Pelicans, UTech make winning starts in NJ/JNBS Sunshine Open League
UNIVERSITY of the West Indies (UWI) Pelicans and University of Technology (UTech) Knights began the 2016 Netball Jamaica (NJ)/Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) Sunshine Open League competition with convincing wins as the season got underway at the Leila Robinson Courts, Independence Park Sports Complex, last Saturday.
Pelicans, coached jointly by former Jamaica national senior team coach Oberon Pitterson-Nattie and Conrad Parkes, made easy work of Jobs Lane United ‘A’ with a 42-8 win.
Jobs Lane ‘A’ were no match for the more experienced students of UWI Pelicans as they were competely outplayed. Pelicans led 24-3 at half-time.
Meanwhile, the Sasha-Gaye Henry-coached UTech Knights carved out a more devastating win over their opponents Westchester ‘B’ with a crushing 49-1 win after securing a 23-1 half time lead. Shooters Khadijah Williams, a national senior player, was at the heart of her team’s scoring and was ably assisted by Kevona Edwards.
Last year’s Open League beaten finalist Jamalco, coached by Winston Nevers, received a walk over against Pembroke Hall ‘C’ who failed to report for their encounter.
Other winners were the Roy Pryce-coached Molynes United ‘B’ who defeated Duhaney Park Strikers ‘B’ 39-6; Sports and Games ‘A’, who whipped Wolmer’s Cavaliers 33-5; Waulgrovians ‘B’ easily brushed aside Payneland Steppers 27-9.
Cablepro whipped Police ‘B’ 31-6; SKIBO cruised past Rollington Town 26-3; Tivoli Gardens beat Blades United ‘B’ 25-14; Friendship rushed past Eden Strikers ‘A’ 23-6; Top Mountain Flames turned back Pembroke Hall ‘B’ 14-10.
Flying Angels crushed Eden Strikers ‘B’ 33-1; SPEG ‘A’ and Jetsetters played to a 13-13 draw; Police ‘A’ defeated Tryall Heights 29-5; Kens Wildflower easily disposed of Flying Angels ‘A’ 30-4.
Blades United ‘A’ crushed Progressive Strikers 40-4; Alexander Strikers defeated Blades United ‘C’ 38-5; Queens Park beat Fresh Approach 25-8; EXED Saints outscored Pembroke Hall ‘A’ 18-9; Southboro got past Sports and Games ‘B’ 14-11; Waterhouse Eagles got the better of Duhaney Park Strikers ‘A’ 12-10.
Meanwhile, in the Uniform Dress Parade competition, Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) came out close winners over Tantrum in second with Waterhouse Eagles and Drewsland tying for third- placed. The judges had it very hard selecting the top four teams from nine finalists of the 72 participating teams.
