By Charmaine Austin, Staff Reporter
A section of the National Arena currently under construction for the upcoming matches against Australia. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer
"FOR SURE the games will be played." So said Jamaica Netball Association (JNA) president Molly Rhone when contacted yesterday in response to questions about whether or not the international practice matches between Jamaica and world champions Australia would go ahead.
Where, is the more important question.
Rhone declined to say much more but a JNA official confirmed that a venue was decided on after a meeting on Monday night. The individual was tightlipped about where but a source disclosed that the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) had given the JNA the go-ahead to use the National Arena.
The UDC, interim managers of Independence Park, said yesterday they had put the Jamaica Netball Association (JNA) in contact with the contractors on site at the National Arena. They said all arrangements were between the contractor and the JNA so that the contractual arrangements for the refurbishing works at the Arena were not breached. Costs associated with the arrangement would be borne by the netball association, the UDC said.
Another Gleaner visit to the venue yesterday saw workmen frantically cleaning up the facility that is being renovated by the UDC.
The Aussies meanwhile arrived in the island yesterday morning for their two-week tour during which time they will play practice matches with Jamaica and top local teams.
Two newcomers, former national under-21 representative Cynna Neele and Natasha Chokljat, complete the 12-member team that was accompanied by coach Jill McIntosh, manager Margaret Molina, assistant manager Lisa Beehag, physiotherapist Leigh-Ann Machielse, team doctor Bridgette Sawyer and masseur Ian Neville.
Also in the line-up are some members of the 1999 World Championship team - captain Kathryn Harby-Williams, Liz Ellis, Janine Ilitch, Sharelle McMahon, Rebecca Sanders and Peta Squire-Scholz.
Already they are looking forward to the games.
Said McIntosh: "We've anticipated coming here for a while now and looking forward to playing the games. As world champions we want to see where we are at in our preparations ahead of the World Championships and these games will give us the opportunity to see that.
"We're happy to be here. We've come a long way and we're tired but we have the rest of the day to relax and then maybe tomorrow (today) or Thursday morning we can begin our training. We haven't gotten an itinerary yet but as soon as we do then we start."
