Russia win thriller

Published: Wednesday | June 24, 2009



Russia's Danielle Ellis

Western Bureau:

Russia created a stunning upset in the final of the 2009 JPS Hanover Open Netball League on Sunday afternoon when they defeated defending champions and preseason favourites Logwood to walk away with the championship trophy and the $25,000 winner's purse.

"It was a fantastic final in which both teams played very well," said Clint Parkins, the competition's coordinator. "Unfortunately for Logwood, some of the regular starters turned up late and that might have affected their chances."

In the play-off for third place, which preceded the final, Sandy Bay made light work of Green Island, spanking them with relative ease by a 43-17 margin. They took home the $15,000 third-place money.

Thrilling final

In the thrilling final, Russia won the first two quarters 8-6 and 10-5; and Logwood took the final two 8-7 and 9-8.

Former national Under-16 representative Danielle Ellis was the outstanding player for Russia, proving unstoppable under the hoop as she scored 26 goals. Sheena Lawson supported her well, scoring the other seven goals. Ellis and Lawson got solid support from Fiona Gibbs, whose accurate passes created numerous openings.

Despite tasting defeat, Logwood were nonetheless well served by Shagail Green, who led their scoring with 14 goals; and Bridgette Brown and Nicole Fletcher, who contributed nine and seven goals, respectively.

In the third-place play-off, Sandy Bay were all the rage against Green Island, turning in a dominant performance to win all four quarters by 6-5, 9-5, 14-4 and 14-3 margins. Althea Willie and Todie-Ann Taylor were the outstanding players, scoring 29 and 14 goals, respectively.

Green Island's dismal showing had one bright spark in Mackeisha McIntosh, who score 16 goals. The other goal came from Elaine Crooks, who failed to provide McIntosh with the support she required.

-Adrian Frater