Rafiek, Kippins confident of back to back titles as NYSCL bowls off on June 30

Jun 27, 2017 Sports, http://www.kaieteurnewsonline....owls-off-on-june-30/

Regal All Stars and Regal Masters captains Mohamed Rafiek and Troy Kippins have expressed confidence of their teams winning back to back titles when the New York Softball Cricket League commences on June 30 at Canarsie Park in New York.
Regal All Stars defeated New York All Stars by two wickets, while Regal Masters overcame Guyanese rival Floodlight by five wickets to win the Independence and Legends finals respectively in 2016 which were contested at Roy Wilkins Park.
Regal then went on to win the Open and Masters titles in Florida earlier this year and also won the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc Independence Masters crown; they took the runner up spot in the Open category after losing to Speedboat in the final.
Twelve teams from around USA, Canada and Guyana will be taking part in the Legends Cup with another 12 teams battling for the Independence title. Both tournaments will be played simultaneously and conclude on July 2 at Roy Wilkins Park.
Speaking with Kaieteur Sport yesterday, Rafiek said that his boys are confident of winning the title once again. “Most of the teams will be coming hard at us, but we have a good idea of what to expect, and as long as we stick to the basics and keep it simple we will be hard to beat,” he added.
Rafiek, who is one of the three opening batsmen on the side, explained that the lack of preparation due to the inclement weather will not affect their chances for his players are capable enough to hold their own. The All Stars side includes Richard Latif, one of the most decorated players in this category, Rohit Dutchin, Safraz Esau and Patrick Rooplall.
Regal Masters Skipper Kippins pointed out that they are aware of the challenges ahead and will not be taking any team lightly. “We will take it one game at a time and try to reach the final four and take it from there,” he posited.
He said that this year’s tournament will not be an easy one so it will be important for them to play as a unit. Eric Thomas, Mahendra Hardyal, Mahase Chunilall and Eon Abel are among those in the team.
Teams – Regal All Stars; Fazal Rafiek (Capt.), Richard Latif, Navin Singh, Sachin Singh, Rohit Dutchin, Sewchand Budhu, Safraz Esau, Marvin Babb, Delroy Perreira, Amir Nizamudeen, Patrick Rooplall, Privnauth Motilall and Davindra Ramnauth. Parmanand Persaud (Manager).
Masters; Troy Kippins (Capt.), Mahendra Hardyal, Mohendra Arjune, David Harper, Eric Thomas, Mahase Chunilall, Eon Abel, Fazleem Mohamed, Rudolph Baker, Laurie Singh, Abdool Samad, Parsram Persaud, Shaun Massiah and Rudy Rodrigues. Clyde Butts (Manager). Inderjeet Persaud (Media liaison.)
Meanwhile, the management of both teams would like to thank Ricks and Sari, MYO, GNIC SC, Crown Mining, Grey Wolf Resources, Top Brandz, Star Party Rentals, Elegant Jewellery and Pawn Shop, Veisa Stationery Cologne Panama, Quick Stationery Panama, HC Furnishing Panama, Mae’s Shopping Centre Cologne Panama, Regal Sports, Regal Stationery and Computer Centre and fans for their support.