Gaynstead end St Jago unbeaten run

ST JAGO High School’s senior netball team’s dream run in the second round of the Urban ISSA Schoolgirl netball competition came to an end at the Leila Robinson Courts yesterday.

In a top-of-the-table Group 1 match, they were beaten 43-26 by Gaynstead High School, who have one foot in the semi-finals after a perfect run to date.

The Dalton Hinds-coached Gaynstead, who now sit on top of the group with eight points going into their final encounter tomorrow with winless St Andrew High, made what was supposed to be a tough encounter look anything but that.

In the early going, St Jago started off well, goal attack Kevandra Blake and goal shooter Shania Robinson kept things close at five goals apiece.

However, Gaynstead would begin to pull away, ending the first quarter 11-8, before national Under-21 squad members, goal attack Daniella Joseph and goalkeeper Crystal Nicholson took control in the second quarter, helping them outscore St Jago by 12 points to lead 24-12 at the half.

Gaynstead took full control of the next two quarters, ending the third, 31-19, as the les-experienced St Jago continued to make turnovers, allowing for the 17-goal difference at the end.

“I am happy for the win and to be on top of the group. St Jago have a very good set of players but I was always confident that my team would have come out on top,” said Hinds.

St Jago coach Ardene Jones believes her team was let down by numerous turnovers.

“The girls started off well but a bit of nerves came in and we were let down by several careless turnovers. I did not get what I wanted from them today and, in their final game against José Martí, they will have to come out with 150 per cent effort,” said Jones. This is a must-win game, as the winner will advance to the semi-finals.

Jose Marti stayed on course for a semi-final berth after defeating St Hugh’s 40-24 to join St Jago on six points.

St Catherine, led by goal shooter Kellian Hunter, goalkeeper Kaydean Gordon and goal defence Asharee Thomas, scored a resounding 51-11 win over Campion College to stay perfect in Group 2.

The defending champions will end their second round against Norman Manley tomorrow.

Norman Manley will go into the game also unbeaten after defeating Bridgeport 29-17 in their game.

In other senior games yesterday, Tarrant got by St Andrew’s 34-17 and Immaculate Conception stopped Camperdown 28-11.

In junior action, José Martí, Wolmer’s Girls and Queen’s stayed unbeaten going into Friday’s final set of matches.

José Martí got the better of Jonathan Grant 29-17, Wolmer’s stopped St Jago 39-19, and Queen’s dismissed Norman Manley 25-8.

Defending champions St Hugh’s remained second in their group after defeating Immaculate 25-17.

In other junior games, St Catherine won 23-14 over Campion and Clan Carthy and Camperdown played to a 10-10 tie.