Top players square off

Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

A number of leading local netballers will be on show today when former champions Jamalco oppose Tivoli Gardens 'A' in a top-of-the-table clash of the Jamaica Netball Association (JNA)/Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS)/Open League competition at the National Stadium Courts, starting at 7 p.m.

Jamalco, who won the rally competition last season, are tied atop Zone Three standings with Tivoli, both on 18 points. They are followed by defending champions Waulgrovians 'A', Windalco and Arnett Gardens (9) each; and Blades United 'A' and Police 'A', who are both tied on three points. Jetsetters are at the bottom of the table on zero.

"I am expecting a close game, but we know that we are going to win," Wayne Shaw, manager of Jamalco, said yesterday. "We had a good training session last night (Thursday), and everybody is in tip-top shape and ready and raring to go."

Shaw added: "This match will decide who will win the zone, which we are aiming to do because we would like to go through the season unbeaten, and we going out there to play very hard to achieve a victory."

Shaw continued:"We will also like to win all four competitions this season and so our girls are fully prepared and focused to achieve this."

Leading players

National representatives Romelda Aiken, Nadine Bryan, Sasher-Gaye Henry, Nicole Aiken, Althea Byfield, Kamieka Sherwood, along with former national players Elaine Davis and Naudia Brown, will be on show for the Winston Nevers-coached Jamalco.

Former national players Oberon Pitterson, Tamara Hylton, Peta-Gaye Thomas, Jodi-Ann Ffrench Kentish and Cleopatra Grant are expected to be the leading players for the west Kingston-based Tivoli Gardens.

One of the most intriguing matchups on the court will be that between Jamalco goal shooter Aiken and veteran defender Oberon Pitterson of Tivoli. Aiken starred in the recent three-Test series against Australia and will be a handful for Pitterson.

Sylvester Campbell, coach of Tivoli, said he was expecting a competitive game.

"It is going to be a top-class game between two of the best teams in the island, and so we are expecting a very exciting match for the fans," said Campbell.

He continued: "For us, it is a normal fixture and we are going to treat it like that. It is still early days but we are going to look at the different combinations and see what works for us."

In the day's other games down to be played at the same venue, Molynes United 'A' will oppose Hampshire, Waulgrovians 'A' battle Arnett Gardens 'A', and Jetsetters 'A' await Windalco.