23 year old GD Paula Thompson, who debuted during the England test series, and 16 year old shooter Christina Solomon is named in the squad, which will be captained by veteran GS Elaine Davis. Overseas-based players Sharon Wiles, currently studying in Atlanta USA, and Nicole Aiken, who is on a basketball scholarship in Texas, are also included.
photos Bryan Cummings and Garfield Robinson |
The full Jamaican squad, to be coached by former Jamaican captain Connie Francis, is: Elaine Davis, Simone Forbes, Romelda Aiken, Christina Solomon, Sharon Wiles, Nadine Bryan, Nichala Gibson, Sasher Gaye Henry, Althea Byfield, Kasey Evering, Nicole Aiken and Christina Solomon.
Meanwhile, two other sides which will be travelling to Auckland in November have enjoyed varying results in their warm up matches. South Africa was rattled by a feisty Uganda team in the first test between the two, before scraping through 41-35, but reduced the error rate in the second test match to take an impressive 49-27 victory. However, Barbados, who will compete in England's group, lost to Trinidad and Tobago 48-44 in a warm up game. Trinidad and Tobago has been placed in group B for the championships, and will face Australia, Samoa and Scotland in their group games.
The New World Netball World Championships start in Auckland on 10 November, with England's first match, against Barbados, taking place on 11 November.