Mauricia Nicolson's inclusion in the shooting circle proved vital for Elite Eagles which defeated Police Y, 57-31 in their opening match of the Net-Ash Foundation Mixed Netball League at the Shaw Park Hard Court on Wednesday evening.
Nicolson replaced men's player Kerry Celestine as the goal-shooter and netted a match-high 27 goals from 36 attempts in the comfortable win. This after Celestine produced 14 of 21 as he combined with opening goal-attack Aneica Frank (14/20) to have Eagles in control from the first pass, leading 16-7 in the first period and 33-17 at the half.
Eagles, winner of the knockout competition that officially opened the inaugural league last Saturday, which is supported by the Division of Sport and Youth Affairs in the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), maintained their lead into the third session, holding a 44-27 advantage.
Police Y's goal-shooter Keon Russell 27/45 tried his best to keep his team within reach of its opponent, matching Nicholson's 27 from 45 attempts but his team's troubles continued in the fourth quarter. Russell's side only managed to add four goals to its tally while Nicholson and Frank's replacement in the goal-attack position, Kenesha Dennis (2/4), kept Eagles out front to claim the 26-goal victory.
In the second match, Dream Team also made a successful start to the tournament which features teams comprising of both men's and women's players, competing for the top prize of $5,000.
Led by goal-shooter Oral Belfon (19/23), Dream Team did enough to hold off Police X, topping them 32-30 in an intense match-up. The play was balanced for much of the match with the scores tied 8-8, in the opening quarter.
Police, with shooting from Abeni Taylor (24/41) and Vanessa Alleyne-Quashie (6/12), rallied in the second quarter to take a five-goal (15-10) lead at the halfway mark.
However, Dream Team, which was the losing finalist in the opening day knockout competition, regrouped and outscored the grey and blue, 14-8 to edge ahead 24-23 heading into the fourth period. Police gave a good challenge in the final session but it was not to be and the unit fell away by two goals.
The battle for the top four spots continued last evening and resumes today with a double-header from 6 pm. The final is carded for February 2.
RESULTS
Wednesday
Elite Eagles 57 (Kerry Celestine 14/21, Aneica Frank 14/20, Mauricia Nicolson 27/36, Kenesha Dennis 2/4) vs Police Y 31 (Keon Russell 27/45, Alana Nedd 3/8 Kellese Graham 1/3). Quarter scores: 1st. 16-7, 2nd. 33-17, 3rd 44-27 (All in favour of Elite Eagles)
Dream Team 32 (Oral Belfon 19/23, Nakita Spencer 4/19, Shamika Nedd 9/18) vs Police X 30 (Abeni Taylor 24/41, Vanessa Alleyne-Quashie 6/12). Quarter scores: 1st. 8-8, 2nd. 15-10 (Police), 3rd. 24-23 (Dream Team)
Thursday
ZTekk Ballers 37 (Jeron Gilman 8/13, Akinola Winchester 8/14, Rowmilia Nedd 21/33) vs Mt St George PYC 12 (Ashley Greig 12/27, Merissa Lovelace 0/4). Quarter scores: 1st. 10-1, 2nd. 19-7, 3rd. 28-8 (All in favour of Ballers).
Spartans 27 (Shenize Williams 8/21, Roumelia Smith 19/29) vs Fire 17 (Deonese Matthews 10/18, Andre Roberts 3/7, Kelisha Decoteau 0/0). Quarter scores: 1st. 7-5, 13-9, 20-12 (All in favour of Spartans)
Saturday's matches
Police Y vs Fire, 4.30 pm
Police X vs Z Tekk Ballers, 5.45 pm
Georgia Destroyers vs Elite Eagles, 7 pm
Dream Team vs Spartans, 8.15 pm