By Frederick Halley

TORONTO, Canada – Women cricketers participating in the Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) ended the 2016 season on a resounding note at the Ashtonbee cricket ground here last Sunday, showcasing their talent in a 35-over All Stars clash.The match, featuring SCA Whites and SCA Blues saw the former easing to a commanding 74-run victory before appreciative SCA officials and spectators.

Led by an unbeaten 46 from skipper Mahwish Khan and supporting knocks from Nicole Samuel (34), Natasha Springett (28) and Celina Fraser (28 retired), SCA Whites reached 210 for three in their allotted 35 overs. Khan struck five fours while Sringett and Samuel counted four and three fours respectively. Blues best bowler was Lorraine Kenton with two for 33.
Blues, in reply, found the going tough and were restricted to 136 all out in 22 overs with hard-hitting captain Chuntell Martin spanking a six and four fours in a top-score of 44.
Springett crowned a fine all-round performance by grabbing three for 39 while Ishmeet Sagoo supported with two for 31.
At the impressive presentation ceremony which followed, trophies were presented to Springett for being the Most Valuable Player and best bowler in the winning team and Khan for recording the highest individual score.
Recipients on the losing side were MVP Martin and Kenton for being the best bowler. The champion trophy was sponsored by Action Honda.
SCA president Shiv Persaud was delighted with the turnout of the players, showering praise on them for an excellent season and assuring them that the SCA is one hundred per cent behind them in the development of women’s cricket.
Persaud was also hopeful that more women will get involved in the 2017 season. He also reserved special accolades for the SCA executives, including managers for the respective teams – Vish Jadunauth for the Whites and Deo Samaroo for the Blues. Coaches Yonus Motara (Whites) and Danny Singh (Blues) were also lauded for their efforts.
Several of the women cricketers were already selected to represent the SCA against the touring MCC women cricketers on the very day the All Stars game took place but their hopes were dashed when Cricket Canada ruled against sanctioning the fixture.