Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

Jamaica's Sunshine Girls went down 53-51 to Australia in the opening game of their two-Test National Commercial Bank Sunshine Series at the National Indoor Sports Centre yesterday.

The Sunshine Girls began the match confidently and held a slim 17-16 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The Connie Francis-coached team, quickly extended their lead to 21-19, in opening minutes of the second quarter, but the number one-ranked Australians fought their way back into the match, as they capitalise on a number of crucial turnovers in the half by the Sunshine Girls to take a 30-28 lead at the half.

However, Jamaica, led by goal shooter Romelda Aiken who scored nine of the team's 11 goals in the third period, ran circles around their opponents with their swift passing, good off-the-ball movement and tight defence, which resulted in six turnovers by the Australians. The locals outscored the visitors 11-9 in the quarter to even the match 39-9 at the end of the quarter.

Crucial mistakes

Both teams were locked at 49-49,with three minutes remaining in the fourth period but the Sunshine Girls made a couple of crucial mistakes and this gave the Australians the chance to inch away and earn a fine win.

Sherelle McMahon, 28 goals from 31 attempts and Susan Pratley, 25 goals from 31 were the scorers for the Norma Plummer-coached Australians.

Despite her team's defeat, Francis said she was satisfied with their performance.

Aiken ended the match with a game-high 30 from 39 attempts. She was supported by captain Simone Forbes, who netted 21goals from 24 tries.

"It was an excellent match because I thought our team really came out fighting and this is what we have been working on," said Francis. "However, down the stretch we made a few errors which cost us the in the final moments of the match."

The final match in the series will be played today at the same venue starting at 5:30 p.m.