Sport

Hoping to repeat history - Busta Fighters emulating netballers

Members of the Busta fighters from left to right Jason McKay, Arthur Barrows, Brude McFarlane, Joel Ellis, Dwayne Brown and Kenneth Brown - file

IT IS SAID lightning never strikes twice in the same place so come July 19, almost two years to the day, another Jamaican team, the combined Martial Arts team, will take a crack at sporting history against England, albeit at a different venue.

The day was July 20, 2003, the event was the World netball Championships and the venue was the spanking-new National Indoor Sports Centre at Independence Park, St. Andrew, Jamaica.

Jamaica's Sunshine Girls were stinging from a close 48-43 defeat against Australia before being crushed 56-37 by New Zealand.

Improving world rankings

Pitted against world number three England for the bronze medal third place play-off, fourth-ranked Jamaica put their disappointment behind them with a 46-40 win over the British, sending thousands of screaming fans wild with jubilation.

It was the first time in many moons that a Jamaican team had defeated the British in any sport, a feat the Combined Martial Arts team will be gunning to emulate when they face England's taekwondo team in London on July 19.

Sponsored by Jamaica Beverages, the Combined Team, dubbed the 'Busta Fighters', will be aiming to improve their world ranking against top-five team England.

However, unlike the Sunshine Girls, who were pushed by a strong home crowd, the Combined Team will have to make-do with the support of patriotic Jamaicans expected to turn out for the historic clash in London.

Toughest opponents

England could prove to be the Combined Team's toughest opponents to date. They are among the favourites to lift the team event at the International Taekwondo Federation World Championships in Germany this year.

However, Jamaica are prepared. After completing a seven-game unbeaten streak last year in the Pan-American region, the combined team made their European debut in March, taking on Spain in Madrid.

The Jamaicans were disqualified but won a rematch, which is scheduled for later this year.

Bent on registering their first win in Europe, Jamaica have targeted England.

The veteran Jason McKay will again lead Jamaica into action alongside team members Arthur Barrows, former national champion Dwayne Brown, karate sensation Kenneth Edwards and current Seido Karate World champion, Bruce McFarlane.

Regular team member, Joel Ellis, has taken a one-year leave of absence from national duties and will not make the trip to London. Sean Murray, a reserve for the past three years, will also be missing.

Coached by Claude Chin, the combined team is set to leave the island on July 16. The team will be accompanied by judge Keith Edwards, a fifth degree from Ningyen Karate as well as a second judge to be announced.