Carolyn Johnson, Freelance Writer

Tivoli A opened the Jamaica Netball Association (JNA)/Jamaica National (JN) Open League on a winning note after they beat Jamalco 7-6 in the Jo Wigman Rally on Saturday at the Leila Robinson Courts. Last year, Tivoli were runners-up to Jamalco.

During the rally, coach Christopher Campbell had said his team was at its 'basic' level of preparation.

"At this point we are trying to get them prepared mentally and otherwise for what is coming and bigger games to come in the end. Rally doesn't really give a full picture of what teams comprise [so it's] difficult to say what we're up against."

Tivoli also placed second to Jamalco in last year's Senior Open League competition.

Unifoirm parade

Earlier in the afternoon, Jamaica Defence Force won the uniform parade and $6,000 in the JNA/JN Open League Opening Ceremony and Parade. newcomers Grants Pen Archers placed second. As one of the new members in the league, Jemery Lodge, coach of Grants Pen Archers, said his team was there to "observe, learn and explode. [They] can expect to see us come as a new person and get the experience and then explode and they will see what we are capable of."

The 14th annual JNA/JN Open League, which features 41 teams, is the largest so far, president Marva Bernard said. Title sponsors, Jamaica National will this year be pumping in $800,000. The winner of the Open League will walk away with $35,000 and runners-up $25,000. Each semi-finalist will earn $4,000. The Consolation Knock-Out winner will get $12,000. Tivoli A already opened the winnings after earning $15,000 for the Jo Wigman Rally.

Bernard said about this year's competition: "You can expect some exciting matches, expect it to be good netball. It's all about sports and having fun."