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Ward credits resolute defence for Sunshine Girls’ win
July 31, 2023
Jamaica's goal defence Jodi-Ann Ward credits solid defending, especially in the third quarter, for their resounding 67-49 victory over hosts South Africa yesterday, which helped them to top Pool C of the Netball World Cup.
The Connie Francis-coached Sunshine Girls put on a masterful defensive display in the third quarter, where they outscored their hosts 20-3, to take an emphatic 52-29 lead going into the final quarter.
Ward, the Player of the Match, was a rock in defence, along with Shamera Sterling, and believes their defence's adaptability was instrumental in shutting down South Africa's offence.
"Our defence is versatile, and we are very grateful for that. We knew South Africa would be a tough game and that we would have to change what we do.
"We knew they would have different combinations, and we would have to change it up, and I thought we did that very well," Ward said.
The match started evenly, but Jamaica edged ahead 16-12 at the end of the first quarter before pulling slightly further away to take a six-point lead at 36-32 at the half-time interval.
South Africa found no answer to the increased tempo after the break, as the Sunshine Girls scored nine unanswered goals to race to a 41-26 lead, which turned into a 23-point, 52-29 lead; at the end of the third quarter.
Coach Francis made several changes to the Sunshine Girls in the last quarter, and the hosts cut into the deficit, however, it was not enough to threaten a real comeback as the Jamaicans held out for the huge victory.
"We just wanted to get fresh legs out there. We have the depth in our team, and I thought we utilised all 12 players well today," Ward continued. "We wanted to get everyone on court, and I thought we did that well. Everyone came on court seamlessly, and that was very good."
Captain Jhanele Fowler said she was pleased they held their composure and defended well.
"We knew what we had to do. We knew South Africa would come out hard on us, but we kept composed and ensured we did the job. We have amazing defenders, and they went out and did their job. That was really good," Fowler said.
Jamaica topped the group with maximum six points, ahead of South Africa with four, Wales with two, and Sri Lanka at the bottom of the standings, pointless.
