New York defeats Floodlight A in Florida Cup Finals

-Deonarin half century not enough

Captain Ricky Deonarin led from the front with a brilliant half century but the knock was in vain as Guyana’s Floodlight `A’ team was beaten once again in the final of the Florida Cup in the United States of America last week-end.

Like they did last year the Floodlight A team once again reached the final of the Florida Cup Softball Masters Tournament held in Fort Lauderdale, USA.

Tony Fernandez, fourth from left, standing, and the rest of the winning New York team.

Last year they were defeated by New York Better Hope in the final.

This time the winning team was the New York Cricket Softball League (NYCSL) who won the thrilling encounter.

Floodlight `A’ batted first after winning the toss and made a commanding 175 for 7 off the allotted 20 overs.

Captain Deonarain top-scored with 55 while  Ishwar Persaud 35, Hardat Singh 29 and Richard Persaud 20 all made useful contributions.

When NYCSL batted, Tony Fernandez scored a match winning 95 not out as NYCSL scored the winning runs off the fifth delivery of the 20th over for the loss of 7 wickets.

Earlier, Floodlight A defeated Strikers of Fort Lauderdale and Georgia to reach the semi-final round where the defeated South Florida to reach the final.

The Floodlight `B’ team lost all three of their games against New York Better Hope, Orlando and South Florida respectively.

Both teams were sent to the USA to take part in Florida Cup 2011 by the Guyana Floodlight Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA).

In the Open tournament called the “All Stars”, NYCSL All Stars defeated New York Doctors X1 in the final.

The next tournament called “Independence Cup” will be played in New York on the 4th of July weekend.