Cricket action resumes today (Saturday 24th April 2021) in the 8th edition of the Acynta Auguste Women’s 50 Overs tournament, organized by the Saint Lucia National Cricket Association.
Gros Islet takes on South Castries Lionesses (SCL) at the Gros Islet playing field. The two teams had massive wins in their opening encounters. Today’s matchup has been dubbed, a “final before a final.”
The other game scheduled for today is the Saint Lucia National Cricket Association (SLNCA) Development Team against Choiseul at the Mindoo Phillip Park (MPP). These two teams will be going all out for their first win of the tournament following heavy defeats at the hand of South Castries Lionesses and Gros Islet respectively.
This reporter spoke to Alton Crafton, head coach for the Gros Islet team and Eugenia Gregg, South Castries Lionesses team manager.
This is what they had to say.
Crafton: “I expect a highly competitive match between Gros Islet and South Castries. I will not predict the result but what I will say is that the team who wants it most will be victorious”.
He added, “Gros Islet will depend highly on captain, Qiana Joseph with her all-round ability. Joseph top scored with a well-played 40 and picked up 2 wickets for 5 runs. She will have alongside her Batters Malika Joseph, Niesha Cherry. Skyy Smith (all-rounder), Makada Dubois (seamer), Selena Ross (seamer), and Hydi Sandiford (wicket keeper/ batter)”.
Gregg: “Gros Islet Versus SCL has always been very keenly contested and I expect nothing different this time around. We have no new faces other than former Under 19 Windward Islands Captain Nerissa Crafton who was unavailable for the first match due to work commitments.”
According to Gregg, “With Zaida out after this game, due to Cricket West Indies commitment (training camp) in Antigua and Barbuda, South Castries Lionesses are still expected to roar loud with valuable contributions from Skipper Ashlene Edwards, Nerissa Crafton, Elisha James, former West Indies player Philippa Thomas – Eudovic, former national leg spinner Leona Baker and young bowlers; Princess Oliviere, Chloe Elibox and off-spinner Krishna Joseph”.
Zaida James, last weekend, blasted her way to a maiden national century, 125 not out; she also picked up 3 wickets for 6 runs; Philippa Thomas – Eudovic (South Castries) second highest scorer with 45; Qiana Joseph (Gros Islet) top scored with 40 and bagged 2 for 5; Makada Dubois had a career best of 5 for 16 and Selena Ross 2 for 22 against Choiseul were just some of the top performers last weekend.
Both matches will commence at 10.00 a.m.
