Romelda Aiken

JAMAICA'S SUNSHINE Girls are in contention for a medal at the World Netball Championships (WNC) in Auckland, New Zealand, after dispensing with Samoa, 73-42, yesterday.

This morning (Ja time) they faced hosts New Zealand in one semi-final while traditional sport rivals Australia and England did battle in the other.

Even if the Jamaicans were to lose to New Zealand, they would still be in with a chance of retaining the bronze medal, which they won on home soil four years ago.

The world number-three-ranked Sunshine Girls booked their spot in the semis by thrashing Samoa.

In an entertaining match that featured plenty thrills and spills, Jamaica's traditional aerial game and athletic agility won the day over a committed and competitive Samoan team.

Playing a shorter passing game, Samoa were slowed and struggled for openings through the agile and effective defensive screens set by Jamaica. In-circle defenders Kasey Evering an Byfield supported with their own menace under the hoop.

Goal-shooter Romelda Aiken led the way for the Sunshine Girls with 57 from 65 attempts as they led 35-20 at half-time. The Jamaicans then extended their advantage to 53-29 and the end of the third period.

Aiken received solid support from goal attack and vice-captain Simone Forbes, 13 goals from 16 tries, and Christian Solmon, three goals from three.

Malu Faasavalu, 27 goals from 32 attempts, and Anna Senio, 11 goals from 18, were the leading scorers for Samoa.