Sunshine Girls beat Australia in Fast5 opener
KINGSTON. Jamaica – Jamaica stunned holders Australia 38-36 to start the Fast5 World Series at the Christchurch Arena in Christchurch, New Zealand on Friday.
A six-point shot from Gezella Allison as time ran out sealed the victory for the Sunshine Girls who trailed 27-32 going into the final quarter but outscored the Australians 24-11 over the second half of the match.
Jamaica trailed 32-36 as time ran out by the three-point shot from Allison which was taken in the PowerPlay doubled the value for a dramatic win.
Australia led 10-7 and 25-14 for the first two quarters but the Jamaicans whittled the deficit to five points after outscoring them 13-7 in the third quarter.
Allison led Jamaica with a game-high 29 goals from just 14 attempts, English-born Rhae Dixon, who was making her debut with the Jamaican team, scored five goals from five attempts while Romelda Aiken-George and Amanda Pinkney each scored two goals.
Sophie Fawns scored 13 from 12 attempts for Australia, Lucy Austin scored 12 from 13, Tippah Dwan scored six from seven and Georgie Horjus scored five from five.
Jamaica will go for a second win later on Friday when they play Malawi.