Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

Angela Chaplin, chairman of ISSA netball, along with Sandra Ledgister (with Cup), marketing executive of sports at Digicel, present the trophy to Vauxhall following their 18-16 victory over Ardenne at the Leila Robinson Courts yesterday. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

VAUXHALL HIGH won their first Inter-Secondary Schools Association's (ISSA)/Digicel Corporate Area Under-19 netball title with an exciting 18-16 victory over Ardenne at the Leila Robinson Courts yesterday.

Defending champions Tarrant captured the third-place prize with a 22-20 win over Camperdown.

Meanwhile, St Andrew High won the Under-16 title by edging defending champions Queen's 25-24 in that final.

St Hugh's copped the Under-16 third-place trophy with an exciting 23-21 victory over Bridgeport.

Took the lead

In the Under-19 final, Vauxhall eked out a 9-7 led at half-time, courtesy of goal shooter Sheresha Richards, who sunk eight of her game-high 15 goals in the first half.

Vauxhall then outscored their opponents 6-5 in third quarter for a 15-12 lead. Ardenne rallied strongly in the final quarter, but to no avail, as Vauxhall held on for victory.

Christine Howell, with 13 goals from 25 attempts, was the leading scorer for Ardenne.

Patricia Jackson, coach of Vauxhall, was delighted with her team's victory.

"I think it was a very competitive game because our girls needed this title and they went out and executed what we taught them and I am very happy for this," said Jackson. "I am very pleased with the girls' performance because our defenders were great and our shooter was excellent."

Missed the mark

Behune Morgan, coach of Ardenne, said: "Our shooters just didn't turn up today because they missed a lot shots and also made too many turnovers."

Jennifer Brown, coach of St Andrew High's victorious Under-16s, said she was elated with her team's performance.

"I think this game came down to determination and fight, and we prepared ourselves for this. We knew the game was going to be close right to the end," said Brown. "We are very happy for this, especially with the help of the entire staff at our school. We really want to dedicate this victory to them."