With an eye on the fast-approaching New York Independence Softball Cup tournament, Regal Masters whipped Albion Masters by 9 wickets with 50 balls to spare on Sunday at the Everest Cricket Club ground.
This is the latest development in the Ink Plus, Crown Mining Enterprise and Elegance Jewellery Softball Tournament which has been organised by the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc (GSCL Inc).
The outfield was wet because of early morning showers, and this made batting and fielding more challenging, but the teams still served up a good contest.
The Berbicians had first knock, but faced with tough bowling from Regal Masters and attrition from the heavy outfield, they managed to score only 85 for 3 from their 20 overs with the white ball. Rickey Deonarain, who batted for most of the Albion Masters innings, top scored with a patient 35 (2×4; 1×6), while skipper John Sumair contributed 24 (1×4).
Regal Masters opener Mahesh Chunilall on the go against Albion Masters on Sunday at Everest (Photo courtesy of Freelancer Media)
Opposing captain Mahendra Hardyal, architect of the initial breakthrough, was economical, conceding only 10 runs from his four overs, while Troy Kippins (1/14) and Parsram “Pacer” Persaud (1/15) were also among the wickets.
Regal openers Mahesh Chunilall and Eon Abel then went to work on the soggy wicket, and put on 60 runs in just over eight overs to take the wind out of the sails of the Albion Masters. The lone casualty in an otherwise well composed run-chase was Abel, who missed a full ball from Sahadeo Kissoon and was bowled after posting 19 (2×4); but by then the writing was on the wall for the Berbicians.
Chunilall and Fazleen Mohamed then saw the city side to their target of 86 runs, scored in 11.4 overs for the loss of only 1 wicket and with lots of time to spare.
Regal Masters have now extended their winning streak to five games after an opening round upset. Mohamed hit a six in his cameo of 17, while Chunilall finished on 43 (4×4; 1×6). Kissoon, who bowled his four overs on the trot, ended with 1/12.
In an invited comment after the game, Hardyal said, “We [Regal Masters] are happy for the little practice, and with the winning momentum in the tournament as we head to New York. The conditions prevented a much better game, but we are still thankful that Albion came down.”
The New York Independence Cup takes place in Queens, New York from June 29 to July 1, and Regal Masters and Regal All-Stars will be looking to recapture the coveted ‘double’ again this year. In their quest for supremacy, the teams have so far received support from the National Sports Commission, Fly Jamaica Airways, Ink Plus, and Regal Stationery and Computer Centre.
