All Hibiscus Ladies needed was a win in their final match to seal the Premiership Division 50-Over title and that they did, defeating Players Sports Club by seven wickets at Brazil Recreation Ground in the final round of matches in the T&T Women's Cricket Association League on Sunday.
Backed by the bowling of Collins sisters, Alice and Allison, and batting led by duo Shari John and Natasha McClean, who each produced half-centuries, Hibiscus got its sixth win to go along with two draws and two losses, to top the points table with 20 points.
Players batted first and despite getting a brilliant half-century (86) from Shania Abdool, were bowled out in 31.2 overs for 163. This was thanks to bowlers Alice, who led with 3/34, and Allison, who claimed 2/18.
In reply, Hibiscus needed just 23.4 overs to reach its target with John posting 53 and McClean, an unbeaten 52, to help their team to 164-2 to seal the victory and the title. Their teammate Karishma Ramharack also came good with 33.
In the battle for second place between former champions Technocrats and Preysal Phoenix, who met on Sunday at Esmeralda in their round 10 match, it was the former producing a four-wicket win to match Phoenix's 19 points. However, due to Technocrats having a better net run rate (NRR) of 0.86 compared to Phoenix's 0.84, it finished as the runner-up.
In the other match at Pinto Recreation Ground in Arima, Moosai with an unbeaten century (118 not out) from Amanda Samaroo, secured a huge 191-run win over beat Cricket Lovers, who were be relegated to the Championship Division.
Next season though, champion of that division, Cricket Divas, will challenge the top local women's teams after being promoted to Premiership Division.
Cricket Divas (2.77) earned the crown on having a better NRR than Preysal Achievers (1.91). Both closed the competition on 19 points from six wins, a draw and a loss.
