Carolyn Johnson, Gleaner Writer
Cable and Wireless 'A's wing defence catches the ball as her teammate looks on during the Business House Netball Association (BHNA) Courts Consolation Knock Out competition, at the Leila Robinson courts, on Saturday. Cable and Wireless 'A' won 21-13. - JUNIOR DOWIE/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
THE DEPARTMENT of Correctional Services (DCS) locked down RBTT 18-17 in a thrilling contest in Saturday's Business House Netball Association's (BHNA) Open League quarter-finals at the Leila Robinson courts.
Breaking for more than a week to stage the Courts Consolation Knock Out, the BHNA Open League resumed with the eight teams who had won their respective groups, advancing to the quarter-finals.
After ending both their group schedules unbeaten, DCS and RBTT were evenly matched which resulted in a very intense, fast-paced game from start to finish. Both teams had a hard time trying to undo the other's defence, which was especially aggressive in the circles. The RBTT defensive combination was very good with Renne McFarlane (goalkeeper) and Sandra Goldson (goal defence) keeping a tight rein on DCS' shooters.
FIRST GOAL
Though they trailed 10-6 in the first half, RBTT started the second half with renewed energy, making the first goal, to which DCS quickly responded. The winners, it seemed, had lost some of their drive. They dug deep, however, to finish the half well even though they were outscored 8-11 by RBTT.
A large part of DCS' slide had to do with their centre substitution for the second half.
Though coach Christopher Smart realised the decision almost cost them the game, he told The Gleaner, "... It's almost like a team plan. The team has two centres who are different in terms of ability. The first is an attacking player who runs fast but her lungs don't allow her to play the full match. The second is more defensive. She wasn't at her best. She had a bad day."
Despite this, Janet Guy, coach of RBTT, praised DCS.
GOOD GAME
"I think it was a good game. The team that made the least errors won," she said. "I think we started off a bit shaky, one of the most senior players was not able to attend and I think the team lost that energy from her. We were doubtful but after a few errors we recovered and came back."
In other matches Bank of Nova Scotia 'A' beat Sugar Company 32-13, National Commercial Bank 'A' went down 11-27 to Jamaica Broilers and General Accident ran over Jamaica Infrastructure Operators 35-7.
In the Courts Consolation Knock-Out matches, Life of Jamaica fell to Wisynco 8-12, Digicel demolished COOL Petroleum 20-5, Cable & Wireless 'A' beat Grace 21-13 and Jamaica Defence Force defeated Bank of Jamaica 17-14.
