It was a battle of the shooters in game four of the Fast5 Netball World Series, with Romelda Aiken and Shanice Beckford giving Australia’s Kaylia Stanton and Keira Austin a run for their money.
It was a tight first half for both teams with Jamaica propelling themselves into the game from the opening whistle.
Aiken’s height and class came as a major advantage for the Jamaicans, with a figure suited to a sport like basketball, she dominated possession against her opposition defenders.
With 67% shooting efficiency, she made herself a presence on the court alongside her speedy right-hand woman, Shanice Beckford.
The Aussies struggled to convert their efforts to the scoreboard in the first quarter but quickly got back in the game in the second quarter.
Their fast paced, quick hands game style got them into trouble, resulting in turnovers but once they reduced their passes getting the ball down the court, Austin and Stanton were able to carry on their momentum from game one.
Austin made the most of the Aussies’ second quarter power play, scoring three four pointers all before half time to increase their lead by the main break.
She finished the game was a 75% shooting efficiency and was the stand out performer for the Aussie girls.
Kimberly Jenner’s performance in goal defence (GD) was outstanding, she used her full wing span to intercept Jamaica’s passage of play and her high intensity halted Jamaica’s momentum. Australia were able to keep Jamaica to only four points during their third quarter power play.
Jenner put her performance down to the team’s exceptional midcourt display.
“We’re really happy with our teamwork through the midcourt to build that pressure and intensity, which came with the confidence we were growing across the court,” Jenner said.
As exciting as Jamaica were to watch, Australia exploded in the second half and played out the match on their terms. Stanton found her momentum- with some help from passionate fans in the crowd- and sent the crowd into hysterics as she bagged a three pointer on the siren.
Jamaica Will Come Up Against Malawi And Australia Take On Rivals New Zealand Next.
Australia (37) defeat Jamaica (22)
Starting five:
Australia: Sophie Garbin (GS), Keira Austin (GA), Jess Anstiss (C), Tara Hinchliffe (GD), Sarah Klau (GK).
Jamaica: Shimona Nelson (GS), Shanice Beckford (GA), Khadijah Williams (C), Vangelee Williams (GD), Shamera Sterling (GK).
Power plays: Australia Q2, Jamaica Q3
Australia shooting statistics:
|
Shooter
|
1 point goal
|
2 point goal
|
3 point supershot
|
|
Sophie Garbin
|
1/1
|
0/3
|
0/0
|
|
Keira Austin
|
5/5
|
7/11
|
0/0
|
|
Kaylia Stanton
|
5/6
|
1/4
|
1/1
|
Jamaica shooting statistics:
|
Shooter
|
1 point goal
|
2 point goal
|
3 point supershot
|
|
Shanice Beckford
|
1/1
|
2/5
|
2/6
|
|
T Harwood
|
0/0
|
0/1
|
0/1
|
|
Shimona Nelson
|
1/1
|
0/1
|
0/0
|
|
Romelda Aiken
|
4/4
|
2/3
|
0/2
|
