TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO continue to hold bragging rights over Barbados after defeating the senior netball team 59-49 late Sunday night at the Americas Federation of Netball Association Championships in St Lucia.The Trinidadians led all quarters, building on the 16-11 lead to start the game and extending it to 28-23 at half-time. Barbados won the third quarter (16-15), but then lost the fourth and the match.At the 2008 tournament, the local girls were also beaten 52-36.First-time coach Alwyn Babb told NATIONSPORT they lost the battle in the midcourt.“On the defensive end, we gave the Trinidadian players too much room in the centre court and that made all of the difference. We missed nine goals in the game and ended up losing by ten,” he said.Babb opted to switch his defenders, putting Latonya Blackman at goalkeeper and letting Lisa Puckerin roam. Since Blackman had showcased her jumping ability and speed against earlier opponents, the coach said he wanted the Trinidadians to think twice about putting the ball in to Anastasia Wilson.“That worked well to the point where we slowed down the service to their shooter who is very good. They took the extra effort to put the ball to the shooter with Latonya at goalkeeper, but we fell down in the midcourt.”Wilson was rock solid for Trinidad, scoring 41 goals from 43 attempts, while goal attack Jolisa Copper had 18 from 22.For Barbados, Lydia Bishop scored 31 from 39 attempts; Nikita Piggott 11 from 13 and Laurel Browne a perfect seven from seven.Barbados can still qualify for the 2011 World Championships in Singapore with victories over St Lucia and Canada in their last two games.In the second game of the night, hosts St Lucia held their nerve to defeat St Vincent and the Grenadines 46-42 while Canada almost pulled off an upset against the United States in the opening game. They led in the first three quarters 9-8, 23-14, 30-27 but faded in the fourth as the Americans stormed back to win 42-36.
Barbados’ starting line-up: Lydia Bishop (GS), Nikita Piggott (GA), Sabrina Browne (WA), Samantha Browne (C), Kizzy Marville (WD), Lisa Puckerin (GD), Latonya Blackman (GK).
Summarised scores: Trinidad & Tobago 59 (Anastasia Wilson 41/43, Jolisa Cooper 18/22). Barbados 49 (Lydia Bishop 31/39, Nikita Piggott 11/13, Laurel Browne 7/7). Quarter scores: 16-11, 28-23, 43-39. (SAT)
