Great excitement and sound family entertainment were the order of the day as the Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) Easter Sunday extravanga thrilled approximately 1500 spectators at the Crabwood Creek Cricket Ground, Berbice.
The event, held by the GFSCA in conjunction with teachers of the Crabwood Creek Primary School, had the objective of raising funds for the restoration of toilet facilities at the school and there were three matches, all 15 overs-a-side affairs, two for the males and one female.
The first encounter was between Floodlight Legends and Crabwood Creek-Corriverton Masters for the Mohan and Meena Memorial Trophy.
Mohan and Meena are the late father and sister of Ricky Deonarain, and batting first, the Berbice team rattled up 178-4 off their 15 overs.
Kash Persaud blasted 66 while Vishaul Persaud supported with 43.
The chase by Floodlight Legends was not an easy one. They lost wickets at regular intervals and needed 26 runs from the last over.
It was here, though that Wayne Jones came to the party. He has had a long and distinguished career as a softball player and on Sunday, he lived up to that reputation.
He smashed four successive sixes and sealed a great victory for his side and in the process copped the Man-of-the-Match award.
In the second match which was in the open category, Floodlights disposed of Crabwood Creek by 13 runs. Floodlights rattled 157 with Lloyd Rooplall scoring 38 and Greg De Fraca plundering 35. Crabwood Creek, in reply, managed 144-8 off their 15 overs with De Fraca picking three wickets. Floodlights took away the Vejay Satnarine-Breed Memorial Trophy while De Fraca won the Man-of-the-Match award.
The final match of the day was the female clash and the city girls, Trophy Stall Angels, took on Karibee Rice Girls. From ball one, it was non-stop action.
Trophy Stall Angels folded for a paltry 73 in the 13th over with Leacock, 15 and Roberts, 11 the principal scorers.
Encouraged by total home support, the Karibee Rice Girls reached 74-6 with two overs to spare. Shanna made 19 while Erva Giddings was left not out on 12.
At the presentation ceremony, head teacher of Crabwood Creek Primary School, Clement Edwards, expressed thanks to the GFSCA especially Deonarain of 4R Bearings for putting together the day’s activity.
He also thanked Mike’s Pharmacy, Trophy Stall, Massy Group of Companies and the Gopaul’s family for the many gate prizes which included tablets, a DVD player and clocks.
He also acknowledged the presence of cricket commentator, Inderjeet Persaud and thanked him for sharing his voice at Crabwood Creek. Dennis De-Andrade was also praised for getting the venue in top condition. The GFSCA made a cash donation of $100 000 while Thakur Sookram chipped in with an undisclosed sum as well.
All in all it was a day of great fun and frolic.
