BNA seeks to rally support ahead of Paradise Ranking Series

he Bajan Gems are expected to pool together their best netball players to take on Northern Ireland Warriors for the Paradise Ranking Series, scheduled for August 23-27 at the Sir Garfield Sobers Gymnasium.

During a press launch Thursday at the Barbados Olympic Association (BOA) in Wildey, President of the Barbados Netball Association (BNA), Dr Carmeta Douglin remarked that the series was extremely important for Barbados, aiming to improve its current ranking from 15 to the top 10 in the world.

While referencing the unfortunate circumstance that led to Malawi, Scotland, and Trinidad & Tobago pulling out of the Paradise Series (previously called the Paradise Cup) Douglin told the media she was pleased to have Northern Ireland, ranked 11th by the International Netball Federation, participating.

The series is expected to cost the BNA an estimated BDS $60,000.

“Every country had some issue why they could not make it,” Douglin stated. “But they were all anxious and willing to come to Barbados, so that will happen in the near future. But we are happy to have Northern Ireland on board.

“This series is extremely important for both teams and especially the Bajan Gems because it is only if you play higher ranking teams that you can have an opportunity to excel in the world of netball,” Douglin went on.

She also insisted: “What we have just seen is that even Fiji, they just played in some specific games and they came second, so they are going to improve their rankings. If we don’t play games we will be left behind.

“So, it is so important that every year we try to play a team that is ranked higher than Barbados. That is why we are going to be pressing on with this series and we hope that our girls step up to the plate and really give a good showing.”

The netball head invited all of Barbados to come out and support the national team. The Bajan Gems ranking series games will be on August 24, 26, and 27. A match on August 23 will feature the Under-21 team who finished runners-up at the recent World Youth Cup Qualifiers in Guadeloupe. BNA Technical Director Pamela Hesson reported that training is going well.

“There are some Under-21s who will also be attaching themselves to the squad” she affirmed. “Maybe not necessarily for playing but in terms of training. If we have any problems or any issues with players in terms of injuries, we have to fall back with the Under-21s.

“Training is going well and we are in the process of selecting the players that will play against Northern Ireland.”

According to Hesson, it is important to strike a balance between senior and youth players to be competitive. Therefore, Barbados’ most capped netball player Latonia Blackman, joined by goal shooters Shonica Wharton and Jada Smith, and goal attack Brianna Holder are expected to strengthen the offensive firepower inside the semicircle once selected.

Acknowledging that one of Barbados’ shortcomings tends to be defence, assistant coach Wanda Agard-Belgrave spoke on behalf of the technical team led by Denise Alleyne.

Agard-Belgrave, a former national netball captain, added that they have not ruled out bringing this country’s most experienced defensive player, goalkeeper Shonette Azore-Bruce, out of retirement once she is fit and willing.

Aiming to qualify for major competitions such as the Commonwealth Games and the Central American and Caribbean Games in the next quadrennial, the Bajan Gems – currently training on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays – will use the ranking series to increase their chances of participating.

Northern Ireland Head Coach, Sheonah Forbes admitted they have a great deal of admiration for Barbados, and are excited to compete.

“We have been preparing very hard and we have a lot of respect for you guys having watched you in the previous World Cup. Our girls have been disappointed recently, because we did not make the World Cup,” Forbes noted.

BOA General Manager, Glyne Clarke offered some words of motivation to the Gems, and encouraged the corporate sector to get on board.

“It gives us great pleasure to partner with the netball association to assist with this,” he acknowledged. “And we encourage other sponsors to get on board. We wish the team well as they prepare and improve on their rankings for the next quadrennial.”

Supported by World Netball, the Paradise Ranking Series will be officiated by an all-male cast featuring international umpires, Wayne Benti of Saint Lucia, Terrence Peart of Jamaica, and Moeth Gaymes of St Vincent & the Grenadines.

The matches will be streamed live, but persons interested in attending are expected to pay $10 each day; season tickets are $30, and children under age 12 will be allowed in at $5.

(AS)