Nathaniel Stewart/Freelance Photographer
Jamaica wing-attack Sasher-Gaye Henry looks to pass inside the circle during the first Test between the Sunshine Girlz and Trinidad and Tobago at the National Arena on Friday. Jamaica won 63-32.

Carolyn Johnson, Freelance Writer

THE SUNSHINE Girlz ran over Trinidad and Tobago's (T&T) senior netball squad 63-32 on Friday night in the first game of the tri-Test series being held at the National Arena. However, victory did not come as easy as the hosts expected.

At the beginning of Friday's game, T&T were on fire, reaching the scoreboard first with the first two nets and they seemed on the way to posing a serious threat to Jamaica.

Tit-for-tat

In the first quarter, T&T went almost tit-for-tat with Jamaica which caused one spectator to shout "dem nuh fi so close" when Jamaica led 7-6. It seemed the team heard her because the first quarter soon ended 14-8 in the Girlz' favour.

But while Jamaica's attack wreaked havoc on T&T's defence, especially in the circle, Jamaica was obviously weak in T&T's circle. Simone Forbes was swift and alert in the circle while Elaine Davis's height was a problem for goal keeper Crystal Ann George.

The first half finished 32-16 with Davis making 21 from 27 and Forbes 11 from 12.

At the other end of the court, T&T were using their bounce balls to overthrow Jamaica's defence.

Nicole Aiken was not always effective in keeping out Lystra Zamore, who contributed eight from 12 attempts, while shooter Janelle Barker made 24 from 31 tries.

The second half started with Romelda Aiken in the circle and Davis on the bench. The youngster proved she deserved her place on the court, contributing 29 from 33 attempts, while teammate Jodi-Ann Ffrench got two from three attempts.

Althea Byfield came to the defensive circle in the second half but was not as alert as she should have been.

Not fully satisfied

When the match ended, Francis was not satisfied with the team's performance.

"There were lot of unforced turnovers," Francis said. "We actually let them into the game at times," she said. "We have to look at passing, defence and doing a better job in taking care of the ball."

Still, she commended her new members and the T&T team which she thought showed guts and determination.

T&T's coach Grace Parkinson-Griffith said: "We are getting to watch Jamaica. We tried to match Jamaica's aggression but it's something you have to work on, adopt or learn. "We don't have that kind of aggression, we just wanted to match strides."

The second Test was played last night, and the final match will be played this afternoon at 4:00 p.m. at the same venue.