Tivoli's goal keep Shelly-Ann Bryan (right) steps in to defend Tiffanie Wolfe of Windalco as she attempts to shoot in Open League netball action at the Leila Robinson Courts yesterday.Tivoli won 22-20. - Rudolph BrownCharmaine Austin, staff reporter
THE OPEN League semi-finals may prove to be even more exciting than the final itself when defending champions Waulgrovians meet Tivoli A and former champions Jamalco play Jetsetters A next Thursday.
Waulgrovians topped Police A 42-13 to advance after yesterday's quarter-finals at the Leila Robinson Courts while Tivoli A survived a thrilling game to edge out spirited Windalco 22-20.
Former champions Jamalco also advanced after convincingly beating Hampshire 41-19. They meet Jetsetters A who defeated Seneca 26-24 to go through.
Tivoli's coach, Sylvester Campbell, is looking forward to the titanic clash between his team and the Patrick Brissett-led side. They were at risk of not making it through but last-minute changes in attack significantly changed the pace of the game and put the score in their favour.
"Just hearing the name Waulgrovians makes us liven up. We have a thing for Waulgrovians from ever since. We won't look like we did today. It's going to be a different kind of game.
"Competition with Waulgrovians will force us to work harder," he said.
Waulgrovians won their quarter-final game against Police as expected but if their second-half play is anything to go by then Tivoli's Cup hopes may get assassinated.
Coming off an 18-9 lead at halftime, Waulgrovians ran away with the game.
They ended up scoring 24 goals to their opponents' four in comparison to only nine in the first spell.
With three game plans they could do no wrong and that made Brissett a pleased man.
"I'm pleased about today (yesterday). The players looked good and in much better form. We addressed whatever problems we had after the break. The attack looked good but we were worried about our defence and after the changes we just ran away with the game. Everyone attacked. We couldn't go wrong from there," he said.
Regarding their impending meeting with Tivoli, "We have a firm idea of what to expect of them. Tivoli are a very tactical team. They have always been competitive but we are prepared. We take every match seriously.
"Our plan is something we are going to sit down and work out at our next training session," Brissett said.
