Carolyn Johnson, Gleaner WriterGENERAL ACCIDENT and Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS) 'A' will meet in the final showdown in the Business House Netball Association's Open League today at the Leila Robinson Courts, in a repeat of last year's finals.
In last year's encounter, BNS fell to the insurance company 32-30.
While General Accident's semi-final was a fairly easy win, BNS 'A' had to fight hard on Thursday for their place in today's decider.
At the end of half-time, BNS 'A' trailed 11-12 to Jamaica Broilers.
When the game resumed, Jamaica Broilers continued their good streak by scoring the first two goals. From there it was goal for goal. Though both teams were defending well, BNS 'A' did a better job, refusing to leave their opponents an inch. At the end of the match, the teams were tied 20-20.
This resulted in five-minute halves of extra-time and at the interval both teams were again tied 22-22. But within five minutes the score was 27-25 and Jamaica Broilers the loser.
After the match, BNS' coach Winston Nevers told The Gleaner: "It was a team effort but I think goal defence Naudia Brown was out this evening and Jacky Saunders (wing attack) she kept the ball in possession at attacking. Other players were a bit off especially the goal shooter and centre.
"Definitely I knew it was going to be a tough match. Jamaica Broilers had top-class players, we had to put out every effort, we really played as a team."
NAIL-BITING FINISH
After that nail-biting finish, General Accident and Department of Correctional Services (DCS) took to the court.
Although DCS tried, General Accident were just too much for them with DCS managing to score just one after 13 by their opponents. The defence by General Accident was so good, DCS barley touched the ball. When they did, most times they turned over to their opponents who went straight for the net.
The second half saw DCS playing with renewed energy. Though they scored seven in this half, this was not enough and by the end of the match they lost 9-29.
Still, Cheryll Henry, manager of the General Accident team spoke highly of their opponents.
"It was a tough match but the girls played well. DCS came out attacking but our girls played the course and they were able to win at the end of the day. Our focus now is on Saturday," she said.
Coach Christopher Smart said his team did not stick to their game plan. "Firstly, regardless, you have to say we were out of our league.
The team was far more advanced, more experienced. I think my team wasn't disciplined in the first half in terms of
game plan. We showed a little confidence," he said.
Smart commended his goal shooter and goalkeeper whom he says played a super game, but not their game.
"Overall this (losing) has nothing to do with with a team out-playing or being better. You have to be patient, play your game. You have to go out there and encourage yourself, have self-composure," he said.
At 4:00 p.m., Cable & Wireless 'A' play Wisynco in the Courts Consolation Knock-Out finals. An hour later, runners-up Jamaica Broilers and DCS will meet in the curtain raiser, the Open League's third place play-off.
