Denbigh, Excelsior top ISSA all island netball

DENBIGH High and Excelsior High were crowned ISSA all island junior and senior netball champions respectively at Manchester High yesterday.

In the junior final, Denbigh got the better of St Catherine High 27-20 while Excelsior whipped Holmwood 43-32 win for Excelsior in the senior final.

In the feature game, rural champions Holmwood took an early 11-7 lead but Excelsior, led by goal attack Hasana Williams and goal shooter Rocoya Douglas gradually took charge and led 21-17 at half time.

In the second half it was all Excelsior. They increased their lead to 30-24:after three quarters before pulling away in the end for a convincing end.

Williams MVP

Williams who was voted most valuable player, top scored with 31 goals from 38 attempts with Douglas scoring 12 from 16.

Winning coach Christopher Smart said his team played their best netball all season to win the title for the first time.

"They cane into the game very focused and was determined to go all the way. Ball possession was a key for them today and our mid court and our defensive plays were too good," said Smart.

"Our girls were not in the game today. It was a very young team which included four members from last year's junior team," Holmwood's coach Carlene Graham Powell said.

In the junior final, goal shooter Rianna Wisdom with 13 from 22 attempts led the way for Denbigh while goal attack Talia Hunter supported with 11 from 18. For St Catherine goal shooter Talice Redwood had 13 from 17 and goal attack Chevelle Thompson seven from eight. Denbigh's Hunter was voted the most valuable junior player.