We’re 12 years behind competition, says Sharrieff
Bermuda’s senior netball team’s search for a maiden win at the Americas Federation of Netball Association’s (AFNA) Championships in Trinidad continues.The Islanders have yet to savour victory in their opening four matches at the Jean Pierre Complex in Port-of-Spain.Bermuda have so far suffered losses against Barbados (102-13), Trinidad (95-18), USA (64-28) and St Lucia (68-26) in the Caribbean.After losing heavily to tournament favourites Barbados and Trinidad, Bermuda Netball Association president Tracey Sharrieff has noticed an improvement in the Island’s netballers.“The girls are playing a lot better and are fighting to the end,” she said. “We are already deemed the most improved team after four matches which means we are not going to be taken lightly.“They (opposing teams) are playing very hard ball against us as if we pose a threat to them.”Sharrieff said Bermuda’s netballers are at a disadvantage in Trinidad having been involved in very little competition at this level in recent years.“Apart from Guyana and us there are teams that have played in every Caribbean tournament so they are like 12 years ahead of us,” she added.Bermuda, who are being led by captain Karen Jones-Simmons, were due to face Canada last night.The AFNA Championships take place from July 14-21.Bermuda squad: Karen Jones- Simmons (capt), Marissa Wainwright (v-capt), Karlandra Smith, Jamila Godwin, Danielle Raynor, Ebonie Burgess, Kimale Evans, Asante Chapman, Jadirra Harvey, Kajuna Lema, Chaquita Simmons, Arkeita Fubler, Anthony Mouchette (coach), Jene Charles (assistant coach).