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Hummingbirds, Orchids square off for place in Elite League final
July 25, 2025
The second finalists in the Red Stripe Flavours Netball Jamaica Elite League will be determined today at the Leila Robinson Courts, when Kingston Hummingbirds take on St Ann Orchids in a playoff match.
The number one ranked Manchester Spurs defeated the Orchids in their first semi-final playoff on July 13 to book their place in Sunday's final. Third seed Hummingbirds turned back fourth seed St Catherine Racers in their quarterfinal playoff, to set a date with the Orchids for a place in the semi-finals.
The Orchids defeated the Hummingbirds in the preliminary round and will go into the match as favourites. Coach Kurt Dale is confident but he pointed out that the Hummingbirds are on a good run and will fancy their chances of an upset
"The competition has been tough, and the Hummingbirds, since their loss to us, have been on a winning streak. So they will be feeling confident and we must be aware of that.
'Hopefully, we can put on a clinical performance today," he said.
Dale pointed out that although their defence has been solid all season, they still have issues in attack.
"We will look at the areas we can improve, and discipline is one of the main things. I think in attack we are a bit careless with the ball sometimes but our defence has been exceptional all season.
"We are arguably the best defensive team in the competition. So once we can tighten up in attack and figure out how we can turn defence into attack, I think it is ours to lose," Dale said.
The Orchids will look to players like Shalia Bishop, goal attack Kestina Sturbridge and goal shooter Nathalie Campbell to see them to victory.
The Hummingbirds' hopes will rest on shooter Tracy Ann Francis, Tania Thomas and Zonesha Hinds and coach Jodian French Kentish believes things are coming together for them at the right time of the season.
"We started very slowly in the competition but I told the girls to stick to the task and keep their discipline, and now we are winning at the right time and that's what is important.
"The girls are raring to go, and we will just keep winning from hereon and I know we will become champions," she declared.
" We have one more hurdle to cross to get to the final and we are hoping to get the win."
