By Charmaine Austin, Staff Reporter
Jamaica's Elaine Davis grabs a pass ahead of South African defender Sophia Krige (left) during their Cable & Wireless World Netball Championship match at the National Indoor Sports Centre yesterday. Fourth-ranked Jamaica defeated the fifth-ranked Proteas 54-33. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer
JAMAICA'S CONFIDENCE level remains high after a 21-goal victory over fifth ranked South Africa yesterday evening in their Cable & Wireless World Netball Championship.
"I expect that we will do well against Samoa," coach Maureen Hall said last night, looking to today's game against the Pacific team.
Jamaica goalkeeper Althea Byfield twisted her ankle badly against the South Africans and will be rested for the Samoan encounter.
Hall, while worried about the player, is confident that whoever replaces her is just as versatile and is eyeing another victory as the team looks to reach the crucial rounds.
Samoa are tentative going into the game but are determined to put on a good show.
Supporters of Samoa bring a piece of its culture to each game in the form of dress and cheers and capture the attention of fans but on court is where the show will be staged.
The determined Pacific team has so far lost all its games in the main draw but plays exciting netball and, if nothing else, is certain to give the Jamaicans a workout - particularly in the first quarter.
Match time is 5:15 p.m. on court one.
Prior to their being blown away 76-27 by world champions Australia last night, the Samoans enjoyed a one-point lead until their opponents took control for an 18-10 score at the end of the period.
Getting that kind of beginning is what gives them the confidence of a good start against the Sunshine Girls.
"We accept this as another challenge," said Rita Fatialofa, the Samoans' coach. "We are not going to concede victory without first playing the game, although we are a bit tentative. We have set a number of goals for this match and first among them is to keep the score down."
The Sunshine Girls' slow start against South Africa kept the score close but a few changes in the Jamaican line-up was fodder for an exciting finish.
Jamaica recorded interval scores of 12-8, 25-20 and 38-29 before winning 54-33.
Shooting, Carla Williams again top-scored with 35 of 39 attempts, Simone Forbes 11 of 19 and Elaine Davis eight of 10.
"I'm glad we were able to deal with the challenges that South Africa presented. The players had height but we dealt with it well in centre court and the circle. This is just the start of what is to come," coach Hall said.
"As we look to qualify, the games will get tougher but we are ready to deal," she added. "I'm impressed with how we fought against South Africa and it is the same spirit that we will take into every game."
Jamaica's team from: Oberon Pitterson (captain), Elaine Davis (vice-captain), Connie Francis, Georgia Gordon, Nadine Bryan, Kasey Evering, Nichala Gibson, Simone Forbes, Althea Byfield, Sharon Wiles, Carla Williams and Tiffannie Wolfe.
Samoa: Linda Vagana (captain), Caroline Ah Chong, Malu Fasavalu, Grete Liuaana, Rachel Rasmussen, Nicolette Ropati, Frances Solia, Ana Tai Senio, Sose Tavae, Monalisa Tofilau, Ida Vai and Faleulu Tuupo.
