Anthony Foster, Freelance Writer
Jamaica's wing attack Marion Campbell (right) attempting to get a pass around South Africa's wing defence Zanele Metedana during the under-21 match at the National Indoor Centre last night. Jamaica won 45-29. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer
JAMAICA'S YOUNG Sunshine girls drew first blood in their two-match practice series against South Africa, when they defeated the visitors 45-29 at the National Indoor Sports Centre last night.
The Young Girls, who led 11-7 at the end of the first quarter, 21-16 at the half and 32-16 after a very competitive third quarter, are preparing for July's World Youth Netball Championship in Florida.
Again, Romelda Aiken led the way for the girls, shooting 38 from 44 attempts. She was supported by Jodi-Ann Ffrench, who got seven from 13 attempts.
South Africa's attack was led by Marli Lombard, who netted 22 of her 33 tries. Tsakane Mbewe got seven from 12.
Going into the game, Jamaica's coach Joan Cargill said they worked on specific strategies.
"From what we worked on, I can see that we are getting to where we want to be."
VERY COMPETITIVE
The game started off with Jamaica taking the attack to their opponents, and within five minutes were up 8-2.
Although the Jamaicans outscored South Africa in all the quarters, South Africa were very competitive in the third.
During this quarter, they overtook Jamaica 24-22 at one stage.
Jamaica's coach said South Africa's lead did not worry her.
"In that third quarter, we brought on four new players, so we had to give them time to settle in and that part of the game," she said.
Goalkeeper Shediky Hamilton, who played on Jamaica's successful volleyball team at the weekend , wing defence Tyiesha Bennett and wing attack Kerry-Ann Brown were the players who came in at the third quarter.
South Africa's coach Carin Strauss admitted they were outplayed, but learnt a lot from the game.
"We will work hard tomorrow and come back strong again, because we had opportunities," she said.
Aiken, who shot nine of 10 in the first quarter, eight of nine at the end of the second, 10 of 12 after the third and 11 of 13 in the final, was identified by the South African coach as too hot for her team.
"I think she (Aiken) was just too much for us today, but we will make a plan and come back stronger."
