Dear Editor,

In November Jamaica’s Sunshine Girls, after going down 1-0 in their four-match Test series against Vitality Roses (England), rallied to take that series 2-1, the first match ended in a tie. Riding on that high, a Margaret Beckford Sunshine Series victory on home soil against the number five-ranked SPAR Proteas (South Africa) was definitely on the cards.

The support for the Sunshine Girls was amazing throughout and they delivered night after night to a cheering crowd at the National Indoor Sports Centre. In game one, the Sunshine Girls dominated and were pretty much in control throughout their 55-47 victory. However, in game two, SPAR Proteas upped the tempo — they were faster, sharper — and pressed the Sunshine Girls. But with the roar of the supporters behind them, the Sunshine Girls rose to the occasion. They were strong, and in the end SPAR Proteas just couldn’t stop them as the girls came out 59-47 victors to seal the win and the series.

The idea of game three being a dead rubber was bandied about, but with a whitewash on the cards in front of a sold-out arena, the Sunshine Girls gave their less-fancied opponents a ‘netballing’ lesson. They flew to a double-digit lead in the first quarter, giving fans even more cause to rock the arena. The match was pretty much over as a contest by half-time, but the girls put on a display for their home fans, and the fans obliged by bringing out the Mexican wave, it was a spectacle to behold in a jam-packed arena.

The game ended 58-47, a scoreline that could have been better had it not been for some late fourth-quarter changes, giving a few of the starters some well-deserved rest and ovation from an appreciative crowd. With the sweep completed, the celebrations began, and out came the dancing, much to the delight of the fans.

As we look back at what the ladies were able to achieve on home soil, first against the Roses and now the SPAR Proteas, it all bodes well for our netball growth. Conquering the number four- and five-ranked teams and managing to draw sell-out crowds to the sports centre were two big boxes checked for Netball Jamaica.

What’s next? How about the number one- and two-ranked Australian Diamonds and Silver Ferns (New Zealand).

Imagine what the Sunshine Girls would be able to achieve against the greatest ‘netballing’ nations on home soil, in front of a packed arena cheering, waving, and roaring them on. Our ladies deserve this opportunity, let’s make it a reality. Netball Jamaica, over to you.

Kemar Bogle

Knb800@yahoo.com