Jamaica’s Sunshine Girls ended their 16-year drought for a medal at the Netball World Cup tournament on Sunday when they defeated New Zealand 52-45 to win the bronze medal in Cape Town, South Africa.

The Jamaicans were led to victory courtesy of the brilliant shooter display from captain Jhaniele Fowler, who netted 43 goals from 44 attempts.

She received support from Shanice Beckford, who contributed nine goals from 11 tries.

Maia Wilson top-scored for New Zealand with 19 goals from 21 attempts.

The Jamaicans started the match confidently as they quickly jumped out to a 14-11 lead at halftime. Fowler played brilliantly for the Jamaicans as she netted 12 of her team’s 14 goals in the quarter.

The Sunshine Girls, who are ranked fourth in the world, two places below New Zealand in the rankings, maintain their three advantage over their opponents in the second stanza as they etched out a 24-21 lead at the end of the period.

The Jamaican defensive unit, led by vice-captain Shamera Sterling along with Jodi-Ann Ward and Latanya Wilson, made a number of crucial stops to prevent their opponents from reducing the deficit.

Fowler, who is rated as the best shooter in the world, also had a good second quarter for the Jamaicans as she scored eight of her team’s ten goals in the period.

However, the Jamaicans were guilty of committing 12 turnovers in the first half while their opponents had 15.

The Jamaicans, who won their first medal at the NWC in 2007, matched their opponents’ stride for stride in the third period as both teams fought very hard on every possession.

However, at the end of the period, the Sunshine Girls managed to outscore New Zealanders 14-11.

Sunshine Girls gave nothing away to their opponents in the fourth quarter as they were patient in attack and ball movements across the court and in the end, outscored their opponents 14-13 to take home the victory.

– Robert Bailey