MYO are Raf’s variety store Inter- Jamaat 10\10 softball champs

Sep 24, 2013 Sports

By Zaheer Mohamed
Muslim Youth Organization (MYO) were crowned champions of the third annual MYO\Raf’s Variety store nationwide Inter- Jamaat 10\10 softball competition last Sunday.
Playing at the MYO ground in Woolford Avenue, the host defeated Farm B by 8 wickets in the final which was contested in front of a fair size crowd that included proprietor of Raf’s variety store Fazal Rafeek.

Members of the victorious MYO team display their prizes along side representative of the sponsor. CIOG ‘s Shaykh-Moeen-Ul-Haq is standing extreme left, sponsor Fazal Rafeek is standing fourth from left and MYO President Azad Ibrahim is standing on Rafeek’s left.

Farm B took first strike and managed 103-6 off their allocation of 10 overs despite some tidy bowling from the home team. Yunus Yusuf top scored with 39 (2×4, 2×6) and Budhan Baksh made 17 (2×4,1×6). Salim Mohamed and Safraz Esau claimed 1 wicket each. Richard Latiff then entertained the fans with some lusty hitting from the onset smashing four fours and a similar number of sixes as he laid the foundation for an MYO victory before he was dismissed for 45. Safraz Esau supported Latiff with a robust unbeaten 44 (2×4, 5×6) as MYO won the game in 8.2 overs for the loss of 2 wickets ending on 106.
Adventure of Essequibo won the third place play off beating Fyrish of Berbice by 53 runs. Fazeer Khan slammed 107 (2×4, 14×6,), while Shaz Grovesnor chipped in with 43 (2×4, 4×6) to guide Adventure who batted first to 173-2 in 10 overs. Fyrish threatened briefly in reply but were restricted to 120-4 in 10 overs. Jason Mohamed made 59 (3×4, 5×6).
MYO and Farm B won their respective semi final matches played earlier. MYO got the better of Fyrish by 53 runs. MYO batted first and posted 155 without loss in 10 overs. Chein Gittens led with 81 (2×4, 8×6) and Latiff supported with 32 (1×4, 3×6). Fyrish replied with 102-3 in 10 overs. Jason Mohamed scored 54 (2×4,6×6) and Shazeer Rangasammy 21 (1×6); Salim Mohamed took 2-15.
Farm B got the better of Adventure by 9 wickets. Adventure mustered 124-5 in 10 overs batting first with Fazeer Khan top scoring with 86 (1×4, 11×6) and Abdool Salim 24 (2×6); Ricky Sargeant claimed 2-8. Farm B then romped to victory in 8.4 overs losing 1 wicket in the process. Omesh Narine was their leading batsman with 55 (3×4,5×6) while Sargeant made 36 (1×4,4×6).
Meanwhile Adventure scraped past Wakenaam in the last quarter final game.
Both teams were tied in the first game as well as in the first super over after which Adventure prevailed in the second super over. Adventure took first turn at the crease and scored 146-5 in 10 overs. Fazeer Khan made 43 (5×4, 3×6) and Shaz Grovesnor contributed 31 (1×6,3×4); Ejaz Mohamed captured 2-30 and Zameer Zaman 2-34. Wakenaam replied with 146-5 in 10 overs. Zaman belted 78 (3×4,9×6), Kemo Paul 33 (2×6,3×4) and Derwin Daniels 22. Munir Amin had 2-34. In the first super over Wakenaam scored 14-1 and Adventure responded with 14-1. Adventure then earned the right to play in the semi final by winning the second super over. Wakenaam batted first and scored 09 and Adventure replied with 10.
MYO received a trophy and $300,000 while each player was given medals; Farm B took home a trophy and $200,000, each player also received medals. Third place Adventure grab a trophy and $100,000 and Fyrish a trophy and $50,000. Esau was given the man of the match award. MYO were also rewarded for scoring the highest score in the competition 211 vs LBI. Also receiving prizes were Shazeer Rengasammy of Fyrish for the best bowling figures 4-11, Gittens of MYO the individual score with 102, Fazeer Bacchus of Fyrish most wickets (8), Gittens the competition leading batsman with 223 runs, Salim Mohamed 1-11 the best figures in the final and Latiff (MYO) for scoring the most runs in the final.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony Imran Ally (one of the organisers) said the aim of the competition was to achieve a high level of discipline and brotherhood through sports which was accomplished. He informed that twenty percent of the cash prizes received by the teams will go towards the maintenance of their respective Masjids. He thanked president of MYO Azad Ibrahim, Fazeer Khan of Essequibo Coast, Asif Ahmad of Wakenaam, Shameer Khan of Berbice, Imtiaz Pooran of East Bank Demerara, the participating teams, the media and sponsor Fazal Rafeek.
Director of Education and Dawah of the Central Islamic Organization of Guyana (CIOG) Shaykh-Moeen-Ul-Haq congratulated the players and said he is happy to see that the competition attracted teams from all three counties stating that discipline is being tested when under pressure. Fazal Rafeek who sponsor the competition in memory of the late Mrs. Hajin Zaleena Rafeek staetd he is happy to sponsor the tournament once again and wants to see more Masjids taking part in future competitions.