Barbados defeated arch-rivals Trinidad and Tobago 30-22 early yesterday morning at the Pam Tyson Complex, St Kitts, in the Caribbean Netball Association’s Jean Pierre Under-16 Netball Tournament.
However, a 24-27 loss to St Lucia on Monday evening has left them in second place as they prepare to face the three teams in their group again for the second round of competition.
Since Barbados fell to fourth in 2008, this is the third straight year they have defeated Trinidad, limiting them to 22 goals on each occasion.
Goal-shooter Shonica Wharton scored 26 from 37 and Sheniqua Thomas four from ten. Vanessa Bobb was introduced in the third quarter to give Thomas a rest, but she didn’t take any attempts.
Against St Lucia, Wharton scored 23 of 30.
Recognizing there was a need to neutralize the height in the Trinidad circle, head coach Julie Phillips started Shanice Wharton at goalkeeper and the ploy worked, as the Trinidad attackers were hesitant to put the ball into the circle.
“But we weren’t protecting the ball and using it wisely,” Phillips said.
In addition, goal-attack Thomas grew increasingly frustrated and she was substituted in the third quarter. Midway through that quarter, Trinidad’s centre was injured and during the timeout, Phillips reintroduced Thomas.
“That short time allowed her to recompose and she made a difference on her reentry. As usual, the defence was sound, with Sadé Browne at wing defence, Sadé Sargeant at goal defence and Wharton at goalkeeper. Tyniesha Rowe has been playing really well all tournament long,” Phillips said.
With Makaela Rudder in at wing attack, a team effort helped them pull away from Trinidad in the final quarter after they had been leading 18-17 at the end of the third.
Phillips said there were too many turnovers in the game against St Lucia, but they would be going all out for the win when the two teams meet again tomorrow at 6:45 a.m.
“Obviously, we are going all out for the full second round win and hope Trinidad defeat St Lucia tonight (last night). Outside of that, [we will] try and pile on the goals against the weaker zone teams,” Phillips said.
Summarized scores:
Barbados 30 (Shonica Wharton 26/37, Sheniqua Thomas 4/10, Vanessa Bobb 0/0). Trinidad 22 (Jameela Maloney 9/14, Kaalifa McCollin 9/12, Lennica McKeller 4/5).
Quarter scores: 8-6, 16-12, 18-17.
St Lucia 27, Barbados 24. No individual scores were available.
