Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

Super League champions Jamalco will face Ocho Rios Magics in today's feature game of the Jamaica Netball Association (JNA)/ Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) Open League competition at the Leila Robinson Courts starting at 6 p.m.

In other games to be played simultaneously Hampshire 'A' tackle Maverly 'B', Windalco battle Correctional Services and Leiba Gardens oppose Alpha.

Jamalco, who are unbeaten this season with four victories, lead Zone Three with 12 points, three ahead of the Magics (nine). The latter have a game in hand. They are followed by Waulgrovians 'C' six and Maxfield Park three.

Competitive effort expected

"Our team is playing well at the moment, even though we are not playing with our strongest squad," said Winston Nevers, coach of Jamalco.

Nevers expects a competitive effort from the Ocho Rios girls.

"I think that they have a strong attacking team especially in their mid-court, but their defence is a bit suspect and this is going to give us the edge because we have a very tall goal shooter in Romelda Aiken," said Nevers.

National players, centre Nadine Bryan and goalkeeper Nicole Aiken, are expected to lead the charge for the Clarendon-based team.

Meanwhile the Magics are also unbeaten this season and according their president Donette Pottinger, they are looking forward to the challenge.

"We are going out there to have a good time and give it our best shot because we are going up against a senior league team and I think this will be good experience and good exposure for our team," she said.

"However, the ball is round and I believe that any team can win and we are not scared of them," said Pottinger.

In the opening games at 1:15 p.m. East Central oppose Mico, Speg 'A' tackle Red Challenge, Rivoli United await Waulgrovians 'B', and Arnett Gardens face Jetsetters 'C'. At 2 p.m. Molynes United 'A' challenge Jamaica Defence Force, Ravens 'B' oppose Duhaney Strikers 'B', Hagley Park 'B' face Blades United 'A' and Speg 'B' oppose Jetsetters 'B'. At 2:50 p.m. Ravens 'A' entertain Rollington Town, Police 'B' await Torrington Park, Molynes United 'C' battle Young Stars and Tivoli Gardens 'B' tackle Hagley Park 'A'.

At 3:40 p.m. rally champions Waulgrovians 'A' battle Upper Camp, Ravens 'C' await Friendship, Molynes United 'B' entertain Hampshire 'C' and Jetsetters 'A' host Progressive Strikers.

At 5:20 p.m. Jamaica Fire Brigade battle Boulevard Baptist, Maverly 'A' await Alexander Strikers 'B', Maxfield Park challenge Waulgrovians 'C' and Omega 'A' face Skibo 'A'.

At 6 p.m. Hellshire oppose New Kingston Raiders 'A' and Ebony Strikers battle GC Foster College Strikers.