Greaves head female Under-23 cricketers

The Vincentian Under-23 Women cricketers will try to do a hattrick when the West Indies Under-23 Tournament bowls over here tomorrow Saturday, July 17.
West Indies selectee Geneille Greaves, experienced in the two previous tournaments, leads the squad. Cordel Jack, Most Valuable Player in the Senior championship in Trinidad and Tobago last May, will support her, as well as Clea Hoyte another West Indies player. {{more}}
The team includes five newcomers: batters Akeisha Henson and Avian Mayers; off spinner Terisha Lavia; medium pacer Cassandra Cain; and second wicketkeeper Cady Williams. They join Melissa Billingy, Jennifer Charles, Myscha George, Marsha Hooper, Rochelle John, Nekisha Douglas, Kelorn Peters, Kayan Charles and Sandra Samuel.
Former West Indies speedster Ian Allen serves as coach and Genita Lewis manager.
Allen is optimistic of his team’s chances of retaining the title.
He thinks that the strength of the team is its bowling, with many of the bowlers expected to perform as allrounders. And he is not overlooking the depth of his batting line up.
The team has been preparing for weeks and warmed up for their first encounter with a match yesterday Thursday, and another today Friday.
Allen anticipates a stiff challenge from Trinidad and Tobago, also fortified by the inclusion of some Senior West Indies players.
Allen is not underestimating any other rivals.
Matches of 40 over duration begin at the Arnos Vale Playing Field where the homesters will be against Grenada. Barbados takes on St. Lucia at Arnos Vale Two and Trinidad and Tobago play Jamaica at Stubbs.
Sunday’s action sees the Vincentians and the St. Lucians in a clash at Stubbs, while at Arnos Vale One, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago will battle. Grenada and Jamaica play the day’s other match at Arnos Vale Two.
The competition resumes Tuesday, July 20 when the Vincentians host their Barbadian counterparts at Arnos Vale Two. Jamaica and St. Lucia square off at Arnos Vale One while at Stubbs, Trinidad and Tobago and Grenada go head to head.
Wednesday’s drama unfolds with the Vincentians returning to Stubbs for a showdown with Jamaica. Grenada and Barbados meet at Arnos Vale One, and at Arnos Vale Two St. Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago will vie for honours.
The tournament winds up Friday 23 when SVG clash with Trinidad and Tobago at Arnos Vale One. Barbados and Jamaica meet at Stubbs and at Arnos Vale Two, St. Lucia and Grenada battle.
On Thursday members from the West Indies Women’s Cricket Federation will meet their counterparts from the West Indies Cricket Board to discuss plans for the merger, fulfillment of which is expected by March 2005.
A closing ceremony is set for Friday, July 23 at the Old Montrose Police Station. Prizes, trophies and awards will be distributed.
Following the tournament, focus will be on training of a Senior West Indies team for the 2005 World Cup in South Africa.