Essequibo’s Die Hard XI and Young Warriors made it to the semi-final round of the Guyana Softball League (GSL) Trophy Stall 15-Over Softball Competition after they defeated Farm Masjid and Ariel XI at the Police Sports Club ground on Sunday.
In the first match Die Hard XI won the toss and batted in wet conditions amassing 175-2 in their 15 overs as Patrick Rooplall hammered his third consecutive century. He was left unbeaten on 109 from 53 balls which included ten sixes and six fours while being supported by Darshan Narine who made 46.
The best bowler for Farm Masjid was their skipper, Imtiaz Mohamed, who grabbed 2 – 14.
In turn, Farm Masjid never recovered after losing their opening batsman Budan Baskh off the first ball and thereafter had a steady procession to the players area until Younis Mohamed and Imtiaz Mohamed briefly held the innings up with Younis belting 59 and Imtiaz recording 62. However, the target proved too much and they eventually were limited to 136 – 4.
In the Ariel XI/Young Warriors battle, Ariel took first strike and made a challenging 131-7 in 15 overs with Richard Latiff scoring a well composed 48 supported by Samuel Kingston with 36.
Young Warriors took to the crease and quickly got into their stride but lost their captain Khalid Baksh with 34 on the board. Young Aaron Terbuwhan handled the situation in a very mature manner, often disposing of the bad balls to take his team within 12 runs of victory.
When he was dismissed it was left to Jermaine Trotz to bring them home. He struck a four off the fourth delivery of the final over to achieve their target.
Earlier, Ariel XI defeated Regal XI were tottering at 25-5 in 8.5 overs. They decided to forfeit their run chase of 91 which was set by Ariel XI.
In the semi-finals to be played shortly, Young Warriors will come up against Die Hard XI and Rangers Sports Club will challenge Parika/Hydronie Sports Club for a berth in the final.
