Taylor ton pilots Jamaica to third victory

Jermaine Lannaman, Gleaner Writer

ELTHAM HIGH'S Stephanie Taylor slammed a brilliant unbeaten 151 to guide Jamaica to an impressive 82-run win over Barbados yesterday in the latest round of the West Indies Women's cricket tournament in St Lucia.

The match, which was played at the Beausejour Stadium, saw Taylor, who is one of two Jamaicans who represented the West Indies women's team on their recent tour of Europe, help Jamaica keep their unbeaten record intact as they piled up 241-6 off their allotted 50 overs.

Barbados in reply could only manage 159 in 44 overs with G.C. Foster off-spinner Vanessa Watts claiming 3-19, pacer Peta-Gaye Hanson 3-36, and legspinner Abby-Gaye Hendriks 2-26. Deandra Dottin, 42, and Pamela Lavine, 31, made most runs for the Bajans.

When Jamaica batted, Patrice Cuff, 21, gave Taylor best support, while bowling for Barbados Keita Elliott took 2-48.

Taylor's innings was her second big score of the tournament following 79 against Grenada on Sunday.

Best scorers

The Jamaicans posted 169-6 and the Grenadians in reply made 44 in a game that was reduced to 25 overs. Jodian Morgan, 40, and Shanel Daley, 31 not out, were Jamaica's next best scorers while bowling for the black, green and gold standard bearers, Carla Cohen took 3-3, Daley 2-16, and Watts 2-16.

Jamaica's coach, Cleyon Smith, said he was happy with the overall performance of the team so far as it was now three from three. Jamaica defeated Dominica in the opening match last Friday.

"Things are going great. The team is playing very well and is displaying a professional approach to the game," Smith said. "I have to give credit to the JCA and coaching panel back in Jamaica who ensured that the team prepared well, as that preparation is now paying dividends ... everyone in peaking at the right time," he said.

The Jamaicans will now turn their attention to another unbeaten team, Trinidad and Tobago, who they will play tomorrow.