Orchids claim first win in nail-biting fashion

The St Ann Orchids recorded their first win of the Red Stripe Flavours Netball Elite League season with a nail-biting 50-49 win over the St Catherine Racers at the National Indoor Sports Centre on Sunday.

Kestina Sturridge, with 34 goals from 37 attempts, and Aaliyah Hibbert, with 16 from 21 attempts, led the fight for the Orchids, who trailed by six (26-20) at the half-time interval.

"It was two desperate teams trying to get the win. We both had not won a game, and I think the game reflected that, but we stuck to the hard moments and came out on top," said Orchids Coach Chad James.

James now believes they must improve mentally to take on title favourites Manchester Spurs in Friday's semi-final.

"Mentally, I think that's where the shift needs to come from. We have been building and playing better every week, and I think we are the best defensive team as we have kept all the teams to their lowest score. So defensively, we are solid. It's converting the defensive game is where we need to get better," he added.

After a keenly contested first quarter, the Racers emerged with a 14-13 lead.

The St Catherine team got even better in the second period as they took a 26-20 lead at the half.

However, the Orchids slowly worked their way back into the match in the third period and reduced their opponents’ lead to one goal (37-36) going into the last period.

James' team then nudged in front in the fourth quarter and never looked back, holding off a desperate Racers team to taste their first win of the season.

Simone Gordon had 27 from 32 attempts, Amara Wilmot 14 from 18, and Kelsey Jonas eight from eight for Racers.

Racers coach Rasheed Joseph thought they were the better team on the night but said they were let down by indiscipline.

"Very much disappointed. I believe we were the better team in the game overall. We played a relatively good first half, where we were leading by at least six goals.

"However, in the second half,and I am not sure if it's fatigue, but you saw places and times when the indiscipline really got back in, and that has been plaguing us for the entire season," he said.

Manchester Spurs ended the regular season atop the standings with maximum 12 points from four matches. 

Defending champions Kingston Hummingbirds were second on nine points after three wins from four games.

Despite finishing with one win and three points each, Racers finished third ahead of the Orchids in fourth, with a better goal difference.

On Friday, Manchester Spurs will take on the Orchids in one semi-final, andwhile the Racers and the Hummingbirds will face off in the other.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com