Barbados beat T&T to top netball qualifiers

BARBADOS ENDED the AFNA Youth World Cup qualifiers as champions after edging nemesis Trinidad & Tobago 50-48 at the LB Scott Indoor Auditorium, Dutch St Maarten last night, in preparation for next year’s finals in Botswana.

In a very pulsating game, the Bajan Gems survived a mid-match bout of panic, very vocal support for T&T and the loss of the lead for the first time to take the top spot after quarters scores of 14-12, 30-24 and 37-39.

Once again the robust Shonica Wharton proved to be immovable in shooting. The Trinis threw all kinds of defence at the sharp shooter, but it proved futile as she led her team’s offence with 46 goals from 53 attempts. 

Captain Sheniqua Thomas stood tall with three long range net swishers at a critical stage while providing the leadership for all the other players to battle valiantly for the victory. Vanessa Reid-Cox scored the other goal.

Earlier St Kitts defeated Argentina 56-14 while Canada won their second game of the tournament defeating St Maarten 40-29.

The finals positions are: 1. Barbados, 2. Trinidad & Tobago, 3. Grenada, 4. St Kitts, 5. Canada, 6. St Maarten and 7. Argentina.

Barbados, along with T&T and Grenada, will be playing in the finals in Botswana. (KB)