NEW ZEALAND trampled all over Barbados 77-21 during the NEM Insurance Tri-Nation Cup tournament at the National Indoor Sports Centre yesterday, and marched into the final against Jamaica's Sunshine Girls today at 5:30 p.m.
New Zealand, the world champions, rested star player Irene Van Dyk, the world's most capped player with 129 appearances but Barbados, ranked seventh in the world, were no match and lost by 56 goals.
Goal Attack, Belinda Collins led all scorers with 38 points from 46 attempts and was ably assisted by Goal Shooters Jodi Te Huna with 17 from 21 and Maria Tutaia 22 from 25 attempts.
The bulky Goal Attack, Linda Bishop, scored 19 from 25 attempts to lead Barbados.
New Zealand led 23-3, 40-10 and 56-17 after the first three quarters.
DIFFICULT MATCH
Ruth Aikens, coach of New Zealand, pointed out that although her team won easily it was more difficult than it seemed.
"Although the score was quite healthy it was actually hard work. The Barbados team really put us under pressure and we had a lot of turnovers that we still need to work on."
Meanwhile Anna Shepherd, coach of Barbados, was a bit disappointed with the result but was glad for the opportunity.
"I am very disappointed with the score. Would have liked to score much more goals. We could have limited them to the 60s. I have tried some different combinations and that's what the tour is about," she said.
New Zealand had defeated Jamaica 57-39 yesterday, while Jamaica on Saturday defeated Barbados 51-36, but Aiken will not be taking Jamaica for granted.
"Jamaica at home is always very strong. They have a lot of passion and pride and they know that it will just be one game so we have to bring our A game for 60 minutes.
- H. Walker
