Champs Crystal hunt Angels' scalp

Western Bureau:Champions Crystal will be on a mission to extend their winning streak in the 2011 Hunger Busta/Impact Auto St James Netball Association (StJNA) Senior League to four games today when they engage Zone A counterparts Angels 'B' in the feature game of a double-header at the Montego Bay Cricket Club Courts, starting at 5 o'clock.

In the 3 p.m opening game, the inconsistent Zone B contenders Pacers 'A', who were soundly beaten by Twelve Stars in their last game; will be aiming to rebound at the expense of Sting, which also suffered defeat at the hands of Twelve Stars in their last outing.

Having already registered good wins against Blazers, Starlight Juniors and the fancied Pacers Juveniles, the sparkling Crystal, dubbed the 'fluffy girls', should start favourites against Angels 'B', despite a recent declaration by skipper Gina Haughton that the team still has fitness issues.

"We are still struggling with our fitness, but the fact that we are still winning our games is a good sign," said Haughton, a stalwart in centre court for Crystal.

Angels 'B', who are still struggling to find their best form after starting the season with a 41-29 loss to Pacers Juvenile and then rebounding with a close 36-35 win against Starlight Juniors, have the capacity to make life tough for Crystal and it should be interesting to see how they perform.

While Crystal will be parading veteran stars Suzette Virgo, Rita Spence, Dahlia Rickettes and Haughton, the Clint Parkins-coached Angels 'B' also have quality players in Karen Hamilton, Lafrika Bennett and Sashalee Gaynor.

In the game between Pacers 'A' and Sting, an exciting contest is anticipated as the teams seek to rebound from their respective defeats to the rampaging Twelve Stars.

The Charles Stephenson-coached Pacers 'A', who are led by star shooters Doreta Daley and Samantha Dennison, should start favourites. However, with the right application, Sting could come good through sisters Wendy and Stacy Shakespear.

In last weekend's round of matches, Twelve Stars were dazzling against Pacers 'A' in their Zone B victory; winning three of the four quarters in their emphatic 42-27 win. Jodian McPherson and Crystalee Carter, who both got 20 goals, were the outstanding players for Twelve Stars.

In their 36-25 win against the fancied Pacers Juveniles, champions Crystal were led by veteran Evette Malcolm with 30 goals. Georgia Reid had a good game for the Juveniles, scoring 13 goals.

- A.F.