Sri Lanka once again failed to put up a gallant show as it was beaten by Barbados by 67 goals to 33 in the last Pool H qaulifying league Netball World Cup match played at Allphones Arena in Sydney Olympic Park on Wednesday.
Sri Lanka gave away as much as 18 re-shots to Barbados as it missed the targets on 18 occasions and this caused many issues to the Lankans. Sri Lanka was outshone in every department by the much improved Barbados who registered their first victory in the tournament.
Lankan lasses played too fast and they could not control the game as they miscalculated their passes and gave the ball to the opposite side on several occasions. They also failed in attacking and defence.
Both teams went into the match without a win and today’s game gave the two nations a chance to record their win and at the end Barbados were the worthy winners. They both showed nerves at the early stage and at one stage Sri Lanka were leading 5 goals to 2. But thereafter Sri Lanka committed many mistakes and ultimately paid the penalty.
Barbados’s 17-year-old goal attack Sheniqua Thomas the baby of the Netball World Cup had great energy around the circle and combined well with goal shooter Faye Sealy. Shonette Bruce was strong in defence.
Sri Lanka failed to shut down the Barbados long balls, losing the battle in midcourt. And Sri Lanka’s long passes were intercepted by the opponents. Sri Lanka after leading 5 – 2 in the early part of the game went down 12 – 18 at the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Sri Lanka was completely outclassed and Barbados goaled 19 and Sri Lanka managed only 5 and Barbados had a lead of 20 goals. At half time Barbados was comfortably in front 37-17.
In the third quarter Barbados soon pushed the margin to 29 as the scoreboard read 54 to 25. Hasitha Mendis who replaced Thisala Algama in the second quarter and the last quarter scored all eight goals. Barbados eventually running out winners with an end tally of 67-33.
