Jamaica halt Barbados’ winning streak
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) — Barbados plunged to their first loss of the Americas Federation of Netball Associations Championships when they suffered at the hands of the irrepressible Jamaica on the sixth night of competition here yesterday.
Playing at the Jean Pierre Complex, Barbados fell behind early in the contest and never recovered, losing 37-65.
Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, who beat United States 60-23, now remain the only unbeaten teams in the competition and meet on Saturday night in a match that will determine the championship.
Jamaica, using their speed and accuracy, jumped ahead 16-11 after the first quarter and then leapt to a 40-16 half-time lead, behind a second quarter 24-5 blowout.
Barbados had their best period in the third quarter when they outscored the Jamaicans 13-11 to trail 29-51, but the Jamaicans stepped up the tempo in the final stanza to put the seal on the encounter.
Goal shoot Jhaneile Fowler led the Jamaicans against with 52 goals from 54 attempts while goal attack Anna-Kay Griffiths supporting with 13 from 17 attempts.
For the Barbadians, goal attack Nikita Piggott finished with 22 from 26 attempts.
Meanwhile, T&T kept up their winning momentum, thanks to another outstanding performance from their shooters.
Anastascia Wilson shot 18 from 21 while goal attack Joelisa Cooper had a perfect outing, finishing with 15 from as many attempts.
Goalshoot Janelle Barker supported with 14 goals from 18 attempts and Jellene Richardson chipped in with 13 from 16.
For the Americans, Camille Henry got nine from 14 attempts.
T&T controlled the encounter from the outset, leading 12-6 after the first quarter and 29-11 at the half-time whistle.
Grenada endured mix fortunes, losing to Canada 31-41 before beating Bermuda 60-45 later in the day.
St Lucia, meanwhile, gained a precious win when they got the better of Canada 57-41, behind Glatta Gabriel’s strong performance of 25 goals form 33 attempts.
For Canada, Cherrydon Nickie scored 30 from 42.