end Florida Cup preparation with crushing win
Regal Masters will wing out for Florida Cup 2019 full of confidence after winning a specially organised four-team tournament at the Malteenoes Sports Club ground, Thomas Lands, Georgetown last Sunday.
Man-of-the-Match Throy Kippins (left) collects his prize for his hard work
After overcoming Fishermen Masters in the semi-final, thanks to a swashbuckling unbeaten 102 from Eric Thomas, the yellow and green army then disposed of Mike’s Wellman by six wickets in the final to add another title to their collection.
Setting an imposing 157 runs to win from 15 overs, Regal Masters run chase was off to a perfect start with eventual Man-of-the-Match Throy Kippins and Eion Abel racing to 72 in seven overs before the latter was bowled by Greg DeFranca for 28. Kippins who was fourth to be dismissed then added 35 with fellow Berbician Rudolph Baker who clobbered 32 (9 balls; 5×6) and 28 for the third wicket with Samuel Kingston (10). Rawl Reid (2 for 12) almost spoiled the fun for the Florida Cup champions when he accounted for Baker, Kingston and Kippins (40 runs; 2×4; 2×6) in the space of two overs.
When Kippins was spectacularly snapped up by Reid running back to his own bowling at the end of the 13th over, Regal Masters still needed 18 runs to win from 12 balls with two new batsmen at the crease.
However, in the very next over, Mohendra Arjune took Latchman Kallicharran to the cleaners, taking him 21 runs to ease to victory with six wickets in the hut with an over to spare. Arjune finished on 18 not out from five balls (3×4; 1×6) and David Harper was on one not out when the target was reached.
Earlier, attacking right handed opener Lloyd Ruplall played some attractive strokes to get Wellman to a competitive 156 for 4 from their 15 overs. Ruplall who carried his bat for 68 (4×4; 5×6) was supported by opener Greg DeFranca who made 31 (5×4; 1×6) and Eon Lovell with 31 (1×4; 4×6).
All of the bowlers had their work cut out on the small outfield but Arjune snared 2 for 46 and was ably supported by Kippins (1-28) and leg-spinner Tyrone Sanasie (1-29).
The tournament was organised by Wayne Jones who gave Regal Masters much needed match practice ahead of the Florida Cup, which gets underway on Friday April 12 and runs until Sunday April 14 in Fort Lauderdale. It is the 15th edition of the international tournament and more than 30 teams from Canada, Guyana, New York, Florida, Orlando and Minnesota are expected to compete in three categories; All-Stars, Masters Over 40 and Legends Over 50.
Regal Masters are the defending champions of the Masters category and have ended their long period of intense preparation in perfect fashion to head to North America gunning for a title repeat. Along with Regal All-Stars, they are the only teams in the tournament from Guyana.
