The ‘Bunny’ Shaw show

Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw scored a hat trick at the National Stadium last night as the Reggae Girlz moved a step closer to Group B honours in the Concacaf W qualifiers, and a place in the Concacaf Women’s Championship in November after defeating Antigua and Barbuda 4-0 in their penultimate group game.

Shaw, who took her international tally to 65 on the night, opened the scoring from the penalty spot in first half added time, before adding two brilliant strikes in the 49th and 56th minutes. Deneisha Blackwood scored the fourth from the spot in the added time.

Jamaica now lead the group with maximum nine points, three more than Nicaragua and Guyana, and can seal their place in the Concacaf Women’s Championship, the final stage of qualification for the World Cup, with at least a point against Guyana next Saturday at the National Stadium.

The Reggae Girlz were dominant from the first whistle, forcing the visitors to defend on top of their box for most of the match.

The Girlz constantly created openings and should have gone in front after 15 minutes but goalkeeper Anik Jarvis produced an excellent save to deny ace striker Khadija Shaw.

Moments later Jarvis produced an even better save to keep the game goalless, reacting to block Shaw’s redirect from six yards.

Antigua almost had a break in the 35th minute when the ball was played behind the Jamaica defence, but goalkeeper Rebecca Spencer was quick off her line to block Gabrielle De Suza and then Nafisa Quashie.

The Girlz continued to create chances but lacked quality in the final moments.

Deneisha Blackwood came close before the break but her shot was not strong enough to beat Jarvis, Olufolasade Adamolekun then dragged a shot wide from the top of the area and Shaw headed high over the bar.

However, when Atlanta Primus was carelessly brought down in the box, Shaw made no mistake from the spot.

Four minutes into the second half, Shaw made it 2-0, beating Jarvis with a low shot from inside the area.

The Manchester City forward had a great chance for the hat trick minutes later but was denied by Jarvis, with only the shot-stopper to beat.

However, she would seal her third of the game with an outstanding diving header in the 56th minute.

Jamaica then squandered numerous opportunities to add to their lead.

Solai Washington had a great chance in the 73rd minute, but was denied by great work from Jarvis in goal.

Trudi Carter then rattled the bar and fired just over from in the box in one sequence. Shaneil Buckley also blasted a good chance over and Shania Hayles had a great opportunity snuffed out by Jarvis.

However, the Girlz would get a fourth when the ball was handled in the area, and Blackwood, who had a spirited game, calmly converted to make it 4-0.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com