Under-21s continue to impress
published: Tuesday | January 11, 2005

Daraine Luton, Freelance Writer

JAMAICA'S UNDER-21 netball team on Saturday continued their impressive showing in the Jamaica Netball Association (JNA) JNBS Open League by registering their fifth win from six starts.

In their pathway this time around was the defending Open League champions Tivoli Gardens, who were beaten 31-22 by the Joan Cargill-coached girls.

Victory against the West Kingston side means that the Under-21 team has now beaten the champions in both JNA league champions, having already toppled defending Senior League champions Jamalco. Also on the Under-21 hit list thus far are Windalco, Molynes United and Seneca. Windalco suffered a 29-18 loss, Seneca were embarrassed 35-17 and Molynes went down 23-17. The only team to have beaten the Under-21s is Omega, who edged the youngsters 26-25.

Jamaica's Sunshine Girlz are preparing for the World Under-21 tournament in Florida this summer. While they are not gaining points for games played in the Open League, the experience of playing against quality opposition and some of the world's best netballers are some of the benefits to be gained from participation.

Meanwhile, in other Open League games, Waulgrovians 'A' maintained their 100 percent win record over in Group C with a 44-14 demolition of Alexander Strikers. Waulgrovians are now on 15 points, three more than second place Arnett Gardens, who beat Jamaica Fire Brigade 26-17. In the other Group C, game Blades cut through Braeton 33-22.

In Group D, Windalco took their points tally to maximum 12 after Up Park Camp failed to show for their game. Windalco are, however, locked at the top with Hampshire 'A', who enjoyed an easy 25-1 win over Jetsetters C. Waulgrovians 'B' picked up their second win in two games at the expense of UWI Revolution, who they beat 33-16.

Other winners on the weekend were Torrington Park, who had a 25-20 win over Speg 'D'; Omega, who thrashed Whitehorses 38-7; Tivoli 'B', who beat Alpha 'B' 34-15; Tredgear Park, 28-20 winners over the Jamaica Defence Force; and Raven, who stopped Jamaica Urban Transit Company 29-13.

Red Challenge were 27-12 winners over Police 'C', Jetsetters 'A' beat Molynes United 45-7, Springfield beat Friendship 38-17, Seneca rolled over Holy Childhood 33-17, Speg 'B' trounced Police 'B' 31-15, Molynes United 'A' got the better of Ocho Rios Magics 31-26, New Kingston Raiders lost 23-26 at the hands of Hampshire 'B', while Police 'A' beat Jetsetters 'B' 42-12. Eden Strikers 'A' and Jamalco all gained easy points by way of walk-overs.