Gibson backs Waulgrovians' youth to win Open League title

Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

Gibson

Despite leading a fairly young and inexperienced squad in this year's Jamaica Netball Association (JNA)/Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) Open League competition, Nichala Gibson, captain of Waulgrovians, said she was very optimistic they could win this year's tournament.

The Marvette Anderson-coached Waulgrovians recorded their sixth victory last Saturday, an easy 30-10 win over newcomers Flames United at the Leila Robinson Courts.

"Our chances are as good as all the other teams in the competition," said Gibson. "I do believe we have a good shot at winning this competition because the game lasts for 60 minutes and the ball is round, and, therefore, anything can happen," said Gibson, who is a national representative.

Waulgrovians, which last won the competition in 2004, have lost the services of their experienced defender Oberon Pitterson to Tivoli Gardens and were forced to incorporate a number of junior players in their squad this season to fill the gap.

"We have been playing well together and the young players that we have brought in the squad have been progressing well, and they are also upbeat and very enthusiastic about the game," said Gibson, who was voted the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in last season's Business House Netball competition.

We're up there with them

Khadijah Williams, Thristinna Harwood and Keleisha Freckle-ton are among young players who have been brought into the Waulgrovians team this season.

"I expect us to be in the finals and if it's not the Open League, it will be in the Senior League final later this year. Looking at the other teams in the competition, I think we are right up there with them," Gibson added.

Meanwhile, defending cham-pions Jamalco recorded their seventh win, an easy 39-4 margin over Hampshire. Former champions Tivoli Gardens 'A' also main-tained their unbeaten run, following their comfor-table 44-11 victory over Correctional Services. Boulevard Baptist stopped Upper Camp 21-14, Molynes United 'B' beat Police 'B' 27-13, Rollington Town got by Job's Lane 24-12, Waulgrovians 'B' trounced Tivoli Gardens 'B' 22-17 and UWI Revolution whipped Skibo 'B' 25-12.

In Sunday's round of matches, Hellshire United stopped G.C. Foster Strikers 'B' 19-14, Ocho Rios Magics clipped East Central 28-26, Maxfield Park got by Speg 'B' 27-19, Hampshire 'B' defeated Ebony Strikers 24-19 and G.C. Foster Striker 'A' outscored Omega 'B' 28-22.