Orlando Softball Cup 2023: Upbeat Regal Legends eye maiden title

Champions of the Over-50 category (Legends) in Guyana’s Softball, Regal Legends are aiming to extend that dominance to the Orlando Cup that bowls off Friday (March 17) at Barnett Park.

Regal last competed in the Orlando Cup in 2018, but there was no Over-50 segment, just the Open and Over-40 divisions. Incidentally, they lost to Floodlights in the Over-40 final.

Captain of the side, Mahendra ‘Anil’ Hardyal, expressed confidence they have what it takes to claim the title.

“We are an experienced bunch of players, we know our strengths and weaknesses. We play as a team and that is the key to our unmatched success in the Over-50 category.”

Hardyal added, “Some may peg us as favourites, but cricket is played on the day and we will stick to the basics and aim to play good cricket. There is a process to winning.”

When the Regal side toured Fort Lauderdale in April 2022, they copped both the Masters and Legends titles.

The Orlando Cup will run from March 17-19, featuring 24 teams across four categories, namely Open (no bowling restriction), Open (round-arm bowling), Over-40 (Masters), and Over-50 (Legends). Numerous Guyanese players are set to be on show for lucrative prizes.

Regal Over-50 squad: Mahendra Hardyal (captain), Mohendra Arjune, Unnis Yusuf, Ramesh Narine, David Harper, Eric Thomas, Rudolph Baker, Eion Abel, Parsram Persaud, Surujdeo Ramdeen, Wayne Jones and Ramraj Sumair.