Tigress are female cricket champions

J. G. Tigress secured the 2005 Cavaliers National Women’s Cricket Competition League title in most enthralling fashion last Sunday. They beat United Survivors in a fitting climax worthy of any final. United Survivors scored 139 for 8 off 40 overs.{{more}}

J. G. Tigress, the defending champion battled to victory in gallant style. It was a team effort, but Tigress will have to pay tribute to their ninth wicket pair. Clea Hoyte 21 and Phernel Charles 19 came together with their team precariously placed at 105 for 8. United Survivors’ players and their supporters must have thought that they had done enough to create an upset.

But Hoyte and Charles two capable medium pace bowlers, displayed a level of understanding with a 40 run stand.

Sherriann John, 28 led the scoring for Tigress, following up a platform set by openers Jean Blucher 19 and Celena Fraser 15. They put on 45, which set the tone. Wickets fell at sufficient intervals to give Survivors the hint that they were in the game. Samantha Lynch was outstanding on the field for Survivors with a splendid catch at deep mid wicket to dismiss Myscka George.

Survivors reached 139 for 8 off their allotted 40 overs. Melissa Billingy 23 and Rosetta Williams 22 were among the runs, with 44 extras adding to the total. Clea Hoyte 3 for 15 had already made her impression and if there were to be a Woman of the match award, Hoyte would have been in the reckoning.

Phernel Charles 2 for 28 would also have been in contention. She slammed the winning six over midwicket off the third ball of the final over with one run required.

Tigress’ victory was a reflection of the standard of women’s cricket here. They fielded eight players with experience at the national level. Seven were in the last year’s national squad, which took the West Indies title in May. Those were Phernel Charles, Jennifer Charles, Clea Hoyte, Jean Blucher, Sherriann John, Rochel John, and Myska George. Celena Fraser is a former national player whose skills seem still able to keep her in those ranks.

United Survivors had five national players in their line up. Samantha Lynch, Camille Garrick, Maria Abbott, and Melissa Billingy. And had it not been the World Cup in South African Cordell Jack would have been in that clash.

The win also gave J.G Tigress a Bye into the semifinal Knock out. They play the winner of the Garifuna Stars/North Leeward encounter.

The Knock Out begins at the Arnos Vale Two. That is one of three matches tomorrow.

Garifuna Stars took third spot with a five-wicket win over Rangers.

Donna Baptiste 29 and Wonderly Shallow 26 were in good form as their team cruised to 103 for 5 off 21 overs.

Rangers were dismissed for 102 off 19 overs. Michael Sam 46 was the chief run getter.

Cordelia Williams 4 for 25 was the chief wicket taker for Garifuna Stars.

Amanda Thorpe 3 for 42 was the best bowler for Rangers.

Despers secured a two wicket win over North Leeward. Despers scored 99 for 8 in 21 overs in reply to North Leeward’s 98 all out in 20.5 overs. Marriett Granderson 22 was the top scorer for North Leeward in an innings wrecked by Valcina Murray 4 for 27.

Sandra Samuel 3 for 16 and Kayann Charles 2 for 31 were the main wicket takers for North Leeward.

United Survivors play Despers at Union, while Rangers and Total Eye Care Rose Bank will see each other at Petit Bordel. The winners meet in the other semifinal at Union on March 13.