Forbes

Robert Bailey, Freelance Writer

Former champions Tivoli Gardens 'A' and Waulgrovians 'A' will contest today's final of the Jamaica Netball Association (JNA)/Jamaica National (JN) Open League starting at 3:30 p.m.

Prior to that game, Police 'A' and Tivoli 'B' will contest the Consolation Knock-out final starting at 2:30 p.m.

Waulgrovians 'A' defeated Jamalco 35-31 in the semi-finals on Thursday night to book their spot. Simone Forbes led the way with 25 goals from 28 attempts, ably supported by Jodian French with eight goals from 12 tries. Romelda Aiken, 25 from 28 attempts, led Jamalco.

In the other semi-final, Tivoli 'A', which last won the Open League title three years ago, beat Blades United 34-15. They were led by goal shooter Cleopatra Grant with 30 from 40 attempts, as they dominated the game from the opening whistle. The west Kingston team took a 9-3 lead at the end of the first quarter, with Grant converting nine goals from 10 tries. In the second quarter, Tivoli continued their dominance by out-scoring the opponents by seven goals to two as they ended the half with a 16-5 lead.

After the break, Tivoli continued their swift passing and ball move moment which forced Blades United in a number of turnovers, which saw them taking a 24-9 lead after the third period.

Karen Brown top-scored for Blades United with seven goals from 11 tries.

Easy victory

Tivoli's coach Sylvester Campbell brought on substitute goal shooter Shadeky Hamilton midway the fourth period and she converted five goals from six tries, as the orange and black-clad team romped to an easy victory.

Campbell described his team's victory as a stroll in the park.

"It was a low key game because they didn't give us much of a challenge, they really didn't stretch us today. I know that Waulgrovians' game is going to be a very exciting game because they are a very good team.

"We'll be coming out energised against them, we are going have to do a lot of work in the mid-court.

Rowan Byfield, coach of Blades United, said: "I think my team played well tonight, especially in the second half, but the Tivoli team is a very good team."

In the Consolation KO semi-finals, Police edged Alexander Strikers 23-22 and Tivoli 'B' beat Molynes United 43-24.