IT was sweet revenge for Gros Islet women when they made it two wins out of two matches to top the points table as cricket action in the Saint Lucia National Cricket Association Acynta Auguste 50 Over’s Women’s Tournament this past weekend at the Mindoo Phillip Park (MPP).
On Saturday April 24th, 2021, Gros Islet, following a 116 runs victory in their opening match against Choiseul last weekend at the Piaye playing field defeated defending champions South Castries Lionesses by 24 runs.
Batting first after Captain Qiana Joseph won the toss, Gros Islet made 193 for the loss of 5 wickets in 37 overs with half centuries from Windward Islands player Malika Edward and West Indies player Qiana Joseph.
Edward, who opened the batting, made a patient 66 in 94 balls which included 10 fours. In one particular over, she scored 14 off Leona Baker that included three boundaries. Captain Qiana Jo-seph made a rapid 50 off 51 deliveries which included 6 spanking fours. Other valuable contribu-tion with the bat came from top order batter Niesha Cherry 16 and Heidi Sandiford (wicketkeeper) 10 not out.
Bowling for South Castries Lionesses former national player Leona Vitalis picked up 2 for 40 in 6 overs, with a wicket each to Zaida James and Philippa Thomas – Eudovic.
Requiring 194 for victory, the South Castries team was dismissed for 169 in 32.2 overs with Zaida James continuing her good run on form, top scoring with 63 from 91 balls which included 8 exquisite fours. Philippa Thomas – Eudovic 30 not out and Nerissa Crafton 17.
Bowling for Gros Islet, Malika Edward continue her all round performance in the encounter by taking 3 for 10 in 3.2 overs. She also picked up the Player of the Match award. Qiana Joseph got 2 for 16 in 8 overs, Selena Ross 2 for 35 in 8 overs and a wicket each to Skyy Smith and Makada Dubois.
This reporter spoke to Gros Islet head coach, Alton Crafton and South Castries Lionesses Team Manager, Eugena Gregg about the encounter. This is what they had had to say.
Crafton: “Both teams must be commended for playing the game in good spirits. I was very impressed with all my batters on show. Really good half centuries from the experienced players, Malika Edward and Qiana Joseph”.
In terms of Selena Ross and Zaida James, Crafton spoke highly of the two young players: “15-year-old left arm seamer Selena Ross looks like a very good prospect and I must give commenda-tion to Zaida James for a brilliant half century following last weekend 125 not out,” Crafton said.
Gregg said she thought the fielding could have been better, further, a lot of wides were bowled.
“We accept our defeat graciously,” she said.
In the other encounter played at the Piaye playing field, the Saint Lucia National Cricket Association (SLNCA) Developmental Team experienced their second defeat in as many matches against Choiseul who won the toss and chose to bat, in the process, posting 238 for the loss of 8 wickets.
For Choiseul, captain Roylin Cooper top scored with 79, she also went on to capture the Player of the Match award. Other contributions with the bat came from Shermika Cooper 29 and Julia Simon 16.
Bowling for SLNCA Developmental Team, Captain Yasmine St. Ange took 4 for 25 in 6 overs and Nisha Alexander 2 for 30 in 5 overs.
Chasing 239 for victory, the SLNCA Developmental Team was bundled out for 103 runs with Yasmine St Ange, the only player to get into double figures; she made 24 from 33 deliveries.
Bowling for Choiseul, Cairre Ann Amata picked up 3 for 17 in 3 overs; Nicole Charles bagged 2 for 7 in 3 overs; Shernia Cooper 2 for 10 in 5.2 overs and Roylin Cooper 1 for 21 in 5 overs.
The tournament continues this weekend with the SLNCA Development Team taking on Gros Islet at the Mindoo Phillip Park, while South Castries Lionesses travels to Piaye for their encoun-ter against Choiseul.
Both matches commence at 10.00 a.m.
