Waulgrovians' shooter Suzette DeSouza (right) watches as her teammate, Marvetta Murray (second left), and Tivoli defenders Kasey Evering (left) and Shelly-Ann Bryan tussle for possession during the JNBS Open League netball final at the Leila Robinson Courts yesterday. Tivoli defeated the former many-time champions 42-35.
-Carlington Wilmot photoCharmaine Austin, Staff Reporter
TIVOLI WANTED it bad and they got it.
They are now proud JNBS Open League netball champions after defeating former many-time champions Waulgrovians 42-35 in the final at the Leila Robinson Courts yesterday.
The atmosphere was electrifying and the need to win undeniably at the forefront of the minds of the competitors.
Sweat and determination intermingled to make the game a true final to the end but Tivoli's hunger was unmistakable and the need, as they made clear from the beginning, had to be satisfied.
A CLEAN START
Waulgrovians got off to a clean start, capitalising on Tivoli's first two centre passes to lead 3-0. Led by Cleopatra Grant (35 of 44) at goal shoot, Tivoli rallied hard to equalise at 6-6 and took over the lead a goal later before winning the first quarter 7-6.
The tussle continued when action resumed but although they equalised on a number of occasions, Waulgrovians never got a chance to lead after that. Tivoli stayed in front and made it clear that the title was theirs to be had.
At half-time, they led 16-15 but the contest was far from over.
Determination continued to fuel their drive and Tivoli surged to a five-goal lead in the third quarter with the score at 27-22. At the end of that period, they were still in control at 28-24.
Said an almost hoarse Tivoli coach Sylvester Campbell at the end of the scintillating match: "We're more than happy right now. This performance confirmed that we are in fact the best team in the league this year. From the outset we knew that we had a goal to win and we stayed on course for that.
