Test of time

With the inclusion of the two English-based netballers the U-21 squad was supposed to be stronger.That was not the case last night ( 22 June) when the Barbados U-21 played England's U-21 team.

Surprisingly the stronger of the two, Makeba Clarke wasn't in the starting seven of the local team but her schoolmate and COW Rangers?? member Jahlesal Brathwaite was. Hmmmmm!

The starting seven was Shanise Banfield ( GS),Shakira Boxill (GA),Jalissa Lovell ( WA), Samantha Browne ( C),Jahlesal Brathwaite ( WD) Janiece Clarke ( GD) and Faye Sealy (GK).

It was satisfying that this unit was able to compete against a team with more taller and more aggressive players the way they did for the first half of the game. Shanise Banfield came to play netball and showed glimpses of her obvious talent with her trademark mid-range bombs dropping all over Wildey.However I knew we were doomed at the resumption of the third quarter.

The changes that were made were baffling not only to me but to other spectators as well. The starting GA who was becoming tired went to WA, the TIRED WA to C ,two new shooters introduced and Makeba Clarke was brought in at WD. INTERESTING!!

Personally the attack was lacking in several areas and it was obvious from the first whistle . The new WA was too slow because of fatigue and the C played as though it was Pico Tenerife all over again.

Only Makeba Clarke who was solid at WD made any impact in the second half. She tried to prevent her opponent from receiving any passes and played an "attacking defense" when there were the obvious breakdown in the center third. KUDOS MAKEBA !!

It is apparent that the Barbados U-21 team needs a "target" in the shooting circle and I think that Faye Sealy should be given the opportunity to do so. Will she fail? I don't think so!

The final result in last night's game shouldn't have been but it is what it is.