Simone Forbes....scored 13 goals from 15 attempts for the Under-21 netballers.
JAMAICA'S junior netballers pulled off a historic victory yesterday when they defeated second seeds New Zealand in the semi-finals of the World Youth Championships in Cardiff, Wales.
In a thrilling last quarter the Jamaican girls outlasted the Kiwis for a 50-47 victory at the Cardiff International Indoor Arena to reach the final for the first time.
The Janet Guy-coached Jamaica team, fifth at the last championships, will meet defending champions Australia in today's final at 8.45 a.m. (Ja time). Australia defeated England 58-26 in the other semi-final.
National coach Maureen Hall, in a release from the Jamaica Netball Association, said she was 'absolutely thrilled' at the victory.
Guy said the players stuck to the game plan and surprised the Kiwis, who were losing for the first time at the tournament.
"We went in the game and took them (New Zealand) off their feet. They were not sure what we were going to do, they thought we were going to play the ball directly to our goal shooter Edmarie Lumbsley like in previous games. Our players were quite disciplined in carrying out the instructions," she said.
The six-foot-six-inch Lumbsley netted 37 goals from 41 attempts and 19-year-old Simone Forbes produced a good 13 from 15.
Jamaica who kept the same team for the entire game, led 13-6 at the end of the first quarter.
Despite turning over the ball on many occasions in the second quarter, thus allowing New Zealand to eat up the deficit rapidly, the Jamaicans held on to a narrow 22-21 lead at half-time.
Less than ten minutes after the resumption the scores were locked at 30-30 and from then on the two teams traded the lead. The third quarter ended with the teams tied at 34-34.
Jamaica edged ahead after the break but the Kiwis recaptured the lead (44-43) with nine minutes remaining in the game.
The scores were again locked at 47-47l with two minutes to go. Jamaica then took control as the New Zealand team made a number of errors.
Jamaica were beaten 71-41 by Australia in a second round game on Tuesday and coach Guy said her team is aware of the speed of their opponents.
"I am looking for a stiff match against the Australians. We have a different plan for them. They caught us off-guard. As long as they concentrate on their play our girls will come through," Guy said.
Teams:Jamaica - Edmarie Lumbsley (GS), Simone Forbes (GA), Sharmalee Watkins (WA), Tasha Morgan (C), Althea Byfield (WD), Daneesh McIntosh (GD), Kasey Evering (GK).
New Zealand - Daneka Wipiiti (GS), Adine Harper (GA), Jenna Swan (WA), Angeline Yates (C), Tara Pate (WD), Alison Toi (GD), Joline Henry (GK).
The Jamaica team is due home tomorrow at 9.30 p.m.
