Guyana Times article.

Georgetown, Guyana - Participating teams of Guyana Softball Cup 4 will this evening be made aware on the tournament’s playing conditions during a team briefing session at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) Members Pavillion, commencing at 17:00 hours.

The three-day competition will bowl off on Friday and end on Sunday, however, this evening’s function is the teams’ final opportunity to clarify whatever misconceptions may exist with regards to the rules and regulations governing the tournament.

As was done during the first three years, team representatives will be equipped with the tournament booklet which clearly outlines the format of the competition, fixtures and prize money.

Vice-president of the organising body, the Guyana Floodlight Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA), Ricky Deonarain, said all systems are in place for a successful tournament, and he is enthused by what is in store for over the weekend.

Over the coming days, a total of 24 teams from Guyana and North America will do battle in two categories, the Men’s Open and the Masters.

The champion team in the Men’s Open is guaranteed a whopping $800,000 first prize and a huge trophy, while the losing finalist will have to settle for $200,000 and a trophy. In the Masters’ division, the winning team will pocket $600,000 with the runner-up assured of $150,000. The Man-of-the-Match in both finals will receive a trophy.

As has been the case in the past, the Most Valuable Player of each category will become the proud owner of a softball bracelet, made of gold and diamond studs, compliments of Steve’s Jewellery. On the day of the final, apart from the trip to Aruba, there will be lots of hampers and giveaways for spectators.

Two dozen teams will compete in this year’s event, with 12 from Guyana, seven from New York, three from Florida and two from Canada. During the three-day championship, there will be a total of 36 preliminary games, followed by four semi-finals and two finals.

Trophy Stall and New York Better are the defending champions of the Open and Masters categories respectively, while the previous champions were NYSCL New York (Open) and Savage Masters in 2012 and Cotton Field Wild Oats (Open) and Regal Seniors (Masters) in 2011.

According to information emanating from the GFSCA, this year’s tournament has an estimated budget of around $10 million.

First Published In The Guyana Times.

Kaieteur News article.

Georgetown, Guyana - A fine all-round performance by Trevor Benn guided Guyana Police Force (GPF) to a 16-run victory over Guyana Fire Service (GFS) in the final of the Joint Services T20 competition yesterday at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary.

Benn stroked 54 before returning with the ball to capture 4-43 from four overs to help restrict Fire Service to 144-8 in reply to Police’s 160-9, thus earning the man-of-the-match award. Police lost the early wicket of Troy Benn (02) lbw to Royston Simon with the score on 15 after they were inserted.

They continued to lose wickets at regular intervals before Benn and Kelvin Leitch resurrected the innings with a 91-run eight wicket stand, taking advantage of some wayward bowling and sloppy fielding.

Benn slammed three fours and a similar number of sixes while Leitch scored 37 with three fours and two maximums. Brentnol Woolford was their next best batsman with 16 as medium pacer Greyson Paul captured 3-12 from four overs and Sheldon Phillips 2-19 off four.

Left arm pacer Randolph Knights made early inroads into the GFS batting by bowling Sherwin Neblette (04) and having Devon Hart (06) caught leaving the score at 14-2. Fire Service lost a few more quick wickets before Stephon Adams (19) and Quacy Mentore (07) attempted to repair the damage with a fifth wicket stand of 27.

Adams and Malcolm Morris who top scored with 21 then featured in a sixth wicket stand of 26, before Benn ended their resistance by trapping Adams lbw and had Morris taken in the deep. Sheldon Phillips struck one four and two sixes in scoring 20 towards the end of the innings. Knights finished with 3-14 and Leitch 2-12.

First Published By Kaieteur News.

Guyana Chronicle article.

Georgetown, Guyana - After several months of planning with careful consideration being given to last year’s hiccups, the Competitions Committee within the Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) has done it again, bringing to softball-loving fans in Guyana, the ‘Guyana Softball Cup 4’ which bowls off at various venues in Georgetown this morning.

The activities commence with 26 matches today, progressing with 13 more inclusive of four semifinals tomorrow, followed by the playing of the finals on Sunday, which will be preceded by three exhibition matches involving four female teams.

All in all, 45 matches will be contested over the next three days inclusive of today, at the end of which the Open champion will attract a top cash prize of $1M and a trophy while the Masters winners will pocket $600 000 and a trophy.

Several business entities have thrown lucrative support into this tournament over the years and continue to do so this time around, with RUBiS (Guyana) Limited being the latest entity to add its name to the list, with its presentation yesterday morning.

Some of the grounds which will be hosting matches in this tournament which has teams competing for supremacy out of Canada and United States of America are: Police Sports Club, Everest Cricket Club, Georgetown Cricket Club, Gandhi Youth Organisation, Muslim Youth Organisation and Demerara Cricket Club (DCC).

The finals will be hosted at DCC, with whom the GFSCA had partnered early in the year to install six pillion posts with floodlights, while matches will also be contested at the Malteenoes Sports Club and Ogle grounds.

The runners-up in the Open category will receive $150 000 and a trophy, while the player-of-the-match in the final receives one trophy and the man-of-the-series for both the Masters and Open categories will be recipient of a diamond-studded gold bracelet compliments of Steve’s Jewellery.

