Jamaicas Sunshine Girls showed plenty of tenacity in grinding out another close victory over their English counterparts, battling their way to a 55-53 win to clinch the Supreme Ventures Sunshine Series 2-0 at the National Indoor Sports Centre last night.

It was yet another nail-biting finish, and despite the Jamaicans seeming to have the match wrapped up midway the fourth quarter, coasted with a seven point lead, a late rally by England ensure a thrilling finish. A rugged brand of defensive play from the tourists, led to a few misplaced passes from the Jamaicans, as the visitors rallied to tie the score at 53-53, with a little over a minute to go.

hard-pressing

It took a late goal from goal shooter Janelle Fowler, who only managed to just grasp the ball ahead of hard-pressing English goalkeeper Stacey Francis, ensured that Sunday's game three remains one of mere academic interest.

The loss of that lead was the third occasion for Jamaica, who led from wire to wire, and at times threatened to blow the game wide open. Fuelled by swarming team defence they ended the first quarter with their noses in front at 14-11.

A strong defensive stand, anchored by the pair of Malysha Kelly and Nicole Pinnock, forced several turnovers from the English team and the Jamaicans even extended their lead to 25-18 with four minutes to go in the second stanza.

The visitors battled grimly to ensure the advantage was not extended in the second period, and eventually gained the upper hand to cut that lead to just one point by the end of the period. They were, however, aided by the Jamaicans who were at times just careless in possession.

Another strong start to the final quarter, again extended Jamaica's lead, but the English, who were led by Pamela Cookey, who ended with 15 for 20 and Louisa Brownfield's 35 for 38, fought back.

Fowler, who ended the game with figures of 53 goals from 63 attempts was monumental for the Jamaicans for most of the match, as the England defenders, led by the pair of Francis and Eboni Beckford-Chambers, who slotted in at goal defence, struggled to combat her obvious height advantage.

While concerned that the Girls allowed a number of leads to slip, the team coach Connie Francis stressed that the team was still in its developmental stages.

"This team is a work in progress, you can see that we are still trying to fine-tune our plays and the girls are really fighting to impress the selectors and make the World Championship team. They were determined to not lose the game tonight, and yes we have to work to keep the lead," she said.

"It wasn't just defensive mistakes, we made mistakes all over the court, but despite that they gave 110 per cent and I am proud of them. We just have to not turn over the ball because that creates unnecessary pressure on us when we have the lead."

Francis insisted the team's attitude for the final game would be the same despite having won the series.

"It will be the same approach for the last game these girls are on trial, they are vying for positions. I would just like to see us take better care of the ball in game three."