Rocky XI crowned Trophy Stall Softball champs

Sep 01, 2008 Sports

The curtains came down on the 15-over softball tournament sponsored by Trophy Stall of Bourda Market

Captain of Regal XI Khalid Haslim (right) receiving the winning trophy from Organiser Leonard Harprashad in the match up between Rangers XI and Regal XI.

with Rocky XI whipping Trophy Stall XI by 22 runs in an exciting final played under lights at the Banks DIH, Thirst Park ground watched by a large and vociferous crowd which urged their teams on until the last over.

Trophy Stall XI won the toss and elected to send their opponents in. Rocky XI got off to a flying start as both openers, Balbinder Persaud and Azad Azeez clobbered sixes in the first two overs bowled by Captain Dindial Lakhan and Rajin Mohamed as the score raced to 26 runs.

The first wicket fell with the score on 30 in the fourth over by Rajin Mohamed that of Azad Azeez for 15. Then entered Captain Amrit ‘Rocky’ Jairam who proceeded to tear the bowling apart with some clean hitting, clearing the ground eleven times in a display of power hitting to take them to 167-3 off their allotment of 15 overs.

Jairam took 47 balls to make 89 before being caught on the long on boundary by Rajin Mohamed. He was well supported, first by Balbinder Persaud who made 22 (2×6; 1×4) in a stand of 56 runs and then by Asif Ahmad in a stand of 71 runs. Ahmad batted intelligently, rotating the strike to give Jairam a go at the bowling. Ahmad was not out in the end on 26.

Bowling for Trophy Stall XI, Ron Ramnauth, who got the wicket of Jairam, was the best bowler with 1-40 from his 3 overs. The other wicket takers were Gary Singh 1-42 from 3 overs and Rajin Mohamed 1-45 from his 3 overs.

When Trophy Stall XI batted they were in immediate trouble, losing the in form Mark ‘Rambo’ Harold in the first over for a duck off the bowling of Wasim Rahaman, who then proceed to remove the captain Dindial Lakhan with a quicker delivery which went between his legs as he found himself in a tangle.

Thereafter it was a steady procession until Rajin Mohamed and Mark Fung counterattacked the bowling to produce a stand of 64 runs which seemed at one time to be taking them to victory.

But Jairam, Rocky XI’s captain, took the ball and brought off a spectacular catch to remove the dangerous Mark Fung for 23 (3×6). Rajin Mohamed continued until opening bowler Asif Ahmad was brought back.

He removed Rajin Mohamed with the fourth delivery of his new over and all hopes of Trophy Stall XI evaporated as the rest of the batting fell away except for Leo Rampaul with 33 (4×6) who was left stranded not out. Eventually Trophy Stall limped to 145-8 in 14.4 overs.

Bowling for Rocky XI, Wasim Rahaman took 2-28 from his 3 overs, Amrit Jairam also returned with the ball to take 2-27 from his 3 overs and the rest of the bowling also chipped in with the left handed Beharry Rambharose being economical with 1-19 from 3 overs. Davendra Khusial was also among the wickets with 2-28 from his 2.4 overs.

Members of the winning Rocky XI team take time out for a photo opportunity after their victory.

Jairam was adjudged Man-of-the-final with his 89; two wickets and two spectacular catches in a fine all round display.

Managing Director of Trophy Stall Ramesh Sunich vowed to make this an annual tournament and also that the next competition will be a country wide one.

Meanwhile, in match played between Regal XI and Rangers XI before the final Regal XI came out on top by 12 runs.

Regal XI batted first and rattled up a challenging 156-6 from their allotted 12 overs with Kapil Deo cracking a swashbuckling 73 decorated with 7 sixes and 5 fours off 51 balls and in partnership with Richard Latiff 34 (4×6), took Regal XI to their eventual score. Bowling for Rangers XI Davendra Champalall took 3-21 from 3 overs and Asif Saffie chipped in with 2-20 from 3 overs.

When Rangers XI took strike they were in early trouble losing two quick wickets with the score on 1.
They recovered well due to some big hitting by Safraz Karim (declared best Batsman) 79 with 8 sixes and 3×4’s in partnership with Kristendial Persaud who made 19 off 7 balls, took Rangers XI close to the score but with their dismissal the innings went into a dive and Rangers XI ended on 144-7 from their allotted overs.

Bowling for Regal XI Lakeram Roopnarine took 3-18 from 3 overs. He was supported by Raymond Harper with 1-28 from 3 overs and Richard Latiff with 1-9 from 1.2 overs.