New York Softball Cricket League
Whom Or Whodunit Will It Be?

By James Persaud
Sept. 30th, 2009
As the trees begin to shed its leaves and the mornings become a little chiller, this is a clear warning that fall is here. And with fall comes the beginning to the end of cricket season, with exactly five weeks remaining in the New York Softball Cricket League 2009 season. Two of the major competitions completed and the third at the half way point, many things can be said about the 2009 season. This is depending on and from what direction or angle you are looking at the glass.

One of softball most prolific batsman Andrew Gonsalves.

In past seasons by this point you could have an indication of whom or who stand a chance of becoming or repeating as the season cricket of the year. This season it is no different from the last few seasons, because from the writer’s view over the years it seems that the batsman is producing less runs. Is this because the bowlers are getting better? Or because there are too many teams, thereby the premier players are split among too many teams. In the past it seems that teams would be built with six or seven batsmen who would drive fear into the opponents bowling attack. This created more exciting cricket, a case in point is remember when Brian Lara was on the West Indies team?

In the 2004 season Andrew Gonsalves was and is still the first and only batsman to reach the four figures in total runs, he scored almost 1200 runs. Prior to this 2004 season the only other batsmen to even get close to the thousand mark was Raja Parasram and Kaleem Bux who scored over seven hundred runs in a season.

The 2009 season started out with premier players like Eon Ellis and Brian Manniram getting good scores but later their bats went silence. The two time winner Bobby Pahalad is having a drought with the bat, while he continues to get his share of wickets. Kris Sobhai has grown more as a leader and his captaincy skill and leadership has shown in his record by winning the last three major finals starting from the last competition in the 2008 season. While he has build his Hustlers team to a force to be reckon with, he himself have played many role in the team moving forward, like batting from number one to sometime number five and would even be the wicketkeeper in the big game, like the last finals.

New kid on the block Wahid Ward, has shown that he has what its take to be a good batsman, but in my book he need to stay on one team build a base and showcase his ability. Then there is another past title winner Erapallai Sahadeo and his brother Ravi who has some big figures with both bat and ball in the 2009 season, but has done little in the big games. Michael Persaud continues to have his share of runs. Another name to mention is Ravi Mohan a good all-rounder who is having an exceptional season carrying his team with both bat and ball. He has had two big games in the last two finals winning the man of the match awards both times for his bowling and batting.

Then there is the bowlers Navin Narine and Avi Singh who led the bowling attack for Assassins, Singh is having a good year he spies on you then he would knock you down. Brian, Shawn and Walker from Liberty Knights, Frankie Baichoo and Bhola from United Star and Mafia old school Ravi Etwaroo who is still getting wickets. Pooran Beria another all-rounder who is having a subpar season, Nigel Briglall is also not getting the wickets and scores he is capable of.

In the other divisions there is the Master Blaster team, a team that is built with the likes of Peter, Paul, Satro, Yudy, Carlos, Hansraj and the Sawh brothers who still want to play in the lower division. All these guys are having a good season with both the bat and the ball, and then there is Michael Persaud from Sheffield who is having a great season with the bat. He toured with the league team to Canada and played in the Canadian Cup tournament, scoring a hundred for the league team.

Maybe I missed a few guys, just send in your match reports. Well with five weeks to go the field is still wide open, so play the game with excitement and stick your claim to the most coveted prize in softball cricket the NYSCL cricketer of the year award.

Singh Took Hat-Trick And Tulsie Bhoodai Score Blazing 50 for Wildfire
By J P Singh
Last Sunday heavy rain did not stop nor dampen the enthusiasm anticipated between Wildfire cricket club and Horizon cricket club in the third round game of the Twenty20 Mini World Cup competition at Seaview. Because of the rain and the field conditions, this game started late much to the delight of both teams.

The Horizon skipper won the toss and decided to bat first; he opened his innings with K. Williams and C. Williams. In the third over K. Williams was run out for 9 and C. Williams was bowled by the young Vinod Singh for 7 with the score at 45. In the eight over, Smith was also bowled by Vinod Singh for 6 runs. Linden Longhorn and Captain Jackson took the score to 57 at the half time break.

After play resume they continue scoring freely until the seventeen over-scoring 99 runs for the fourth wicket. Captain Jackson was bowled for 29 by Looknauth Singh, who also bowled N. Williams for a first ball duck and completed the Hat-Trick by having S. Jackson well caught by Mukesh Narine for a duck also. Longhorn batted well for his 54 not out with Horizon making a challenging 142 runs and was hoping to bowl out Wildfire for a paltry total with their fast and accurate bowlers.

But Wildfire Manager JP Singh and Churman Singh the Captain had different ideas. Opening the innings for Wildfire was Tulsie Bhoodai and the man who took the Hat-trick Looknaught Singh. Wildfire started cautiously scoring 4 runs in the first over, then set Seaview blazing with Tulsie Bhoodai scoring the fastest 50 in 15 balls hitting 4 sixes and 5 fours but was eventually bowled by Linden Longhorn for 52 in the 7th over and the score on 77.

