Bryan says Jamaica 'raring to go'

Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

Nadine Bryan, captain of the Jamaica Sunshine Girls, says they are ready to claim their first hold on the prestigious World Netball Championships (WNC) crown.

"We are very excited and we're raring to go," said Bryan, minutes before the Jamaican contingent paraded across the country on Sunday prior to their exit from the Donald Sangster International Airport for Singapore, where the tournament will be held from July 3 to 10.

"We never knew this day would come so quickly, but it is here and so we are ready for it," added the 34-year-old.

In their last two competitive series on home soil, the Sunshine Girls played to a 1-1 draw with defending world champions Australia, then defeated archrivals England 2-1 in April.

"Our expectations are to be playing in the final and to come out on top," she said. "We know that the semi-final is going to be tough, but we are ready for it, and it is just for us to go out and perform on that given day at our best."

Bryan, who will be making her third straight appearance at the championships, noted that the team has worked very hard in training to improve their all-round capabilities.

"Physically and mentally we are ready and that is why we figure, more or less, that we can be on top in this one, and this is what we are aiming for on the 10th of July," said Bryan.

The Jamaicans, who are ranked fourth in the world, will open their schedule on Sunday, July 3, against South Africa, after which they will oppose another African nation, Botswana, the following day, before engaging the hosts in their final first-round fixture on July 5.

Bryan, who was also a member of the Sunshine Girls team which captured the bronze medal at the last championships, in Auckland, New Zealand, in 2007, stated that they are prepared to deal with the pressure that is being placed upon them by the local fans.

"We know that you guys (the public) are behind us and we are going with that energy that you have given to us," Bryan said. "We know everybody in Jamaica wants us to do well.

"The pressure is also on us and the expectations are very high, but we are going out there and we will do our best, and we hope that will be good for us," Bryan reasoned.

Sasher-Gaye Henry(vice-captain)

Age: 31

Height: 5' 7"

Positions: Wing defence, wing attack

Occupation: Teacher

Club: Jamalco

Expectations: "To go out there and do well in all the games and improve in each game, because we want to play in the final of this competition."

Althea Byfield

Age: 28

Positions: Goalkeeper, goal defence and wing defence

Height: 6' 2"

Occupation: Professional netballer

Club: Jamalco

Expectations: "To be a part of history, playing in the final on the 10th of July."