Paul-Andre Walker, Staff Reporter
JAMAICA NATIONAL Building Society Open League champions Jamalco will have to continue the defence of their title in today's semi-finals against Windalco without the services of Margaret Byfield-Lawrence.
Byfield-Lawrence, who has played for Jamaica on occasion and is an important part of the Jamalco unit, suffered from a stroke earlier this week and is now a patient at the St. Andrew's Memorial Hospital.
While tests are still ongoing, reports are that the sturdy goal attack is steadily improving, though her speech is slurred and her face has contorted.
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
Initial suggestions are that the stroke was brought on by high blood pressure.
In the meantime, her team is just a step from making their second finals in as many years when they meet Windalco in today's semi-final.
The 5:45 p.m. fixture will see coach Winston Nevers, not for the first time, having charges at opposite ends of the court.
Not wanting to pick a favourite, Nevers, who will sit on Windalco's bench, has said the game will be close.
"Tomorrow is going to be a very good game because Windalco is playing very well at this point in time. Jamalco is a seasoned team and they have been there so they won't lie down and die. It is for Windalco to step up and take the trophy this time around," said Nevers.
The Jamalco/Windalco game will be followed by the other semi-final, a 6:40 p.m. clash between last year's beaten finalists Tivoli 'A' and Waulgrovians 'A'.
FAILURES
Waulgrovians have failed to make it to the final of a competition for a few years now, being bested by Jamalco and Tivoli, who have maintained an aire of dominance.
Those Waulgrovian failures, if they can be called that, must mean that the championship quality team will want to make a statement today.
On Tuesday, in the Jamaica Netball Association (JNA) Consolation Knockout semi-finals, Tivoli 'B' and Arnett Gardens confirmed their place in Saturday's final.
Tivoli 'B bullied their way into the final after taking advantage of a slow start from Seneca to coast to a 35-21 victory.
In the meantime, Arnett dispatched Police 'B' 31-24 to make their way into the final for what they hope is the first of many titles this season.
