Australia's Diamonds beat Sunshine Girls in opener

Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

Jamaica's Sunshine Girls went down 63-51 to Australia in the opening match of the three-Test Supreme Ventures Sunshine Series at the National Indoor Sports Centre last night.

Australia led 15-12, 32-25 and 48-37 through the first three quarters.

Sharelle McMahon led the scoring for the world number one Australians with 32 goals from 38 attempts. She received good support from Natalie Medhurst, with 15 goals from 22 tries and Catherine Cox, 16 goals from 26 attempts.

High scorer

Romelda Aiken, with 22 goals from 28 attempts, was Jamaica's high scorer. Team captain and goal attack Simone Forbes supported well with 20 from 22, while Jhaniele Fowler netted a perfect nine goals from nine tries.

"I loved the way we played because I thought that we stood up to the Australians very well," said Connie Francis," Jamaica's head coach. "I think that we made a few mistakes here and there, and I think that is one area that we need to improve on for the next game."

Australia's coach, Norma Plummer, said: "We knew Jamaica could run with us because they have the speed and the ability, and so we knew had to be at our best to win this game. I thought my girls did a very good job, considering that we only had a short time together."

The second match in the series will be played tomorrow at the same venue, starting at 7 p.m.