Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

Former national representative Elaine Davis turned in a scintillating shooting display to guide Jamalco to their third consecutive hold of the Jamaica Netball Association (JNA)-Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) Sunshine Open League title on Saturday night at the Leila Robinson Courts.

Davis, who was once rated as the world's best goal shooter, netted 24 goals from 28 attempts to lead the Clarendon-based team to an exciting 32-28 victory over Tivoli Gardens 'A' in the final, which was played in front of a capacity crowd.

She received excellent support from her captain, Marsha Murphy, who netted a perfect eight goals from eight attempts.

"I am feeling great," said Davis, who represented the Sunshine Girls in four World Netball Championships. "You always want to win in everything that you do, and so this is certainly a wonderful feeling to win this trophy again."

Outstanding players

The lanky Davis, who was closely marked by her former national teammate Kasey Evering and Nicole Henry, managed to outmuscle the pair on her way to scoring 13 of her team's 15 first-half points as Jamalco went into the break with a one-point lead.

Former national defenders Althea Byfield and Nicole Aiken did an excellent job for Jamalco in the third period as they intercepted a number of long balls from Tivoli's attackers, while limiting their shooters Sabrina Spence and Jodi-Ann Ffrench to six goals in the period. Jamalco extended their lead to 25-20 at the end of the third period.

"It is always challenging whenever you are marked by top defenders because they have experience, but you can't worry about it, and that was exactly what I did, which is to play my game," said the 36-year-old Davis.

She added: "It's a team game and the support of the team was there for me. We started a bit shaky because it's a final and persons are competing, but when we got into our rhythm, it was smooth sailing for us."

Tivoli lead scorer

Spence was the leading scorer for Tivoli, with 20 goals from 26 attempts, and she received good support from Ffrench, who added six goals from eight tries.

Tivoli's coach Sylvester Campbell was gracious in defeat.

"I think it is early days because this league was run for six weeks, and our fitness was not where we wanted it to be," said Campbell.

"I don't think we are in a bad place going into the Berger Paints Super League, and so we just have to fix a few things going forward," he added.

Meanwhile, Blades United turned back Jetsetters 'A' 22-15 to capture the B League title.