Netball: Sunny side up for it

By JULIE ASH

The "sunshine girls," as they are known, want to go where no other Jamaican team has gone before - to the top of world netball.

And for the first time Jamaica stand as good a chance as any of claiming netball's most treasured possession. But standing in their way is a likely clash with New Zealand in the semifinals. That match became apparent when the Jamaicans lost narrowly to Australia in pool play yesterday.

Jamaica's best result at the world championships was in Australia in 1991, where they finished third behind Australia and New Zealand.

Before that, fourth had been their best effort, which they achieved in 1971.

Although Jamaica have always been strong contenders in world netball they have never really threatened New Zealand and Australia's supremacy, but that is until now.

"We have always been good," Jamaica's vice-captain Elaine Davis said.

"But in those crucial games, mistakes have always let us down. I think what we have going for us this time are strong players on the bench."

With the experience of players such as Oberon Pitterson, Connie Francis, Nadine Bryan and Georgia Gordon - who have competed in several world championships - and young players such as shooter Carla Williams and defender Kasey Evering, Jamaica have an abundance of talent to chose from.

With several players starring on the basketball scene as well - the Jamaicans have elevation like no other and are also accustomed to a bit of argy bargy on court.

"Everybody plays rough," Davis said. "I don't know why we get labelled. That is just the way the game is these days."

While coach Maureen Hall has been a key figure, Jamaica's success can also be attributed to the fact they have slightly adapted their style in recent years.

While their aerial game still exists, Jamaica feel just as at home whizzing a flat ball through the midcourt or even the odd bounce pass into their shooters

"Everyone has got tall players, the Australians are tall, New Zealand are tall - so although we are still aerial we have to be able to use flat passes to get around them as well," Davis said.

But standing between Jamaica and the world title are New Zealand and, if they beat the Kiwis, Australia.

"Australia are very strong, they have strength right throughout the court," Davis said. "The Silver Ferns are a good team as well. They are really fast. I was watching them the other day and I got tired watching. They were just up and down the court. They have a really good shooter in Irene van Dyk."

But according to the New Zealand and Australian players, Jamaica are even more of a threat at home ground - where their colourful, loud supporters are intimidating to any opposition.

"There is also a lot of pressure playing at home," Davis said. "But it is good to have the support behind you and how great would it be to be crowned champions at home."

JAMAICA'S WORLDS

1963: Fifth

1967: Sixth

1971: Fourth

1975: Fifth

1979: Fifth

1983: Fifth

1987: Fifth

1991: Third

1995: Fifth

1999: Fourth