By Charmaine Austin, Staff ReporterWHERE WILL the Australians play? That is the question still being asked as the Jamaica Netball Association's frantic search for a venue continues.
World netball champions Australia arrive in the island this morning for their international practice matches against Jamaica and there is still no place for them to train or to play.
Up to press time last night, a venue had still not been found but officials of the JNA reportedly held a meeting regarding the matter. It was not clear with whom the meeting was held.
"We're at the same place we were. Don't know what is happening at this time," JNA vice president Patrick Brissett said yesterday shortly before the meeting started.
The Australians who will be using the tour to test their team ahead the World Championships here in July, appear to be unaware of the JNA's problem.
As late as last Friday, a headline on Netball Australia's official web-site blared "Jamaica here we come" and suggested that the team will be touring the island and playing at different venues across the island against the Sunshine Girls and various local teams.
It also quoted Australian coach Jill McIntosh as saying, "This tour will give the players and officials a chance to understand the conditions in which they will need to perform at their peak during the World Championships."
The Australians were last here in 2001 for a Test series. Then, they played at the National Arena but that venue was far from prepared when the Gleaner visited yesterday. The Urban Development Corporation started repairs on the building last November but renovation was inexplicably halted earlier this year.
"It's unsafe to be inside there. Mind one of those things fall out of the ceiling. Don't go in there," an employee of the Institute of Sport warned, she too curious about where the Aussies will play.
Australia are booked to be in the island until March 30.
