Giants Tivoli, Waulgrovians battle for positions

Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

An intriguing clash is expected today when leaders and favourites, Tivoli Gardens, oppose Open League champions Waulgrovians 'A', in today's feature match of the Jamaica Netball Association (JNA)/Berger Paints Super League competition at the Leila Robinson Courts starting at 6:50 p.m.

In two simultaneous matches, Windalco oppose Skibo, and defending champions Jamalco battle Mico.

Tivoli, who are unbeaten in the competition, are tied atop the standings with Jamalco. Both are on 24 points. The west Kingston-based Tivoli will also be seeking revenge against Waulgrovians who defeated them in the final of the Open League. Waulgrovians are third in the standings with 21 points.

Sylvester Campbell, coach of Tivoli, said he is confident his team can turn the tables on their opponents, but they will have to play according to his instructions.

"It is going to be a very big game for us, because we will have to come out with, everything tomorrow and try and win this game," said Campbell. "If we play our best, then we should come out victorious because we have a lot of players that can give us the result that we need."

Campbell added: "We just have to come and play hard and not take anyone for granted because in the Open League final we didn't control the middle and we will have to do this tomorrow."

Tivoli, who last won the title in 1998, will rest their hopes on national representative Kasey Evering, along with former national players Oberon Pitterson, Cleopatra Grant, Peter-Gaye Thomas and Georgia Gordon.

Meanwhile, Waulgrovians suffered their first defeat of the season last weekend when they were beaten by Jamalco. But their coach, Marvette Anderson, is confident her team can return to winning ways.

"We are approaching it in a professional manner because we know it is not going to be an easy for us, as both teams are desperate for the win," said Williams.

She added: "I think that we can definitely repeat our last win over them, because it is now about the positioning of the teams going in the quarter-finals of the competition. I believe that once we play our game according to instructions, then we should come out on top."

Waulgrovians will be depending heavily on national players Simone Forbes, Christina Solmon, Paula Thompson and Nichala Gibson.

Meanwhile, in the Supreme Ventures A League, games on are: At 4:30 p.m: Speg B' vs Ocho Rios Magics. 5:40p.m.: Raven 'A' vs Jetsetter 'A', Alexander Striker 'A' vs University of the West Indies and G.C. Foster Strikers 'A' vs Police 'A'.