Bermuda 127

Canada 124

Bermuda?s women?s national cricket team were crowned champions of the Americas Region in Victoria, British Columbia on Friday.

Led by the big bat of Terry-Lynn Paynter (21) and some inspired bowling on the part of Chevonne Furbert, who claimed three for 11 off four overs of seam, Bermuda edged hosts Canada by three runs to clinch the best-of-three qualifying series and advance to the next phase of World Cup qualifiers.

Bermuda won the toss and elected to bat.

But it was the Canadians who grasped the early momentum by claiming the wickets of Antoinette Williams (0) and Reuna Richardson (three) cheaply in quick succession.

Yet Bermuda soldiered on and received valuable contributions from Paynter, Charlene Thompson (12), Furbert (13) and a generous 45 runs in extras that helped carry the tourists beyond the century mark.

However, Canada?s bowlers regained the upper hand by removing Bermuda?s last five batswomen in the space of ten runs to set the stage for an exciting finish which saw the host team come within four runs of victory.

?Once they (Canada) dismissed us they figured it was game, set, match. But I told our girls ?we have our runs . . . but they still have to get theirs?,? Bermuda coach Allan Douglas told The Royal Gazette from Canada.

?It only takes a couple of wickets to put pressure on them, and that?s exactly what we achieved.?

Douglas praised his entire team for their victorious achievement, but singled out the likes of Brittany Marshall ? daughter of former Bermuda skipper Charlie Marshall ? along with all-rounders Richardson and Furbert, who is better known for her goal-scoring feats on the football pitch.

?These girls did what they actually had to do . . . they actually rose to the top and did a marvellous job,? Douglas said. ?The girls are really, really excited to win the game. However, they don?t seem to celebrate as long as guys do.

?But they were totally excited and to be honest I?ve never seen anything like it before.?

Bermuda Cricket Board president Reggie Pearman congratulated the team and coach Douglas for their remarkable achievement that follows closely on the heels of the men?s senior national cricket team?s Americas success in Toronto last month.

?Allan (Douglas) and his team have done not only the Bermuda Cricket Board proud? but the entire country. And I am delighted as it is a dream come true for them,? Pearman said.

Marshall topped Bermuda?s batting on tour with 114 runs from three turns at bat, while Paynter managed 72 and Richardson 65.

Furbert led the bowling with five wickets followed by Richardson who claimed four.

Bermuda lost their opening contest against the Canadians by five wickets, but rebounded with narrow 24 and three-run victories in succession to win the series two to one and advance to the next round of World Cup qualifiers.