Spectators attending Sunday’s final will not be left out, as two return tickets to Aruba, with the kind compliments of Survival Travel Agency, along with hampers and other giveaways will be up for grabs, hence patrons are asked to retain their ticket stubs to improve their chances of winning prizes.

Organisers also intimated that monies accrued thus far have been plugged into developmental works at the DCC ground, Queenstown, including the installation of the light towers mentioned before, a project they claim is 90% completed.

The defending champions in the Masters category are New York Better Hope while inaugural Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company nationwide 10/10 champions Trophy Stall are the Open champions, with both teams defeating Industry Super Kings and Wolf Warriors in their respective 2013 finals.

First Published In The Guyana Chronicle.

Guyana Chronicle article.

Georgetown, Guyana - Skipper Vishaul ‘Cheesy’ Singh led from the front with a resilient century, which together with half-centuries from Steven Jacobs and Shimron Hetmyer guided Singh’s XI to a two-wicket victory over Johnson’s XI in the first four-day practice match organised by Cricket Guyana Inc.

Needing to score 334 to chalk up a come-from-behind win, with 305 of those runs needed on the final day, Singh’s XI reached 336 for 8 off 98.5 overs, thanks to 109 from Singh, 68 from Jacobs and an even 50 from Hetmyer, while Veerasammy Permaul took 6 for 133.

Scores from the contest, Johnson’s XI 240 and 287 for 8 decl’d; Singh’s XI 196 and 336 for 8.

Singh’s XI resumed the day on 29 without loss, with Tagenarine Chanderpaul on 13 and Kandasammy Surujnarine 15 and quickly lost the former who was bowled by Permaul in the third over of the day at 30 for 1 without any addition to his overnight score.

It should have been 30 for 2, had Robin Bacchus held a chance from Hetmyer at forward short leg, two balls after the younger Chanderpaul was dismissed, to which the left-handed batsman said thanks by hitting both Keon Joseph and Paul Wintz for boundaries.

At the other end, a positive-looking Surujnarine showed intent and purpose with a straight drive for four past Joseph, before he was run-out by Trevon Griffith, looking for a second single after turning Permaul to deep midwicket for 35 (63 balls, 4×4) at 62 for 2.

Singh strode to the wicket on a pair and, having opened his account with a four off Permaul, watched as Hetmyer hit the same bowler for six over long on, as he posted his half-century off 50 balls with five fours and one six.

Reckless shot selections have been the downfall of Hetmyer and yesterday was no different, when he spooned a catch to Christopher Barnwell at short midwicket off Permaul, three balls after posting his half-century at 115 for 3 – their score at lunch which was taken with Singh on 10 and Royston Crandon yet to score.

After the interval, Singh saw the demise of Crandon (3) and Ricardo Adams (7), leaving his side on 129 for 5 as Jacobs made his way to the wicket, following which the duo added 152 for the sixth wicket that virtually swung the match in their side’s favour.

They took the score to 179 for 5 at tea and after the break, Singh first posted his 50 from 160 balls with five fours and six off Permaul, while Jacobs, who was later given a life by Permaul at mid-on off Keon Joseph who encountered no-ball problems, got his off 102 balls with seven fours.

They drove with authority at anything loose outside the off-stump from the Johnson’s XI bowlers, with Jacobs hitting Jonathan Foo for four in the first over after tea and Singh following suit with two fours in the bowler’s next over, as he conceded 18 runs to the victory without much of a fuss.

Jacobs went at 281 for 6, caught ay deep backward squareleg by Bacchus off Permaul for a well-constructed 68 that included 9 fours scored off 121 balls, shortly after which Singh got to his 100 and the lone one of the contest, having faced 234 balls, hitting 10 fours and one six at 306 for 6.

He departed shortly after for 109, caught by Gudakesh Motie-Kanhai at long on off Permaul with the score at 329 for 8, after seeing the demise of Kemo Paul for 14, but Jason Sinclair who was unbeaten on 13, finished the game with a crisp four off Narsingh Deonarine, having at the other end Amir Khan who was on 2.

The second and final practice match will be contested at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, from Tuesday November 4 at which time Barbados’ Raymond Reifer the lone foreigner in the Guyana Jaguars lineup, would have arrived and conducted his fitness test et al.

First Published In The Guyana Chronicle.

Guyana Times article.

Georgetown, Guyana - Rubis Guyana, on Thursday confirmed its partnership with organisers of the Guyana Softball Cup 4, presenting its sponsorship package to representatives of the Guyana Floodlight Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA).

At a simple function at its Bel Air location, Retail Accounts Executive, Rhonda Johnson, handed over the entity’s contribution to the tournament to president of the GFSCA, Ramchand Ragbeer, under the TOTAL brand.

Johnson said Rubis Guyana is pleased to once again align itself with the country’s premier softball tournament, nothing that her establishment is looking forward to three days of competitive cricket, starting today.

Ragbeer said the GFSCA welcomes the kind gesture by corporate Guyana, adding that a tournament of the magnitude of Guyana Softball Cup requires the support of sponsors. He said Rubis Guyana is one of many businesses that have thrown their weight behind this year’s competition.