Vinod Singh joined Looknauth Singh and they both continued to plunder the hapless Horizon bowlers all around the field with an unbeaten partnership of 66 runs passing the 143 scored by Horzion in the 14 over.

Nigel Greaves of Hustlers struck back to back fifty in the NYSCA Twenty/20 competition.

Nigel Greaves Smash 50
By Ravi Mohan
Nigel Greaves smash his second fifty to guide Hustlers to victory over Titians. Nigel, who score a classic 78 runs against Braveheart last week hit an exact half century to guide Hustlers to 164 for 6 in 20 overs. He opened the batting with Asif Ali and gives Hustlers a solid start of 54 runs in eight overs before Asif was run out for 19.

Skipper Kris Sobhai came to the crease and made a fast 28 while Nigel continues to work the ball into the gaps, picking up ones and doubles.  He was eventually run out for 50 which included six 4s. Lil Chris made 15 and Ravi Mohan was not out on 10 runs. Bowling for the Titans I. Ali took 2 for 30, B. Hirlall 1 for 29 and K. Roopnarine 1 for 43.

Titians need to score 8 runs per overs and were in trouble in the second over in there inning when B. Hiralall was bowled by Pooran for 3. Titians continued to lose wickets and were eventually bowled out for 106. Nashid Hamid made 24, B. Ramkisoon 17, C. Hiralall 21 not out and I Ali 12. Bowling for Hustlers Ravi Mohan 4 for 16, Asif Ali 2 for 19, Kris, Pooran and Nigel took 1 wicket each. Hustlers won by 58 runs.

Deryck Half Century and Stanley 5 Wickets Sink Ranchers
Morris Seecharan
Watching bowlers, batsmen and fielders slipping and sliding on a wet field and light rain falling displayed the fun filled excitement of softball cricket. Last Sunday game played at Kissena Park between Sunrise and Ranchers as Sunrise was sent in to bat by Ranchers, who won the toss. Sunrise opening pair started off by hitting boundaries to get of their mark. However, the wet field made it presence felt as the first out came off a run out when Ryan Ramjas felt no tracks under him trying to turn around on a single attempt when the score was 11.

Deryck Basdeo of Sunrise club.

Deryck Basdeo joined Leonardo Vasquez, who fell when the score was at 24 in the 5th over. Once again Deryck Basdeo, Sunrise captain solidified his stalwart batting abilities, set his sights to lead Sunrise offense. Deryck who was dropped very early at a low score turned out to be the biggest headache for Ranchers bowlers.

Rancher bowlers were smart in bowling slow and kept their delivers very low. One delivery was so slow it did not reach the batting wicket, which turned out to be a big laugh. However, on a serious note this was intelligent bowling by Rancher.

Batting on a wet pitch both Deryck and Harlod picked their shots, literally digging ball from the dirt to kept Sunrise run rate above 5 runs per over. Deryck once more displayed responsible batting along with Harold as they both saved their wicket bringing Sunrise score to 54 runs for the loss of 2 wickets at the 10 overs at the break.

At the start of the 11 overs Harold at 16 runs was bowled by S. Sing, who picked up a second wicked in the same over to leave Sunrise at 54 runs for 4 wickets. Deryck made the decision to bring in Kemraj Sital who batted lower down the order. At this point Deryck bat was catching fire hitting Ranchers bowlers commandingly around the park. Most impressive was his many backward sweep shots which were very successful.

In the 17th over with the score on 102 runs and partnership of 48 run with Deryck, Kemraj was bowled for 9 runs. In the next over Deryck was stumped going down the line aggressively going after Rancher bowler with few overs remaining.

With the score at 106 lost their sixth wicket in the 17 overs, Deryck once again showed leadership, and show case his batting talent by scoring a magnificent half century. His total score of 56 runs include 11 doubles, 1 triple, 4 fours, and a six. Staley Lloyd blasted a quick 12 runs knock which include 2 fours bringing Sunrise total 123 run in the 19.2 overs all out.

Doing the bowling job for Rancher was N. Singh who close out the game with back to back wicket bowled 3.2 over, 1 maiden, 22 runs, 2 wicket; S. Singh 4 overs, 18 runs, 2 wicket, and M. Singh 4 overs 27 runs, 2 wicket.

Rancher open with T. Thakur and A. Hussein, but the 3rd delivery from the Sunrise opening bowler Deonarine Singh the ball appeared to have slow down by the wet pitch and Thakur playing before the ball was bowled. Hussein was joined by Sharma who had to retire hurt from running and sliding at the batters. Hussein who made 18 runs showed a fight was brilliantly bowled by Leonardo Vasquez in the 6 overs with score at 34 runs and the loss of 2 wickets. At this point the game was balance and Ranchers were looking very confident and everyone was into the game. However, in Stanley Lloyd second over he picked consecutive wickets by clean bowled R. Singh and S. Sagie and bowled for the hat trick, but with misfortune. This left Ranchers at 42 runs for 4 wickets in 8 overs, and at the 10 over half Ranchers found themselves at 46 for the loss of 5 wickets.

Stanley had a five wicket haul against Ranchers.

