Holmwood’s netballers back in top form

Defending double champions Holmwood Technical closed the preliminary round of the ISSA rural schoolgirls’ netball competition in fine style on Thursday at the Manchester High court scoring impressive wins over the hosts in Zone D action.

In the under-16 matchup both teams were coming off losses to May Day High and needing a victory to book their place in next week’s second round, where the top two teams advance.

In the end, it was an easy win for the Carline Graham-Powell conditioned Holmwood unit, who cruised to a 23-8 victory. They joined May Day at the top of the group after the previously unbeaten school suffered a shock 37-36 defeat by Bishop Gibson High.

With the under-16 team setting the tone, things were even smoother for Holmwood’s under-19 team, the reigning all-island champions. They exploded to a 14-4 first-quarter lead and kept the pressure on throughout, posting quarterly scores of 21-10, 36-15, and 43-22 to finish with a commanding 21-goal winning margin.

Coach Graham-Powell said both squads are well on track to defend their titles.

“I am not surprised by the easy margins from both teams,” she said. “Despite the under-16s losing their first game of the season to May Day, that was only a little slip. I knew they would get better as the season went on.

“For the seniors, even with five members gone from last year’s starting team, I knew there would be no problem advancing to the next round. I am extremely confident this team can go all the way and defend their title.”

Last year’s beaten under-19 finalists, Denbigh High, also ended the preliminary round unbeaten after topping Zone E following a busy home schedule on Thursday.

The Winston Nevers-coached teams rolled to convincing victories across the board. The under-19s crushed Kellits High 68-6 before overpowering Central High 61-4. Their under-16 squad was equally dominant, beating Kellits 67-1 and Central 63-4.