CLEAN SWEEP

Vincy Women are queens of WI cricket

The Vincentian Women’s cricket team is the 2004 League title-holders.
The women earned the title in Trinidad and Tobago last week. After a rain-abandoned fixture in the first clash with hosts Trinidad and Tobago, the Vincentians played unbeaten. They sealed an unbeaten run with a six-wicket win over St. Lucia, but on their way had displaced all other teams. They crawled to 76 for 5 off 41.4 overs after Guyana was dismissed for 75 off 32.1 overs. Cordell Jack, 4 for 9, named Woman of the Match in the Guyana encounter, was maintaining her superb all-round display. Samantha Lynch, 3 for 13, provided support in a rather tough contest. {{more}}
The Vincentians reached 176 for 9 in their 50 over allotment against Grenada, with West Indies selectee Juliano Nero, 60, being the leading scorer. Grenada fell for 85 off 35.2 overs. Cordell Jack, 3 for 14, Jennifer Charles, 3 for 23, and Melissa Billingy, 2 for 10, were the wicket takers.
Against Jamaica in their second fixture, the Vincy cricketers piled up 183 for 6 in a game reduced to 46 overs. Geneille Greaves, 46, ensured that her name remained in the selector’s glimpse. And Cordell Jack, 56, showed why she was named the tournament’s MVP. And to endorse her all-round ability, Jack returned with figures of 4 for 12 as the Jamaicans were dismissed for 121 off 42.4 overs.
Their first game against Barbados was reduced to 27 overs and saw the Vincentians winning by 29 runs. They reached 109 for 5 with Vanessa Shallow, 27, and Cordell Jack, 22. Barbados reached 80 for 7 with Melissa Billingy, 2 for 6, and Phernel Charles, 2 for 19.
It could have been a double for the Vincentians, but they lost their knock-out semifinal encounter to St. Lucia.
The Lucians reached 184 for 8 in 50 overs with Verena Felecien, 77 not out, leading the way. Phernell Charles, 2 for 26, was the pick of the Vincentian bowlers. Greaves, 30, and Cordell Jack, 27, could not provide enough, as they were all out for 110.
The Vincentians, however, returned home last Monday in a triumphant mood and with a collection of silverware to show for their troubles.
The party was greeted by Education, Sports and Youth Minister Mike Browne, Windwards Cricket Board President Lennox John, Director of Sports Lynette Glasgow, executive members of the Women’s cricket body, as well as fans and supporters.
Minister Browne expressed delight with the performance of the squad, they having moved from fourth place since they entered the competition four years ago.
Browne apologised for Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves’ absence. However, Dr. Gonsalves’ presence must have been in spirit. Browne mentioned that Dr. Gonsalves would have liked to welcome the champions had it not been for his meet-the-people tour to the different constituencies.
The Prime Minister, however, was expected to meet the triumphant party at a reception for the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States Heads of Government meeting that began here last Wednesday.
Browne predicted that the Prime Minister would have wanted to show off the West Indies Women’s Federation championship team to his OECS counterparts.