Tivoli's Kasey Evering.

Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

Tivoli Gardens 'A' will start defending their Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS)/Jamaica Netball Association (JNA) Open League title today, when they face Bridgeport at the Leila Robinson Courts, starting at 5:20 p.m.

Also at the same time, Jetsetters 'A' oppose Friendship, Maxfield Park will play Police 'B' and Skibo 'A' entertain Jamaica Fire Brigade.

At 3:40 p.m., Open rally champions Waulgrovians 'A' challenge Millennium Strikers, Hampshire 'A' await East Central, Alexander Strikers 'B' tackle Leiba Gardens and New Kingston Raiders 'A' oppose Skibo 'B'.

Tivoli Gardens, who are seeking their fourth straight title, have lost the services of experienced players Sabrina Spence and Cleopatra Grant. Spence has returned to her former team Arnett Gardens and Grant recently gave birth. However, they have retained the services of captain Kasey Evering, Peta-Gaye Thomas, Jodia-Ann French and Nicole Henry.

As he looked towards the season, Tivoli's coach, Sylvester Campbell, told The Gleaner in an interview recently: "I think that any one of the top four teams (can win) because I believe that they are above the rest of other teams.

"I think this season is going to be very competitive because a lot of the teams have strengthened their sides with new players," Campbell added.

Very tough

Meanwhile Robert Nicholas, Bridgeport's coach, said it will be very tough for his team to match their opponents.

"It is going to be very difficult for us to beat them but we are going out there to play our hearts out," said Nicholas.

"We will be using this game as a stepping-stone to give our young players some exposure against one of the best teams in the country," added Nicholas.

Bridgeport will depend heavily on the likes of goal shooter Trudy-Ann Pennant, goal defence Shanice Willis and goal attack Yonique Levy.

In the opening games at 1:15 p.m. Skibo 'C' face Alexander Strikers 'A', Omega 'B' battle Jetsetters 'C', Rivoli United play Arnett Gardens and Hellshire challenge Hampshire.

At 2 p.m., Molynes United 'C' await Torrington Park, Omega 'A' face Boulevard Baptist, Progressive Strikers battle Molynes United 'B' and New Kingston Raiders battle Up Park Camp.

In other games at 2:50 p.m., Jamalco oppose Young Strikers, Blades United 'B' entertain Duhaney Strikers 'A', Hagley Park 'B' face Speg 'B' and Tivoli Gardens 'B' tackle Correctional Services.

At 4:30 p.m., Waulgrovians 'B' oppose Mico, Blades United 'A' entertain Duhaney Strikers 'B', Police 'A' await Eden Strikers and Hagley Park 'A' battle Windalco.