JAMAICA 52, upsets ENGLAND 48, in a netball thriller at Commonwealth Games: Sunshine for Girls in gutsy bronze medal performance

BY SEAN WILLIAMS Assistant Sport Editor  Monday, August 04, 2014    

GLASGOW, Scotland — Marva Bernard's eyes were bloodshot. She had been shedding tears, and a hell of a lot of it at that.

But they were tears of joy. For the Netball Jamaica boss had just witnessed her Sunshine Girls win a Commonwealth Games bronze in a heart-stopping third-place play-off match against England at the Hydro Arena here yesterday..

Jamaica Bronze medallist

The score tells the story of the competitive nature of the game: Jamaica 52, England 48. But what it does not unveil is the heart, discipline and overall sacrifice that were put in that ultimately ended Jamaica's drought at major championships.

Yesterday's bronze medal took Jamaica's tally for these Games to 22, equalling the all-time best, with 10 gold, four silver and eight bronze.

The medals were gained in three sporting disciplines -- 19 in track and field athletics, two in swimming and one in netball.

"We have struggled with the negative that has been thrown at us, we have struggled with being told that we are not good enough, but I never doubted my team.

"My faith is very strong but they (detractors) tested it, and I just want to say to those people who criticised us and said we are not good enough, thank you because you made us work even harder," said Bernard, with eyes still overflowing with tears.

To Netball Jamaica's loyal sponsors and supporters, she said: "Thanks to all those who supported us."

Even though she never doubted the ability of the team, Bernard shared that a pep talk by her and JOA president Mike Fennel before the game must have hit the collective soul of the girls.

"I told them this (yesterday) morning that they have got to play for their country... Mike Fennel came and he spoke to them after I spoke," she told Jamaican journalists immediately after the match.

Coach Minneth Reynolds was beside herself with joy, catching her breath before she said: "I am so elated." more