Pelicans, Jamalco clash in netball final

IT should be a humdinger this evening when two of the island's top netball teams, Jamalco and UWI Pelicans, meet in the final of the Supreme Ventures Limited Major League Senior competition at the National Indoor Sports Centre at 7 p.m. Preceding this game at 6 p.m. Global 'B' will oppose Tantrum in the Minor League final.

A close battle is expected in the feature game. Both teams will be meeting for the third time this season. Jamalco first defeated their opponents by one goal in the Open League before Jamalco hit in the preliminary round of the Major League to win by two goals.

Both coaches, Conrad Parkes of UWI Pelicans and Winston Nevers of Jamalco, are very cautious and confident going into this mouth-watering clash.

Following a big 11-goals victory over Molynes United 'A' to win the Open League title, UWI will be seeking the double.

"We are not thinking about our two goals-loss to Jamalco in the preliminary round of the competition. We are just concentrating on this final ... and we are ready to execute," Parkes said.

Influential centre court player Carla Lee Tingling, who was a tower of strength in their semi-final win, is nursing an injury, and Parkes is banking on the likes of goal attack Rebekah Robinson, goal defence Shameera Sterling, and the experienced goalshooter Thristina Harwood to see them through.

finals

Jamalco are no strangers to finals at this level as it will be their 19th in a row. Under the guidance of the experienced Nevers, the Clarendon-based team, who lost the finals a year ago to Mico 'A', will be hoping to make it title number 15.

Despite their impressive record in the competition, Nevers is wary of a very talented UWI Pelicans.

"One thing I know is that today's game will be a very good one as UWI are a quality team, and so are Jamalco, and it will be a grudge match," he said." I think the key for us in winning today is in defence as we are very strong there. If veteran goalshooter Elaine Davis gets off to a good start, it could spell trouble for our opponents," said Nevers, who will also be banking on veteran defenders Althea Byfield and Nicole Aiken-Pinnock.