- Michael Sloley/Freelance Photographer
Jamaica's Connie Francis (right) releases a pass to her team-mate Tiffannie Wolfe as England's Sonia Mkoloma prepares to defend during their third and final practice netball game at G.C. Foster College yesterday. Jamaica won 52-45.
Charmaine Austin, Staff Reporter
JAMAICA'S SUNSHINE Girls took their practice netball series against England 2-1 after defeating the visitors 52-45 at G.C. Foster College yesterday.
England won the first 51-47 while Jamaica took the second 49-39.
"This series showed us that we are a team of depth. Both teams executed excellent shooting throughout but we came away with the win we had anticipated," said Jamaica's coach Maureen Hall.
Jamaica led from the start and although the third-ranked England team pulled level at periods during the match, they were never able to take over the lead.
The score was 13-9 at the end of the first quarter in favour of Jamaica but although each shot 13 goals in the second period the early advantage kept the Sunshine Girls ahead for 26-22 at half-time.
Jamaica stretched their lead to seven goals for 40-33 at the end of the third quarter and maintained momentum to the end.
Despite the loss, England's coach Lyn Gunson was in an upbeat mood after the game.
"The important thing is that we achieved the objectives we had set for this tour. It was a fantastic game for the spectators and us as well. We would have loved to have a different result but the World Championships are coming up and that is where we will need to prove ourselves," she said.
Jamaica's Elaine Davis had an excellent game in the circle, shooting 32 of 34 attempts. Carla Williams was on target with 15 of 20, Connie Francis four of 10 and Tiffannie Wolfe one of four.
For England Abby Teare scored 24 of 33 attempts, Alex Astle 15 of 24 and Tracey Neville six of seven.
