Reports indicate that this year’s Windward Islands Women’s Super-50 Cup championship has been quite entertaining.
The tournament, which commenced on February 10 and is slated to end on February 18. It started with a 50-over round-robin matches and will conclude with some T20 games.
Last Sunday, which was day one of the tournament, Saint Lucia emerged victorious in the opening match against Dominica Women, showcasing an impressive performance with both bat and ball.
After being put in to bat first, Saint Lucia put up an imposing total of 307 all out in 49.2 overs. Nerissa Crafton played a standout innings, scoring an impressive 125 runs off 95 balls, with 16 boundaries and 4 sixes. Captain Zaida James contributed with 41 runs, and Qiana Joseph added a quick 31.
The Dominica Women’s bowlers faced a challenging task in restricting Saint Lucia, however, Pearl Etienne and Amiah Gilbert both claimed three wickets for the Nature Girls.
In reply, Dominica Women faced a tough Saint Lucia bowling attack and managed only to score 180/9 in their allotted 50 overs. Rosilia Registe was the top scorer with a resilient 61 at the top of the batting lineup. Despite Dominica’s efforts, Saint Lucia’s bowlers proved to be a formidable force, a force too great for their opponents. Selena Ross took 2 wickets for 27 runs, while Malika Edward impressed with the ball, securing 3 wickets for 21 runs.
Saint Lucia Women won the match by a substantial margin of 127 runs.
Match # 2: Grenada vs St. Vincent and the Grenadines at La Sagesse.
Grenada secured a commanding victory over St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), winning by a sizeable margin of 151 runs.
After winning the toss, SVG Women chose to bowl first. Grenada posted a competitive total of 269/8 in their allotted 50 overs.
Captain Afy Fletcher played a pivotal role with a brisk innings of 69 runs off 46 balls, while vice-captain Anisha Thomas contributed a solid 57.
Though SVG were put to work in the field by the Grenadians, nonetheless, there were some promising signs at times from the Vincentians. Tracy Byron was the most successful bowler, claiming three wickets for 42 runs, while Shema Wright-Quashie claimed two wickets.
In response, SVG struggled against the disciplined bowling of Grenada and were sent back to the hotel for 118 in just 26.3 overs. Shannel Mackie top-scored with 26 runs, but the team found it challenging to build partnerships after a decent opening stand. Aria Fortune and Afy Fletcher led the bowling attack for Grenada Women, securing three wickets each.
The other standout performances for Grenada Women included Carena Noel (one wicket for 26 runs), Holly Charles (one wicket for 16 runs), Rackel Williams (one wicket for 29 runs), and Jaeda Tyrell (one wicket for 16 runs).
Grenada’s comprehensive victory in this encounter promises that their game against the St. Lucians will be an exciting one.
Meanwhile, it turned out to be two in two for Saint Lucia after handing SVG their second loss of the tournament, on Monday.
An excellent performance with both bat and ball proved too much for SVG who, so far, have had a disappointing outing in this tournament.
Saint Lucia batted first and made 188 for 5 with Captain Zadia James scoring 42 (34) and N Marcellin 37 (77). SVG was bowled out for just 72 in the match that was reduced to 37 overs.
In the other match, reeling from 49 for 7 to 152 for 9, Grenada pulled victory from the jaws of defeat, with sheer perseverance, determination, and a ‘never say die’ attitude.
Batting first in a game reduced to 31 overs because of rain, captain Pearl Etienne led Dominica from the front with 60* to take her team to a competitive total of 149 in their allotted overs. Carena Noel and Brittney Pascal grabbed two wickets each for Grenada.
Etienne was back again for Dominica to claim three wickets in just three overs, and things truly seemed grim for Grenada.
With pressure mounting and the score at 49 for 7, Grenada dug in with the combined efforts of its lower order of Aria Fortune, Cassie Williams, and Holly Charles to take their team all the way to 152 with 17 balls and one wicket to spare.
Today (Wednesday) Saint Lucia will face the only other undefeated team in the tournament, Grenada, while the two teams that are yet to win will face off at Progress Park.