Family atmosphere the key to Ja’s cricket double – Brooks

Jamaica Women’s cricket coach Shane Brooks says the team’s family-like atmosphere contributed significantly to their double success at the regional championship.

The team first secured the Super50 Cup and then dominated the T20 Blaze competition after going unbeaten.

The Jamaicans secured their fifth straight win in the T20 yesterday after defeating the Leeward Islands Women by eight wickets at Warner Park in St Kitts.

Chedean Nation first picked up two wickets to restrict the Leeward Islands to 124 for five with Amanda Edwards top-scoring with 35 not out from 25 balls with four fours and a six.

Captain Stafanie Taylor then hit an unbeaten 48 from 33 balls with Rashada Williams, 39 not out from 51 balls, to guide the Jamaicans to victory at 127 for two in 18.2 overs. Nation capped off a good all-around performance by scoring 23 before she was run out.

The last time Jamaica secured the double was 10 years ago, and Brooks said the double championship was a testament to the camaraderie within the squad.

“In my three stints as coach previously, we had pockets of players and groups, but this year we focused as a family and a team. We had an objective and a plan and we all stuck to it and played together,” said Brooks.

The former Kingston College player said the team also sought spiritual help and every morning they had prayer and devotion and that helped with the gelling of the players on and off the field.

“We decided that we were going to stick together no matter who we were playing and the state of the games. We had some injuries in the camp but we played through those hard times and pain and to come out as champions is a really good feeling.”

Scores: Leeward Islands Women 124 for five off 20 overs (Amanda Edwards 35 not out, Divya Saxena 26; Chedean Nation 2-21). Jamaica Women 127 for two off 18.2 overs (Stafanie Taylor 48 not out, Rashada Williams 39, Chedean Nation 23).