Jamalco's Measha Murphy (left) and Tamara Hylton of Waulgrovians in a tussle for possession during yesterday's first final of the Berger Paints Super League at the National Arena. Jamalco won 47-45. - ricardo makyn

Robert Bailey, Freelance Writer

DEFENDING CHAMPIONS Jamalco are a win away from securing their fifth straight hold on the Jamaica Netball Association (JNA) Berger Paints Super League title following a close 47-45 victory over Waulgrovians A at the National Arena last night.

Jamalco gained the early initiative and held a 22-15 lead at half-time. They then maintained that seven-point advantage to the third period for a 37-30 lead. Waulgrovians fought back strongly in the final stanza but were never able to bridge the gap and went down by a frustrating two points.

National goal shooter Romelda Aiken led the way for Jamalco with 42 goals from 45 attempts and received good support from Elaine Davis (five goals from seven tries) as the Winston Nevers-coached side hung on for victory.

Carla Williams (25 goals from 30 attempts) and Simone Forbes (17 from 24) led the way for Waulgrovians.

"The game was a very tough one for us today," said Nevers. "We played them (Waulgrovians) in the JNA League and they beat us but we came back in the preliminary round and we drew with them and today we had to pull out all the stops to beat them." Nevers added: 'We are now hoping to finish it off on Saturday because we don't want to play on Sunday because we are really tired."

Patrick Brissett, coach of Waulgrovians, said: "We just were marking in defence and so we just have to make some adjustments in our next game."

The second final will be played tomorrow at the same venue, starting at 6:00 p.m.

Meanwhile, the JNA has named a 12-member senior squad for a tour of Australia and New Zealand starting later this month.

Jamaica squad: Defence: Nicole Aiken, Althea Byfield, Kasey Evering and Marvetta Murray. Centre court. Nichala Gibson, Sasher-Gaye Henry, Peter-Gaye Henry and Andrea Watson. Shooters: Romelda Aiken, Elaine Davis, Simone Forbes and Christina Salmon.