Jamaica netball team concerned over defence 

JACE Risers coach Nardia Hanson-Graham believes the team can do much better defensively after their 50-46 defeat to Kingston Hummingbirds in their opening game in the Red Stripe Flavours Netball Jamaica Elite League at the National Arena on Sunday.

JACE Risers, the name being used by the Jamaica netball squad preparing for the CAC Game in the Dominican Republic in August, are using the competition to help with preparations, and though the league season just commenced, Hanson-Graham is satisfied with where they are in their preparation.

Her biggest concern is getting the defence to play at the level she knows it can.

"We know there is room for improvement. There is always room for improvement. We had to be changing combinations to see what works best for us.

"In the defence, we played up to about 60 per cent. I think they can do much better in defence. The defenders tend to get caught with their heads down, and we are going to go back and work on that," she said.

"The attackers, for most parts, did what they were supposed to do. They were up against senior defenders, so naturally things are going to be tough.  But they regrouped, and I commend them for just holding it together and trying to do their best in every quarter."

She pointed out that they are still working on fitness, which was one of the reasons they kept rotating players throughout the match.

"I also had to be pulling them to ensure everybody gets a feel of the game. So I am pleased with the performance and where we are at with a month and a half to go.

"I am really satisfied, because from the time we started training to where we are now, I can see that the girls are ready. We are ready to take on the challenge, but we are still looking to improve in all areas. We are not perfect. We are not there as yet. So in all areas, we are looking to improve," she said.

After trailing 10-12 in the first quarter, JACE Riser rebounded to lead 26-25 at half. They continued to lead 38-35 after the third quarter, but could not hold off the Hummingbirds, who came back to win the match in the final stanza.

Hummingbirds' Tracey-Ann Francis bagged 46 goals from 50 attempts.

While Azara Wilmott led the shooting for the Sunshine Girls with 25 from 28 attempts. Tamara Jarrett had 11 from 16 attempts. Kelhan Hunter had seven from nine and Jada Ricketts, three from six.

"I commend my girls for sticking to the game plan," continued Hanson-Graham. 

"Whatever we do in this competition it is training for us. We are preparing for the CAC Games and there are stuff we are working on and the girls did give it their all; but again, it is preparation and they stuck to the task," she said.

She added that with over a month to go, they are still on the lookout for players who can make them better.

"We are always looking to strengthen, both overseas and local. The overseas players are not just to strengthen; we have our local players doing well. 

"The addition of overseas players does not guarantee the overseas players a spot. Everyone is here for training. We have a squad. So it's not a matter of here to strengthen; they are here to fit in to see how best we can get Jamaica on top."

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com