Denbigh extend perfect run, José Martí show promise

PRE-SEASON ISSA Rural Schoolgirl Under-16 netball competition favourites Denbigh High School picked up their third consecutive win yesterday with an impressive 35–15 victory over hometown rivals Glenmuir High School in their top-of-the-table Zone E clash.

Both teams entered the match with convincing wins from their first two outings, and expectations were high for a close contest, with the winner set to take control of the zone ahead of next week’s second round, where the top two teams will advance.

From the opening whistle, the Winston Nevers-coached Denbigh unit stamped their authority. With lanky goal shooter Chrisana Wignall in brilliant form, they raced to an 8–2 first-quarter lead before stretching the advantage to 18–7 at halftime.

Denbigh continued to dominate after the break. Wignall received strong support in attack from centre, Shodora Neil, and wing attack, Romanique Edwards, while goal defence Symonia Smith anchored a tight defensive unit. The lead grew to 27–11 at the end of the third quarter, and Denbigh closed out the contest comfortably.

With two home games remaining on Thursday against Central High School and Kellits, Denbigh look set to complete the round undefeated and top the group ahead of next week’s second round.

Despite the convincing result, Nevers was not completely satisfied.

“Today was an easy win, but I am not pleased with the passing inside the circle,” he said.

“We have to execute better going into the second round as there will be some good teams there, and it won’t be this easy.”

Yesterday also saw double success for defending junior and senior champions, Holmwood. In junior action, the Carline Graham Powell-coached team had a narrow 29-27 win over Bishop Gibson while the senior team, who are also defending all-island champions, had an overwhelming 83-2 win over their opponents.

While rural netball restarted yesterday after a hiatus caused by the passage of Hurricane Melissa, urban schoolgirl netball began on Monday with several matches.

With the second round slated for next week, José Martí look certain to advance in both the junior and senior categories after convincing wins at home over Excelsior High.

Following defeats earlier in the season to Wolmer’s, the St Catherine-based school remains second in the zone with two teams set to advance. Their junior team got by Excelsior 23-18 before the seniors scored a resounding 51-19 victory.

In the other senior game on Monday, former champions Ardenne blew away Holy Childhood 18-0 while their junior team also notched a 26-12 win.

Urban games also continued yesterday with former champions Gaynstead scoring double wins. Their under-16 team first got by Campion 31-7 before their senior team defeated Immaculate Conception 49-26.

Rural Results

UNDER-19

ST Thomas Technical 22-9 Yallahs

Old Harbour 44-8 Tacky

UNDER-16

Green Pond 24-17 Mt Alvernia

Mt Alvernia 36-2 Muschett

Green Pond 30-9 Muschett

Old Harbour 18-12 Charlemont

Old Harbour 20-5 Tacky

Iona 19-9 St Mary Technical

Iona 23-12 Old Harbour

Urban results

Urban Results

UNDER-16

St Hugh’s 30 – St Andrew Technical 3

Queen’s 45 – St Andrew Technical 32

Mona 26 – Spanish Town 6

St Catherine 20 – Holy Trinity 8

Meadowbrook 27 – Kingston High 4

Meadowbrook 15 – Holy Trinity 10

Jonathon Grant 22-Camperdown 18

Immaculare 27-Edith Dalton James 3

Bridgeport 22-St Jago 13

UNDER-19

Immaculate 26 Kingston Technical 8

Jonathon Grant 27-Camlerdiwn 27

St Jago 39-Bridgeport 26

Penwood 16-Tivoki 13