Denbigh, Holmwood rule

Rural schools Denbigh High and Holmwood Technical were crowned Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association all-island junior and senior schoolgirl champions, respectively at the finals yesterday at Clarendon Park in May Pen.

In junior action, Denbigh defeated Gaynstead High 31-24, while defending champions Holmwood stopped Camperdown High 43-37 for their ninth title overall.

Goal shooter Tracy-Ann Francis was again the outstanding player for Holmwood with 39 goals from 41 attempts. The rural school dominated their rivals leading 13-8 after the first quarter and 23-17 at half time.

Despite a better third quarter from Camperdown where they outscored Holmwood 11-10 this was not enough as they continued to make careless turnovers which allowed Holmwood to maintain control of the match.

Goal shooter Idara McCarthy with 21 goals from 27 attempts and Ramona Lawrence with 14 from 21 were the leading scorers for Camperdown.

Carlene Graham-Powell, coach of Holmwood, said they were always confident of victory.

"Despite losing several members from last year's winning team, we did not panic as it is all about planning, and we sat down at the start of the season and made our plans and nothing has changed because of the winning attitude of the girls," said Graham-Powell.

"My girls did not play to instructions, especially in the shooting circle where there were too many turnovers,: Camperdown's coach Wayne Stewart said.

He added: Holmwood are a quality team and we cannot make these simple errors and expect to beat them," said a disappointed Stewart.

In the junior final, it was third time lucky for Denbigh after they were beaten by urban champions Queen's for the past two years.

Goal shooter Denay Thomas with 19 goals from 21 attempts top-scored for the winners, while her teammate, goal attack Zandria Cohen, scored a perfect 12 from 12. Gaynstead's goal shooter Kelsey Jonas had 17 from 21.

After seeing her team suffering defeat two years in a row at this stage, it was a relieved coach Janice Walker who spoke about their triumph yesterday.

"The girls came out today and really played at their best, especially in attack. After losing two years in a row, they were determined to get one and they did so in fine style," said Walker.