Guyana Softball Cup 4 will bowl off today and conclude on Sunday, with rivalry in the Men’s Open and Masters. A total of 24 teams from Guyana and North America are set to compete for lucrative prizes.

First Published In The Guyana Times.

Kaieteur News article.

Georgetown, Guyana - Devonshire Castle defeated Charity by seven wickets to capture the R & D Engineering Service T20 title on Sunday last at Walton Hall ground in North Essequibo. Charity batted first and scored 144-9 in 20 overs.

Wayne Fernandes led with 45, Terrence Tulsieram 25 and Keisho Rooplall 20. Manoj Lall captured 4-22 from four overs and Ramesh Narine 2-24. Devonshire Castle replied with 146-3 in 18 overs.

Anthony Persaud top scored with 56 not out, Basil Persaud 26 and Ovindra Persaud an unbeaten 25. Tulsieram took 2-23. Lall was named man-of-the-match. Devonshire Castle took home a trophy and $60,000 while Charity collected $35,000.

Meanwhile, Walton Hall overcame Ravens by six wickets in the third place playoff. Ravens were bowled out for 90 in 10 overs, batting first. Walton Hall responded with 91-4 in 9.2 overs.

First Published By Kaieteur News.

Kaieteur News article.

Georgetown, Guyana - The Georgetown Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association (GCU&SA) has released the names of the umpires to officiate in this weekend’s Georgetown Cricket Association fixtures.

In the New Building Society (NBS) second division 40-over tournament tomorrow from 10:30hrs, Everest will travel to Guyana Defense Force (GDF) with Leyland Liverpool and Chetram Persaud in charge; Ace Warriors will play Third Class at GNIC under the guidance of Shannon Crawford and Ernest Hinds; University of Guyana (UG) will host Gandhi Youth Organisation (GYO) with Mario Nicholls and Arleigh Rutherford in charge.

On Sunday from 10:30hrs, Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) will journey to GNIC where Crawford and Hinds are in charge; GDF hosts Third Class under the watchful eyes of Chetram Persaud and Nolan Hawke; Malteenoes SC (MSC) will entertain GYO with Joseph Jeffery and Cyril Garnath doing on field duties and UG will be at home to St. Stanislaus with Mario Nicholls and M. Yosef Yisrael in charge.

In the Banks Malta Supreme Under-13 tomorrow, Demerara Cricket Club and Bel Air will face off from 09:30hrs while GCC will match skills with MSC at 13:30hrs at YMCA with Reginald Grant and Heuvel Cunha overseeing the action.

On Sunday at the said venue, Everest will challenge Transport SC from 09:30hrs and GYO will clash with Diplomats from 13:30hrs. Grant and Cunha will officiate in both matches.

First Published By Kaieteur News.

Kaieteur News article.

Georgetown, Guyana - Invaders Masters and New Opportunity Corps (NOC) recorded victories when the Debra Fredericks and Thom Gurdeen T20 cricket competition commenced recently in South Essequibo.

At Johanna Cecelia – Invaders Masters defeated El Dorado by eight wickets. Batting first El Dorado managed 108-8 off their allocation of 20 overs. Tameshwar Deonarine led with 44 and Shannon Jagmohan made 23.

Left arm spinner Beesham Seepersaud snared 3-15; Linden Daniels took 2-21 while Nandkishore Madho and Devanand Madho had one each. Invaders Masters responded with 109-2 in 15 overs. Indar Rampersaud stroked 47 and Daniels 46 not out. The pair added 86 for the second wicket partnership.

At NOC – The home team overcame Aurora Knight Riders by 45 runs. NOC took first strike and posted 156-5 in 20 overs. David Williams scored 36, Triway Wolf 23 and Romario Mohabir 22. Ram Singh claimed 4-24.

Aurora Knight Riders were bowled out for 111 in 19 overs in reply. Anand Maniram cracked 39 and Ganga Beharry 21; Miguel Jones picked up 4-20. The competition continues on Sunday.

First Published By Kaieteur News.

Kaieteur News article.

Georgetown, Guyana - Somnauth Bharratt stroked an unbeaten half century to guide hosts Lusignan to a nine-wicket victory over Cummings Lodge when the East Coast Cricket Committee (ECCC) 40-over tournament continued Sunday last.

Bharratt slammed two fours and four sixes in a top score of 52 and got support from Chaitram Gangadin with 28 (4×4) as Lusignan reached their target of 95 for the loss of one wicket. Earlier, Cummings Lodge were sent packing for 94 in 32.3 overs.

M. Etwaroo scored 25 (2×4) and A. Lall 18. Ferron Kadir picked up 4-24 and Emran Khan 2-17.

First Published By Kaieteur News.

Guyana Chronicle article.

Georgetown, Guyana - Reigning Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company nationwide 10/10 champions Regal XI and Regal Masters chalked up back-to-back victories on yesterday’s opening day of action in this year’s Guyana Floodlight Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) ‘Guyana Softball Cup IV which got under way at several venues in the City.

Playing at the Malteenoes Sports Club ground in sweltering heat yesterday morning, Regal XI disposed of a game New York All Star lineup, before journeying over to Police Sports Club ground where they recorded a nail-biting two-wicket victory over South Florida.

