KINGSTOWN, St Vincent

(CMC):

JAMAICA AND Trinidad and Tobago are expressing cautious confidence as they prepare for the final day of competition in the AFNA Championships today.

The two teams have remained unbeaten and look by far to be the best all-round units in the six-team competition which started last Sunday.

Jamaica's Sunshine Girls, who are among the physically bigger players of the tournament, have been more dominant in the midcourt with Nichala Gibson, Nadine Bryant and the irrespressible Simone Forbes, all putting in performances that underline the unending stock in talent.

Goalshooters Crystal Gordon and Christina Solmon, when called into duty, have been workmanlike and consistent without being spectacular.

Give exposure

Head coach Connie Francis disclosed that the Jamaicans are using the tournament to blood young players and they are confident of retaining their title.

"We have six of our Under-21 players here because we are using this tournament to give exposure to our players for upcoming major international engagements, but this not to say that we are not taking this AFNA tournament seriously," she said. "T&T have had some good results, but I see no reason why if we play our game and maintain our focus on court that we should not win."

The Calypso Girls have held their own in most areas with captain Rhonda John-Davis, centre Tricia Liverpool, goal attack Joelisa Cooper, all playing their part in helping the steady improvement.