Bridgetown, Barbados, November 17 – (www.barbadoscricket.org) – Grace Scantlebury has been described as “one of the pioneers of local women’s cricket”.

That tribute has come from outstanding former Barbados and West Indies Women’s captain Patricia Whittaker following the passing of Scantlebury at the age of 75.

Whittaker, a household name in women’s cricket in the 1970s and who has been living in the United States for many years, also described Scantlebury as “a fierce competitor”.

“I was saddened to learn of the passing of Grace. She along with her sisters Molly and Shirley Scantlebury hailed from Hall’s Village, St. James. They were members of the Starlighters Cricket Club, one of the top clubs during the 1970s,” Whittaker said.

“A middle order bat and handy off-spinner, Grace was one of the pioneers of the women’s game. She was a fierce competitor with a deep love and passion for the game,” added Whittaker, who captained Rivals Women’s team and competed against Starlighters many times.

“The Scantlebury Girls as we used to call them, would always be the first to arrive at the grounds, whether it was to practice or play a match, a testament to their dedication and commitment to the game. Grace will be remembered as one of the stalwarts of the game, who deserves her rightful place in the annals of women’s cricket in Barbados. May her soul rest in peace.”

Also paying tribute to Grace Scantlebury was Albert Padmore, a former Barbados captain and West Indies off-spin bowler, whose roots are in Holder’s Hill, a neighbouring district of Hall’s Village.

Holder’s Hill has a rich history of producing outstanding Barbados and West Indies men’s cricketers.

“I believe that recognition must be given to those who have earned it. Grace and her two sisters Molly and Shirley were part of that group of ladies who planted the seeds from which Barbados’ women’s cricket sprung,” said Padmore, who now resides in the United States.

Sadly, Grace Scantlebury was a victim of the Covid pandemic, which also took the life of her 89-year-old brother Dennis Luke a couple days earlier.