Paul, Zaman guides Wakenaam Blue to Ragnauth Softball title

Outstanding performances from Kemo Paul and Zameer Zaman ensured Wakenaam Blue copped the Chandreka Ragnauth 15-over softball title when they defeated Tuschen in a 3 match competition recently at Belle Plaine in the Essequibo river island.
Paul, who represented Guyana in the Regional U-15 tournament last year, blasted an unbeaten 134 as the home team piled up 190-1 in 15 overs after taking first strike. He dominated an unbroken 180 run second wicket partnership with Chandrika Ragnauth (32) by smashing eight fours and eleven sixes after they lost an early wicket.
Tuschen in response managed 122-6 before their overs expired. National U-19 player Ricardo Adams led their scoring with 43 (3×4, 2×6) as Nokta Moses claimed 3-23 and Ragnauth 2-24 for the host who won the game by 68 runs.
In the second encounter, Wakenaam Blue triumphed by 42 runs. Zameer Zaman was their chief run getter with 75 (4×4, 6×8) and Paul supported with 21 as they posted a massive 212-5 off their allotted overs before restricting the visitors for 170-5 in 15 overs.  Ricardo Adams 46 and Kevon Boodie 35 gave their team a promising opening stand of 75, but once they departed within 6 runs of each other the contest transformed into a one sided affair as the other batsmen found it difficult to handle the home team bowling, especially that of Nokta Moses and Moin Khan who both grabbed 2 wickets each.
Meanwhile, in the final game which was reduced to a 10\10 affair, the host won by 44 runs after batting first and scoring 141-3 off their allotment of overs. The talented Paul was again their leading run getter with 71 (5×6, 7×4), while Zaman contributed 23. Tuschen in reply were bowled out for 97 in 7 overs. Chandreka Ragnauth, Moses and Paul grabbed 2 wickets apiece for the winners who received a trophy.    (Zaheer Mohamed)