BRIDGETOWN – Barbados will have a final chance to secure an elusive victory when they meet arch rivals, Trinidad and Tobago in the final match of the Tri-Nation Women’s Hockey Series at the Wildey Turf here Sunday from 4:30 p.m.
The Barbadian women have failed to win any of their first three matches, drawing 1-1 in both games versus Guyana and losing 1-0 to the Trinidadians.
But head coach Donovan Smith said the girls gave an improved performance in Sunday’s morning match against Guyana despite snatching a 1-1 draw with a late goal by Nakisha Downes on the stroke of full time.
It was a case of redemption for Downes, who was whistled for obstruction, resulting in a penalty flick being awarded to Guyana which was converted by Trisha Woodroffe in the 40th minute.
“Today was a fantastic performance from the coaching staff’s end and we will look to build on that improvement in the Trinidad game this afternoon as well as in Colombia,” Smith said after the match.
The teams are using the series as a tune-up for the upcoming Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in Colombia and new captain Ayana Wilson is also upbeat Barbados could finish with a positive result.
“We need to win this evening and I think we can do it. We just need to girls to come out and fight hard and we will get the win,” the 20-year-old midfielder said. (EZS)