Robert Bailey, Freelance Writer

Defending champions Tivoli Gardens 'A' will meet Waulgrovians 'A' in today's feature game in the semi-finals of the Jamaica Netball Association (JNA)/Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) Open League competition, at the Leila Robinson Courts starting at 6:00 p.m.

In the other semi-final at 5:00 p.m. open rally champions Jamalco will take on Windalco.

There will be another set of semi-final matches in the consolation knockout for teams that did not make it into the top 16.

Title holders Tivoli 'B' will entertain Alpha 'A' in the opening game at 3:00 p.m., while Police 'A' and Skibo 'B' will contest the other semi-final at 4:00 p.m.

Looking towards the Waulgrovians match-up, Tivoli's coach, Sylvester Campbell, expressed a fair amount of optimism.

"It is going to be a very competitive and exciting game by both teams," he said. "I am also quite confident that we'll beat them because we have a very rounded team with a lot of depth in it," said Campbell, who is also the coach of Tivoli Gardens 'B' team.

They will rest their hopes in the hands of prolific goal shooter Cleopatra Grant, national goal defence Kasey Evering, goalkeeper Nicole Henry and centre Marian Campbell.

Simone Forbes, vice-captain of Waul-grovians, is also optimistic about her team's chances.

"We are quite confident," said Forbes, who is also the vice-captain of Jamaica's senior team. "It is going to be an open-ended game and you can't predict who the winner is going to be because both teams are evenly matched. I am also sure it is going to be a very competitive and exciting game.

"This is going to be a possession game and once we take care of the ball there is no way Tivoli can score at will against us. It will go down to the team on the day that wants it the most and the one that takes care of the ball will end up winning the match. It is going to be very challenging, but they can be beaten and we have done it before."

Forbes, who is the team's goal attack, is expected to receive solid support from national representative Nichala Gibson, goalkeeper, and former national players Marvette Murray at goal defence, and Oberon Pitterson.