Vincentian women beat Bajans
St Vincent and the Grenadines got off to a fine start on the second day of the West Indies Women Cricket Federation Tournament Wednesday with a comfortable five-wicket victory over Barbados at the National Cricket Centre in Balmain, Couva. {{more}}
The Vincentian team became the first of the seven participants to score a win in the tournament, as all other matches carded so far have been abandoned due to bad weather.
When the match got underway at 1.15 p.m., Barbados won the toss and elected to field. But they may well have rued that decision as the Vincentian opening pair of Cordell Jack and Vanessa Shallow gave their team a solid start, with Jack contributing 22 and Shallow 25.
Despite losing a few quick wickets, the Vincentians eventually got to 109 for five wickets in their 27 overs.
Maria Bernham had the best bowling figures for Barbados, grabbing two wickets for just 12 runs.
In reply, Barbados got off to a shaky start, losing opener Charleen Taitt for one. But even though Rosita Brown, who came in at number three hit the innings top score of 25, Barbados never looked like they would overhaul the Vincentian total, and could only muster 80 in their 27 overs, at the cost of seven wickets.
The Vincentian bowlers were led by Melissa Billingy, who had impressive figures of two wickets for six runs in five overs, as well as Phernel Charles, who took two for 19 from six overs.
The Vincentians play Jamaica today at Gilbert Park and take on the Grenadians tomorrow. They Play Guyana on Sunday and St.Lucia on Tuesday.
The play-offs are carded for May 14, the semi-finals set for May 15 with the final on May 16. The team will return home on May 17. A West Indies women cricket team will be selected on the basis of performances in this competition for partcipation in the 2005 World Cup in South Africa.