St Lucia surged to the top of the standings after a commanding 40-13 defeat of the Cayman Islands in the Jean Pierre Caribbean Youth Netball Tournament, at the University of the West Indies Sport and Physical Education Centre (UWI SPEC) in St Augustine on Monday (April 13).
The St Lucians remain perfect with three wins from as many starts, leapfrogging hosts T&T in the standings. Their latest victory was piloted by Neriah Charlery. The goal-shooter was nearly flawless in the circle, missing only three shots to finish with 26 goals from 29 attempts. She was ably supported by Naija Ferdinand, who provided backup with 13 goals from 14 tries.
From the opening whistle, St Lucia’s defensive pressure stifled the Caymanian attack, leading to a lopsided 15-3 first quarter. While goal-shooter Seriah Frederick (6/11) tried to keep Cayman Islands in the hunt, the St Lucian midcourt transition proved difficult to contain. By halftime, the lead had increased to 19 (24-5), effectively ending the contest and allowing the new leader to cruise through the final two quarters.
Earlier, Barbados maintained its unbeaten run with a 23-15 win over Dominica. Goal-shooter Tyra Griffith (5/7) and goal-attack Brianna Wallace (9/19) combined to penetrate the Dominican defence, ensuring Barbados stayed within reach of the leaders with two wins from two matches.
Grenada secured its first win of the campaign, routing Antigua and Barbuda 35-8. Goal-shooter Reshonna Francis starred for the Spice Isle, accounting for almost the entirety of her team’s offence with 30 from 38.
Last evening, T&T had a chance to reclaim the top spot in their scheduled third-round match against Dominica. Today, it will be a top-of-the-table clash between the host team and St Lucia at 7 pm.
Yesterday’s results
Barbados 23 (Tyra Griffith 5/7, Brianna Wallace 9/19, Cherish Gibson 9/15) vs Dominca 15 (Krissia Pierre 8/13, Jaycoliah Benjamin 0/0, Adhari Samuel 3/4, Chloie Gregoire 2/2). Quarters: 1st 6-2, 2nd 11-8, 3rd 18-13 (All in favour of Barbados).
Antigua & Barbuda 8 (Tanesha Michael 1/5, Azailya Simon 5/9, Tina Graham 1/3, Anna Thompson 1/3) vs Grenada 35 (Reshonna Francis 30/38, Aysha-Li Phillip 5/8, Kamia Lewis 0/3). Quarters: 1st 11-1, 2nd 20-2, 3rd 29-4 (All in favour of Grenada).
Cayman Islands 13 (Seriah Frederick 6/11, Da’Niqua Howell 2/5, Lei’a Grizzel 1/4, Leila Turell 4/5) vs St Lucia 40 (Neriah Charley 26/29, Naija Ferdinand 13/14, Iyana William 1/3). Quarters: 1st 15-3, 2nd 24-5, 3rd 31-9 (All in favour of St Lucia).
Standings
Pos*Team*P*W*L*D*GF*GA*GD*Pts
1*St Lucia*3*3*0*0*97*44*+53*15
2*T&T*2*2*0*0*73*20*+53*10
3*Barbados*2*2*0*0*43*27*+16*10
4*Grenada*3*1*2*0*59*60*-1*7
5*Cayman*3*1*2*0*41*97*-56*5
6*Dominica*2*0*2*0*32*46*-14*2
7*Antigua/Barbuda*3*0*3*0*38*89*-51*3
Matches
Today
Cayman Islands vs Dominica, 4 pm
Antigua & Barbuda vs Barbados, 5.30 pm
St Lucia vs T&T, 7 pm
Tomorrow
Shooting competition, 2 pm
Barbados vs St Lucia, 4 pm
Dominica vs Grenada, 5.30 pm
Antigua & Barbuda vs T&T, 7 pm
Friday
Antigua & Barbuda vs Dominica, 3 pm
Cayman Islands vs Grenada, 4.30 pm
Barbados vs T&T, 6 pm
Closing ceremony, 7 pm
