By Ravendra Madholall

Cambridge Jaguars emerged victorious over Vikings by six wickets with 14 balls to spare on Saturday, June 22, at Guyana’s 58th Independence Festival one-day event held at Littles Ground, Scarborough, Ontario.

The tournament featured two categories: round-arm and flick-bowling. In the round-arm category, the Jaguars successfully chased down Vikings’ formidable total of 114-4 from 10 overs in the final match.

Patrick Rooplall, a standout batsman for the Jaguars, played a pivotal role in the victory with an unbeaten 48, including seven sixes. Rooplall received solid support from Riaz Kadir and Richard Latiff, both contributing 31 runs each. Avish Rukhram from the Vikings claimed 3-29 from his two overs.

In Vikings’ innings, Amit Rukhram was the top scorer with an unbeaten 37, followed by Avish Rukhram with 28 and Avinash Sookdeo with 20. Latiff delivered an economical bowling performance, taking 2-14 from his two overs after Cambridge Jaguars opted to bowl first after winning the toss.

Rooplall was named the player of the match and received a trophy for his outstanding performance. Cambridge Jaguars were awarded a trophy and C$250, while the runners-up, Vikings, took home a trophy. Each player in the final received a medal. Three teams participated in the tournament.

In the flick-bowling category, Better-Hope Cricket Club had Ontario Softball Cricket League XI struggling at 9-4 in the fifth over when rain interrupted and eventually ended the proceedings for the day. The two teams shared the trophy and prizes. Zakir Khan, a player in the event, won a Caribbean Airlines ticket to any destination their service covers.

As part of Guyana’s 58th Independence celebrations, Vice-President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, attended the event and met with all the participating teams for photo opportunities.