Toronto Blizzards blitz their way to another title
Their opponents were the same. The city was different and the result remained the same.
At June month-end, Toronto Blizzards defeated New York Hustlers by seven runs in a highly entertaining contest in the Legends Over-50 final, as part of the New York Softball Cricket League (NYSCL) annual Independence Cup, played at Canarsie Park, Brooklyn, New York.
On Sunday last, Toronto Blizzards were again victorious, thrashing the same opponents by 37 runs at the University of Toronto ground when the third edition of Toronto Cup, organised by the Ontario Masters Softball Cricket Clubs (OMSCC) climaxed here.
Boasting a lineup consisting of several former Guyana national players and one who previously represented Canada (Desmond Chumney) at the ICC World Cup, Toronto Blizzards lived up to their pre-tournament bidding, once again playing unbeaten on their way to claiming the top prize.
Led by a brilliant 76 from opener from former Guyana batsman Jaimini Singh, who creamed six fours and cleared the ropes on four occasions, Toronto Blizzards were paced to 160 for five in their allotted 20 overs after being asked to take first strike in the only match-up which saw teams from out of Toronto participating in the finals.
The Essequibian-born Singh dominsted an opening stand of 56 with his skipper Shivnauth Seeram (15) and added a further 52 for the fourth wicket with Mohan Harihar whose contribution was 16 (one four and a six). Lalchand Shivraj weighed in with 18 towards the backend of the innings, hitting a four and a six.
Rajpaul was the best bowler for the visitors, bagging two for 24 while there was one wicket each for Qayaam Farrouq, Cedric Beaton and Eustace Dodson for 25, 26 and 29 runs respectively.
New York Hustlers lone resistance came from veteran Ken Sanichar whose 42 was decorated with four sixes as wickets tumbled around him.
Shivraj returned to claim three for 17. Terry Mathura, who had the unique distinction of being part of three championship teams in 2018, was also among the wickets with two for 16 while the wily Satrohan “Blade” Balkarran claimed one for eight.
Jaimini Singh was deservedly named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the final. He also took home the prize for scoring the most runs (196) in the category. Balkarran took to the most wickets (eight) and also had the best bowling figures (three for six) in a match, copping prizes for both achievements. Singh was also the recipient of a gold chain, compliments of Gologistics and engraved by Trophy Stall.
Toronto Blizzards winnings were US$3000, the highest among the three categories based on the number of teams which participated in the category. They also took home the Trophy Stall trophy while runners-up New York Hustlers received US$200 and the runnersup trophy. All the players collected medals.
OMSCC president Azeem Khan, while praising all the teams for their participation in the threeday tournament, was delighted with the presence of Toronto’s deputy mayor Michael Thompson and councillor Jennifer McKelvie of Ward 25 – Scarborough Rouge who readily accepted the invitation from the league officials.
Toronto Blizzards owe their formation to businessman Nasrudeen Baksh, an ardent enthusiast and supporter of the Ontario Masters Softball Cricket Clubs (OMSCC).