Another intercol netball title for Mico

ANOTHER YEAR, another title for the Mico University College senior netball team.

The Connie Francis-coached team continued their dominance in Intercollegiate netball with a decisive 52-38 win over G.C. Foster College at the Leila Robinson netball court on Friday.

With a fair-size crowd on hand, which had witnessed the semi-finals of the Urban ISSA Schoolgirl Netball competition, anticipation was high for a thrilling encounter.

With two members of the Sunshine Girls Fast 5 squad to the recent World Series in New Zealand, captain Crystal Plummer of G.C. Foster College and centre, Theresa Beckford of Mico, on either side, the stage was set for an epic encounter.

Fans were treated to some excellent plays from both teams in the first quarter, with G.C. Foster goal attack, Odeache Johnson, and goal shooter, Shadine Bartley, staying perfect, just as were Mico goal attack, Tafiya Hunter, and goal shooter Kelsey Jonas. At the break, the scores were tied at 10.

However, the quality of the Mico team came to the fore in the second quarter, with Beckford controlling mid-court and goal defence, Dandrea Dallas, along with goalkeeper Aaliah Lue, thwarting several attempts from the G.C. Foster College attackers..

The Mico team would end the half with an eight-goal lead, at 26-18.

For the next two quarters, Mico did not take their feet off the pedal, leading the third 39-27 before again increasing the lead to run out easy winners.

Francis, the former national senior coach, who was winning her umpteenth title at the helm of the Cross Roads-based team, was happy for another success.

“Despite many ups and downs for Mico this season, where our B team was placed in the senior league where it was very challenging, I am extremely proud of the young ladies, who were able to win another title. The team was flawless in their play today. They really stepped up big time. It was a good win,” said Francis.

Captain of the losing G. C. Foster College, Plummer, was disappointed with the result.

“After being on par after the first quarter with Mico, the girls got a bit too comfortable and allowed the game to slip away from us, and I was disappointed with this. However, we were happy to be in the finals after losing two matches earlier in the competition. Come next season, we will be much better,” said Plummer.