'We'll have to play four excellent quarters'

Sunshine Girls' coach Annette Daley reflects after thrilling win over England

Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

Jamaica's Sunshine Girls are aiming to close out their three-Test series against England when both teams square off in game two of the Supreme Ventures Sunshine Series tonight at the National Indoor Sports Centre, starting at 7:30 p.m.

The Jamaicans lead the series 1-0, following their nail-biting 57-56 victory over England in the opening game on Tuesday night.

"I am confident that the girls are going out to play a hard and competitive game, because we definitely want to come away the winners," said Annette Daley, coach of the Sunshine Girls, following their victory.

"I think that we will have to step up our performance, because we know that England are going to do the same and we will have to play four excellent quarters to win the game," Daley said.

Jamaican team

The Jamaicans' attack will once again be led by goal shooter, Jhaniele Fowler, who netted 46 goals from 52 attempts, and goal attack Ann-Kay Griffiths, who shot nine goals from 17 tries.

Both players are expected to receive valuable support from veteran players Nadine Bryan, Paula Thompson and Nicole Aiken-Pinnock, who played well in game one.

"I think it was a good performance from the girls, because they showed a lot of guts and determination to win the game," Daley said of their first encounter.

She added that they are expecting a much tougher game from the English, who will be hoping to level the three-match series.

"It won't be an easy game, because England will be trying for a win and we are looking to close it out," she said.

"We just have to ensure that we maintain our focus for all four quarters, and take care of the ball and score off all our centre passes," added Daley, whose team is ranked one place behind the world No. 4 England team.

England's coach, Sue Hawkins, said that they will have to stick to the basics, even when the pressure comes on, if they are to even the series today.

"We have to keep focused going into the next encounter, if we are going to stand a chance of winning it," said Hawkins.

Commenting on the thrilling match, she said: "It was an extremely good encounter. I wasn't disappointed with what they did. The goal shooter also performed well."

Pamela Cookey, with 31 goals from 36 tries, and Joanne Harten, 25 from 36, scored the goals for England.