The feature match on Monday in the Port-of-Spain Netball League between Defence Force Y and Laventille United boiled down to a 34-34 draw after an intense 40 minutes at the Jean Pierre Complex in Mucurapo.
Laventille had the better chances of both teams to seal the win in their First Division match in group X play, leading by four (25-21) entering the final quarter but a fightback led by Akeela Rodriguez saw Defence Force hold on for the draw.
Rodriguez, the goal-shooter, was good for 24 goals off 35 attempts as her team Defence Force claimed the first quarter, 9-7.
Laventille did not stay down for long and rallied back to take a six-goal (17-11) advantage at the halfway mark, thanks to shooters Veronica Baptiste (6/11) and Cheryelle McIntosh (26/31), who opened in the circle.
On the start of the second half, Defence Force made a run and managed to lessen its deficit to four (25-21) heading into the final session.
The soldier/sailor combination team stayed aggressive and Rodriguez with assistance from goal-attack Makeda Pierre (10/17) went on to outscore their opponents, 13-9, to level the scores at 34 when time expired.
Laventille used one more shooter Jillisa Allen, who connected two of her six tries.
In the Second Division “Y”, Malta Carib Senators was held to a 26-26 draw by Horizon while Aaliyah Mulrain led with 27 of 40 to put Malvern past Police 39-12. In the division’s “X” group, Carla Victor was in good shooting form, netting 33 in 42 to direct Marvellites’ easy 38-11 win over Chips.
Horizon and Mucurapo emerged winners in their Kiwi Division matches, against CS Jets (5-4) and Hill Girls (10-4), respectively.
RESULTS
First Div X
Defence Force Y 34 (Akeela Rodriguez 24/35, Makeda Pierre 10/17) vs Laventille 34 (Veronica Baptiste 6/11, Cheryelle McIntosh 26/31, Jillisa Allen 2/6). Quarters: 9-7 (Defence Force), 17-11 (Laventille), 25-21 (Laventille).
Second Div X
Malvern 39 (Patrina Ashby 12/19, Aaliyah Mulrain 27/40) vs Police 12 (Kayshanna Duncan 2/3, Kathrina La Rimpe 7/12, Rayshenelle Rouff 3/4). Quarters: 9-2, 21-7, 31-9 (Malvern).
Marvellites 38 (Carla Victor 33/42, Chantel Emmanuel 5/7) vs Chips 11 (Abigail Boswell 4/11, Dyese Sylvester 7/12). Quarters: 12-3, 20-4, 30-6 (Marvellites).
Second Div Y
Malta Carib 26 (Teshannda Figuera 4/12, Zakiya MCKenna 21/37, Natalie Jeffers 1/5) vs Horizon 26 (Makini Tyson 10/15, Sherry Thomas 16/22). Quarters: 6-1 (Malta), 14-9 (Malta), 19-16 (Horizon).
Kiwi Div
Horizon Y 5 (Karena Lewis 5/9, Kayandra Paul 0/1) vs CS Jets 4 (Abia Williams 0/7, Rebecca Beggs 4/6). Halftime 3-1 (Horizon).
Mucurapo 10 (Jashelle Williams 5/17, Nikeisha Charles 5/13) vs Hill Girls 4 (Precious Des Vignes 2/4, Destiny Ward 2/3). Halftime 4-0 (Mucurapo).
MATCHES
Today’s matches Start at 5.30 pm
Third Div: Hill Girls vs Marvellites
Kiwi Div: Transcend vs Horizon X; Chips vs Hill Girls
Second Div Y: Defence Force vs Harlem
First Div Y: Chips vs Hill Girls
First Div X: Jabloteh vs Fire