KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Sunshine Girls delivered a spellbinding performance on Wednesday, defeating South Africa’s SPAR Proteas 59-47 in Game Two of the Margaret Beckford Sunshine Series at the National Indoor Sports Centre.
The emphatic win secured the coveted series trophy for Jamaica, marking their second consecutive international triumph following their victory in the Vitality Horizon Series against England late last year.
Earlier in the day, South Africa’s Under-21 team, the SPAR Baby Proteas, secured their own series victory against Jamaica’s Young Sunshine Girls. The visitors produced another commanding performance with a 49-32 victory following a dominant 61-31 win in the first game.
The final matches in both categories are scheduled for Saturday, with the Under-21 game kicking off at 3:00 p.m. and the senior match set for three hours later.
South Africa began the game with fiery intensity, pressing hard to unsettle the Sunshine Girls. However, the Jamaican team, brimming with confidence and composure, weathered the early storm. By the end of the first quarter, they had carved out a commanding 18-13 lead.
The momentum only grew as the match progressed. By halftime, the Sunshine Girls had widened the gap to 34-25, bolstered by sharp shooting and disciplined defense under the strategic guidance of coach Sasher-Gaye Henry.
Third-quarter surge seals the deal
The third quarter saw Jamaica unleash a devastating wave of pressure and precision. Seamless passing and clinical finishing extended their lead to an unassailable 50-36. Despite a spirited final-quarter response from the Proteas, who outscored the hosts 12-9, the Sunshine Girls’ dominance was never in question.
The ever-reliable Shimona Jok spearheaded Jamaica’s attack, netting a remarkable 35 goals from 37 attempts. She was ably supported by Shanice Beckford, who contributed 14 goals from 17 attempts, and Rhea Dixon, who displayed flawless accuracy with six goals from six attempts. Mischa Creary also chipped in, scoring four of her five attempts.
For South Africa, Elmere van Berg delivered a perfect performance, converting all 16 of her attempts. Meanwhile, Kamegelo Maseko added 19 goals from 20 attempts, and Rolene Streutker tallied 12 from 14.
Coaches reflect on the contest
Head coach Sasher-Gaye Henry expressed immense pride in her team’s achievement. “This is a very big accomplishment in our journey. We knew it was going to be a hard-fought match, and the girls fought well,” she said with a tone of fulfillment.
On the other side, South Africa’s coach, Jennifer van Dyk, acknowledged Jamaica’s brilliance while lamenting her team’s shortcomings. “This was a great performance by the Sunshine Girls. For us, we need to do better, and we’re disappointed in ourselves,” she admitted.
