'We're ready, we're ready' - Upbeat Bernard expects Sunshine Girls to top WNC

Marva Bernard, president of the Jamaica Netball Association (JNA), says the Sunshine Girls are prepared to claim their first hold on the World Netball Championship (WNC) title.

"We're ready, we're ready," exclaimed Bernard, as the Jamaican contingent paraded on Sunday across the country prior to their exit for the WNC, which will be held in Singapore from July 3-10.

"It's been a long, hard journey, the Girls have worked really hard, this is the hardest that I've ever seen them work," Bernard noted of their build-up.

"They're hungry to do well, and I'm expecting them to do well, just by taking it one game at a time," she added.

The team flew into London, via Gatwick International Airport yesterday, and continued their journey later. They are expected to arrive in Singapore today.

The Sunshine Girls, who are ranked fourth in the world, will open their schedule on Sunday, July 3, against South Africa, then play another African nation, Botswana,the following, before engaging the hosts in their final first-round fixture on July 5.

They made stops at Mandela Park in Half-Way Tree, Ewarton, St Catherine and Priory, St Ann, where they were feted in celebrations representing a grand send-off. Bernard expressed gratitude for the show of appreciation.

"Thanks to Jamaica, thanks to our sponsors, thanks to everybody who contributed to getting us this far and to be getting this royal send-off," the JNA president said. "We appreciate the Road Show which Best Dressed Chicken had organised. We journeyed all the way to Montego Bay and the Jamaican people got a chance to see us."

Bernard continued: "We thank our team sponsors Digicel, Best Dressed, Gilbert with gear, and all the people who are here and all the other corporate entities who have supported us on this journey."

As it relates to the championship itself, Bernard believes the Sunshine Girls are going all the way to the top.

"I'm expecting that we'll be playing in the final and at the end of the day we'll realise our dream to become number one because we believe we can be, we just need to stay focused and determined and pray for no injuries that would affect the team and on the given day it's who wants it most and I know the Girls are hungry for this," she expressed.

Australia, who are ranked number two, won the previous WNC, in Auckland, New Zealand, in 2007.

Interestingly, New Zealand are the world's number one-ranked country, based on the new ranking system adopted by the International Federation of Netball Associations since 2007. England round out the top three.

Nadine Bryan (captain)



Age: 34

Positions: Centre and wing attack

Height: 5'5'

Occupation: Senior accounting clerk

Club: Jamalco

Expectation:
"Our vision is to be playing in the final at 8 p.m. on the 10th of
July, and in order to do this we will have to win every match. We are
doing the work and we expect that our dreams will come through."

Nicole Aiken-Pinnock

Age: 25

Positions: Goal defence, goal keeper

Height: 6'1'

Occupation: Teacher

Club: Jamalco

Expectations: "To go out there and represent my country to best of my ability and to take home a gold medal."