At the start of the summer the future of women’s flag football in the Cayman Islands seemed shaky. With a new organization running a new league with many new players, there was much uncertainty.
Now most of those doubts can be put to rest as the Dart Women’s League braces for its championship games. With five teams coming out Saturday mornings at the Camana Bay field, the Grand Cayman Flag Football Association had a steady following. Association cofounder Christine Bisnauth states the participation and enthusiasm is what matters most.
“The women’s league was a big success,” Bisnauth said. “I was happy for the turnout. It was good to see the other teams get better and develop. It was evenly matched towards the end of the season. A big part of the teams were rookies and it’s big to see them taking their skills and developing from a five-a-side to a sevens format. That switch took the competition from a fast to a more physical game.
“I wish we had an extra month to play as many of us were just finding our groove. But we are having our year-end party on 8 October at Lone Star and you’ll be hearing more about that shortly.”
Women’s flag football is a relatively new discipline, coming on the sports scene some three years ago. Initially it was part of the current men’s group, the Cayman Islands Flag Football Association, before Bisnauth and cofounder Sophia Dilbert went about the process of forming a separate body. Bisnauth states that journey has centred on the format of matches.
“We went from four-on-four to five-on-five. I’m very pleased we ruled to go to a seven-on-seven format. It propelled everyone’s game to another level. With the athletes we have now we can compete at the international level. Anyone that takes this game seriously would say we should stick to sevens.
“What’s funny is we went back to practicing five-on-five for the upcoming Bahamas tournament (the Caribbean Regional Cup in Nassau 14-16 October). But it felt too slow for us. I’m very happy we switched to sevens because it’s the way to go. Now we’re equipped to compete at international tournaments.”
Before the Bahamas trip, Bisnauth has to focus on this Saturday’s title contest between the Domino’s Pizza Wolverines and defending champion Hammerheads Lady Sharks. The squads battle at 11am and feature two of the league’s best players in Wolverines quarterback Antoinette Lewis and Hammerheads wide-out Scimone Campbell.
Lewis had the best quarterback rating, completing 106 of 180 passes, while producing the most touchdowns (16). Campbell is rated as the competition’s top offensive player with 19 receptions and a league-best seven touchdowns. Bisnauth states both ladies are key to their teams’ chances of winning.
“The Sharks have experienced players that have been together a long time. Scimone is one of the most experienced in the league. She has good support through QB Bobeth O’Garro but she has speed. Scimone is extremely fast, not many safeties can keep up with her. She’s tall; she’s just genetically gifted. That fact has worked for her over the years.
“Wolverines have a QB in Antoinette who was solid and kept the offence on track this year. One thing about the Wolverines is they work together really well as a team. They’re very organized on the field. Everyone has their role and takes it seriously. With Antoinette she has solid blockers that give her protection. With that support she’s unstoppable.
“I’m not surprised it’s Wolverines and Sharks in the final. They proved to be the strongest most of the season. It should be a good match. To me Wolverines have the edge due to their consistency. But I could see it going either way. The teams will probably be separated by extra points.”
Bisnauth has extensive on-field knowledge of both sides. She is a receiver and cornerback for the Lone Star Jager Monsters, who play in the third-place final this Saturday, 1 October. Their opponent is the Andro Killa-Panthers at 10am. One of the keys for a Lone Star victory is Renee Thompson, who was the top defensive player with a league-high 24 tackles and five interceptions. Bisnauth feels both clubs sport formidable defences.
“Renee is a proven threat who advanced in skill level faster than anyone this year. She’s tall and quick but being her defensive captain I can see she plays with heart. That’s huge on defence and makes a world of difference. She’s accurate, aggressive and I’m happy to have her on our team.
“The key to us winning the game is our defence has to be tight and strong. On offence we have to catch the ball. QB Michelle McTaggart is a key for us and she has to make throws.
“Both teams have a stout defence and the Killa-Panthers just have to play consistent. The key for Andro is Heather Roffey. We have to watch her. She’s fast and has good hands on defence.”
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