Thu | Mar 28, 2024

Two new champions could be crowned in schools’ lacrosse

Published:Saturday | March 25, 2023 | 1:04 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
Lacrosse players in training at  Jamaica College’s Ashenheim Stadium.
Lacrosse players in training at Jamaica College’s Ashenheim Stadium.

Two new champions could be crowned in the lacrosse schools’ competitions after today’s finals at Wolmer’s Girls.

The boys’ final for the Tiano Cup will be contested between first-time finalists Calabar High and St George’s College at 4 p. m. Before that match defending champions St Hugh’s High and Wolmer’s Girls will square off for the Maroon Cup at 3 p.m.

Dwight Clarke, vice president of the Jamaica Lacrosse Association, says both finals should bring a fitting climax to the season, which he believes has been much improved compared to last year.

However, Kingston College, the winningest school in the competition, were eliminated in the semifinals and he anticipates a humdinger between the Damion McKenzie-coached St George’s and his counterpart Shane Franklyn of Calabar.

The Dale Walker-coached Wolmer’s Girls’ only defeat this season has come at the hands of St Hugh’s, and they are eager to avenge that defeat.

“Calabar are excited to reach the final after so many years of trying. But the trophy has never left North Street since the competition began and they are looking to change that,” Clarke said. “The female final is also going to be a good game. So we expect a good lacrosse weekend as we might have two new champions.”

He noted that participation and the standard of play has improved tremendously since last year and that the aim is just to continue the development.

“We have a lot of new kids, young kids this year for the squads. The numbers have grown in all the teams. Some schools have up to 30-plus players in their squads and we have to limit it to 22 for the match days.

“Lacrosse is growing in the country. The quality is much better and the coaching is also much better.

“We see where the coaches are getting better at what they do and we just have to keep the development going and it will get even better.”

The third-place playoffs between Campion College’s girls and Immaculate Conception High and Kingston College and Wolmer’s Boys begin at 1 p.m.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com