Manchester Spurs remain in front

Manchester Spurs stayed on course to seal top spot in the preliminary competition of Netball Jamaica's Berger Elite League when they crushed Clarendon Gaters 69-40 at the Leila Robinson Courts, National Stadium complex, on Friday night.

The win was the eighth of the 10-game series for the Connie Francis-coached Manchester Spurs, who now have 24 points.

Defending champions St Ann Orchids kept chase for the top spot when they defeated St James Sharpes 50-42 in Friday's other game. That win pushed them up to 21 points, and they can join the Spurs with a win in their final fixture this evening.

If there is a tie, the team with the superior goal average will be deemed number one.

Winning the preliminaries is key for either team as they will face the fourth-place finisher in one of Tuesday's semi-final play-offs. The other semi-final will feature the second- and third-place teams, and that appears a tougher challenge - given the manner in which the top three have dominated the league.

Kingston Hummingbirds have already secured third, with 18 points.

Anna-Kay Griffiths led the Spurs in scoring on Friday, netting 33 goals from 41 attempts.

For Clarendon Gaters, Shedeiky Hamilton-Barnes was the top scorer with 15 goals from 21 tries.

BIG BLOW

St James Sharpes' chances of making the play-offs were dealt a big blow in their loss to the Orchids. Simone Gordon scored most goals for the winners, 34 from 41.

For St James Sharpes, Simone Forbes scored 31 of 41 attempts.

Still, St James Sharpes and Clarendon Gaters are not out of the running. However, they must win their closing fixture this evening as there is the likelihood of a three-way tie among three teams chasing the final spot.

St Catherine Racers hold pole position with nine points, having won three matches in nine tries, while Clarendon Gaters and St James Sharpes both have six points from two wins.

Today's games

- 5 p.m.: St Catherine Racers vs St Ann OrcZhids

- 6:30 p.m.: Clarendon Gaters vs St James Sharpes