Richard Latiff scored a blazing century as Regal All Stars romped to a 77-run victory over Success All Stars in the Open final of the Guyana Softball Cricket Association Republic Cup while Ariel Masters and Regal Masters won the Over 40 and Over 45 categories on Sunday at the Malteenoes Sports Club ground.
Regal All Stars won the toss and elected to bat and immediately Latiff laid into the Success bowlers smashing an amazing 11 sixes and three fours on his way to a special knock of 109. Latiff set the platform for Kumar Bishundial to come and stroke an unbeaten 49 with Sewchand Bucha (31) helping Regal set an imposing 251-5 from their 20 overs. Dyaram Ramnauth collected 2-12 from his four overs.
In reply, Success struggled early on but Yoraj Premraj played his natural game to unsettle the bowling, hitting sixes into the Guyana Motor Racing Sports Club compound twice out of his eight sixes. When he was dismissed for 51, Ramnauth returned with the bat to contribute a fighting 34 not out as Success were restricted to 174-9. Sewchand Budhu (3-31), Pritvinath Motielall (2-3) and Kumar Bishundial (2-13) were the main wicket takers.
Meanwhile, in the over-40 category, Success Masters were blown away by Ariel Masters who won convincingly by seven wickets. Success Masters posted 102-9 with only Halkim Majeed (29) and Baldeo Muller (26*) were the only batsmen to reach double figures.
Dharam Persaud took (3-23) and Peter Persaud (2-22).
In the chase, Ariel Masters only needed 10.5 overs to reach the target with Ejaz Mohammed scoring 43 and Rockey Ali 22 not out.
In the over-45 division Regal Masters defeated Mike’s Wellman by three wickets. Batting first Mike’s Wellman posted 176-6 led by Lloyd Rooplall’s 64 and Jagdesh Persaud (35).
Motilall Chinundyal (2-15) and Saheed Mohamed (2-37) were the main wicket takers.
In reply, Mahesh Chunilall continued his fine form with an innings of 35 which, paired with Mahendra Hardyal’s 41 set the platform for the win.
Mohamed returned with the bat to smack 37 and see Regal to victory with two overs to spare.
