Tough going for Sunshine Girls at Fast5

THE COUNTRY’S senior netballers found the going tough on Friday night at the Fast5 netball tournament in New Zealand.

Playing inside the Wolfbrook Arena in Christchurch, the inexperienced Jamaica team failed to pick up a win from three matches.

The Jamaicans, who were fifth in the tournament last year, started their campaign against the hosts, who got off to a fast start.

With their taller players overpowering the Jamaicans, they rushed to an eight-goal first-quarter lead with the score at 11-3.

New Zealand added 10 more goals before the half-time break, with the Jamaicans responding with five to find themselves behind 21-8.

With goal shooter Amanda Pinkney hitting the target, Jamaica outcored their opponent 7-4 in the third quarter. However, the home team took over the final quarter, outscoring the Jamaicans 14-5 for a handsome 42-17 win. Pinkney, with six goals from 10 attempts, was the top scorer for the Jamaicans.

In their second game against England, their opponents rushed into a 12-1 first-quarter lead. Despite another good third quarter from the Jamaicans – holding their opponent to a 7-7 tie – England still ran out easy 35-15 winners.

The Sunshine Girls had their best performance in their final game of the night against South Africa where they were beaten 33-25. Pinkney, with six goals from eight attempts, combined with goal attack Shafine Bartley, who scored five goals from 10 attempts.

The Jamaicans were set to play defending champions Australia and Uganda last night in their final games of the first round on the second and final day of the competition.