Bermuda win comfortably against brave Argentina

In a historic opening match of the inaugural ICC Americas Women's Cricket Championship in Toronto, Canada today, the powerful Bermuda outfit scored a comfortable victory over Argentina as expected.

In a landmark event, which will hopefully be the catalyst for significant future development for the women's game in the region, a young and hugely inexperienced Argentina team performed with great credit to reach 132 all out in 29 overs in reply to Bermuda's 275 for 6 compiled in their allotted 40 overs.

For Bermuda it was an important and confident start, not only in their quest to claim the first ever Americas cricket crown for women, but also as they continue to prepare to take place in a World Cup qualifying tournament in Pakistan later in the year.

"Our team had a minimum batting goal of 3 runs an over in this game, and we achieved that. Accomplishing these small steps are part of the program to achieve our bigger goals in Pakistan," commented Bermudan vice-captain Linda Mienzer.

Bermuda coach Allan Douglas was satisfied with the day's performance and result. "Our goals remain the same, to win this tournament, and prepare an effective program for the World Cup qualifier. Women's cricket is in its early stages in Bermuda, and we are the trendsetters. What we accomplish here, and later in Pakistan, will go a long way to encourage more women to come to the game."

After being put in to bat, Bermuda started cautiously, but gradually built momentum to reach 275 for 6 in their 40 overs. Top scorer, and player of the match, was Ruena Richardson, who made a sparkling 96 off only 77 balls, including 13 fours and a towering six. She was unlucky not to reach a deserved century, being caught off the final ball of the innings.

Richardson received good support from opening bats Linda Mienzer, with 30 off 48 balls, including 4 fours, and Wendy Woodley, who made a patient 23 off 97 balls, with 2 fours. Mienzer and Woodley had compiled a steady 67 run opening partnership, and later Richardson and Woodley shared a key 3rd partnership of 87 runs. For Argentina, who showed tremendous heart and enthusiasm on their debut on the international women's cricket stage, captain Catalina Grenoli led from the front, taking 3 for 40 in 8 overs.

In reply, Bermudan opening bowler Terry Lynn Paynter devastated the Argentine top order, reducing them to 21 for 5, before Cecilia Birnie, 9 runs off 40 balls, and top-scorer Delfina Canton, who made a fine 36 off 56 balls, with 5 fours, made a 64 run 6th wicket partnership to steer the young South Americans to respectability. Canton also added 39 runs for the 8th wicket with Georgina Retamales, 21 off 30 balls with 3 fours, before Argentina were all out for 132 after 29 overs, and thus a 143 run victory to Bermuda.

"This first game was a very important game for Argentina," said coach Esteban MacDermott after the match. "We were facing the regional representative at the World Cup qualifier, and our aim is to improve in every game we play."

In the other game on day one, guest team Trinidad & Tobago U17's defeated Canada by 7 wickets. The Caribbean youngsters are at the event in order to play against all three participating teams, as well as in a select match on Friday against an Americas XI, but games involving them will not count towards determining the Americas champions.

For the U17's young Amanda Samaroo starred with a fine allround performance to be nominated player of the match, with an excellent innings of 86 in only 76 balls, with 12 fours, and took 2 for 22 in 8 overs with the ball.

Canada were asked to bat first, and compiled a useful 165 for 7 in 40 overs against some accurate bowling and tigerish fielding. Kim Coulter, 34 in 63 balls with 3 fours, and Joanna White, 34 not out off 38 balls with 4 fours, were the pick of the Canadian batters. Maree Wilson chipped in with 23 off 29 balls, including 2 fours. Whitney Cudjoe returned the best figures for the Trinidad & Tobago bowlers with 3 for 25 in 5 overs.

Samaroo's innings dominated the Trinidad & Tobago U17 reply, and it was the corner stone around which the target was reached in the 32nd over for the loss of only 3 wickets, and thus a 7 wicket victory. Apart from Samaroo's 86, opener Rachael Marcano contributed a good 34, made off 97 balls with 1 four. This pair added 121 runs for the second wicket, effectively ending any hopes of a Canadian win. Claire Abbott was the pick of the Canadian bowlers with 1 for 29 in 7.4 overs.

Canadian coach Tony Cordle remained upbeat despite the loss. "We did the best we could, and will naturally look to improve tomorrow against Argentina. The goals and objectives for us are for Canada to play an important role in the continued development of women's cricket in the Americas, and today was great recognition for women's sport in Canada."

Tomorrow sees Canada take on Argentina in the second game of the Americas Women's Championship, while Bermuda will play Trinidad & Tobago U17.