At the Muslim Youth Organisation ground where they played both of their matches, Regal Masters easily defeated East Coast Masters and Brooklyn Queen’s Legends, despite Jagdesh Persaud hitting an even century for the former.

At MYO, Regal Masters won the toss and asked East Coast Masters to take first strike, following which they scored 164 for 4 off their 20 overs, with Jagdesh Persaud topscoring with his even 100 (10×6, 6×4) and received support from Fallim Mohammed who made 25 (2×4).

Raymond Harper took 2 for 21 for Regal Masters who scored 165 for 3 off 16.1 overs in reply with Eon Abel hitting an unbeaten 55 (4×6, 2×4), 35 not out from Jagdesh Bhoj with two sixes and a similar number of fours as they added 95 for the fourth wicket, while Harper contributed 20 and Persaud took 2 for 16.

In their second match of the day at the same venue, Regal Masters again won the toss and asked Brooklyn Queen’s Legends to bat first but were limited to 115 for 8, with G. Sukhai 20 and R. Seenarine 18 leading their batting.

Clyde Butts took 2 for 7 for Regal Masters, who in reply scored 121 for 3 off 12.3 overs, led by an unbeaten 60 (6×4, 4×6) from Rudolph Barker and 25 (2×4, 1×6) from Abel, as the Brooklyn Queen’s Legends team suffered their second defeat of the day.

At MSC, New York All Stars batted first and were bowled out for 119, despite Wasim Haslim hitting five fours in his 27, while Anil Moonsammy 19 (2×6) and Nigel Greaves 16 offered support even as Fazal Rafiek took 4 for 14 and Suresh Budhu 2 for 38 for Regal XI.

In their turn at the wicket, Regal XI reached 120 for 3 off 17.2 overs, led by an unbeaten 38 from Chien Gittens and 32 not out from Sachin Singh, with both batsmen hitting four fours each, even as Bhola Prashad took 2 for 21 in a desperate effort for New York All Stars.

In their second game of the day which was contested at PSC on pitch number 3, Regal XI bowled out South Florida for 94 in 18.4 overs with only Anand Rooplall 16 (2×6) and Ramnarine Chattergoon 11 reaching double figures while extras contributed 37 to the visitors’ total.

Budhu took 3 for 8, Richard Latiff took 3 for 27 and Delroy Pereira 2 for 8 for Regal XI, who in their turn at the wicket struggled to 99 for 8 off 18.2 overs, with Latiff topscoring with 31 (2×4) while Rafiek and Safraz Esau both made 11, against the bowling of Dayanand Singh (2 for 19).

In their first match of the day that was played at the same venue, South Florida coasted past Parika Defenders with ease, bowling out their opponents for 93 in 18.1 overs and replying with 97 for 3 off 12.2 overs, thanks to Harrinarine Chattergoon’s 38 (4×4, 1×6) and 24 not out from Shailendra Ramnauth.

On pitch number one, Farm XI batted first against Petama Enterprise who bowled them out for 117 in 16.5 overs despite Lennox Marks’ 42 (4×6, 2×4) and 14 from Patrick Khan, who added 60 for the third wicket from six overs.

Nandshyaam Boodhoo took 4 for 13, Ian Ivan 2 for 20 and Narine Raghunandan 2 for 27 for Petama Enterprise, who, in reply, scored 118 for 8 off 18.5 overs, thanks to Mohammed Khan Zamal (29) and an unbeaten 24 from Safraz Ally, while Vivian DaSilva (3 for 14), Avenash Sukdeo (3 for 30) and Shafeek Ishmael 92 for 20) kept things tight for Farm XI.

On pitch number two, Karibee Boyz batted first against Cotton Field Wild Oats and scored an imposing 174 for 8 with J. Mohammed 60 (5×4, 3×6), Lalbachan Veerasammy 34 (4×6) and D. Harrilall 20 leading the batting.

R. Parsram and Ganesh Mangal took 2 wickets each for Cotton Field Wild Oats, who were restricted to 161 for 9 off their 20 overs, with Shanz Grovesnor 43 (3×4, 2×6) and Mangal 20 (2×6, 1×4) leading their batting even as Veerasammy took 4 for 19 and Latchman Balgobin 3 for 44 to hand Karibee Boyz the win by 13 runs.

First Published In The Guyana Chronicle.

Guyana Times article.

Georgetown, Guyana - Betsy Ground Triple Star registered a huge win over Reliance Young Strikers and based on a better run rate advanced to the play-offs in the Berbice Cricket Board sponsored New Building Society second division 40-over cricket competition, ahead of Young Restless of Zone F (East Canje).

Number 55 May Flower won their final Zone M (Upper Corentyne – North) preliminary game totop of that zone and also advanced to the play-offs.

See below summarized scores from the matches played recently:

At Goed Bananen Land, Betsy Ground Triple Star beat Reliance Young Strikers by 237runs.

Betsy Ground Triple Star 387-7 in 40. (Wahmeshwar Sobhai 104, Samuel Sanicharra 86, Krishan Sobhai 76, Lawrence Bassant 47). Reliance Young Strikers 150 in 25.1 overs. (Mark Persaud 71, Devendra Ramoutar 3-22, Outram Emandin 3-31, Keshwar Dipoo 3-37).

