Robert Bailey, Freelance Writer

The Sunshine Girlz lost 66-62 to Australia in an exciting encounter in their opening game of their two-test series against the host yesterday in Melbourne.

The Jamaicans, who are ranked at number three in the world, are using the Oceana tour as part of their preparation for this year's World Championships, which will be held in New Zealand, in November.

The Sunshine Girlz started out the game slowly, which resulted in a 11-3 deficit at the end of the first quarter.

However, Jamaica turned it around in the second quarter playing good defence and was equally impressive on the offensive end. They outscored their opponents 32-24 to tie the score at 35-35 at half-time. Towering teenager Romelda Aiken got the nod over the experienced Elaine Davis and scored 38 goals while Simone Forbes scored 24.

The better team

The world number two-ranked Australians, led by the likes of their premier goal shooters Sharelle McMahon and Catherine Cox, who had 33 goals each, came out in the third period looking the better team as they outscored the Jamaicans 17-14 to take a 52-49 lead at the end of the period.

Early in the fourth quarter, the Australians looked to be regaining the ascendancy,running harder and moving the ball quicker than their opponents, and soon they lead by six goals (58-52). However, the fiery Jamaicans came back within a point (60-59) as they looked to send a message to the Aussies.

The enthusiastic home crowd raised the volume of their chant "Aussie, Aussie, Aussie" and their team responded. With Australia leading 62-61, McMahon scored three quick goals to ensure victory.

Game two of the series will be played on Sunday in Sydney. The Sunshine Girlz will next travel to New Zealand where they will oppose the hosts in another two-game series. The first Test match will be played on July 12 in Christchurch with the second set for Auckland two days later.