TORONTO, Canada — The Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) first-ever women’s tournament ended in a blaze of glory here last Sunday with Superstars proving superior to opponents Kaisoca Sports Club at the Ashtonbee ground and with the officials and players deeming the inaugural tournament a tremendous success.Starting as firm favourites and playing before a colourful Sunday crowd, Superstars prevailed by nine wickets, limiting Kaisoca to 85 for seven in their allotted 20 overs, and rushing to victory in 11.1 overs with seasoned campaigner Nicole Samuel unbeaten on a brisk 22 and Abigail Rajkumar 12 not out.

Big-hitting opener Celine McLean had earlier smashed four fours in a top score of 27, the only wicket to fall for the victorious side while Samuel, a former Canadian national player struck one six and three fours. McLean and Rajkumar added 51 for the first wicket.
Kaisoca were earlier indebted to a fine innings of 35 from former Pakistan Under-19 player Mahwish Khan who hit three fours. She, however, failed to get the desired support as only Celia Andre (14) and Kadie Ramnauth (12) were the other players to reach double figures.
Anto Dency (two for 18), Amanjit Virk (two for 26) and Lorraine Kenton (one for six) were the main bowlers for Superstars.
At the impressive presentation which followed, the winning and runner-up teams as well as the Most Valuable Players from both sides were recipient of trophies, compliments of Caribbean Waves Restaurant, which was responsible for putting up the winning trophy and Norman Sue Bakery which sponsored the prizes for the runner-up team and the MVPs.
Ishmeet Sagoo was voted the MVP for Superstars while Khan got the nod for Kaisoca.
SCA president Deo Samaroo lauded the efforts of all those involved in making the tournament a reality and pledged his association’s commitment in the continued development of the game. Samaroo also promised that the SCA will be endeavouring to have more teams compete next year, up from the four that participated this season.
Abigail Rajkumar, Superstars president and Women’s Cricket Development Advocate in Ontario, Canada, was loud in praise of the efforts of the SCA.
Rajkumar reminisced that Superstars women’s team were the first development team to consistently forge forward in developing seniors’ skills and to coaching new players. She boasted that five of the players who participated in the final only started playing hardball cricket last January. She pointed out that she was extremely proud of all of their players since they have proven once again that they are leaders in women cricket development in Canada.
Coach Guyanese Frank Persaud also came in for kudos while he himself expressed satisfaction with the commitment of his charges.
According to Rajkumar, “There are only two options regarding commitment. You’re either in or out. There is no such thing as life in-between. ”
Kaisoca’s George Maharaj, through whose initiative the tournament became a reality, readily admitted that the better team had triumphed but also noted that one of his main players, all-rounder Shuntel Martin, was injured and missed the final. He praised the efforts of his entire team but singled out Khan and Kathryn McNauth for their sterling efforts during the season.
Maharaj disclosed that the SCA was very supportive of his efforts to get the women’s league on track and was confident other teams will join the fray come 2016.
The historic tournament was launched in June amidst much pomp and splendour at the Ashtonbee ground with several prominent officials hailing the ground-breaking and auspicious event.
It was also the culmination of a promise made at the SCA’s annual presentation dinner and dance held last October when the Guyanese-dominated entity disclosed its intention to introduce women’s cricket for the first time in its 34-year-old existence.

By Frederick Halley