Accurate shooting paid off big for the University of T&T (UTT) as shooters Samantha Wallace, Janelle Barker and Jillisa Allan, narrowly got their team past Fire 31-30 in the knockout competition of the Courts All Sectors Netball League. This was in the Premiership Division on Thursday evening at the Eastern Regional Indoor Sports Arena in Tacarigua. It was the third meeting between the two teams and UTT which is working towards its second title of the season, holds a 3-0 lead. Wallace, who netted the bulk of the winner's goals, 16 from 18 shot with 89 percent accuracy while Barker, the national captain, was 80 percent, connecting 12 off 15. Allan made of her three attempts. The firewomen failed to maximise on its superior chances at goal 46 in total, compared to UTT's 36. Goal-shooter Anastasia Wilson was good for 19 off 29 and her goal-attack Simone Morgan guided in 11 from 17 and despite holding a 17-14 halftime advantage Fire still could not upset the league champion. UTT now progress to the final to meet Police which made light work of Bermudez, defeating them 48-11 in the second match of the day.
The final is set for March 27 at 7 pm. Also scheduled for that day is the Championship Division final between the University of the West Indies (UWI) and Fire from 6.10 pm. Getting the police officers through were shooting duo, former national player, Gushier Grant and junior T&T netballer, Kalifa McCollin. Grant produced 31 from 37 and McCollin added 17 off 20 after putting their team outfront 25-6 at the halfway mark. For Bermudez, Kathy James was best in the circle with 10 of 18 in the one-sided affair. In the opening match, TSTT stopped Prisons, 15-10 in the Alternative Division knockout competition. TSTT advance to play Police in the semifinal round carded for March 22. Today will be an exciting day for teams in the newly introduced Premiership category as teams begin battle for another new addition to the league, the Steve Sarjeant Challenge Trophy. Also starting later this afternoon, is the Jean Pierre Challenge Trophy for teams in the Championship Division.
Results & Fixtures
Premiership Division
Fire 30 (Anastasia Wilson 19/29, Simone Morgan 11/17) vs UTT 31 (Samantha Wallace 16/18, Janelle Barker 12/15, Jillisa Allan 3/3). Halftime: 17-14 (Fire).
Bermudez 11 (Kathy james 10/18, Sharon Wilson 1/7) vs Police 48 (Gushier Grant 31/37, Kalifa McCollin 17/20). Halftime: 25-6 (Police).
Alternative Division
TSTT 15 (Sophia Harper 7/21, Cherise Carmichael 8/15) vs Prisons 10 (LaVaughn O'Neil 7/17, Ayanna Aaron-O'Neil 3/4, Arlene Tinto 0/3). Haltime: 6-6.
Today's matches
Jean Pierre Challenge (Championship Division)
Fire vs UWI, 2 pm
Jabloteh vs Police, 3.15 pm
Steve Sarjeant Challenge (Premiership Division)
Bermudez vs Police, 4.30 pm
Fire vs UTT, 5.45 pm