Robert Bailey, Freelance Writer

JAMAICA'S SUNSHINE Girls warmed up for the World Netball Championships (WNC) with a comfortable 66-60 victory over the New Zealand Under-21 team in a practice game yesterday in Auckland.

The Connie Francis-coached team led 35-30 at half-time and extended the advantage at the end of the third period to 55-40.

The Jamaicans then introduced a number of bench players during the fourth quarter and the home side rallied in the final period to reduce the deficit.

Targets

Annette Daley, assistant coach of the Jamaica team, said the players had achieved a number of important targets in the match.

"There were certain objectives that we set out to achieve in this game and we did achieve them in particular quarters," said Daley.

"All the members of the team got a chance to play in this match because we wanted to see people in different positions and we also wanted to see different combinations," she said.

Side upbeat

Daley said the side was upbeat and rearing to go.

"The weather element is fine. It is not as cold as in July when they were down here," she said. "The girls are all together and the spirit is high."

Jamaica, who are ranked number three in the world, are drawn in Group C and will play their opening game against the Cook Islands tomorrow night (Jamaica time).