Robert Bailey, Freelance Writer
SUZETTE BENBOW, coach of Arnett Gardens netball team, has expressed confidence in her side's chances of reaching the semi-finals of this year's Jamaica Netball Association JNA/Berger Paints Super League, following an exciting 50-48 victory over Police A on Saturday at the Leila Robinson Courts.
Arnett Gardens are tied for fourth place with Windalco on 12 points, six behind defending champions Jamalco, who lead the standings with 18 points and a game in hand.
"I am very confident that we can reach this year's semi-finals," said Benbow. "Our defence line has now improved a lot and our shooting is still very good," she said. "This victory means a lot to me and the girls because we really needed to win this game.
"The game was very hard because we were down by two at half-time, then we fought back and we were able to pull through for the victory," Benbow said.
The first half was keenly contested with Police A holding a 21-19 at the half-time break. Police extended that to lead by two more points at the end of the third period with 38-34.
However, Arnett Gardens stepped up their defence in the fourth period, which resulted in a number of crucial interceptions. They outscored the opponents by six points as they hung on for their fourth victory of the season.
Kadian Mendez led the way for Arnett Gardens with 36 goals from 45 attempts. She received good support from Trudith Reid who scored 13 goals from 18 tries.
Neisha Howard's 29 goals from 40 attempts and Marcella Thomp-son's 19 goals from 24 were the top efforts for Police A.
In the Western Union B League, Skibo B thrashed Red Challenge 45-16; Ocho Rios Magics stopped Hampshire B 36-29; Eden Strikers edged G.C Foster College 33-32; Jestsetters B whipped Jamaica Fire Brigade 43-28; and, Waulgrovians C marched past Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) 27-24.
In the Supreme Ventures A League, Skibo A whipped Police B 41-27 and Alpha got by Waulgrovians B 37-24.
In the C League, Rollington Town edged Greenwich Town 29-28, Progressive Strikers defeated Hampshire C 28-22, and Jetsetters C stopped Police C 23-19.
