History in NSL windball cricket

For the first time the National Sports League (NSL) Windball Cricket Champ-ionship Men’s Final will feature teams from both Trinidad and sister isle Tobago competing for $40,000 in cash and incentives. C&B United, Canaan and Bon Accord United, have created history as the first team from the Tobago Zone, introduced in 2004,  to advance to the “Best of Three” finals where they will meet local champions Grass Roots. C&B are the Tobago Zonal champions, completing their 11-match programme undefeated while Grass Roots, the 2002 National Champions, finished second in the North/ East Zone with 12 wins and three defeats in their second year in the NSL.

Champion women’s team for the past two years in the NSL Windball Cricket Championship, Desert United will play the final against 2000 and 2001 national and Caribbean champs Rebirth tomorrow at the National Hockey Centre, Tacarigua. The teams are strong head-to-head rivals with Desert winning the title two years ago after Rebirth’s dominance for the previous two years. They are now on a two-year winning streak and  should Desert win, the trophy will be theirs with Rebirth the only team standing in their way. Going into tomorrow’s first match of the series, Rebirth, winner of the North/East Zone and last  national finalists, have a record of 13 wins and one loss. Desert, the second placed North Zone team and semi-finalists last year have recorded 11 wins and three defeats. In addition to the trophy, the 2004 NSL National Women’s Division champions will also claim the $10,000 first prize.

NSL Chairman Terry Apping, speaking at a media briefing yesterday said the NSL are pleased to partner with Radio 90.5FM who are the main sponsors of this season’s competition. He said he was also elated with the great success of the Tobago Zone. To this end there are also additional incentives for the team with the “Best Spectator Support,” “Best Rhythm Section” and “Most Flags” all sponsored by Radio 90.5FM. There will also be promotional items from sponsors available to patrons attending the finals. The women will open the evening at 6.30 pm while the main event touted by organisers as “Tobago versus Trinidad” will get underway at 8.30 pm. The second match in both series will be played on Saturday at the same venue and if required the third and final match will be played on Sunday from 6 pm.