…Guyana-based players wing out for tournament

AFTER failing on two occasions following the “merger” of Regal Legends and New York Hustlers, Regal New York Hustlers will be looking to turn the tide when the Orlando Softball Cricket League (OSCL) three-day tournament bowls off tomorrow in the Sunshine State.

It all started in February, 2024 in the South Florida Softball Cricket League (SFSCL) tournament which saw them losing to New York Softball Crikcet League (NYSCL) Legends by six wickets in a closely fought encounter.

Set 123 for victory, in the 20-over affair, after restricting their opponents to 122 for eight in their allotted 20 overs, NYSCL Legends reached the required target with five balls to spare. The victory was spearheaded by a brilliant 63 off 45 balls from Erapali Sahadeo, an innings which included five fours and an equal number of sixes.

Worst was to come as Regal New York Hustlers after they made a shock exit from the NYSCL Independence Cup in July, losing both of their games on the opening day of the 19th annual three-day tournament.

Competing in what can be described as the “Group of Death,” they were thrashed by Toronto Blizzards by six wickets in the day’s opener and later by NYSCL Legends 1 by nine wickets in the second game, sending shock waves among the players and loyal supporters.

Regular Regal Legends skipper Mahendra “Anil” Hardyal, who missed both encounters because of a nagging foot injury, is expected to return to the fray for the Orlando Cup. He recently shrugged off the notion that Regal Legends are no longer the dominant force to be reckoned with in the Legends Over-50 tournaments and is confident of coming out on top when the tournament climaxes on Sunday.

The Guyana-based players arrived in Orlando on Wednesday where they will be joined by their New York counterparts. Apart from Hardyal, the squad also includes veteran Wayne Jones, no nonsense opener Uniss Yusuf, Jagdesh Persaud, the big-hitting Rudolph Baker, Mohendra Arjune, Ronald Evelyn, Canadian-based Troy Gobin, Asif Ally, Surujdeo Ramdeen, Eon Abel, Shameer Sadloo and Qayaam Farrouq.

This year’s tournament will only be played in two categories and not the usual three, the Legends Over-50 and Open All Stars. The Over-40 Masters will not be competing. (Frederick Halley)