Sunshine Girls advance to Fast5 World Series semifinals

Jamaica’s Sunshine Girls and Australia played a semi-final dress rehearsal to progress through to the FAST5 Netball World Series semi’s on Sunday.

In an error ridden opening quarter neither team managed to gain the ascendancy and the status quo continued throughout the second stanza despite Jamaica opting to use their power play. Only a six-point Thristina Harwood super shot edged the Sunshine Girls ahead to take a 22-20 lead at halftime.

Harwood said Jamaica were relishing having a passionate Kiwi crowd behind them, which was evident in this encounter.

“I feel really good. I never expected them to be cheering for Jamaica but it is wonderful to have that support,” she said.

The Flyers used their power play after the major break with some wily play around the circle to nullify towering goal keep Romelda Aiken and goal defender Malysha Kelly. Against the usual run of momentum in a power play, most of the action was at the Jamaican attacking end with Harwood again sinking her fair share of goals to finish the third quarter two goals apart.

Jamaican shooter Jhaniele Fowler landed a two point super shot to edge Jamaica into the lead late in the match but the result hinged on a pressure shot from Flyers shooter Susan Pratley to square it all up. Final score Jamaica 41, Australia 41.

Harwood was left ruing the draw.

“I would have preferred the win but a draw is better than a loss I guess,” she said.

“We had to fight to come back … it was tough.”

She was eagerly anticipating tomorrow’s re-match.

“I’m just going to go out there and do what I have to do – play strong and shoot.”

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