Robert Bailey, Freelance WriterCONNIE FRANCIS, coach of Jamaica Sunshine Girls netball team, has expressed satisfaction with the 12-member squad selected on Wednesday evening by the Jamaica Netball Association for the upcoming three-Test series against England later this month.
The first match is set for September 17, the second on the 19th and the third on the 20th - all at the National Indoor Sports Centre.
"I am satisfied with the team that has been selected for this series," said Francis. "We have brought in four new players for this series, Sharon Wiles, Paula Thompson, Kerry-Ann Brown and Nadine Bryan, all of whom weren't part of the team that recently went to Australia and New Zealand in July," she said.
"These players have shown they have the tenacity to do well and they are very fit. Sharon (Wiles) and Nadine (Bryan) are also two of our most experienced players and we are banking on them to shine whenever they go on to the court," said Francis, who took over the coaching reins earlier this year.
The Jamaicans are using the series as part of their preparation for this year's World Netball Championships, which will be held in New Zealand from November 10-17. This will be the final series for the Jamaicans before the start of the championships.
The Sunshine Girls suffered 2-0 defeats to host teams Australia and New Zealand in their last competitive series in July Down Under.
"Our aim is to win this series. However, most importantly, we want to make sure that we compete well and play well and show that we have the quality players that can win the World Championship," said Francis.
The squad comprises shooters Romelda Aiken, Elaine Davis, Simone Forbes and Christina Solmon; defender Byfield, Kasey Evering, Paula Thompson and Sharon Wiles; and centre court players Kerry-Ann Brown, Nadine Bryan, Nichala Gibson and Sasher-Gaye Henry.
