Queen’s too strong for champions St Hugh’s

NEW JUNIOR champions will be crowned in the ISSA urban schoolgirls’ netball competition. In the semifinals at the Leila Robinson Courts yesterday, The Queen’s School got the better of defending St Hugh’s High 16-11 to advance to next Thursday’s final. They will meet Wolmer’s Girls who defeated Jose Marti High 31-22 in the other semifinal.

Defending senior champions St Catherine High stayed on course to retain their title after defeating Jose Marti 36-26 in their semifinal. They will meet 2021 champions Gaynstead High who stopped Norman Manley High 37-23.

The Marvette Anderson-coached Queen’s juniors showed a lot of grit to get by the defending champions. With good defensive work from goalkeeper De-eziah Martin and goal defence Gerlin Barnes they thwarted the many shooting attempts from their opponents.

“I am extremely proud of the girls because it has been a long time since Queen’s have reach this stage. We now have our eyes on the trophy, although we know that Wolmer’s will be a tough team to beat in the final,” said Anderson.

Losing coach Nardia Hanson was very disappointed.

“I thought some of the calls made by the officials unsettled the team but we will be back next year stronger and better,” Hanson said.

Led by excellent shooting from goal shooter Kaelyin Kendra Smith, and good support from centre Gabriella Graham and goalkeeper Ashley Smith, the Tracy Ann Griffiths-coached Wolmer ‘s took control from the first quarter to lead Jose Marti 10-5. They led 13-9 at half-time before taking full control in the third quarter.

Coach Griffiths was delighted with her team’s win.

“I am happy for the girls as they came out and delivered today. They are all members of the under-14 team from last year, so there was no problem with them gelling,” she said.

It was a close affair in the early minutes of the senior match between St Catherine and Jose Marti as the defending champions led 9-8 at the end of the first quarter. However, St Catherine found their best form in the next two quarters to win by 10 at the end.

“Today, the girls started off flat but they picked up later. They need to step up their game for the final as Gaynstead are a quality team,” St Catherine’s coach Phyllis Thompson said.

Norman Manley were blown away by Gaynstead in the preliminary round but the Wayne Wallace-coached team gave a better performance in yesterday’s semifinal. Gaynstead led 9-3, 16-11, 27-16 after the first three quarters.

“I am happy for the girls. It was an ugly win and it was our worst game of the season. However, winning by this margin shows that this is a quality team and we are looking forward to the final,” Gaynstead’s coach Dalton Hinds said.