Jamaican Shamera Sterling-Humphrey (GK) defends against Melbourne Vixens.
(Photos: Getty Images)
Despite spirited efforts, Jamaica’s players Latanya Wilson, Shamera Sterling-Humphrey, Romelda Aiken-George and Jodi-Ann Ward were on the losing end in second round action of the Suncorp Super Netball League at John Cain Arena, on Saturday.
Aiken-George scored 28 goals from 30 attempts, while Wilson and Sterling-Humphrey were resolute in defence, but it wasn’t enough to stop Adelaide Thunderbirds going down 53-54 to Melbourne Vixens in a nail-biting encounter.
Georgie Horjus, with 16 goals from 17 attempts was the next best scorer for the Thunderbirds, while Keira Austin (31 goals from 33 attempts) and Sophie Garbin (23 goals from 24 attempts) got the job done for the Vixens.
It was an intense battle from the opening whistle, with both teams gunning for their second win of the season. The Adelaide Thunderbirds’ defence caused havoc for the Vixens, as Wilson forced the first turnover of the match with her quick closing speed. Alongside compatriot Sterling-Humphrey, the defensive duo brought immense pressure early into the Vixens’ attacking front.
However, Austin signalled fearlessness to take aim from anywhere, as she scored two consecutive super shots to put Vixens 14-11 up at the end of the first quarter.
Thunderbirds used the full prowess of their bench in the second quarter, with wing attack Laura Scherian and goal attack Horjus adding impetus to their charge, but the Vixens kept their noses in front at 27-25 at the half-time break.
Both sides showed more urgency in the third quarter where they matched each other goal-for-goal, before the electrifying Sterling-Humphrey made some crucial interceptions that saw Thunderbirds opening a three-goal lead at 34-34. But a string of super shots off the hot hands of Garbin and Austin, ensured the teams headed into the final quarter locked at 40-40.
From there, the Vixens displayed their clinical experience to not only surge ahead, but also expertly ran down the clock before handing off the ball to Austin who sunk the winning goal in the final seconds of the hard-fought match.
Meanwhile, Ward and her GIANTS team suffered a 62-65 loss to Queensland Firebirds in another thrilling contest at Ken Rosewall Arena.
Donnell Wallam, with 55 goals from 60 attempts, and Tippah Dwan, with 10 goals from 12 attempts, led the way for the Firebirds. GIANTS got their goals from Jo Harten (33 goals from 35 attempts) and Sophie Dwyer (29 goals from 29 attempts).
From the opening whistle, the Firebirds displayed masterful finesse, leaving the GIANTS struggling to keep pace with their savvy and patient play. Firebirds came out firing on all cylinders, as Wallam's prolific scoring spree put them firmly in control 21-11 at the end of the first quarter.
Ward came out worse in a collision with Lara Dunkley, which caused more problems for the GIANTS as they struggled to regain their stride in the match.
Though the GIANTS clawed their way back with the introduction of Sam Winders into the fray, they were still four goals down at 36-32 at half-time.
However, a fired-up GIANTS took the game to the Firebirds, some crucial defensive efforts from Winders and Ward brought the team to life with flashes of brilliance, but consistency eluded them and, as such, Firebirds, ended the third quarter seven points ahead at 51-44.
Despite the GIANTS' resilience and Ward's pivotal turnover and subsequent conversion by Harten, the Firebirds remained composed under pressure and secured their maiden triumph in the 2024 campaign.
Denise Alleyne highlights positives despite Bajan Gems 0-3 loss to Northern Ireland in Paradise Cup Series
Despite being swept 0-3 by Northern Ireland Warriors in a three-match Paradise Cup series, Barbados Gems head coach Denise Alleyne took heart from her team’s performances, as she believes the experience will serve them well going forward.
For Alleyne, the fact that young players from the 15th-ranked Gems were exposed to rubbing shoulders with more seasoned players was an even bigger highlight of their campaign against 11th ranked Northern Ireland, which ended at the Sir Garfield Sobers Gymnasium on Tuesday.
Northern Ireland won 53-43, 66-39, and 55-45.
“The biggest takeaway from the Northern Ireland Test series for me was the introduction of the new young players, especially ones that came forward from the Under-21, and just having a glimpse of what the future of netball could be,” Alleyne said.
“I was so very proud of their performance, even the ones who only played for a quarter. They went on and gave 100 per cent. So it gave me some hope, because, as you know, the team does have a mix of older and younger players, and then there are some in between who would have been Under-21 nationals just a couple of years ago, so it is a good mix,” she added.
Alleyne explained that tournaments like these are important to the Barbados’ netball development and that of younger players, in particular, as they displayed grit and commitment throughout, even as the odds were stacked against them in more ways than one.
“I did see a lot of individual improvement, in terms of player development both on and off the court. The girls played with a lot of heart. I knew that it would have been a challenge – I did believe that we could have won at least one of the games, because I don’t think Northern Ireland is 20 or 30 goals better than we are,” Alleyne told Barbados Today.
