GLASGOW, Scotland – Marva Bernard’s eyes were bloodshot. She had been shedding tears, and a hell of a lot of it at that.

But they were tears of joy. For the Jamaica netball boss had just witnessed her Sunshine Girls win a Commonwealth Games bronze in a heart-stopping third-place play-off match against England at the Hydro Arena here yesterday.

The score tells the story of the competitive nature of the game: Jamaica 52, England 48. But what it does not unveil is the heart, discipline and overall sacrifice that were put in to ultimately ended Jamaica’s drought at major championships. 

“We have struggled with the negative that has been thrown at us, we have struggled with being told that we are not good enough, but I never doubted my team. 

“My faith is very strong but they (detractors) tested it, and I just want to say to those people who criticized us and said we are not good enough, thank you because you made us work even harder,” said Bernard, with eyes still overflowing with tears.

To Netball Jamaica’s loyal sponsors and supporters, she said: “Thanks to all those who supported us.”

Even though she never doubted the ability of the team, Bernard shared that a pep talk by her and JOA president Mike Fennel before the game must have hit the collective soul of the girls.

“I told them this (yesterday) morning that they have got to play for their country… Mike Fennel came and he spoke to them after I spoke,” she told Jamaican journalists immediately after the match.

Coach Minneth Reynolds was beside herself with joy, catching her breath before she said: “I am so elated.”

Reynolds said her players knew what was at stake, and despite a “lack of concentration” and “impatience” in their last two games, they showed up for yesterday’s party in the proper frame of mind.

Jamaica last medalled at the Commonwealth Games when they won bronze in Manchester, England in 2002.

Meanwhile, Australia dethroned champions New Zealand 58-40 to win the gold medal.

BY SEAN WILLIAMS

OBSERVER REPORTER AT THE COMMONWEALTH GAMES