Jamalco poised for semis

Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

Defending champions Jamalco will continue their quest to retain the Jamaica Netball Association (JNA)/Berger Paints Trophy, when they face Jetsetters A in the quarter-finals match, today at the Leila Robinson Courts at 3:15 p.m.

In the day's other quarter-final matches, former champions Tivoli Gardens 'A' oppose newcomers Speg 'A' at 3 p.m., Waulgrovians 'A' battle Arnett Gardens at 5:55 p.m. and Windalco entertain Tivoli Gardens 'B' at 4:40 p.m.

Jamalco thrash Jetsetters

Jamalco topped the preliminary round standings with 27 points, followed by Tivoli Gardens and Waulgrovians on 21 each, Windalco 18, Tivoli Gardens 'B' and Arnett Gardens 12 each and Speg 'A' and Jetsetters 'A', with nine apiece.

The Clarendon-based Jamalco thrashed Jetsetters 'A' 78-39 in the preliminary round. However, their coach Winston Nevers is expecting a tougher match this time.

"We are not going to take them lightly because at this stage of the competition, once you lose you are out and every team is going out there to play their best game," said Nevers.

"I am expecting a very a exciting game from them because they play a different style of netball and so I am expecting the score to be a lot closer in this game.

"We are going all out to win because as the defending champions, we can't afford to lose out at the quarter-finals stage of the competition," he said.

Nevers added that his team is injury-free and his players are very fit and raring to go.

"The team is very confident because we haven't lost any games this season, but we also have to be very careful that we don't get carried away and lose our focus.

Jamalco, who are seeking their seventh straight title, will be depending heavily on national representatives Nadine Bryan and Nicole Aiken, along with former national players Elaine Davis, Samantha Mundle and Nadia Brown.

Meanwhile, Rasheed Joseph assistant coach for Jetsetters 'A', said: "We are going to give a better account of ourselves because it is a quarter-final game and I think we are capable of pulling off the upset.

"Jamalco is an excellent team and it is not going to be easy for us to beat them, but this is netball and anything can happen," Joseph added.

National Under-21 goal shooter, Crystal Gordon, along with captain and goal attack Antonette Gray and Suzette Campbell, are expected to lead the charge for Jetsetters 'A's charge for a victory.