Jamaican praise for trans-Tasman netball comp

Jamaican netball coach Connie Francis has no worries about any of her team playing in next year's trans-Tasman league, even though it ends just six weeks out from the world championships in Singapore.

In fact, if she had her way, there'd be more than just the three players who starred in this year's ANZ Championship.

In stark contrast to England coach Sue Hawkins, who has told members of her national squad not to play in the top-tier competition next season, Francis is more than happy for her team members to be involved.

New Zealand's trans-Tasman franchises are in the process of building their rosters, and will get the chance to see the Jamaicans in action against the Silver Ferns in next month's two-test series.

Francis said today it made no sense for her to ban players from the trans-Tasman league.

"The ANZ games are high quality; certainly in our domestic league in Jamaica, we don't have that sort of quality," she said today.

"If we can get more of our girls over there, playing in the league, it would be a plus for us and our netball: it will only make us better."

Francis said the improvement in lanky goal shoot Romelda Aiken, who has played for the Queensland Firebirds for the last two years, had been noticeable.

Former Jamaican shooter Carla Borrego hadn't played since 2003 before hooking up this season with the championship-winning Adelaide Thunderbirds and had been "absolutely wonderful", Francis said.

Northern Mystics defender Althea Byfield, who has played in the league since its 2008 inception, had also benefited from the tough competition.

"I think it's a real opportunity for our girls -- six weeks before the world champs, that's fine with me.

"I wouldn't withdraw them -- it's a pity I can't get some more of my players down there. I'd love to see one or two more playing there."

The Jamaicans play the Silver Ferns in Christchurch on August 18 and again in Napier three days later.

They will be without captain Simone Forbes, back in training but not available for selection after taking time off from netball to complete her masters degree.

But Francis said she had no worries about the quality of players available to take her place, until Forbes returns for the October Commonwealth Games and world championships.

Francis is looking to players like Vanessa Walker - "every bit as wily as Simone" - or possibly rookie goal attack Anna-Kaye Griffiths to fill the gap.

The Jamaicans could be without under-21 shooter Crystal Gordon, who may not be available after receiving an American college scholarship.

They are, however, boosted by the return of Georgia Gordon, who first took the court for Jamaica in 1989 but has had seven years away from the sport studying overseas.

"Georgia's one of those players we're looking at to see if she's truly ready for the Commownealth Games," Francis said.

"Her last year was 2003 but now she's come back home, we've had a look at her and she was quite impressive."

Francis said she had no doubt Jamaica could pick up wins over Australia and New Zealand, especially after the confidence boost of wins in Kingston late last year over both teams.

She rates next month's match-ups against Australia and New Zealand as highly as the Commonwealth Games.

"We've not had an away win in a long time - it'll be a real booster for our confidence if we can go down there and win without Simone, because we know we'll only get better."

- NZPA