Domestic helpers’ cricket team SCC Divas finish top of Hong Kong’s Division Two standings and win third straight development league title

The Divas face CCC in a play-off on April 25 with the winners gaining promotion to the first division of women’s cricket in Hong Kong

Cricket is gaining popularity among domestic helpers, with SCC able to field two teams – the Divas and Pinay, with a third team, Rosy, hoping to join next season

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SCC Divas team of Filipino domestic helpers celebrate their league victory. Photos: Handout

Published: 5:14pm, 4 Apr 2021Updated: 5:14pm, 4 Apr 2021

Hong Kong’s all-domestic helper team, the SCC Divas, continued their remarkable rise by winning two titles while knocking on the door of Division One cricket for women.

The Divas have won the 2020 Women’s Development League – delayed from last season because of the Covid-19 pandemic – for their third title in a row and are the unbeaten leaders in the latest campaign. More significantly, the Divas finished top of their T20 Women’s Division Two league and are a play-off victory from playing in Division One.

“These Divas continue to amaze me,” said Divas skipper Josie Arimas. “They train hard, and fight just as hard on the field of play. I have been very proud to be their captain for the past four years, and I am delighted with their success.

“The girls love the game, and look forward to playing every Sunday. Those who aren’t selected for that week’s matches are very effective cheerleaders on the boundary. Divas seems to keep growing.”

The Divas play Craigengower Cricket Club in their play-off on April 25, with the winners going on to play Division One cricket next season. Since they were formed four years ago, more players have joined and SCC can now field two teams in the development league – the Divas and Pinay. They hope to include a third team, SCC Rosy, next season.

They are coached by Sher Lama and managed by Animesh Kulkarne while also supported by Chandrasekhar Parameswaran. Cricket Hong Kong general manager for participation, Ravi Nagdev, was full of praise for the way the Divas – who are only able to train and play on Sundays because of the nature of their work – have risen through the ranks.