Cayman Islands netball has been dominated the last two years by Roma. However not everyone is tabbing them to win for a third straight time.
One of those who see an open field in the national women’s competition is Cayman Islands Netball Association Secretary Norma Ferryman.
“This season is going to be exciting,” Ferryman said. “Roma has strong and determined players who refuse to give up the top spot. They will go all out to take first place again. However, this is a new year and a new adult league. Who the champion will be I do not know. I am sure the games will be exciting.
“Lets wait and see if it is going to be All Stars, Rising Stars or Roma on top. I am sure Roma fans and teams would like to get the two first place spots in both divisions again this year. However, they have much more to contend with this netball season than last year’s netball season. Rising Stars and All Stars are two very excellent teams striving to change that.”
Roma (who are affiliated with Roma United Sports Club) head into the 2011-2012 netball association open league with two consecutive national championships. Last season the side won the A (first) and B (second) division crowns. Thanks to the likes Kay Copeland and Nicola Pringle, the A team went through the season unbeaten and were the best defensive team (allowing just 138 goals). Jahzenia Thomas and Kristie Hurlston guided the B team to a fifth place regular season finish in its inaugural season.
Roma had competition mainly from All Stars and Rising Stars. AS was in the finals for both divisions as the A team had the best offence (scoring 371 points) behind Stacy-Reid Satahoo and Pauline Bodden. The B side had a shot of defending their B division crown with Liana Benjamin and Whitney General.
RS were a strong contender during the regular season. The A squad was second with only one loss behind prodigy Rosemarie Wilson. In spite of talents like Letanya Thompson and Lexie Solomon, the B team was in sixth place.
Ferryman believes both sides pose Roma’s biggest threats.
“RS is training hard and improving their netball skills. They now have some good seasoned netballers and some teenagers with excellent
netball skills. AS is serious to stay on top and has some seasoned and knowledgeable players who are determined to take the top spot in the league. They also have some very good players in division two.”
Last year’s field included other clubs that provided some intrigue. Behind captain Christina Gordon and Latoya Nixon, Maples and Calder placed fourth in the regular season. Unity only had one win between both its A and B teams but gave eventual champs Roma a scare in the opening round of the playoffs.
Ferryman states the sides, especially a new-look Unity club, have the potential to improve.
“All the teams are improving their skills and Unity Flames is getting stronger and has a new look. They are training much more this year. I expect them to win more games.
“There is also a new team named Flames Strikers and they are coming in to upset some of the usual standing in this league. I think the games are going to be very exciting this season.”
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