SYDNEY (CMC):

JAMAICA'S NETBALLERS, beaten by Australia in their two-match series last weekend, tackle reigning world champions New Zealand in a similar series this week. Using the tour as vital preparation for the 2007 World Netball Championship (WNC) later this year, Jamaica's Sunshine Girlz are gunning for at least one victory in their tough four-game schedule against the two powerhouses of world netball.

They ran the Australians close in the first Test last Thursday before going down 62-66, and were less competitive in the second match, as the ex-world champions outgunned them 72-53 at the Sydney Olympic Sports Centre.

The 2007 WNC is slated for New Zealand in November.

Back to drawing board

Ace Jamaican defender Kasey Evering was not too distraught over the series loss to World number two, Australia - citing the objective as building for the future - but admitted that Sunday's heavy loss was unsatisfactory.

"It was a little bit disappointing (to lose by 19 goals) but as I said before it is a work progress," said Evering.

"We are just going to go back to the drawing board and work on some combinations. We also have some people coming back in so this is just a test - the World Champs will be a whole other ball game," Evering said after Sunday's game.

During that match, Evering engaged Australian sharp-shooter Sharelle McMahon in a tense physical battle, but admitted that the Australian got the ascendancy as illustrated by her match scoring stats of 34 goals from 36 attempts. "It was good and rough and tough and, unfortunately, she (McMahon) ended up getting the upper hand, but I am coming back for her again don't you worry," Evering said.

"She is quick, but it just means more work for me - I have to work on getting fitter and coming back for her next time," she added.

The Caribbean champions Jamaica, ranked number three in the world, face World number one Silver Ferns in Christchurch tomorrow and Auckland on Saturday.