Daraine Luton, Freelance Writer
Jamaica's Wing Attack and captain Oberon Pitterson (right), dishes out a pass while Centre Nadine Bryan advances up court during the Tri-Nation Cup competition at the National Indoor Sports Centre. Jamaica lost 57-30 to New Zealand in yesterday's encounter. - ANDREW SMITH/PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR
JAMAICA'S new-look Sunshine Girls glowed inside the National Indoor Sports Centre yesterday despite going down 57-39 to world champions New Zealand in their tri-nation Test series.
The team, which had only four surviving members from the 2003 World Championships squad that lost 56-37 in the semi-finals then, demonstrated grit and a never-say-die attitude for most of the game.
"At the World Championship here our star-studded team lost by 20 and for our young team to do better than that, it says a lot for us at the Commonwealth Games and the World Championships in 2007," said assistant coach Connie Francis, who herself played on the World Championship team.
Said New Zealand's coach Ruth Aiken: "This team has a lot of potential. They have a lot of heart and it showed that even though they were 14 down at half-time they fought to the end, something that has not been a part of Jamaica in the past. It was a more intense game than the one in the semi-final," Aiken added.
Jamaica got off to an even start yesterday, battling to an early five-all tie midway the first quarter which ended 17-9 in the visitors' favour.
DOUBLED ADVANTAGE
The Silver Ferns doubled the advantage at half time with a 30-16 lead at half-time but shared the honours - 13 goals apiece - in the third quarter which ended 43-29.
Elaine Davis, who left the court midway the final quarter due to an injury, led with 25 goals from 35 attempts for Jamaica. Her replacement Romelda Aiken hit three from six, Jodiann French eight from 11 and Latoya Thomas three from seven.
The hugely dependable Irene Van Dyk led all scorers, sinking 29 from 32 attempts for New Zealand. Belinda Collins shot a near-perfect seven from eight attempts, while Merva Tatum scored 11 of 14. The championship continues today with New Zealand going for their second win against Barbados in 5:30 p.m. fixture at the National Indoor Sports Centre.
The Barbadians were beaten 51-36 in their opening game on Saturday. The final will be played tomorrow.
