Carolyn Johnson, Gleaner Writer
General Accident's goal defence Neekeesha Connolly (left) and goalkeeper Andrea Markland (right) challenge for a rebound with Bank of Nova Scotia's goal shooter Suzette DeSouza during the Business House Netball Association Open League final at the Leila Robinson Courts, Stadium Complex, on Saturday. General Accident won 32-18. - WINSTON SILL/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
CABLE AND Wireless 'A' and General Accident retained their respective titles following victories in the finals on Saturday in the Business House Netball Association's Courts Consolation Knock Out and Open League competitions.
In the first final, Cable and Wireless 'A' beat Wisynco 18-16 after trailing for most of the match.
Wisynco, which fought hard, maintained the lead until only minutes before the end of the close match as at half-time the telephone company were behind 7-8.
It seemed that a second half rotation of positions gave C&W 'A' the confidence they needed. The team was on fire and with Michelle Morris making 17 from 23 attempts and goal attack Tana Gray adding the last point, the team rallied to score an exciting victory.
Wisynco's goals came from goal shoot Janet Reid, 10 from 15 attempts and Nardia Blake who got six from nine tries.
"I feel great, I mean to be winners," exclaimed C&W 'A's captain Tana Gray afterwards.
"It was a good game, it was competitive. I just feel good knowing we were coming from behind," she said smiling.
When asked what made the turn around she said the coach's rotation helped, but thought her team was just driven.
"Other than team spirit and guts the defending was extraordinary and my goal shoot was excellent. Our attack needed to settle, I was pulled to the attacking area, but the need for a win was important," added Gray, who started the game playing goal defence.
While the C&W 'A' team was celebrating, Wisynco's posse, which had been very vocal throughout the match was noticeably quiet.
Patricia Patterson, Wisynco's captain, told The Gleaner "it was a sad loss".
"The girls played well, but victory eluded us once again. We hope to make it up in the divisional league."
She believes her team became complacent and their opponents took advantage by taking victory away from them.
LESS EXCITING
In a far less exciting final, General Accident defeated Bank of Nova Scotia 'A' 32-18. Goal shooter and captain of BNS'A', Suzette DeSouza, contributed 11 goals from 18 attempts, Marsha Murphy five from seven and Viola Francis two from five.
DeSouza who moved from goal shoot to goal attack then back to shooter, says her team, especially the shooters, had a bad game.
"We got some of their centre passes, but we didn't convert it. We all had a bad game," she said.
Though characterised by some excellent passes, great steals and catches, the game was relatively boring. Still, victorious captain Nadine Bryan thought it was a good game.
"We did come out and expect a good fight. I think it was a well played game," she said. Goal shoot Margaret Lawrence led the scoring by sinking 26 of 35 attempts.
In the Open League curtain raiser, Jamaica Broilers took third place after defeating Department of Correctional Services 28-14. Goal shoot Lovena Parnel contributed 25 of 26 attempts to her team's final score.
