Fast5 champions Spooners Hill will be going after their second title when the Barbados Netball Association’s Knockout Competitions climax at the Netball Stadium tonight, and only Pine Hill St Barnabas stand in their way.
Netball fans are in for a mouth-watering treat when the two teams meet at 8 p.m. to decide the Senior Knockout title, one of four matches on the day and the second clash between the two clubs.
The action-packed evening gets underway at 5 p.m. when St Barnabas goes after the first of four titles in the Junior Knockout final against perennial rivals CO Williams Rangers.
One hour later, Newbury and Fusion will clash for the Intermediate 1 crown.
At 7 p.m., St Barnabas will also take on Spooners Hill for the Intermediate 2 title.
But it is the Senior Knockout which will garner the most attention, with several present and former national players on the court.
En route to the final, St Barnabas defeated Pride of Villa 42-30 and then edged defending champions Rangers 40-39 in the semi-finals.
“All three of our teams are ready,” assistant coach Julie Phillips said.
“Everyone is in an upbeat mood. We are going to play a good game and at the end of the game, if we stick to our game plan and don’t panic when it matters most, we will be victorious.”
Phillips said they would be looking to strike the right combination of experience and newcomers in their final selection.
Spooners Hill have had one of the best attacks in the knockout, defeating Phoenix Gems 54-36 and Hot Spurs 81-25 with Lydia Bishop sitting out the fourth quarter.
“We are going to take control of the game as early as the first quarter,” said head coach Alwyn Babb.
“We want to establish the strategy of the St Barnabas team and work on our strategy to ensure that we come out victorious.
“Part of our strategy is to apply full-court defensive pressure and limit their attempts at goal.”
The first centre pass is at 8 p.m.
There will also be giveaways and special activities for children. (SAT)
Teams
St Barnabas: Laurel Browne, Sheniqua Thomas, Vanessa Bobb, Samantha Browne, Jeneice Clarke, Marissa Burgess, Shonette Bruce, Jackie McConney, Ashley Marshall, Cassandra Cutting, Sade Browne, Damara Dawson, Najee Moore, Margaret Cutting (head coach), Julie Phillips (player/assistant coach), Bryan Holder (manager).
Spooners Hill: Lydia Bishop, Keisha Griffith, Renee Rudder, Colleen Griffith, Joyann Cooke, Chekirah Shepherd, Kizzy Marville, Shondelle Sandiford, Kathleen Brathwaite, Alwyn Babb (head coach), Cameron Greenidge (assistant coach), Alicia Jemmott (manager).