JAMAICA'S UNDER-16 netballers remain on track to retain the youth title at the Caribbean Championships in St. Vincent and the Grenadines last night. Constant showers and a freak storm which caused the eastern Caribbean to be without electricity earlier this week seemingly strengthened the Jamaicans' resolve to win.
They defeated Trinidad & Tobago 25-20 in their semi-final action.
The other finalist was not known at press time as with 10 minutes left in the match, St Lucia were leading tournament favourites and former champions St Vincent & the Grenadines 26-24.
The hosts like Jamaica were unbeaten up to the semis, and were expected to beat St. Lucia.
Having survived that, plus injury to one of the team's key players at the start of the event, manager Cora Ricketts believes the local girls will succeed in taking home the Cup.
"They have been through so much this past week and as they were strong enough to overcome all that, nothing is going to stop them from taking the title," Ricketts said.
"There have been no more injuries to the team. We are at full strength and it is obvious that the other teams are not a threat," she said.
Back in the fold is Yoki-Ann Taylor who injured her hand in the opening rally. She rejoins teammates Kerise Brown, Kerry-Ann Brown, Tanesha Campbell, Nikeesha Connally, Althea Ferguson, Tara Wilson, Tameka Stewart, Peter-Gaye Thomas, Paulette Gayle, Felicia Mamby and Kadian Mendes.
Ricketts was confident going into today's final, but not overly so.
"We have what it takes to win but we are not going to rule out surprises. The thing for us to do is remain focussed throughout. We can't really predict how the game will turn out but on paper right now, we seem certain to win."
The Jamaicans return home from the championships tomorrow.
