All hands on deck

Just as national senior netball head coach Connie Francis predicted, Jamaica’s path to a first Netball World Cup title will go through the top three teams in the world.

To get to their first-ever final, Francis has called for an all-hands-on-deck performance from the Sunshine Girls as they face Australia in their semifinal clash in Cape Town South, Africa, today at 9 a.m. Jamaica time.

Jamaica enter the semifinal undefeated after their 59-48 win over reigning championships New Zealand in Thursday’s final Pool G game while the Diamonds lost to England in their final pool game.

The encounter will be the first time the teams have met since last year’s Commonwealth Games final where Jamaica lost by four points, earning second place, their highest-ever finish in the tournament.

Francis has called on her team to produce a complete performance in order to move one step closer to their ultimate target

“I think we have to be consistent, especially with our centre passes. It is about taking care of that ball because we know that they are a very feisty team. They are confident that they can beat us. So we have to take care of the ball and to play good, tough defence. Not only our defending team but our attacking players have stepped up their marking to ensure that it’s all hands on deck when it comes to winning and everybody playing their role,” Francis told The Gleaner.

CONFIDENT

Jamaica’s last victory against the Diamonds came at the Commonwealth Games in pool play, their first in tournament history, en route to the final. Reiterating the team’s measured attitude and confidence, Francis said that she has the belief that they will be able to withstand any pressure from the Australians.

“It is about being very careful and clinical in executing all plays, all set plays, all defensive plays, and everything in order to beat this Diamonds team. And I am telling you that I am backing our team to counter anything that the Diamonds will come up with,” Francis said.

National captain Jhaniele Fowler said that sticking to what has worked for them so far, a strong defensive structure in this run would put them in good stead to overcome anything that comes their way.

“I know that we have to stay disciplined and play our game. Our play is what has won us games so far. So once we stick to our structure, once we stick to the fact that we are disciplined in every aspect of the game, then we should be fine,” Fowler said.

With a final in their sight, Francis says that they are fuelled by the prospect of taking their place among the best.

“I keep saying that in order for us to win that we would have to beat the top three teams in the world to show the world that netball is not just about Australia and New Zealand, it is about the rest of us. We are trying, and doing, our best to step forward. England and us are doing that, and there ain’t no stopping us now,” Francis said,

England will face New Zealand in the other semifinal.

daniel.wheeler@gleanerjm.com