At Number 47, Number 55 May Flower beat Number 47 Pioneer by 151 runs. Number 55 May Flower 219-7 in 30 overs. (Mahadeo Anand 89, Prasheed Rahamatally 35, Totaram Persaud 3- 28). Number 47 Pioneer 68 in 10.1 overs. (Oudal Budhram 5- 32, Tenarine Deonarine 3-12, Mahadeo Anand 2-24).

 At Kendall’s Union, Courtland All Star beat Seawell by 44 runs. Courtland All Star 160 in 26.1 overs. Seawell 116 in 26.3 overs. (Travis Willaims 6-8, John Percival 2-19).

 At Hopetown, Hopetown United beat Bush Lot United by 69 runs. Hopetown United 205 for 8 in 35 overs. (Travlon Jhingree 47, Dellon Wayne 45, Javed Saywack 3-33). Bush Lot United 136 in 32.3 overs. (Dellon Joseph 36, Quacy Josehp 4-6, Kelvin Bennette 2-27).

 At Number 72, Springlands beat Number 72 Cut and Load by five wickets. Number 72 Cut and Load 126 in 33 overs. (Akram Khan 44, Rameshwar Persaud 33, Michael Kendall 3-32, George Mc Calman 2-12). Springlands 129 for 5 in 16 overs. (Trishan Ramdass 32, Kader Ajib 2-19, Michael Singh 2-39).

At Belvedere, Albion Community Centre beat Belvedere United at by nine wickets. Belvedere United 82 in 19.2 overs. (Kevendra Persaud 4-24, Balchand Baldeo 3-21, Asif Ally 2-6).

Albion Community Centre 84-1 in 14 overs. (Balchand Baldeo 31, Adrian Sukhwa 29 not out).

First Published In The Guyana Times.

Guyana Times article.

Georgetown, Guyana - Young Warriors having played unbeaten through the preliminary stage in the competition so far will start with a psychological advantage when the two teams clash in the semi-final of the Carib Beer T20 first division cricket competition on Sunday at the Port Mourant ground.

Their batting will be spearheaded by the prolific Young West Indies and senior national opener Shimron Hetmyer. Only last Saturday he tore apart the Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets bowling attack with a 33 ball 73.

He will get support from his brother, Seon Hetmyer, a former national youth batsman and current Berbice player, Wahied Edwards, Kevin Ramdeen, Ishwar Singh, Linden Austin, former national T20 star Imran Khan and Vishal Mohabir.

In the bowling department, they boast four spinners who have done the damage in the competition so far in former Berbice cricketer Balram Samaroo, Ramdeen, Austin and Kassim Khan. The pace attack will be in the hands of Suresh Dhanai, Vishal Mohabir and Devendra Ramoutar.

On the other hand, Universal Solutions Bermine is on a roll with three consecutive victories thanks mainly to their formidable bowling attack.

Their fiery pace attack will consist of Canada and former Guyana player Jeremy Gordon with support from Romario Shepherd and Niall Smith who represented Berbice and Guyana at the under-19 level respectively, this year.

The off spin quartet will be Berbice cricketer Stephen Latcha, Devon Clements, former youth allrounder Joemal LaFleur and the underestimated Kevin Pellew.

Anthony D’Andrade and Eugene LaFleur as well as Demerara batsman Shemroy Barrington are all ineligible to play.

However, Essequibo opener Kevon Boodie and former Demerara allrounder Damien Vantull will return to join former Guyana under 15 batsman Leon Williams, Clements, Shepherd and Joemal LaFleur to bolster the batting line up.

Albion Community Center has already gone through to the final and will clash with the winner of this semi final next weekend.

The umpires for Sunday clash are Omadat Samaroo and Moses Ramphal.

First Published In The Guyana Times.

Kaieteur News article.

Georgetown, Guyana - Sans Souci recorded consecutive victories when the Wakenaam Neighbourhood Democratic Council (WNDC) T20 tournament got underway recently.

Playing at the Community Centre ground, Sans Souci overcame Good Success by one run. Batting first Sans Souci managed 137-9 in 20 overs. Tulsieram Ramaden led with 29; Seon Venture scored 28 and Wayne Osborne 26. Chandrika Ragnauth claimed 4-12 and Nazeer Mohamed 2-9.

Good Success replied with 136-5 in 20 overs. Charles Benjamin cracked 34, Imran Khan 31 and Lokram Narine 22. Osborne captured 2-17 and Keddernauth Narine 2-22.

Sans Souci thumped Maria’s Pleasure by 90 runs in their encounter at the said venue. Sans Souci took first strike and posted 174-6 in 20 overs. Osborne and Gurnauth Khemraj scored 34 each and Roopnarine Persaud 29.Kennard Lewis picked up 3-34 and Vinood Kumar 2-29.

Maria’s Pleasure were sent packing for 90 in 12.4 overs in reply. Naraine grabbed 3-7, Khemraj 3-15 and Osborne 3-24.

The competition continues tomorrow.

First Published By Kaieteur News.

Kaieteur News article.

