Finals decided: Wolf’s Warriors v Regal X1; Trophy Stall Angels v 4R Lionness

May 07, 2012 Sports

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Well, the long wait is finally over as the finalists of the 3rd GT&T 10/10 Nationwide Softball Cricket competition were decided after four pulsating semifinal matches at the Everest Cricket Club Ground, yesterday.
Even the rain which interrupted the first male semi final match between Rockaway Auto Sales and Regal X1 did not dampen the day’s action as the fans collectively warmed up the venue in association with the players who were battling for a place in the finals set for Saturday at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.
When the final ball of the day was bowled, earning the right to face off for the millions at stake in the championship matches were defending champions Wolf’s Warriors who hammered Unstoppable of Berbice by 7-wickets.
They {Wolf’s Warriors} will face Regal X1 who won a thriller over Rockaway Auto Sales ‘A’ X1 by 5 runs.
The female line-up will see Trophy Stall Angels, who made light work of the mighty Mike’s Wellwomen, beating them by 8-wickets; facing 4R Lionness who took care of Rising Stars by 20 runs.
Fans that came out by the hundreds packed into the Everest Ground and were urging their respective teams on.
Wolf’s Warriors were in dismissive form yet again and like they have been doing all though the tournament, the roared to yet another big win led again by their inspirational Captain, Amreith Rai who blasted 37* (2×4 1×6). Asif Azeez chipped in with 27 (2×6) as Wolf’s Warriors eased to 72-3 in response to Unstoppable’s 70-7 after the Berbice side won the toss and decided to bat first.
You do not drop Rai and that is what Unstoppable did, twice and even missed running him out when the score was 6-2 and they paid for those lapses.
The West Demerara based defending champions; a balanced unit was at their best bowling and fielding, traits which limited Unstoppable to such a modest total which was way too little for the rampaging champs.
Manhar Ratvatty was the leading batsman for Unstoppable with an unbeaten 28 as there was a steady procession to and from the wicket by the Unstoppable batsmen. Combining to limit the opposition were Davenand Persaud who took 2-14 and Asif Saphie 2-15.
The first make semi final was a humdinger of a battle with both teams hungry for the win and a place in the final but as it turned out, Regal, who had posted 93-7 batting first, held their nerves to hold on for a memorable 5-run win; limiting Rockaway Auto Sales ‘A’ X1 to 88-9 when their 10 overs expired.
Regal’s 93-7 was built around Richard Latiff’s 36 (2×6), Patrick Rooplall’s 24, Chien Gitten’s 15 and Troy Kippins’ 10.
Ramnarine Boodram took 2-17 for Rockaway Auto Sales who in reply fell short of what would have been a sweet win, by 5 runs as they ended on 88-9; two interruptions for rain jerked their run chase.
Rushie Samaroo led with 22, Mahendra Ramlakhan 19 and Sackichand Jhagdeo 16 as Rickey Sargeant took 2-19 for the winners. Rockaway needed 13 in the final over but the constant loss of wickets did not allow them the opportunity to overhaul Regal’s winning score.
The female matches, especially the Trophy Stall Angels / Mike’s Wellwoman were touted to be a big clash, likened to a final.
The Angels watched by their boss, Ramesh Sunich did not disappoint as they went about the job of beating their opponents with focus. Batting first, Mike’s Wellwoman were hoping for a 100+ total but that was never to be as the Trophy Stall Angels kept a good line and length with their ‘ground itch’ bowling as persons would refer to it.
A few catches were dropped early in the piece by the angels but they eventually got their act together to restrict their opponents to 78-7 off their 10-overs. Only Katana Mentore with 33 and Onika Wallerson (16) were able to measure up to the task.
Such was the dominance of the Trophy Stall Angels’ bowling that Mike’s Wellwoman’s first boundary was scored off the first ball of the 8th over. Akila Allen took 2-13.
In response, Trophy Stall Angels were led by their most dependable player, Captain June Ogle who once again batted through the innings to end on 25 and Monica Seales who lashed the winning boundary, ending on 17. Earlier, Kavita Yadram made 20 and added 40 runs for the 3rd wicket with her Ogle, the partnership setting the foundation for Trophy Stall’s 8-wicket win.
The first team to book their place in final was 4R Lionness who eased to a 20-run win over Rising Stars of Ann’s Grove.
The Lionness batted first and posted 96-4 off their 10-overs; Captain Tracy Glasglow thumped 39 runs, Lashuna Toussaint 17 and Monique Benn 10. Extras contributed a healthy 30. In reply, Rising Stars found the going tough and when their overs ran out, they were 76-6.
Shondel Cort top scored with 26, Manthana Cambrifge 21 and Diane Prescott 16. Gangadai Singh took 2-8, Shyon Goodluck and Nikita Madaramootoo took one wicket each.
The respective finalists will now take the remaining days leading up to Saturday’s finals to fine tune for the big day that they have all envisioned and been preparing for; Saturday May 12, 2012 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

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