Wet, but happy, the BWU Squad and King’s Park celebrated with wine after wrapping up the last two titles in the 2010 Barbados Workers’ Union Netball Competition on Wednesday night at the Netball Stadium.
BWU Squad defeated Barbados Prison Service 31-18 to win the senior Knockout crown, while King’s Park deservedly wrapped up the double with the junior Knockout title. King’s Park overcame a late surge from Central Bank to win the rain-affected final 22-15.
The BWU Squad comprised many of the players who usually tour together and seemed like favourites even before the first whistle. The odds tilted in their favour when it was revealed that Prison’s goal attack Shanise Banfield was sitting an examination and would not be playing. Coach Sonia Banfield had to shuffle the line-up, placing centre Damisha Croney at goal attack.
The match started slowly on the wet court and the score was only 5-2 after the first quarter.
The BWU Squad got into the rhythm in the second, outscoring Prison Service 9-2. Adonna Griffith (19/25) was cool under the pole, getting the better of Cecile McCollin.
The 19-7 half-time score could have been worse, but for national player Lisa Puckerin at goal defence for Prison Service. She baited the passes into the circle and was able to intercept a few,
but once they got past her, the two Griffiths, Adonna and Colleen (5/7) didn’t waste many.
To make it harder, Puckerin’s younger sister Thania took bad positions behind the much taller Deborah Kellman and watched her intercept many of the overhead passes. Croney was forced to take too many long-range shots, but couldn’t get the rebounds.
That 12-goal deficit was too much, although they made a valiant attempt. Banfield switched the shooters and that seemed to galvanise the attack. Thania played a great goal attack and Croney was able to get free, finding her range in the middle part of the circle, hitting four straight shots (19-11) to narrow the gap.
Summarised scores
Senior Knockout
BWU Squad 31 (Adonna Griffith 19/25, Colleen Griffith 5/7, Deborah Kellman 7/10). Barbados Prison Service 18 (Thania Puckerin 6/12, Damisha Croney 12/21). Quarter scores: 10-5, 19-7, 22-14.
Junior Knockout
King’s Park 22 (Nicole Layne 20/29, Shakelle Clarke 2/6). Central Bank 15 (Kay Reid 2/3, Sherese Belgrave 11/15, Paula Trotman 2/6). Quarter scores: 5-2, 11-6, 17-13.
