Tivoli hunt four straight

Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

The 2008-09 Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS)/Jamaica Netball Association (JNA) Open League competition will start with a centre pass today at the Leila Robinson Courts, with the Jo Wigman Rally competition, which begins at 1p.m.

Jamalco are defending rally champions, while Tivoli Gardens 'A' and 'B' are defending Open League and consolation champions, respectively.

Olympic 400m silver medallist, Shericka Williams, will be the guest of honour at the ceremony.

Trinidad and Tobago and South Africa, who are both gearing for the tri-nation series against hosts Jamaica, will also be in attendance at the ceremony.

The competition is sponsored to the tune of $1.5 million by JNBS and has attracted 67 teams, with Boulevard Baptist, Rivoli United and Waterford Sports Council the newcomers.

Mico will make a return to the competition following a two-year absence.

Winston Nevers, coach of Jamalco, said he was very optimistic about his team's chances.

"We have been preparing all season for this tournament. Our training has been going well and the girls are in high spirits and are looking forward to giving their best," said Nevers, who is also the coach of Windalco.

"We are confident that we'll be playing well throughout the season because our team has been together for the past few years and I believe we have the combination of players to win this year's title," said Nevers.

National Under-21 player, Shauna Carridis, is the only newcomer to the Jamalco team, which includes the likes of national players Romelda Aiken, Nicole Aiken, Nadine Bryan and Samantha Mundle.

lost two players

Meanwhile, Tivoli Gardens are seeking their fourth straight title this season. They have lost the services of experienced players Sabrina Spence and Cleopatra Grant.

Spence has returned to her former team Arnett Gardens and Grant is scheduled to give birth later this month.

Regarding the league, Sylvester Campbell, coach of Tivoli Gardens, said: "I think that anyone of the top four teams (can win) because I believe that they are above the rest of other teams.

"I think this season is going to be very competitive because a lot of the teams have strengthened their sides with new players," Campbell added.