Robert Bailey, Freelance Writer

Ebony Strikers' Eleanor Thompson catches the ball ahead of Jamaica Fire Brigade's Myria Adlam during yesterday's Western Union B League game at Leila Robinson Courts. Ebony Strikers won 31-29. - Junior Dowie/Staff Photographer

EBONY STRIKERS defeated the Jamaica Fire Bridge 31-29 in the Jamaica Netball Association (JNA) Western Union B League at the Lelia Robinson Courts yesterday.

In other games, Jetsetters B defeated New Kingston Raiders 43-19 and G.C. Foster thrashed Hampshire D 42-16.

The first half between Ebony Strikers and Fire Brigade was evenly contested with the Fire ladies holding a 15-13 lead at half-time. However, Ebony Strikers stepped up their defence in the third quarter and outscored their opponents by two goals to tie the game at 20-20.

Ebony Strikers, led by goal attack Shernese Henry's 20 goals, continued their strong defence in the fourth period which resulted in a number of turnovers by their opponents. Henry was well supported by teammate Eleanor Thompson, who scored 11 goals. Devine Brown led the way for Fire Brigade with 16 goals and Yendi Edwards scored 13 points.

Delroy Stewart, manager of Ebony Strikers, was pleased with his team's performance.

"This victory is good for us," said Stewart. "We lost our last two games and we needed to win this one to really stand a chance to reach the quarter semi-finals, so I am really pleased with the victory. They didn't play well in the first half of the game, because a number of players weren't pulling their weight, but we stepped up our game in the second period."

Phillip St. Martin, coach of Fire Brigade, said: " I think we played a very poor game. We had the game from the first quarter and right up to the third quarter we were leading. In the dying moments was where we lost it," St. Martin said.

Meanwhile, action continues today in the Jamaica Public Service President's League with the quarter-finals. Port Esquivel Power Barge take on Hanover Generators at 3:00 p.m. St. James Turbines tackle Alexander Electric Parks at 4:00 p.m. Tivoli Compressors oppose Arnett Gardens Transformers at 5:00 and May Pen Steam Generators entertain Eden Hot Switchers at 6:00 p.m.