The 50-over segment of the Windward Islands Cricket Board Senior Women’s Tournament came to a close on Wednesday, with 2024 champions Saint Lucia ending their title defence with a whimper, losing by 24 runs to hosts, Dominica.
Saint Lucia were dismissed for 123 in pursuit of a target of 145 for victory at Geneva Playing Field, handing the hosts their first win. Dominica’s Jinni Valmond took three early wickets to leave the former title holders stunned, at 2-4 after two overs.
Ashlene Edward and schoolgirl Crisa Smith led a fine recovery, taking the score to 84 for no further loss, and virtually level with Dominica at the same stage of their earlier innings. Smith, who top-scored with 31 in the previous game, hit 23.
An Edward half-century went in vain, however, as Saint Lucia were eventually dismissed well short of victory. Edward finished on 76. Abini St Jean took 4-21.
Dominica posted 144 all out to set up their triumph. Put in to bat, they had their best outing at the crease thus far, lasting 46.1 overs. Pearl Etienne made 37, Earnisha Fontaine 17, and Amiah Gilbert 15.
Bowling for Saint Lucia, Cian Felix took 4-22 and Teaddie Crawford 2-23, whereas Selena Ross, Crisa Smith, Makada Dubois, and Malika Edward had a wicket each.
In the other match, St Vincent and the Grenadines took the 50-over trophy after a dominant eight-wicket victory over Grenada. After bowling Grenada out for just 53 runs, the Vincentians chased the target down with ease, finishing at 56-2 in 11 overs.
The T20 segment gets underway on Thursday.
What has hone wrong. From hero to zero?
Did any of our Windies players play?
Is the scoreboard posted anywhere? Let’s hope that they will put on a much better show in the T20 leg.