Regal Masters and Regal All-Stars will look to repeat their 2016 heroics where they won both categories when they take part in the 12th edition of the New York Cup from June 29- July 1.
This year marks the fifth consecutive year that the Regal teams will be participating in the Independence Cup and they are oozing with confidence at bringing back the coveted ‘double’ to Guyana.
The All-Stars side will be competing in the Open category and according to team owner, Mahendra Hardyal, they are focused on winning.
“The guys have been showing good chemistry and readiness in their practice sessions and can’t wait to cut loose on all opponents,” Hardyal said.
In 2016, the All-Stars side won the title but lost in the final in 2017 due to what Hardyal described as “bad execution.”
“This year, we will be sticking to the plan and take it one game at a time which will not result in a repeat of last year,” the successful businessman noted.
Additionally, the team has been strengthened with the trio of Nandsham Boodhoo, Lennox “Assassin” Mark and Shilendra Ramnauth replacing Safraz Esau, Richard Latif and Navin Singh who opted to ply their trade elsewhere.
“The three newcomers to the team are newcomers to the side but not newcomers to rigid softball cricket arena and have settled in well and gives the side the right balance. They are eager to wear the Regal uniform and are hungry for success which is a big plus for us,” stated Hardyal as he welcomed the trio to his side.
The senior side Regal Masters side is in the Over-45 category and has been putting in the hours as well on a daily basis, like the All-Stars team, at the GNIC Sports Club.
Coincidentally, just like the All-Stars team, the Masters were champions in 2016 and runners-up in 2017 and according to Hardyal, “the team is more settled than before and we are playing better as a team. We have professionalism, talent and are fit and ready.”
The Regal teams are no strangers to the ‘double’ as they have won both titles in the South Florida Softball Cricket League’s Florida Cup in 2017.
Both teams will wrap up their preparation tomorrow before winging out to New York ahead of the bowl off on Friday in Queens.
In their quest for the double, the teams have been strongly supported by Ink Plus, Fly Jamaica Airways, Cricket Zone USA, Muslim Youth Organization (MYO), National Sports Commission (NSC), Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, Star Party Rentals, Ansa McAl and Elegance Jewelley and Pawn Shop.
