Tivoli, Waulgrovians semis showdown

Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

Former champions Waulgrovians 'A' and Tivoli Gardens 'A' have a big semi-final showdown today in the Jamaica Netball Association (JNA)/ Berger Paints Super League competition at Leila Robinson Courts, starting 7:10 p.m.

In day's other semi-final at 5:10 p.m., defending champions Jamalco will oppose sister team Windalco.

The Clarendon-based Jamalco, who are seeking their seventh lien on the title, booked their spot in the semi-finals with an easy 81-37 win over Jetsetters 'A', while Windalco beat Tivoli Gardens 'B' 61-30.

Waulgrovians thrashed Arnett Gardens 64-33, while Tivoli Gardens 'A' stopped Speg 'A' 44-30.

Preliminary round

Waulgrovians, who last won the trophy in 2002, defeated Tivoli Gardens in the preliminary round and according to their captain, Simone Forbes, her team can repeat that feat.

"Our ladies are pretty confident going into this game and they will going out with full force to win the match," said Forbes, who is also the captain of the national senior team.

"This is going to be a very exciting game because they are coming to play their A game and I think that the team that makes the least mistakes will win the game," Forbes said.

Forbes added that Tivoli Gardens is a good team and they are not going to underestimate them.

"We are not going to take them lightly because we know that they are a good all-round team and this is the semi-finals and once you lose, you are out," Forbes noted.

Along with Forbes, the Patrick Brissett-coached Waulgrovians will also be depending on national players, Nichala Gibson, Christina Solmon, Paula Thompson and former national representative Oberon Pitterson.

Absent star

Meanwhile Tivoli Gardens, who last won the trophy in 1998, will be without their national star player, Kasey Evering, who is recovering from foot injury.

Their coach, Sylvester Campbell, says her absence will impact heavily on his team's chances of winning the competition.

"It will affect us because Kasey (Evering) is a tower of strength in our team and can do quite a lot work in the defence and with her being out, it means that we will have to doubled our efforts in the defence," said Campbell.

"I think we will have to do a lot of work if we are going to beat Waulgrovians," said Campbell.

He added that his team's preparations have been going well and his players are raring to go.

"Netball is only centred around four teams - Jamalco, Windalco, Waulgrovians and us and is only one of the teams can make you perform and the rest is at a different level and I think that we have what it takes to win this competition," he said.

The west Kingston-based team will be depending heavily on their inspirational goal shooter Cleopatra Grant, goal attack Jodi-Ann Ffrench and Peta-Gaye Thomas.