Ian Allen/Staff Photographer
Joan Cargill (bottom left), coach of Jamaica National Under-16 netball team, celebrates with members of the side on their arrival at the Norman Manley International Airport yesterday. The Young Sunshine Girlz regained the title after defeating Barbados 38-16 in their final game on Friday in Trinidad and Tobago.

Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

JAMAICA'S UNDER-16 netball team returned home yesterday to a hero's welcome upon their arrival at the Norman Manley International Airport.

The young Sunshine Girlz recaptured the regional Under-16 netball championship in Trinidad and Tobago on Friday after surrendering the crown to Barbados last year.

They finished the tournament unbeaten, with eight straight victories including a 38-16 thrashing of the former champions in their final game.

"I am really feeling great to know that we have taken home the championship trophy," said Joan Cargill, coach of the team. "We accomplished what we were aiming for because last year was the first time we had lost this trophy," she said.

Cargill said that complacency got the better of last year's team.

"I believe that last year's team got complacent because they were always winning and never lost before," she said.

"But this team was properly prepared for the championships and the coaching staff made sure the girls were mentally, physically and strategically ready and they went out there and did the job."

Extremely delighted

Marva Bernard, president of the Jamaica Netball Association (JNA), who was also with the team in Trinidad and Tobago, was also delighted with the performance.

"I am extremely, absolutely delighted. I must thank all the sponsors for making it possible to bring back this trophy to Jamaica where it belongs," said Bernard.

"It was mission accomplished and it really was a team effort. The support staff was great, the girls played like adults and they really had no competition. But each win was taken on its own merit," she said.

"The girls just went out there and played their hearts out for their country and the future of netball in Jamaica looks really great."

The Jamaican team also copped other major awards at this year's championships including the tournament MVP and top goal shooter, Christina Salmon.