Georgetown, Guyana - Success Warriors trounced Good Hope by 29 runs when action in the Rafman Ali softball tournament continued last Sunday.

Playing at Everest Cricket Club, Success Warriors batted first and scored 134-9 in 15 overs. Sachin Ramsarran scored 27 and Kalesh Deosarran 19. Rajin Singh and Alex Singh captured two wickets each. Good Hope were bowled out for 105 in 14 overs in reply. Rajin Singh made 21 and Alex Singh 18. Kevin Olford grabbed 3-19 and Gary Singh snared 2-18.

Success Warriors overcame Brickery by 104 runs in their match up at the same venue. Success posted 184-4 in 15 overs, taking first knock. Ramsarran led with 68 and Suruj Budhu made 44. Brickery were skittled for 80 in nine overs in response. Olford was the pick of the bowlers with 3-15, while Rajendra Ramnauth took 2-4.

Success Shot Gun gained a walk over from Better Hope Warriors.

First Published By Kaieteur News.

Kaieteur News article.

Georgetown, Guyana - The Sookhoo and Sumintra Bulkan Memorial West Berbice Inter-Mandir Knock-Out Softball Cricket Competition got underway last Sunday October 26th, at the Woodley Park Sports Club Ground.  The competition saw some 12 teams from the various Mandirs across West Berbice vying for top honors.

First round matches were completed and saw six teams advancing to the next round of the competition which is slated for tomorrow at the said venue. Action is expected to bowl off at 10hrs. The teams through are Cotton Tree Vishnu Mandir A, Rosignol Mandir A, Sheildstown Mandir, Bush Lot Vishnu Mandir, Woodley Park Vishnu Mandir Bhramins B and Bath Experiment Vishnu Mandir Express.

The competition is being promoted by Goodwill Promotions in collaboration with the overseas based grandchildren of the late Sookhoo and Sumintra Bulkan.

According to Mr. Kennard Bulkan, the family is pleased to sponsor the competition and hope that the youths will make full use of the opportunity being given.

He alluded to the fact that the family has donated a Pavilion to the Woodley Park Sports Club and contributes significantly to community, social, youth, educational and sports activities in the area on a regular basis.

Mr. Bulkhan stated that the family is in the process of finalizing plans to partner with (Abel) Goodwill Promotions in launching a major educational centre in Woodley Park area.

Bulkhan thanked all the various participants for coming on board and being a part of the competition.  He wished them all the best in the future and promised a bigger and better competition.

Tomorrow’s encounter will see Woodley Park Vishnu Mandir Bhramins taking on Bath Experiment Vishnu Mandir Express; Cotton Tree Vishnu Mandir will then tackle Bush Lot Vishnu Mandir to be followed by the game between Rosignol Mandir ‘A’ team and Sheildstown Mandir. The three top teams will then draw to see which one will get the bye to the final, while the other two will meet for a place in the final.

The presentation and closing ceremony will follow after.

The winning team will receive the Sookhoo Bulkan Memorial trophy and $20,000, while the runner-up will collect the Sumintra Bulkan Memorial trophy and $10,000. Trophies will also be awarded to the best bowler, best batsman, man of final and man of the series along with a cash incentive of $2,500 each.

First Published By Kaieteur News.

Kaieteur News article.

Georgetown, Guyana - A fine century by Don Brandis guided Fire Service to a 155-run victory over Prison Service when play in the Non Commission Ranks T20 tournament commenced Tuesday last at Police Sports Club ground Eve Leary.

Brandis stroked 16 fours and 4 sixes in an unbeaten 128 as Fire Service amassed 242-2 off 20 overs, batting first. Fenton Saul made 34 (3×4); Gregory Trap and Prince Cox had one wicket each.

Prison Service were bowled out for 87 in 17 overs in reply. Patrick Crawford made 24 (2×4) and Navin Azore 10. Otis Charles grabbed 3-18, Saul 2-12 and Delbert Pitt 2-14 for the winners.

First Published By Kaieteur News.

Jamaica Observer article.

Kingston, Jamaica - Local cricket fans will be able to see some of the country's finest cricketers in Twenty20 (T20) action when the third edition of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF)-sponsored Jamaica Premier League begins tomorrow.

In the marquee clash of Round One, title-holders MoBay Sixers battle last season's losing finalists and 2012 winners University Dynamites at the Manley Horne Park in St Elizabeth, starting at 1:30 pm.

In the opening game at the Manley Horne venue, Kingston Hurricanes face Mandeville Thunder at 9:30 am.

Tomorrow's other game will feature Spanish Town Titans and Ocho Rios Chargers at Chedwin Park, starting at 1:30 pm.

Speaking during Thursday evening's launch at the Cuddy'z Restaurant, Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) general secretary Fritz Harris welcomed the opportunity for players to continue honing their skills in the hugely popular T20 format.

"Our players are improving in the T20 format of the game. We have a number of players on the international stage and we have a number of budding players who are gaining recognition around the world. We want to keep that production line going and produce players of a high standard," he said.

Building support for the players and the six franchises is also important, according to Harris. He said entertainment and prize giveaways will be a feature on match days.

