- Rudolph BrownExcited Waulgrovians players celebrate their Open League netball victory at the Leila Robinson Courts yesterday. Marketing and distribution executive of sponsors Jamaica National Building Society, Emile Spence, looks on in the background.
Charmaine Austin, Staff Reporter
LIKE A magician pulling a rabbit out of a hat, Waulgrovians turned out a second spell surprise on Jamalco to register their 11th lien on the JNBS Open League netball title.
Waulgrovians teased their opponents with chances, dummied them with tactics and then mesmerised them with superior play before showing them what champions are truly made of with a 35-30 win in the final at the Leila Robinson Courts yesterday.
"It was important for us to win. We have to work hard for everything we have and this committed bunch of players pulled together to ensure that we came away victorious," winning coach Patrick Brissett said.
Jamalco, boasting a confident and well-prepared unit in front of a packed crowd, raced to a 5-3 lead early in the game after burrowing into a gaping Waulgrovians defence.
Waulgrovians reached into their bag of tricks and pretty soon were on equal terms at 6-6 after national players Sharmalee Watkins, Nichala Gibson and team MVP Sharon Wiles made their presence felt.
From there on it was shot for shot. Turnovers were minimal, if not non-existent as both teams made sure to benefit from their respective centre pass. The 16-16 halftime score-line was no surprise.
"God almighty mi caan tek dis," one fan shouted, but there was more excitement to come.
Waulgrovians took charge by breaking the deadlock upon resumption and in no time raced to a three-goal lead (21-18).
Jamalco remained competitive and pulled within a goal at 23-22 but were again left behind when, after numerous interceptions, Waulgrovians took a more decisive stance.
With less than two minutes on the clock and the scoreboard reading 30-27, Jamalco's defence crumbled under the pressure.
Apparently affected by what they believed a bad call by umpire Dalton Hinds, the Clarendon side reacted badly and its performance quickly deteriorated.
"We gave away the game," Jamalco's coach, Winston Nevers, said.
"We had a good first half and tried to keep within striking distance but Waulgrovians were faster. We didn't look like we needed the win in the second half. We just didn't do well enough but Waulgrovians are a good team and I congratulate them on their victory," he said.
