By John Ramsingh in Miami.
Regal Masters had a flawless start to their 2016 Florida Cup campaign with convincing victories over Tri-State Masters and Better Hope Masters at the Brian Piccolo Park in Fort Lauderdale, Miami USA.
In their opening match, Regal Masters defeated Tri-State Masters by seven wickets with 15 balls to spare.
Tri-State were asked to bat first and were bowled out for 105 from 17.2 overs. Mahendra Hardyal was the star with the ball with 3-18. Raymond Harper (2-13), Faleem Mohamed (2-26) and Laurie Singh (1-18) were spot on as well.
Compton Warren top scored for Tri-State with 34 (3×6, 2×4). In reply Mahesh Chunilall 54 not out (6×4, 1×6) and Raymond Harper 16 (1×6, 1×4) knocked off the required total in 17.3 overs for an easy six points.
The second match was more competitive as it was against Florida Cup 2015 Champions, Better Hope Masters. Batting first the defending champions posted a challenging 168-8 from their 20 overs, with useful contributions from Sodesh Persaud 57 not out (4×6 & 6×4), Desmond Chumney 28 (2×6 & 2×4) and Ravi Sugrim 22 (2×6 & 2×4).
Harper and Hardyal were once again among the wickets with 2-17 and 2-27 respectively. When the Regal Masters set out on their mission to get 169, they were given a flying start from the inform Chunilall with an unbeaten 69 (6×6 & 4×4).
Eric Thomas contributed 46 not out (6×4 & 3×6) and Raymond Harper 19 also played their part with the bat to give the Guyana Masters team victory by seven wickets with four overs and 4 balls to spare.
The Regal Masters will now play their final group match against Floodlights Masters of Guyana who won both of their matches to also qualify for the semi-finals.
In that group South Florida Softball Cricket League (SFSCL) Masters won both of their matches and have advanced to the semi finals.
Orlando Softball Cricket League and Brooklyn Legends both have one win and six points from their two matches.
The All-Star (open) category is more complicated with four teams all on six points.
South Florida Softball Cricket League, Wolf Warriors, Mercenery and Orlando Softball Cricket League all with a chance to move forward.
The other group in the All-Star category is set with Tri-State Warriors and New York Enforcers won both of their matches while Untouchables and Expendables lost both and are eliminated.
