NETBALL Jamaica has named a strong 12-member team to represent the country at the Zeo Tri-Nation series scheduled to take place in England from January 17-21. Jamaica will face host nation England and New Zealand in matches which are listed as ranked.

Missing from the dozen Sunshine Girls is Romelda Aiken, who is currently in Australia with her professional team the Queensland Firebirds. General manager of Netball Jamaica, Karen Anderson told the Jamaica Observer that after consultation earlier this week with Aiken’s performance manager in Australia, the decision was taken to omit her from the London team.

“Romelda is injured. She has a knee problem, and based on what we were told, it was in her best interest not to name her for this team, giving her the necessary time to fully recuperate,” Anderson said.

The Sunshine Girls will first play New Zealand on January 17.

The full team and their positions are: GK Malysha Kelly (Captain), GS Jhaniele Fowler, GA/WA Thristina Harwood, GS/GK Sabrina Spence, WA/C Khadijah Williams, GA/WA Shanice Beckford, C/WD Paula Thompson, C/WA Patricia McCalla, C/WA Nadine Bryan, GD/WD Vangelee Williams, GD/WD Stacian Facey, and GK Sasha-Gay Lynch.

The team, which will be managed by Antoinette Iron,s leaves the island on Sunday. Oberon Pitterson-Nattie is the coach.