AFTER TWO postponements, due to inclement weather, second-round action in the ISSA Urban Schoolgirl Netball competition started yesterday at the Leila Robinson Courts with matches being played earlier than the norm.

Pride of place yesterday went to former senior champions The Queen’s School, who got by preseason Open Rally champions Jose Marti High School 28-23 in what was a clash of unbeaten teams where both teams dominated their rivals in the preliminary round.

With the majority of their players coming from last year’s successful urban and all-island junior championship team, the young Queen’s team produced a very good display in the battle of unbeaten teams.

José Martí started the faster of the two, taking an 8-3 first-quarter lead, however, Queen’s came roaring back in the second to take a 16-10 lead at the halftime break.

Led by good plays from wing defence, Kiana Goffe, wing attack Teshae Freckleton, and De-eziah Martin, who played both goal keeper and goal defence roles, Queen’s maintained their lead throughout the second half, going into the final quarter 22-14 leaders before closing out the affair.

Queen’s coach, Marvette Anderson, liked what she saw from her team.

“The team played well in parts despite the hot sun at the time of the day, which affected both teams. I was very pleased with how they played, seeing that most of them are playing on the senior team for the first time, and especially young Martin, who returned after an early injury in the game to help the team with some very good defensive plays,” said Anderson.

The performance leaves Anderson cautiously optimistic about her team’s chances this season.

“I think we have a team that can go all the way, but we will be taking it one game at a time,” said Anderson, whose team will play Wolmer’s Girls’ in their next match on Friday.

Last year’s senior beaten finalists, Gaynstead, were also off to a good start, taking care of business against Jonathan Grant, their 42-18 win helping them remain unbeaten this season.

Raymond Graham

Yesterday’s Results

JUNIORS

Wolmer’s 49-14 Vauxhall

Papine 17-14 Alpha

St Catherine 27-19 Jonathon Grant

Gaynstead 28-18 Norman Manley

St Hugh’s 28-13 Jose Marti

SENIORS

Wolmer’s 22-14 Alpha

St Catherine 38-15 Norman Manley

Camperdown 23-15 Vauxhall

Gaynstead 42-18 Jonathon Grant

Queen’s 28-23 José Martí