Left to right, Davis, Wolfe, and Hall
Charmaine Austin, Staff Reporter
REGARDLESS of who wins today's JNA/JNBS Open League netball final, the trophy will definitely be going to Clarendon.
If judged on an individual basis, only one person will come out on top - Winston Nevers - the coach of the two finalists, Windalco and Jamalco, two Clarendon-based clubs.
Said Nevers: "Either way you take it, I win. My two teams are in the final and I am a very happy man. It's something we spoke of for a long time and now it's like a dream come true."
Defending champions Waulgrovians, led by retired national captain Connie Francis in the shooting circle, were ousted on Thursday after being beaten by 27-26 by spirited and youthful Windalco A.
Waulgrovians led 14-10 at half time in the exciting semifinal game but Windalco's efforts in the last three years bore fruit with the one-point victory.
Jamalco earned their berth after a 23-18 win over Jetsetters A to set the stage for this afternoon's 4:15 final date at the Leila Robinson Courts.
Nevers dared not pick a winner, saying the match could go either way but summed it up as experience versus youth.
"Windalco are fitter and more together as a unit. Jamalco on the other hand depend on tall players. I'm not tipping either one because any one of the two can win and only one will win," he said.
Jamalco started the season on the right note, upsetting Waulgrovians to take the Open Rally title, but do not, according to Nevers, possess the speed and accuracy of Windalco.
"I will miss them this year because they have always been excellent competition but neither Windalco nor Jamalco have won the Senior League title so we're happy to be where we are.
"Arnett Gardens football team has taught me a lot. Watching them play over the years has taught me the importance of patience. They have stuck it out and realised their dream of winning the big one. We've been trying and trying and trying and we always say one day we must win, well this is our big day," Nevers said.
Windalco have in their fold the likes of national senior team rookie Tiffannie Wolfe, former Under-21 representatives Marsha Murphy and Marie Berry, Nicola Ferguson and captain Nicola Malcolm.
Jamalco meanwhile have experienced national representatives, Nadine Bryan, Elaine Davis, Margaret Byfield, Tasha Morgan, captain Andrea Markland and new signee Tomika Hall, a former Jamaica and Jetsetters player.
Meanwhile, the consolation knockout final also takes place this afternoon at 3:30 featuring Speg A against Police A.
CONSOLATION FINAL - 3:30: Speg A vs Police A
OPEN LEAGUE FINAL - 4:15: Jamalco vs Windalco
Busy time ahead for netballers
JAMAICA'S netballers have a busy schedule leading up to the World Netball Championships here in July and national coach Maureen Hall believes they are crucial to the team's preparedness.
Among the teams expected to visit are world champions Australia (March 17-27), England in April and St Lucia in either May or July.
"It would be good to get some practice against these teams as it will help us determine the team," Hall said.
"Australia beat us quite comprehensively in Manchester (Commonwealth Games last year) so practicing against them would show the work we need to do if we intend to dethrone them in July," she added.
Australia have already chosen its world championship team which includes Liz Ellis, who will be playing in her third world championship; Kathryn Harby-Williams with 80 Test caps and Sharelle McMahon with 42 caps.
They are one of the fastest teams in the world and Hall says the match-up would also be good to test Jamaica's level of speed, accuracy and intensity.
"They play well under our conditions. Australia are the team by which everyone benchmarks themselves. Their coming in March will be good preparation for our team," she said.
St Lucia would also be welcome competition ahead of the games, according to Hall.
Said the former Jamaica player and captain: "St Lucia would also present another dimension to our preparations. They will be strong contenders from the region.
"I personally feel they are one of the better teams in the Caribbean and we need to experience what they will bring," she said.
The practice matches meanwhile are slated for the National Arena but may have to be shifted to GC Foster College if work on the National Arena is not completed in time.
- C. Austin