“But you know, we had circumstances with injuries and stuff, and we also had situations where people had to go to work and then hustle to get there for the game in the evening time. So that too would have played a part in how rested and prepared people were for the game on the night. But it is a circumstance beyond our control,” she noted, adding that she anticipates significant growth over time.
Shanice Beckford re-signs with West Coast Fever for 2025 Season after impressive debut
Jamaican netball star Shanice Beckford has re-signed with West Coast Fever for the 2025 season of the Suncorp Super Netball League, following a standout debut season with the club. Beckford's re-signing solidifies her place in the Fever's roster, where she has quickly become a vital asset, particularly with her strong connection to fellow Jamaican and star shooter Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard.
During the 2024 season, Beckford played in every game, showcasing her skills on the international stage and seamlessly transferring her chemistry with Fowler-Nembhard onto the SSN court. She finished the season with 94 goals, including 26 Super Shots, highlighting her impact as a dynamic and reliable Goal Attack.
Fever General Manager Sue Gaudion expressed her excitement about Beckford's return, emphasizing the significant role she plays within the team. “We are really excited to have Shanice Beckford back in Green for 2025 and we cannot wait to see her take her game to the next level as she becomes more familiar with the Fever environment and system," Gaudion said. "Shanice has shown she has what it takes to compete, and her blistering start to her SSN career in 2024 is a prime example of what she can deliver."
Gaudion also highlighted Beckford's transition into a full-time, professional environment for the first time in her career, noting the positive impact it has had on her development. "This year saw Shanice step into a full-time, professional environment for the first time in her career, and we know she will continue to thrive as she benefits from the experiences she has at West Coast Fever. Her team-first attitude, drive to improve, and her strong connection with Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard make her a vital component of our contracted 10 for 2025.”
Beckford, equally thrilled to be returning to the Fever, reflected on her incredible debut experience and her eagerness for the upcoming season. “I had the most incredible debut experience in the Suncorp Super Netball League with West Coast Fever," Beckford said. "Being part of the West Coast Fever environment was truly amazing. I had a fantastic time building long-lasting relationships with my teammates and the coaching staff, while simultaneously learning and growing in my netball skills."
She added, "The whole experience of being in Western Australia has been absolutely extraordinary. I am eagerly anticipating the upcoming 2025 season and can't wait to see what it has in store, especially playing alongside my teammates in front of the passionate and supportive Green Army. I am genuinely thrilled to be back and looking forward to the exciting journey ahead.”
Beckford's re-signing completes West Coast Fever’s contracted 10 for the 2025 season, which includes key players such as Jess Anstiss (Captain), Ruth Aryang, Sunday Aryang, Jordan Cransberg, Kadie-Ann Dehaney, Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard, Alice Teague-Neeld, Olivia Wilkinson, and Fran Williams.
As Beckford prepares to take her game to new heights in 2025, fans of West Coast Fever and the Green Army can look forward to another thrilling season with their star Goal Attack leading the charge.
Romelda Aiken-George re-signs with Adelaide Thunderbirds for 2025 season
The Adelaide Thunderbirds have secured a powerhouse for their 2025 campaign, re-signing four-time national premiership winner Romelda Aiken-George for a second season in pink. The Jamaican superstar, renowned for her towering presence under the post, will return to the Suncorp Super Netball League as one of the most formidable goal shooters in the game.
Aiken-George, entering her 16th season in the national league, delivered an extraordinary performance in 2024. She racked up a staggering 736 Nissan Net Points, netted 517 goals, and pulled down 69 rebounds. Her impact was undeniable, culminating in a Player of the Match performance during the Grand Final, where she amassed 57.5 NNP, 42 goals, and 10 rebounds to lead the Thunderbirds to victory.
Her debut in Round 1 against the Queensland Firebirds was nothing short of spectacular, scoring 48 goals and officially becoming Thunderbird #108. With 230 games to her name, Aiken-George's experience and skill set make her an irreplaceable asset for the Thunderbirds' attack end.
Thunderbirds General Manager of High Performance, Jace Bode, expressed his excitement about Aiken-George's return. "Romelda was a dominant target for us under the post in 2024 and once again showed why she is one of the best shooters the sport has ever seen," Bode remarked. "Her competitiveness on court and ability to take ball in the air and convert to goal was second to none. She added invaluable experience to our attack line and built strong connections with the players around her. We look forward to welcoming her back in 2025."
Aiken-George's re-signing is more than just a continuation of her journey; it's a statement of intent from the Thunderbirds. With her at the helm of their attack, the team is poised to defend their title and continue their reign as the league's top team.
Fans can expect nothing less than brilliance from Aiken-George as she dons the pink once more, ready to lead the Thunderbirds to further glory in 2025.
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