"We also want to keep a fan base. That is why we spend so much time focusing on the package that will be married with the cricket."

The TEF sponsorship is $8million and covers the budget of the 2014 tournament.

The Sport Development Foundation (SDF) is also donating $750,000 to the JCA which will largely go towards a special event that is expected to be announced in the coming days.

JCA officials were optimistic that other sponsors could get on board during the JPL T20.

There will be five rounds of preliminary matches before a play-off encounter between the second-placed and third-placed teams at Trelawny Multi-purpose Stadium on November 30.

The top team at the end of the preliminary stage automatically advances to the final and will face the winner of the clash between second and third. The final is scheduled for Sabina Park on December 13.

First Published In The Jamaica Observer.

Guyana Chronicle article.

Georgetown, Guyana - Having lost the 2013 final to Trophy Stall by nine wickets, Wolf Warriors have the opportunity to redeem themselves in this year’s final of the Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association’s (GFSCA) ‘Guyana Softball Cup 4’, when they defeated Farm XI by nine wickets in their semifinal matchup yesterday.

Batting first, Farm XI, who advanced to the semifinal on a better net run rate ahead of Karibee Boyz and Petama Enterprise, were limited to 85 in 12 overs of the game that was reduced to 15 overs aside due to time constraints.

Shafeek Ishmael topscored with 15 and David Luknauth contributed 11 as Amir Nizamudin took 3 for 10 and Azad Azeez 3 for 11 for Wolf Warriors, who in reply scored 86 for 1 off 9 overs, thanks to Safraz Karim’s unbeaten 35 and 26 not out from Amit Rai, while Ricardo Adams made 12.

In their qualifying matchup against New York All Stars, Petama Enterprise batted first and scored 95 all out with Vickash Dhaniram 21 (2×6), Davendra Deosarran and Ganesh Narine contributing 15 each, while Bobby took 3 for 10 for New York All Stars who in reply were limited to 79 for 9.

Wasim Haslim and Bobby made 13 each while Lionel Persaud took 3 for 15 and Ian Ivan, who bowled with pace and accuracy, 2 for 5, and up to press time Petama Enterprise were engaging Regal XI in the other semifinal under lights at the Demerara Cricket Club ground.

Earlier in the day, Regal XI disposed of Parika Defenders when the two sides met at the Ogle ground, with Parika Defenders batting first and being bowled out for 82 off 100 overs, led by Travis Drakes 22 (3×6) and Surujballi Chitram 12.

Rohit Dutchin took 3 for 16, while there were two wickets each for Balram Roopnarine, Richard Latiff and Fazal Rafiek bowling for Regal XI who scored 84 for 1 off 7.2 overs in reply, thanks to an unbeaten 42 from Dutchin and 13 from Ricky Sargeant.

At the DCC ground, Regal Masters were given their marching orders out of the tournament by Mike’s Wellman in the Master’s Category clash that was also reduced to 15 overs aside due to rain and which saw regal Masters posting 121 all out off 14.4 overs.

Clyde Butts and Lanceford Klass both made 18, with Butts’ innings being unbeaten even as Eon Abel chipped in with 16 and Lyndon Lyght contributed 14, as Lloyd Rooplall took 4 for 19 for Mike’s Wellman, who in reply reached 123 for 3 off 14.3 overs to complete the win by seven wickets.

Lakeram Rooplall topscored with an unbeaten 42 (4×4, 2×6) and S. Persaud contributed 40 (4×4) to the winning total, while there was a wicket each for Raymond Harper and Butts.

In another Master’s clash at the same venue, Ontario Masters defeated defending champion New York Better Hope Masters by 6 runs, with Ontario Masters posting 155 for 7 off their 15 overs, led by 47 (4×6, 3×4) from Jaimini Singh and an unbeaten 29 (3×6) from Desmond Chummily.

Quyaam Farroug took 2 for 19 and Ronald Evelyn 2 for 29 for New York Better Hope, who in reply were restricted to 149 for 7 when their overs expired, with Shameer Sadloo 40 (4×4, 2×6), Asif Ahmad 21 and Eustace Dodson 13 (3×4) leading their batting while R. Parasnauth took 3 for 15 and Parsram Persaud 2 for 31.

And in their Master’s semifinal matchup against Parika Defenders, Savage Masters who won the contest by nine wickets, bowled out Parika Defenders for 93 with R. Rambharose making 18 and A. Karim 11, as Nandalall Seebarran took 4 for 20 and Rudy Samaroo 2 for 19.

In reply, Savage Masters scored 99 for 1 off 10.5 overs to complete the win, thanks to unbeaten knocks of 46 (3×4, 2×6) from Lakeram Barlow and 37 (3×4, 1×6) from Robert Camacho, the duo adding 87 for their unbroken second wicket partnership.

Meanwhile on Friday’s opening day of action, Farm XI’s Lennox Marks chalked up the first ton in the Open category of the tournament as his side defeated Karibee Boyz by 135 runs, with Farm XI scoring 236 for 4 thanks to Marks’ 105 and 35 from Avenash Sukhdeo, to which Karibee Boyz replied with 101 all out, as Shafeek Ishmael took 3 for 15.

