Simone Forbes - File

KINGSTOWN, St Vincent (CMC):

Defending champions Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados all recorded comfortable victories at the Americas Federation of Netball Associations (AFNA) tournament on Monday night.

The Jamaicans predictably ran past little-rated Canada in a huge win, 69-17 at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex, while Trinidad and Tobago, and Barbados were hardly troubled in wins over St Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), respectively.

Overwhelmed

Ranked fourth in the world behind Australia, New Zealand and England, the Jamaicans overwhelmed the Canadians in every aspect of the game to record their second consecutive win.

The tournament favourites restricted the North Americans to no more than five goals per quarter, while they scored freely and held lopsided leads of 17-5, 33-9, 50-14 at the breaks en route to their 52-goal win.

Centre Tracy Robinson and wing defence Nichala Gibson quickly stifled their opponents' attempts to mount attacks.

The Jamaica defenders were also able to keep the tall pair of Sabrina Versteeg and Marilyn Hope in check.

And while the Sunshine Girls' mid-court and defence were of good calibre, the work of their players in the shooting circle were as ruthlessly efficient as they were the previous night against St Lucia.

Goalshooter Crystal Gordon netted 27 goals from 29 attempts, while Christina Solmon (19/22), goalattack Simone Forbes (20/24) and Vanessa Walker (3/3) all displayed accuracy.

For Canada, Hope had 15/22 and Versteeg 2/5.

Trinidad and Tobago joined Jamaica with a 2-0 record by pounding St Lucia 50-29.

Early flurry

Trinidad and Tobago quickly subdued an early flurry by the St Lucians, using quick movements and brisk passing and the eastern Caribbean girls were unable to respond.

T&T captain Rhonda John-Davis, who was outstanding in their win against Barbados Sunday, enjoyed another good game as she sought to ensure that her team did not commit too many turnovers as happened in their previous game.

Playing at a slightly slower pace, the Soca Girls displayed more accuracy in their passing and led the quarters 13-7, 25-12, 35-22.

Shooter Anastascia Wilson (34/40), Joelisa Cooper (13/20), and Simone Morgan (3/5) helped their team to victory.

Scoring for the St Lucians were Barbara Joseph-Theobalds (5/9), Shem Maxwell (19/22) and Roxanne Snyder (5/7).

In the evening's most anticipated match, SVG put in a below-par performance and were soundly beaten by Barbados 52-36.