Reliance Hustlers, Queenstown B, RG X1 and Bacchus Bulls stormed into the semi-finals of the Banks Softball league which commenced last Sunday at the Affiance Ground.
The first match of the day left the fans in surprise as favourites, Queenstown/Ariel were booted from the tournament, suffering a four-wicket loss to Hustlers.
Hustlers won the toss and inserted Queenstown/Ariel who managed 142 in 13.2 overs thanks mainly to Frank Satrohan’s 63 and Brian Mangar’s 37.
Hustlers’ kept it tight with the bowling with Narendra Madohall, Ramesh Narine and Daniel Bholo taking two wickets each.
In reply, Mark Austin’s unbeaten 57 was enough to see Hustlers through to the semis.
With him was Bholo on 22 not out as Hustlers reached 147-3 in 12.1 overs.
Meanwhile, RG XI defeated Diehard Brothers by six wickets in the second quarter-final. Diehard posted an imposing 182-4 in their allotted 15 overs with Patrick Rooplall (78) and Yadesh Seemangal (74) leading with the bat.
RG X1 responded with 184-3 with Quintin Sampson top scoring with a blistering knock of 60. He received support from Dovendra Mohan (58) and Adina Smith (46). Harinarine Panday picked up 3-7.
Also in the day, Bacchus Bulls eliminated Richmond Ravens with a 57-run victory in a match reduced to 10 overs. Bulls won the toss and decided to bat first, posting 143-6 with Latchman Rohit hitting 64 and Neiland Codogan, 34. Safraz Ally bagged 2-36.
In reply, Ravens mustered a paltry 86-6 from their allotted overs with Marvin Pearson contributing 30 and Sugrim Ahiram chipping in with 22.
In the final match of the day played under lights, Queenstown B brushed aside powerhouse, Adventure Sports Club by 30 runs.
Queenstown took first strike and rallied to 136-8 from their 10 overs. Akel Wallace stroked 64 and Marvin Seymour 21.
In reply Adventure were contained to just 106-6 as Gavindra Sharma (34) and Javid Azeez (21) found little support.
The semifinal and final will be played this Sunday at the Affiance Ground with matches beginning at 11:00hrs.
