Rose Hall Town Metro defeated West Berbice by 65 runs to lift the Berbice Cricket Board/Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club/Natasha Gangoo tribute trophy on Sunday at the Bush Lot ground.
Discarded West Indies female all-rounder, Shabika Gajnabi and Marian Samaroo both stroked half centuries to propel Metro to 182 for seven from their allotted 30 overs. West Berbice were restricted to 117 for eight when their innings ended.
After play was possible following an hour-long delay due to preparation moisture, Gajnabi smacked 11 boundaries during her attractive 73 while sharing in a second wicket stand of 120 with Samaroo who made an even 50, decorated with four boundaries.
West Berbice in their chase were left reeling at 13 for three in the fourth over and never fully recovered despite R. Liverpool’s 22 and Katana Mentore’s unbeaten 21.
Gangoo, who played her final match, was left not out on five while Plaffiana Millington, Kassie Munroe, Sherika Campbelle and Erva Giddings took two wickets each.
The match was organised in honour of Gangoo who has retired from the game after two decades of service to the Ancient County.
Berbice Cricket Board President Hilbert Foster hailed Gangoo as a pioneer of female cricket in Berbice and described her as a positive role model to the young generation of female players. He expressed gratitude to her for her service to Berbice and stated that as long as he remains the BCB President, every hero in the county shall be recognized and honoured.
He urged Gangoo to share her vast experience with her younger peers as it inspires them to greater heights. The BCB and RHTYSC handed over a collection of gifts to the retired player while both teams honoured Gangoo by giving her a special bat salute as she left the ground for the final time. Gangoo also handed over the winning trophy to RHT Metro’s skipper Gajnabi. A grateful and emotional Gangoo expressed gratitude to the BCB for honouring her on her retirement.
