Vanessa Reid-Cox made the most of her offensive opportunities last night to lead C.O. Williams Rangers to a hard-fought 44-40 victory over Simply Distinctive Fantasy Ballers as the Barbados Netball Association’s Division Two competition continued at the Netball Stadium.
Reid-Cox netted 37 goals from 45 attempts and got able assistance from goal attacks Jalicia Bascombe (5/9) and Nikita President (2/4). The game was basically won in the second quarter with Rangers stretching their first quarter advantage (17-10) to a commanding 31-10 lead at the half.†They relaxed somewhat in the third quarter while Fantasy Ballers made a concerted effort on both the defensive and offensive ends to reduce the deficit.
They succeeded spectacularly limiting Rangers to a mere four goals in the third period as the winners seem to fall asleep at the wheel. Conversely, the Ballers poured in ten goals to go into the break only five goals behind.†Fantasy Ballers continued their sterling comeback in the final quarter but were unable to get sufficient defensive stops to snatch an unlikely victory. They outscored Rangers 10-9 in the final quarter but Rangers’ early goal lead was enough to stave off the lasses from Fantasy Ballers.
For Ballers Keryn Clarke had 23 goals from 33 attempts, while Tanya Straker netted 13 goals from 16 attempts and Tamisha Forde chipped in with four goals from eight attempts.
In Division Three action, Phoenix Gems defeated Newbury Ballers 30-23. Rashida Ali had 25 goals from 34 attempts for the winners while Marion Johnson-Hurley netted her three attempts and Tricia Briggs two of her five. For Newbury Beverley Marsh had 14 goals from 19 attempts and Janelle Brathwaite, nine from 19 attempts.
In Division Four, Rangers were in winners’ row once again, beating Phoenix Golden Stars 26-21. Linda Harris was in sublime shooting form, netting 15 goals from 16 attempts, while team-mate Shaquilla Davis had 11 goals from 14 attempts. For Golden Stars Sherry Ann Toppin led their attack with 19 goals from 27 attempts while Dianne Harper sank the other two goals from seven attacks.
Other results were: Spooners Hill 21, Structural Systems Silver Raiders 10 (Div.5); Shottas United 34, Friendship Stars 12 (Div. 6); Fantasy Ballers 26, Flashback 18 (Div.6).††