Wolf Warriors emulated Regal XI by scoring back to back victories over Dant’s XI of Canada and Corriverton respectively, with Dant’s XI batting first in their first game of the tournament and being bowled out for 142.

S. Deosarran contributed 32 as Vishnu Tamenchandra took 5 for 28 for Wolf Warriors, who reached 146 for 8 off the last ball of their final over, thanks to Safraz Karim’s 64 and against Corriverton; the team from the Ancient County batted first and scored 173 all out in their 20 overs.

Darshan Challitor top scored with 53 against the bowling of Ameer Khan who took 3 for 11 for Wolf Warriors, who in reply scored 174 for 6 off 19.5 overs with Amit Rai topscoring with an unbeaten 36.

In their second game of the day, Dant’s XI defeated Uprisers by four wickets, with Uprisers batting first and posting 176 for 9, led by Christopher Pattadin 62 as Waheid Edwards took 4 for 19 for Dant’s XI who in reply were led by S. Deosarran who topscored with 59 as they reached 177 for 6.

In the Master’s Category, Savage defeated New York President’s XI and New York Seaview in their two matches, Floodlights chalked up back to back victories over Brooklyn Queen’s Legends and Wellman who had earlier defeated South Florida Softball Cricket League (SFSCL) in their first match of the day.

SFSCL later suffered a second defeat at the hands of East Coast Masters, who had lost their first match to Regal Masters, New York Seaview defeated NYSCL Legends, Ontario Softball Int. defeated Orlando Masters and New York Better Hope defeated Orlando Florida.

The final two Masters clashes on Friday’s opening day resulted in victories for Parika Defenders who defeated Ontario Softball Int., but suffered a nine runs defeat at the hands of New York Better Hope, the defending champions in the Master’s category.

First Published In The Guyana Chronicle.

Guyana Times article.

Georgetown, Guyana - Invaders defeated Independence ‘A’ to clinch the West Demerara T20 final last Saturday at the Joe Vieira Park cricket ground, West Demerara.

Batting first, Independence ‘A’ made 178 all out when their 20 overs ended.

S. Ramdat made 26 (1×6, 2x4s), M. Dhanpaul 26 (1×6, 3x4s) and D. Alert 23 (1×6, 2x4s) were the main contributors with the bat. The top wicket takers for Invaders were A. Azim with 3-35, Avinash Dhaniram 3-23 and Vaickash Dhaniram 2-38. Invaders started positively and eventually won with as many as five overs to spare.

Captain Vaickash Dhaniram smashed an attractive 77, which include 10 sixes and two fours. He was supported by Kheimraj Ramsundar 20 (3x4s) and K.Tulcan 20 (2x6s, 1×4). J.Payton picked up 5-40 in a losing cause.

Prior to the final, West Coast Demerara defeated West Bank Demerara in an exhibition contest. West Coast Demerara batted first and muscled 182-4 off their allotted 20 overs. Bisram Thomas smashed 60 (7x6s, 1×4). He received support from Imtiaz Hack with 48 not out (3x6s, 1×4) and Muneshwar Balgobin 30 (3x6s, 2x4s). The most successful bowler was Brain Pooran, who had figures of 2-26.

When West Bank Demerara took strike, they were bundled out for a mere 92 runs. Delroy Faranas and Sanjay Persaud were the main contributors with the bat making 19 (1×6, 1×4) and 15 (1×4) respectively.

Seventeen-year-old Akshaya Persaud, who also captained the West Coast Demerara team, was the chief destroyer, recording exception figures of seven wickets for a mere nine runs from 3.2 overs.

It was Persaud’s third seven-wicket haul of his young career. He previously captured 7-7 and 7-1.

First Published In The Guyana Times.

Kaieteur News article.

Georgetown, Guyana - The fund raising cricket match between an Upper Corentyne Cricket Association invitational XI and the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) was successfully staged on Sunday last at the No69 Vikings Ground.

The UCCA XI made sure that the defended their turf successfully when they won the encounter by six wickets.

Winning the toss and deciding to take first strike the visiting GCC team were dismissed for 204 in 43.3 of the allotted 45overs. Batting for the visitors, Captain Jeetendra Sookdeo led from in front with a classy 102 (12×4). Apart from Sookdeo only Elon Fernandes with 39 (4×4, 1×6) offered any real support as they put together 80 for the third wicket.

Bowling for UCCA XI Sean Perreira with 4-36 and Kennard Kamdeen 2 were the main wicket takers.

The UCCA XI in reply were off to a very good start with openers Shimron Hetmyer and Akash Homraj blazing to 112 in 16 overs before they were separated. National player Shimron Hetmyer hammered a quick fire 92 (11×4, 1×6) and Homraj made 34 (4×4). Imran Mohamed 29, Lakeram Latchman 19 not out and captain Ishwar Singh 15 not out steered their team home in 31.3 overs.

Bowling for GCC, Sookdeo returned with the ball to finish with 2 wickets.

The winning team was presented with their trophy and cash incentives by President of the UCCA Dennis D’Andrade.  D’Andrade thanked both teams for coming forward to play the match and GCC for offering them the opportunity to participate in the game.

The two teams will clash in a return fixture shortly.

First Published By Kaieteur News.