KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Barbados stunned World number four Jamaica with a pulsating 43-41 victory here Monday night, stealing a 1-1 draw in the three-Test series and registering their first win over the Caribbean powerhouses in 33 years.
Playing at the National Arena, Jamaica controlled the game throughout and led 32-31 at the start of the final quarter but fell apart in the final quarter, as 12th ranked Barbados out-scored them 12-9 to pull off a sensational result.
The opening contest last Friday finished in another 44-44 tie while Jamaica eased to a comfortable 40-34 in Sunday’s second game, to take a valuable 1-0 lead in the series.
“Lots of little things went wrong. We need to work on our passing, keeping [the] ball, keeping it safe,” head coach Jermaine Allison-McCracken lamented afterwards.
Barbados were powered by goal shoot Shonica Wharton who shot 26 goals from 31 attempts while goal attack Sheniqua Thomas chipped in with 14 from 17 attempts.
For Jamaica, the experienced goal shoot Thristina Harwood led with 19 from 22 attempts with Shimona Nelson supporting with 13 from 14 and goal attack Rebekah Robinson, nine from 12.
Seeking a victory to clinch the series, Jamaica took charge early to lead 11-8 at the end of the first quarter, a lead they converted into 21-18 advantage at half-time.
Barbados continued to chip away at their deficit and out-scored the Jamaicans 13-11 in the penultimate quarter to close the gap heading into the final stanza.
With scores tied at 35 with four minutes remaining in the contest, Barbados then held their nerve best as Jamaica made critical turnovers to lose their way
