Robert Bailey, Freelance Writer

Simone Forbes ... sank 28 of 34 attempts. - File

A number of the island's top netballers will be on show today at the Leila Robinson Courts when the quarter-finals of the Jamaica Netball Association (JNA)/Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) Open League and Consolation knockout competition take centre stage.

In the feature game of the Open League, Waulgrovians will oppose Arnett Gardens at 6:30 p.m.

In the day's other matches, defending champions Tivoli Gardens 'A' will oppose Blades United at 5:30 p.m., Jamalco tackle Speg at 4:30 p.m. and Windalco battle Jetsetters 'A' at 3:30 p.m.

In the consolation knockout, Hampshire 'A' oppose Skibo 'B' at 4:00 p.m., Police 'A' await Alexander Strikers at 5:00 p.m. and Alpha 'A' battle Maxfield Park at 7:00 p.m.

Waulgrovians, who last won the title in 2002, were also beaten in last year's final by Tivoli Gardens.

Simone Forbes, vice-captain of Waulgrovians, said she is expecting a tough challenge from her Arnett opponents.

'Competitive game

"It is going to be a very competitive game," said Forbes, vice-captain of Jamaica's Sunshine Girls which won bronze at last year's World Netball Championships in New Zealand. "I think that we are the better team and we should win this game in the end."

Forbes noted they will have to make sure they take care of the ball whenever they have possession and convert on each interception.

"I have not seen them (Arnett Gardens) played this season but I am familiar with some of the players. But it should be fine for adjusting to their style of play," Forbes explained.

Forbes, who is the team's goal attack, is expected to receive solid support from national representative Nichala Gibson goalkeeper and former national players Marvette Murray at goal defence and Oberon Pitterson.

Everton Samuels, coach of Arnett, said: "I think the girls are going out there to give a good account of themselves because as you know, Waulgrovians is a very quality team."

Samuels added: "The ball is round. As we know they have a lot of current and former national players, which includes Simone Forbes who is the driving force of their team, but we are just going out there as a team to put on a good show."