Jamaica centre Paula Thompson and goal shooter Romelda Aiken try to get to the ball ahead of Australia's Susan Fuhrman during game one of their three-Test series at the National Indoor Sports Centre last night. Australia won the game 63-51. - - Ian Allen

The Jamaica Sunshine Girls were outclassed by Australia 63-51 in their opening match of their three-Test Supreme Ventures Sunshine Series at the National Indoor Sports Centre last night.

The Jamaicans started the match shakily, which led to them trailing the Australians 15-12 at the end of the first period.

However, the Sunshine Girls head coach Connie Francis then made two substitutions at the start of the second period. Francis replaced Kasey Evering for Nicole Aiken at goal defence and Kimone Tulloch with Sasher-Gaye Henry at wing defence. The substitutions brought new life to the Jamaicans as they quickly rallied to close the deficit to 17-18 midway the quarter. However, the Aussies stamped their authority for the remainder of the period as they went on a 14-8 run to close out the period with a 32-25 lead.

The third stanza proved to be a very difficult one for the fourth-ranked Jamaicans, as the Australians stepped up the tempo with their swift passing and precise movements off the ball, which also led to a number of turnovers by the Jamaicans. The Diamonds stretched their lead to 37-48 at the end of the third quarter.

The Norman Plummer-coached Australians had the Jamaicans chasing shadows in the final quarter, as they continued to run circles around them, with the hosts failing to find an answer for the visitors clever play. The Australians in the process coasted home to a comfortable victory.

Sharelle McMahon led the way for the Australians with 32 goals from 38 attempts. She received good support from Natalie Medhurst 15 goals from 22 tries and Catherine Cox 16 goals from 26 attempts.

Romelda Aiken 22 goals from 28 attempts along with captain Simone Forbes 20 from 22 and Jhaniele Fowler nine from nine were the scorers for Jamaica.

Despite her team's defeat, Francis said she was pleased with their efforts.

"I loved the way we played because I thought that we stood up to the Australians very well," she said.

"I think that we just made a few mistakes here and there and that is one area that we need to improve on for the next game," Francis added.

Plummer said he team had to play their hearts out for the win.

"We knew Jamaica could run with us because they have the speed and the ability so we knew we had to be at our best to win this game. I thought my girls did a very good job considering that we only had a short time together."

The second match in the series will be played tomorrow at the same venue starting at 7 p.m.

Jamaica goal defence Kacey Evering attempts to block a pass by Australia goal attack Natalie Medhurst during the first game of their three-Test series at the National Indoor Sports Centre last night. Australia won the game 63-51. - Ian Allen