Netball: Silver Ferns crash back to earth with loss to Jamaica

Grace Kara of the Silver Ferns loses the ball. Photo / Getty

Jamaica 59
Silver Ferns 51

The Silver Ferns have been shocked by Jamaica, defeated 59-51 in their second match of the Taini Jamison Trophy.

For the first time in nine years and third in their history, Jamaica claimed victory over the Silver Ferns, and did it emphatically in the end.

The Silver Ferns' performance was a stark contrast of last night's 75-42 thrashing of Malawi, and is a result that will raise serious questions in the run-up to next month's Commonwealth Games.

The Ferns were playing catch-up from the first quarter, desperately trying to keep up with Jamaica, who lived up to their unorthodox name with surprisingly fast and feisty play.

The Ferns managed to tie the first quarter 13-13, but slowly gave away too many opportunities, handing the Sunshine Girls a three-point lead by halftime.

It was a battle of the captains in Jamaica's circle as Jhaniele Fowler-Reid and Katrina Grant fought for possession, but it was Fowler-Reid's height advantage that gave Jamaica the upper hand.

Jamaican defender Shamera Sterling, who was named player of the match in their win over Fiji yesterday, was also a tough opponent, leaving shooters Te Paea Selby-Rickit and Bailey Mes little opportunity to land much-needed goals.

The Jamaicans' tight defence in the circle meant Mes was forced to take more long-range shots, and with the absence of injured sharp shooter Maria Folau, the Ferns struggled to close the gap on the scoreboard.

Defender Temalisi Fakahokotau was back on the court in the third quarter, after sitting out their win over Malawi due to a sprained ankle, and her brave and ambitious defensive tactics saw an immediate impact on the court.

However, it wasn't enough to help the Ferns claw back into the clash, as Jamaica held their three-point lead well into the final quarter.

As the Ferns struggled to maintain a consistent flow on court, Jamaica's lead began to soar, opening the tight gap to a handy buffer, which they maintained until the end.

The Silver Ferns will face Fiji tomorrow night before the finals on Saturday afternoon.