Stanley came right back after the break and became a one man demolition crew by clean bowled 3 additional wickets picking up 1 in his 3rd over, and 2 in his 4th overs. Stanly master piece bowling was celebrated by all as of his team mates on the field. It was a treat for everyone witnessing Stanly knocking down wickets after wickets. These 5 wickets haul by Stanly Lloyd left Rancher at the 54 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in 12 overs shocked wondering what just happen. Stanly bowled a powerful 4 overs spell giving up 16 runs, and hauled 5 wickets. This bowling achievement is every bowler’s dreams, which Stanly Lloyd made reality.

With 69 runs lead and victory in sight Sunrise captain Deryck Basdeo look at his option and decided to give some of his bowler bowling opportunities. However, J. Singh and S Singh batted smartly taking advantage what look like the Sunrise bowler’s guards were down. Little by little they saved their wicket and tacked on runs to their total amazingly bringing Rancher score to 91 runs for 9 wickets in 18 over when J. Singh was stumped off the bowling of Shane Manbodh. S. Sharma who retired hurt early joined S. Singh who was seeing and hitting the ball hard.

Both batsmen kept up the batting attack on Sunrise bowlers made 8 runs in the 19 overs to bring the score to 98 runs. With 25 runs left to make in the final 20th over Deryck decided to stretch his arm and bowl. However, Sharma had his own plan to hit the ball hard with his lumber welcomed Deryck with back to back fours. This brought the Ranchers players to their feet with exhilaration calling for sixes.

However, Sharma did not managed boundaries in his next two balls, but answer the call by ending the game with back to back sixes. Deryck and the Sunrise players was stunned and flabbergasted with this wild ending as Ranchers came close to score 121 runs felling short by 2 runs. Sharma ended the game scoring a quick 24 runs, and S. Singh made 21 runs. Leonardo Vasquez bowled exceptionally well in his 4 overs giving up 7runs and took 2 wicket. Deonarine Singh: 4 overs, 27 runs, 1 wicket.

NYSCL Match Summary:
Division IA Premier
United Star Vs Liberty Knights
Liberty Knights 62 all out
K. Sanichar 18, B. Manniram 8
S. Kayoon 3-2, Bhola Pahalad 2-12, F. Baichoo 2-14
United Star 63 without loss
W. Ward 39, A. Singh 13

Assassins Vs Braveheart
Braveheart 40 all out
Avi Singh 6-5, G. Chattergoon 3-10
Assassins 42 without loss
E. Ellis 29, V. Rameshwar 11

Cavaliers Vs Untouchables
Untouchables 152 for 9
S. Panday 38, D. Seepersaud 25, R. Chunilall 15
V. Lall 3-16, R. Sahadeo 2-25
Cavaliers 154 for 7
G. Arjune 69, J. Arjune 28
A. Gonsalves 2-34, G. Mathai and M. Seeram took 1 wkt each

Triumph Vs Nationals
Nationals 104 all out
V. Kolandwell 22, S. Singh 14
B. Deopaul 3-9, G. Pooran 3-16
Triumph 105 for 7
R. Bindnarine 22, G. Pooran 21
F. Ulla 2-17, A. Howard, S. Singh and A. Juman took 1 wkt each

Hustlers Vs Titans
Hustlers 164 all out
N. Greaves 50, K. Sobhai 28, A. Ali 19
I. Ali 2-30, B. Hiralall and K. Roopnarine took 1 wkt each
Titans 105 all out
N. Harris 24, C. Hiralall 21, B. Ramkissoon 17
R. Mohan 4-16, A. Ali 2-19.
Country Boys loss Vs Mafia

Division IB
Wildfire Vs Horizon
Horizon 142 for 6
L. Longhorn 54 n/o, Jackson 29.
L. Singh 3-25, V. Singh 2-17.
Wildfire T. Bhoodai 52, L. Singh 51 n/o, V. Singh 31 n/o.
Apollo XI loss Vs Spartans
NY All-Star loss Vs Better Hope
Ranchers’ loss Vs Sunrise
Essequibo XI loss Vs Waves
Volcano loss Vs Sheffield
Canal loss Vs Master Blaster

Division IIA
Ravens Vs Unpredictable
Ravens 116 for 3
R. Bansi 26, S. Dilchand 19, R. Williams 18, D. Bhikram 17.
Bobby 1-13
Unpredictable 115 all out
M. Dookie 28, S. Sergio 28, S. Dookie 13
D. Bhikram, R. Williams and M. Ramoutar took 1 wkt each
P M All-Star loss Vs Lions
Unity loss Vs PM Youth
Braves loss Vs NY Midrise
Wakefield won Vs Wolfpack

Division IIB
Strikers Vs Buccaneers
Strikers 110 for 9
N. Budhram 23, M. ramjewan 21, R. Munilall 20.
Mahendra 3-26, Ramesh 2-20.
Buccaneers 97 all out
Vishnu 29, Vishal 17, Dave 11.
R. Munilall 3-10, P. Singh 2-15, K. Ibrahim 2-16
Young Brothers loss Vs Young Warriors
Invaders loss Vs Young West Ind.
Cricket International won Vs Falcons
Legends loss Vs Flashers
Rising Sun won Vs Justin Force