Humming Birds, Orchids battle in Berger Elite Netball
KINGSTON Humming Birds will be looking to clinch the best-of-three finals when they take on St Ann Orchids in Game Two of the 2016-17 Berger Elite Netball League this evening at the University of Technology (UTech) court.
Game time is 7:30 pm.
While the Humming Birds, who beat the Orchids 57-43 in Game One last Thursday, are seeking the clincher, their opponents are expected to fight strongly to draw level and, in the process, force a third and final game.
From all indications, netball fans should expect an intriguing ding-dong battle from start to finish.
Marvette Anderson, the Humming Birds’ coach, said she is hoping the players can build on the momentum from last week.
“We played as a team last time out and I expect the players to repeat, as we need to win game two to win the championship and that’s what we are aiming to achieve today,” Anderson said.
Coach Janet Guy of the Orchids is expecting a better performance from her players this evening.
“This is a very important game for us and we need to win to keep the competition going and go into the deciding final third game. I am also expecting a good and better performance from the players as they were a bit flat and was not responding enough to the challenge, as our opponents are not better than us,” Guy said.
The shooters from both teams are also expected to play a key role.
Goal shooter Tristina Harwood of the Birds could again be the trump card should she get off her shots as she did in Game One, but she will need the support of Kera Christie in the goal attack position.
The Orchids, on the other hand, will be looking towards Sabrina Spence, who is currently the leading goal shooter in the league, along with captain and goal attack Simone Forbes.
Both teams will also hope that their centre court players provide the necessary combination of passes to relay to their shooters.
A 6:00 pm exhibition encounter, involving Masters and Celebrities, is scheduled to precede Game Two.
— Gerald Reid