Sunshine Girls qualify for Netball World Cup unbeaten

Stevian Francis

2 years ago

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Sunshine Girs at the 2023 Commonwealth games, Birmingham. Image courtesy of Netball Jamaica

World netball heavyweight the Sunshine Girls verified their status after qualifying for next year’s Netball World Cup unbeaten following their 69-47 dismissal of Trinidad and Tobago in their final fixture on Saturday at the National Indoor Sports Centre.

In arguably their most challenging game thus far, it was business as usual for the Jamaicans as they bossed the entirety of the game.

The world number three ranked Jamaica led their Caribbean counterpart in each quarter; taking their first; 21-11 and 17-12 in the second quarter for a 38-23 halftime lead.

The third quarter brought the most excitement as with both separated by just four points as the Jamaicans held on for 19-15 lead before pressing home the advantage 12-9 as the game ended 69-47 in favor of the Girls who not only secured their passage to the World Cup but to end as the only unbeaten team in qualifying.

Captain Jhaniele Fowler led the scoring with 51 goals from 61 attempts, getting support from goal shooter Afiesha Noel who netted 35 goals from 40 attempts.

Despite the loss the twin island republic also secured their ticket to the World Cup as the runner-up in qualifying.

Barbados grabbed the final World Cup spot after cruising by Antigua and Barbuda 68-29 in their game to finish third.

The 2023 Netball World Cup will be held in Cape town South Africa from Jul 28, 2023 – Sun, Aug 6, 2023.

Before that, however, the Sunshine Girls next turn their attention to the Fast 5 Championship which is set run from November 5-6 in Christchurch, New Zealand.