Sport

Champs Jamalco advance in JNA Open League

By ANTHONY FOSTER, Freelance Writer

DEFENDING CHAMPIONS JAMALCO were among the six teams which made it to the quarterfinal round of the JNBS-sponsored Jamaica Netball Association (JNA) Open League following impressive victories last Saturday at the Leila Robinson Courts.

The Clarendon-based Jamalco defeated Hampshire 'A' 24-14 in a clash of unbeaten teams to top Group A with 12 points, three more than the latter.

Molynes United 'A' won Group B, this after getting the better of second place Blades 22-20 in a close contest. Molynes United 'A' topped the Group with 18 points.

Over in Group C, Tivoli 'A' crushed Alpha 'A' 32-7 in their top-of-the-table clash to advance with 18 points. Both teams entered the final preliminary round tied on points.

Seneca 'A' came away Group D winners with 13 points, this after a crushing 30-13 win over Speg 'B'. Dela Vega 'A' who entered the round tied on points with Seneca 'A' had to beat Arnett to force a play-off, but lost 25-14.

Many-time champions and last year's beaten finalists Waulgrovians had things easy against Ebony Strikers. The netball kingpins thrashed Ebony Strikers 'A' 30-13 to take Group E honours with 18 points, six more than their opponents.

Early leaders

Windalco took Group G without any worry, this after they collected a walkover against Braeton, who failed to show.

Group H's early leaders Police 'A' suffered a shocker when they were beaten by a spirited Jetsetters 'A' team, 22-16. With the win, Jetsetters 'A' have forced a play-off with Police 'A' as both completed the Group with 15 points.

That match along with the Group F decider between Omega 'A' and Speg 'A' who are tied on 15 points will be played tomorrow.

Among Saturday's winners were Holy Childhood, Ebony Strikers 'B', newcomers Magics, Progressive Strikers, New Kingston Raiders and Eden Strikers 'A'.

Holy Childhood and Ebony registered 19-18 victories over Speg 'C' and Alpha 'B' respectively, New Kingston Raiders beat White Horses 16-13.

Big wins were on the cards for Magics who outplayed Rollington Town 28-8, Progressive Strikers routed Leiba Gardens 15-4 and Eden Strikers thrashed Duhaney Strikers 35-5.

A number of teams also got walkovers from their respective opponents.

UWI Revolutions collected the points over Central Links who did not show, Omega 'B' did likewise over Seneca 'B' along with Hampshire 'B' over Red Challenge 'B'.