Coach Godfrey Harry banking on seasoned players

Coach of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Under-23 Netball team to this year’s ECCB OECS tournament, Godfrey Harry, is banking on his experienced players to see them through.{{more}}

Harry, in commenting on his team’s chances in the tournament, told SEARCHLIGHT last Tuesday: “We have six players returning from last year’s team, and I expect them to carry the bulk of the weight of the team, with the new ones, of course, also playing their part.”

Returning from the team which placed second to St Kitts last year are Shelisa Davis, Ruth Ann Williams, Mary Ann Williams, Naomi Williams, Delonie Sam and Bownie Allicott.

Those making their debuts are Zulekia Ross, Kashukie Daniel, Rochelle Franklyn and Shantol Williams.

At the 2011 tournament held in St Kitts, Allicott was adjudged the overall Most Valuable Player.

Whilst confident about the team doing well, Harry is not slighting any of the opposing teams.

“We have to look at all of the teams equally, because on a given day, they can come good”, Harry said.

Harry believes that despite the hectic nature of the tournament, his players are fit enough to endure the rigours such arrangements may demand.

Apart from Harry, support will come from Thelma Foster, who is the team Manager.

The tournament begins in Grenada tomorrow, Saturday, July 7 and runs until next Wednesday, July 11.

In this, the 22nd year of the tournament, no other team has won more titles than St Vincent and the Grenadines, who has notched up twelve.

Harry is, however, hopeful that St Vincent and the Grenadines can do what it takes to lift the title, which has slipped them since the last triumph in 2007.

Since the tournament came into being in 1991, this has been the longest wait for the Vincentians to add another title.

St Vincent and the Grenadines’ domination includes four straight titles from 1991 to 1994 and five consecutive titles from 1998 to 2002. (RT)