Police Nationals ‘A’ still in with a chance

Police Nationals ‘A’ yesterday assured themselves of at least a place in the Gold Division at the 2026 Florida United Netball (FUN) Extravaganza after winning three of their four preliminary-round matches at the Vernon E. Hargray Youth Enrichment Center in Miramar, Florida.

Up to press time, Police Nationals ‘A’ were awaiting the completion of first-day play to determine their seeding for today’s pairings after defeating Jamaica’s Ministry of Health 10-8 in their final preliminary fixture.

Police Nationals ‘B’, meanwhile, will contest the Robert ‘Robby’ Whyte Cup and will be hoping to secure a medal.

Last year’s Championship Division bronze medallists, Police Nationals ‘A’ could face several formidable North America-based teams if they secure a similar seeding. Among the likely challengers are defending overall champions Sunballerz Netball Club of Florida, New York-based Pitons Netball, Strikerz Netball and a strong team of local business-house players competing under the name ‘321 Trust’.

Police Nationals ‘A’ opened their campaign with a hard-fought win over a spirited Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) team, which led 6-5 at half-time and was determined to get the better of their law-enforcement counterparts after finishing last year’s tournament with bronze in the Gold Division.

However, Police Nationals ‘A’ responded strongly in the second half, moving ahead 7-6 before JCF rallied to level the contest at 9-9. Police Nationals ‘A’ then regained the lead and held possession late to secure an 11-10 victory.

Police Nationals ‘A’ also defeated Waterhouse 12-3 in their third match after taking a 5-2 half-time advantage.

The victory kept them firmly in contention after suffering a 5-18 defeat to a strong Strikerz outfit in their second match on Court Two.