Silver Ferns repel improved Jamaica to clinch Taini Jamison Trophy
September 14, 2016
The Silver Ferns wrapped up the Taini Jamison Trophy with a Test to spare after sealing a 61-38 win over the Jamaican Sunshine Girls in the New World Netball Series in Palmerston North on Wednesday.
Following a hefty 72-34 loss in the first Test, Jamaica tested the Silver Ferns resolve with a much improved showing second time around, the home team pushed all the way before wrapping it up a with a strong final quarter.
Exciting 18-year-old shooter Maia Wilson became Silver Fern No 163 after coming on for the last four minutes in her international debut to put the finishing touches on all the squad being given court time during the series.
With goal attack Te Paea Selby-Rickit getting her second start in as many matches, Shannon Francois starting at centre and Laura Langman slotting in at wing defence, the Silver Ferns faced a more determined challenge from the Sunshine Girls.
The Jamaican defence line of Vangelee Williams, captain Malysha Kelly and Shamera Sterling kept the Silver Ferns honest with their ability to disrupt the home team’s attacking play.
Langman, Francois and Grace Rasmussen proved a potent attacking unit with their slick transition as the Silver Ferns nudged out to a 14-9 lead at the first break.
The home team gradually stretched their lead on the resumption, Selby-Rickit finding her range under the hoop to carry the Silver Ferns shooting load on the back of improved overall attacking play.
Showing more of their renowned flair and athleticism, centre Nicole Dixon and goal attack Shanice Beckford impressed with the greater intensity shown by Jamaica. However, the visitors struggled to slow the Silver Ferns flow, the home team heading to the main break with a hard-won 29-16 lead.
Both teams made changes for the second half, including Ameliaranne Ekenasio taking over the goal attack bib, Kayla Cullen picking up the wing defence role and Langman moving to centre for the Silver Ferns.
However, it was the Sunshine Girls who made the best of starts after scoring the first four goals. They remained competitive for the rest of the stanza, the injection of goal attack Vanessa Walker adding immediate impetus under the hoop in lifting the rest of her team.
Captain Katrina Grant and Jane Watson were prominent in hauling in extra turnover ball but Jamaica had the satisfaction of drawing the third quarter when the Silver Ferns went to the last break with a 42-29 lead.
The third and final Test will be played in Rotorua on Saturday.
Following a hefty 72-34 loss in the first Test, Jamaica tested the Silver Ferns resolve with a much improved showing second time around, the home team pushed all the way before wrapping it up a with a strong final quarter.
Exciting 18-year-old shooter Maia Wilson became Silver Fern No 163 after coming on for the last four minutes in her international debut to put the finishing touches on all the squad being given court time during the series.
With goal attack Te Paea Selby-Rickit getting her second start in as many matches, Shannon Francois starting at centre and Laura Langman slotting in at wing defence, the Silver Ferns faced a more determined challenge from the Sunshine Girls.
The Jamaican defence line of Vangelee Williams, captain Malysha Kelly and Shamera Sterling kept the Silver Ferns honest with their ability to disrupt the home team’s attacking play.
Langman, Francois and Grace Rasmussen proved a potent attacking unit with their slick transition as the Silver Ferns nudged out to a 14-9 lead at the first break.
The home team gradually stretched their lead on the resumption, Selby-Rickit finding her range under the hoop to carry the Silver Ferns shooting load on the back of improved overall attacking play.
Showing more of their renowned flair and athleticism, centre Nicole Dixon and goal attack Shanice Beckford impressed with the greater intensity shown by Jamaica. However, the visitors struggled to slow the Silver Ferns flow, the home team heading to the main break with a hard-won 29-16 lead.
Both teams made changes for the second half, including Ameliaranne Ekenasio taking over the goal attack bib, Kayla Cullen picking up the wing defence role and Langman moving to centre for the Silver Ferns.
However, it was the Sunshine Girls who made the best of starts after scoring the first four goals. They remained competitive for the rest of the stanza, the injection of goal attack Vanessa Walker adding immediate impetus under the hoop in lifting the rest of her team.
Captain Katrina Grant and Jane Watson were prominent in hauling in extra turnover ball but Jamaica had the satisfaction of drawing the third quarter when the Silver Ferns went to the last break with a 42-29 lead.
The third and final Test will be played in Rotorua on Saturday.