Barbados will begin a three-Test netball series against St Lucia tonight at the Netball Stadium with 23 players looking to impress the selectors to gain one of the tickets to this year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
The matches will begin at eight every night, with the fans being treated to six 15 minutes quarters, which will give all of the players from both countries a chance to show their worth in a variety of combinations on court.
According to Barbados’ coach Anna Shepherd, both teams agreed to the arrangement in order to fine-tune preparations for Scotland since the 15th ranked St Lucia will also be attending the Games.
“The door is still open for any of the 23 players to make the squad and even after this three-match series, Barbados will be taking a 15-member squad to Jamaica which will provide further preparation and more opportunities for the players to confirm their selection.
“Ninety minutes of netball every night for the next three nights against a foreign opposition is the best option available for the players and the coaching staff to try various combinations to give everyone a chance to earn selection,” said Shepherd.
The team will be led by all-rounder Latonia Blackman of Guardian General Pride of Villa with her deputy being powerful defender Rhe-Ann Niles of C.O. Williams Rangers. Eight players who will be wearing senior colours for the first time are: Vanessa Bobb, Shonte Seale, Shannon Hackett, Shanice Wharton, Nikita Cyrus, Teresa Howell, Rhea Bryant and Markayla Yearwood.
Bobb, Seale, Shonica Wharton and Thomas are still students at Queen’s College, Springer Memorial, Graydon Sealy and Combermere, respectively. Shanice Wharton will be hoping to join her younger sister Shonica on a Barbados senior team after being together on the Barbados under 21squad.
The other players are: Laurel Browne, Samantha Browne, Shonette Bruce, Jeneice Clarke, Damisha Croney, Sheniqua Thomas, Nikita Piggott, Shonica Wharton, Sabreena Smith, Kizzy Marville, Rieah Holder, Faye Sealy and Shanice Rock. (KB)
