Crystal hunt second win

Western Bureau:

Champions Crystal will be aiming to make it two wins from two starts in the 2011 Hunger Busta/Impact Auto St James Netball Association (StJNA) Senior League when they oppose Zone A counterparts Starlight Juniors in the feature game of today's double-header at the Montego Bay Cricket Club Courts, starting at 5 p.m.

In the opening game at 3:30 p.m., Angels 'B' will take on the highly rated Pacer Juveniles in the first game in Zone B. The group's initial opening game which should have seen Twelve Stars matching skills with Sting last weekend, was not played because of problems with the competition's fixtures.

Fresh from their impressive 41-21 win against Blazers last weekend, the Gina Haughton-led Crystal are full of confidence as they seek to continue their dazzling form, which also led them to winning the 10-team season-opening rally, which was played prior to the start of the senior league.

"While the team's fitness level is not where it should be, I believe we are playing quite well," said Haughton. "Our plan is to get better with each game, and we are confident we will do just that."

While Starlight Juniors are not considered a formidable unit, based on the confidence they showed in the opening rally, they could well create some anxious moments for the star-studded Crystal aggregation.

In their bid for victory, Crystal will be banking on the likes of goal-shooter Amalya Stewart, centre Gina Haughton, goalkeeper Suzette Virgo and wing defence Kayon Graham, who all played very well against Blazers.

In the opening game, the highly rated Juveniles outfit, which is full of exciting young talent, could come in for a stern examination from the Clint Parkins-coached Angels 'B', who are returning to the competition after a one-year absence.

Confident

"We are coming to play good netball and once we play well, we are confident that we can get a positive result," said Parkins. "I am not saying that we are going to win, but I am confident that we are going to play well."

While the youthful Juveniles should start favourites on account of their second-place finish in the season opening rally, it would be unwise of them to take the Angels 'B' team lightly as they have seasoned campaigners such as Lafrika Bennett, Shagail Green-Barnett and Shanelle Sylvester.

The eight-team competition features two zones of four teams each. The teams according to their respective zones read as follows: Zone A - Crystal, Blazers, Juveniles, Angels 'B' and Starlight Juniors. Zone B -- Twelve Stars, Sting, Angels A, Pacers A and Starlight A.

-A.F.