‘We want to build on these ladies’ - Sunshine Girls’ coach Henry reacts after commanding sweep of South Africa

January 27, 2025

Photo

Snushine Girls goal shooter Shimona Jok (second right) collects a pass between the South African pair of Jamie Van Wyk (second left), goal defence and Anmarie Visser, goalkeeper, during game three of the Margaret Beckford Sunshine Series inside the National Indoor Sports Centre on Saturday night. Also in the picture is Sunshine Girls goal attack, Rhea Dixon (left). Jamaica won 58-47.

Sunshine Grils’ wing defence Jodi-Ann Ward (right) intercepting a pass meant for South Africa SPAR Proteas’ centre Efiloe Nketsa (centre), during game three of the Margaret Beckford Sunshine Series. Also in the picture is Brie Grierson, the Sunshine Girls’ wing attack. Jamaica won 58-47.

The Sunshine Girls’ captain and goal keeper Shamera Sterling Humphrey (second right) jumps as she defends against South Africa SPAR Proteas’ goal shooter Elmere Van Der Berg during game three of the Margaret Beckford Sunshine Series at the National Indoor Sports Centre in Kingston on Saturday night. Jamaica won 58-47..

KINGSTON, Jamaica:

Jamaica's Sunshine Girls captured the Margaret Beckford Sunshine Series with a dominant 58-47 victory over South Africa on Saturday night.

The 11-point victory helped the home side sweep the three-match series at the National Indoor Sports Centre and followed up a 2-1 series win over England in the Vitality Netball Horizon Series last November.

Sunshine Girls head coach Sasher-Gaye Henry said she was especially pleased with the team's performance.

"We are excited for the win and we're very grateful for the opportunity.

"This is a journey we have started and it is our second encounter, and we're truly grateful for the results we have had," Henry said.

"We want to recover and we want to build on these ladies. The girls will go back to the leagues, we will be working hard on our skills development, and we will be looking at other prospects.

"It is a long journey ahead and we still want to bring in more persons, based on what we have right now," she added.

BLAZING START

The Sunshine Girls got off to a blazing start. establishing a 10-goal lead inside the first six minutes of the game.

However, the introduction of Elmere van de Berg and Kamogelo Maseko helped South Africa recover, with the duo helping to close the gap to a five-goal deficit (14-9) at the end of the first quarter.

But Jamaica's Shimona Jok took over the proceedings in the ensuing quarter, much like she did all series, netting 37 of her 39 attempts (all match) to end the series with only six missed shots across all three games.

Her efforts helped the Sunshine Girls re-establish their commanding lead to stay ahead 29-19 at the half.

The third quarter, which ended 45-32, was much of the same, as Jamaica continued to be aggressive in the shooting circle, with Jok and Shanice Beckford dominating proceedings and they coasted to victory without much alarm.

Beckford scored 14 of her 18 attempts, Rhea Dixon netted all five of her shots, and Simone Gordon scored two of five tries.

For South Africa, van de Berg scored 30 of her 33 attempts, Maseko ended the game with 16 goals from 17 attempts, and Nicole Breedt scored one of two tries. Ine-Mari Venter missed her only attempt.

Jok was voted Player of the Series, while captain and ace defender Shamera Sterling was adjudged Player of the Match.

- CMC