“Female Inter-county a success, but more can be done,” says Tremayne Smartt

The recently-concluded Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Senior Female Inter-county tournament was a huge success; Berbice continued their dominance completing the double, winning both the T20 and 50-over titles.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, the successful Berbice Captain, Tremayne Smartt hailed the GCB for hosting the tournament, but simultaneously called for the Board to do more for females.
Smartt lauded the younger females for showing maturity and progress in their cricket, especially the GCB Select U-19 that showed tremendous fight, defeating

Demerara in a T-20 fixture.
The 33-year-old Smartt –who played 115 international matches for the West Indies (T20Is and ODIs) – called upon the vibrant GCB to consistently work with the young females, so they could maintain a high level of fitness throughout.
Furthermore, Smartt called for an “academy-like” programme to facilitate all females who are usually exposed to intense training when a tournament is around the corner.
The experienced campaigner, who played her last match for Windies Women in March 2018, called for more female tournaments to be played on a consistent basis.
“I think something else can be done in terms of the incentives,” Smartt added at the post-match press conference. The winning team Captain asked for at least a small incentive for the team since the team trophies will be going to the respective Cricket Boards. Additionally, she called for more female tournaments to expose more youths in the country.
The historic International Cricket Council (ICC) Stand-alone Women’s World T20 tournament that was held in the Caribbean inspired more females to take the game seriously. Smartt called for more individuals and businesses to invest in female cricket.
Led by Smartt and Cricket West Indies (CWI) level three Head Coach Winston Smith, Berbice continue to dominate, each player in the 14-member squad got the opportunity to play at some stage of the tournament. The GCB ran off this tournament to prepare the players for the upcoming Regional Female Tournament. It will feature the best regional players and is expected to commence from March 4, 2019 at a yet-to-be-confirmed venue. The outstanding performers from the recently-concluded inter-county tournament will feature in the auspicious tournament. (Brandon Corlette)