Denbigh's goalkeeper, Kemeisha Christian (right), and Ann-Marie Lewin celebrate with the ISSA All-Island School Girls Netball Senior Trophy after their 34-28 win over Wolmer's in the final at Brooks Park in Manchester yesterday.
-Ian Allen photo
Daraine Luton, Freelance Writer
DENBIGH HIGH School crashed whatever hopes Wolmer's had of taking the all-island netball double, beating them 34-28 to lift the ISSA schoolgirls senior netball title at Brooks Park yesterday.
Wolmer's were looking to cap the earlier success of their junior side that edged Old Harbour 18-17 but had to lay those hopes to rest as the shooting pair of Anna-Kay Griffiths and Shauna Jones polished off disciplined teamwork in the centre court.
Griffiths, in particular, was immaculate in her ball handling and shooting, proving to be Wolmers' nightmare as she dumped in 21 from 25 attempts. Her partner in crime, Jones scored seven from 12.
Denbigh's coach, Annett Daley, said her team's success was due mainly to hardwork.
"I am happy. They were a little nervous at first but we settled in and gave a good account. They had worked hard all summer and this is testimony of what is taking place at Denbigh," I am really happy for the girls," Daley said.
DISAPPOINTING
Meanwhile, Wolmer's coach Robert Whyte said he wanted the double. "It is disappointing not to take the double. They were more hungry for the Corporate Area title but I don't see that zest at the all-island level. I am happy for the juniors, although they never played as well as they did and I was hoping that we would have won the seniors".
In the senior final, Wolmer's were the first team to get on the scorecard, doing so when goal shooter Danielle Lowers shot them in front. The lead disappeared soon after, however, as Denbigh scored three unanswered goals to steal the early momentum.
With the score at 5-2, Wol-mer's called a time-out and switched around goal keeper Rene Whyte with goal defence Deaydron Colemen, trying to keep Griffiths in check. The ploy did not work but Wolmer's too had gotten into the act of goal scoring but were making more turnovers.
Denbigh went to the half leading 15-11, a four goal cushion. But on resumption, Wolmer's showed that they were not prepared to lay down and play dead. They rallied and closed the deficit to 15-14 and then engaged Denbigh in a ding-dong race until they levelled the score at 21-21 and when Lowers converted a penalty shot seven minutes from time, Wolmer's looked as if they would upset the apple cart.
CALLED ON RESERVES
The Kingston side then led 22-21 but Denbigh called on the reserves in their tank and struck the front once more as they entered the home stretch, and not even a time, out called by Wolmer's two minutes from time could stop them from prevailing.
Wolmer's gallant attempt for the double had failed and Denbigh once again underlined their status as the island's top netball institution, winning their second title in two years.
In the curtainraiser, Sara-Lee Campbell scored 13 from 18 and Sasha-Lee Wallen five from 10 in stopping a spirited Old Harbour team for whom Sheerece Spence scored 16 from 20.
"It could have been success for the team today but we never played according to the game plan. I am a bit disappointed because I think we could have won the game but at the same time I am proud because to have come this far signifies that we are doing good work," Old Harbour's coach, Leonie Anderson, said.
