SYDNEY, Australia, CMC- Caribbean powerhouse Jamaica sealed their semi-final spot with a sensational one goal triumph over Malawi on day eight of Netball World Cup 2015 here on Thursday.
The Sunshine girls squeezed through with a 63-62 win in what was described as the tightest match of the tournament after Trinidad and Tobago defeated Samoa for the first time 66-47.
The Jamaicans showed consistency and composure in all four quarters which got them over the line after both teams put on a spectacle for the roaring crowd in Allphones Arena.
Goal shoot Romelda Aiken scored 44 from 48 and goal attack Shanice Beckford 17 from 18 tries.
Jamaica took an early lead with Sasher-Gaye Henry roaming the midcourt and getting balls quickly to Romelda Aiken and Shanice Beckford in the circle.
The attacking duo only missed one goal in the opening quarter, taking them to a 19-13 lead at the end of the first term.
Jamaica’s margin was reduce to two goals heading into the final term with the Caribbean side in front 48-46.
The final quarter saw exciting end-to-end-action from both teams as every player fought for their Semi-Final position.
Malawi led the final quarter 16-15, but it wasn’t enough to make up for Jamaica’s controlling first half and the Sunshine girls held their nerve to win 63-62.
“Once we are disciplined, we are fine, but once we go away from the game plan, we get in trouble.” Jamaican vice-captain, Paula Thompson, said.
Jamaica face Australia in the semi-final today.
Meanwhile Trinidad and Tobago’s victory over Samoa earned them top spot in Pool G, their fourth straight win at the Netball World Cup in Sydney.
T&T’s combination of Samantha Wallace and Joelisa Cooper were highly accurate, shooting at 81% and 100% respectively.
