After a five-year hiatus, women’s cricket is back in Saint Lucia, and the next generation of Zaida Jameses, Qiana Josephs, Verena Feliciens, and Eugena Greggs will have an opportunity for competitive action for the first time since 2021.
The Saint Lucia National Cricket Association (SLNCA) this week announced the commencement of its Women’s T20 Tournament, with four teams playing over five game days at three venues, La Fargue Playing Field, Balata Playing Field, and Mindoo Phillip Park from June 20 to August 1.
Title holders Gros Islet will be absent, but West Indies middle-order batter Nerissa Crafton will captain the South Castries Lionesses. Saint Lucia’s current vice-captain, Namiah Marcellin, will lead the SLNCA Development Team. Former Windward Islands batter Roylin Cooper will strengthen Choiseul. And former national player Leona Emmanuel will line up for Laborie.
“The highly anticipated competition… marks a significant milestone in the continued growth and development of women’s cricket in Saint Lucia,” read a release from the SLNCA.
Eugena Gregg, SLNCA third vice president and Cricket Hall of Famer, has spearheaded efforts to revive the competition. The former West Indies captain called the return of competitive women’s cricket “a proud moment”.
“We have the resurgence or the revitalisation of the Laborie women’s cricket team. We have Choiseul, who have always been a force to reckon with. We have the likes of the South Castries Lionesses and this year, we have also put in an SLNCA Development 11 team,” added Gregg.
The SLNCA views the tournament as a critical component of its broader strategy to strengthen the women’s game and create pathways for players to advance to national, regional, and international levels.
“This competition will provide an excellent platform for player development, talent identification, and increased participation in the sport,” said Gregg. “I would like to thank all the players, team management units, officials, volunteers, and members of the Women’s Cricket Development Committee who have helped make this tournament a reality.”
A short opening ceremony will be held at the La Fargue playing field on Saturday, June 20, followed by the opening match between Choiseul and Laborie from 2 p.m. The SLNCA Development XI will face South Castries.
(TF)
