It was payback when the St James Stilettos defeated Police 24-21 to capture the Gabby Scott Zone title in the Barbados Workers’ Union’s Netball Tournament on Sunday at the Netball Stadium.
Good shooting by goal shooter Addis Ward, who netted 20 of 25 attempts, and slick passing through the mid-court helped Stilettos avenge an earlier three-goal loss to Police.
It capped off a consistent tournament for Stilettos, who won all their other games except for a tie against St George Lions.
Though beginning the game one player short, Police got off to a good start with some long-range bombs from left-handed shooter Ginae Austin.
However, they began to rush their play, missing several catches, and the Stilettos capitalised.
A midcourt incident between Stilettos goal defence Cassia Bruce and Police goal attack Monica Waithe led to Waithe’s suspension for the remainder of the quarter.
Police entered the second quarter one-goal down but thanks to some good moves by Waithe, turned that around by half-time.
Police hustled hard, making some exceptional steals, but they were often caught out because of poor footwork.
With the third-quarter tied at 11-11, Waithe was once again suspended for two minutes, leaving Austin to fight the battle on her own. However, she handled that job like a pro, hauling in some long passes at the ring and netting them.
Stilettos got better as the match went on and they finished the third quarter up by four goals (18-14).
They maintained their level through the fourth quarter to complete the victory.
Goal shooter Sharia Coppin shot four of seven attempts.
For Police, Austin shot 11 of 20 and Waithe ten of 14. (RG)
