Romain Singh (85*), Abdool Azeez (59*) inspire Leguan to victory at Janet Monasar’s memorial T20 match

Romain Singh (85), Abdool Azeez (59) inspire Leguan to victory at Janet Monasar’s memorial T20 match

Sep 03, 2025 Sports

The champion Leguan team.

Kaieteur Sports – Opening batsman Romain Singh struck a pulsating, unbeaten 85 and Abdool Azeez scored 59 not out to inspire Leguan to a commanding, nine-wicket win over Wakenaam last Saturday at St. Bedes ground, Scarborough, Ontario, Canada in the first Janet Monasar’s memorial T20 match.

Both right-handers reached the boundary on multiple occasions ensuring Leguan surpassed Wakenaam’s inadequate total of 160 all out in 19.4 overs.

The target was achieved with 16 balls to spare in blazing sunshine as the Monasar’s family commemorated the life of Janet Monasar, who was a die-hard supporter of softball cricket and to Leguan Warriors cricket teams in Canada over the years.

Janet’s sons Naresh, Andy and Bill are popular softball cricketers in Ontario along with her grandson Ravi Bodo.

Janet passed away last January in Canada due to illness age 77.

Hundreds gathered to witness the on-field action as Singh and Azeez also collaborated in an unbroken, 156-run second-wicket stand after Naresh Bodo departed early for zero in the very first over.

Singh, a former Essequibo Inter-County player, clobbered seven sixes and five fours while Azeez, known as ‘Whito’ in the softball fraternity, belted five sixes and was able to tuck away four boundaries.

Earlier, Wakenaam took first strike at the invitation of Leguan and their innings was built around a steady half-century (58) from Fouad Mohamed.

The attacking right-handed Mohamed also batted with a great degree of flamboyance smashing five sixes and similar number of fours.

Veteran softball player Patrick Shivrattan contributed 24 but Wakenaam lost wickets quite regularly.

Skipper and seasoned campaigners Ashtaq Mohamed (03), Shawn Persaud (07) and Rofel Budhoo (11) fell cheaply as they lacked batting momentum despite Mohamed’s sporadic show.

Rajin Persaud was the most outstanding bowler for Leguan with 3-16 from his maximum four overs while Azeez proved his all-round capability by also accounted for three wickets but he conceded 25 runs off 3.3 overs.

The winning team received a trophy and also the runners-up side. Azeez was adjudged the MVP for his admirable, all-round display while Singh was chosen as the best-batter and Persaud as the best-bowler. All collected a trophy each for their effort.

The adjudicator was Chowtie, a family member of the Monasar’s family.

In the female exhibition, 4-over encounter, Leguan defeated Wakenaam by 10 wickets with one ball unused. The two teams were captained by Janet’s granddaughters: Subrina and Mel Bodo.

At the post-match presentation ceremony, Andy Monasar congratulated his team for emerging victorious and also thanked Wakenaam for their participation.

Naresh took the opportunity to express his gratitude to all the players and the two umpires Prakash Singh and Robert Dias. He also thanked prominent Cricket Journalist Ravendra Madholall for streaming the game live on Facebook.

Naresh, a former Essequibo Cricket Board Vice-President, also reflected on his mom’s life commenting that she was in [Haven] looking on. He further mentioned that Janet was an unwavering supporter of softball cricket and was always overwhelmed with the cricket games played by Leguan Warriors.

Janet was born in Wakenaam but met her husband Bodo (Widower) in Leguan.

Meanwhile, during the day’s activities, President of the Ontario Masters Softball Cricket Clubs Azeem Khan presented a plaque to the Monasar’s family in recognition of their commitment to have a memorial match.

Khan, a long-serving leader of the League, made the presentation on behalf of the Commissioner of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana in Canada Keith George.

Prior to the match, an opening prayer was done by Janet’s daughter Nadira.

At the conclusion, Naresh informed that event will be annual as they want to remember their mom with these special cricket matches.

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Abdool Azeez, Janet Monasar, Leguan team, Romain Singh

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