JAMAICA’s world number four-ranked Sunshine Girls yesterday began the long trek to Singapore for the 2011 World Netball Championships from July 3-10. The national team departed Kingston by bus to Montego Bay from where they were expected to fly to London, England en route to South East Asia to challenge world champions Australia, as well as other top three ranked New Zealand and England for netball’s top prize.

The group assembled at the team house in Barbican before travelling to Half-Way-Tree for a worship service which was part of a road show put on by team sponsors Best Dressed Foods.

Coach Oberon Pitterson told the Observer that the team members are excited about the coming days and how they have been gelling since being named in April.

“We’ve been looking at different combinations trying to figure what’s the best. We looked at players to see how well they start, how well they do coming off the bench,” she said.

“I think they are ready. I just have to find a way to have them do it that one night, especially the semi-final.”

Team captain Nadine Bryan said the girls are focused on getting into the final, something they can only do by beating world champs Australia in the semi-final on July 9.

“We’re looking forward to July 9, that’s the day we’re waiting on really,” she said. As the most senior team member Bryan has been on three WC teams and said it is a big difference after 15 years. “It really gets a bit nerve-racking, but I know we have put in the work so that makes it much easier for me. I know it is going to be tough, but I’m looking forward to it.

“We’re taking them one game at a time. We want everyone to be happy and comfortable,” Bryan added.

Meanwhile, Jamaica Netball Association (JNA) president Marva Bernard was almost overcome with emotion at the moment of departure. “It’s a whole range of emotion just to see all the support that has come for them. The Sunshine Girls deserve every attention and every accolade that’s happening to them and they’re accepting it with humility,” she told the Observer.

The team players were accompanied by assistant coach Annett Daley, manager Hyacinth Beckford, Dr Pramainand Singh, and physiotherapist Maureen Spence-Campbell.