Wolmer’s, Holmwood Technical claim all-island netball titles

FIRST-TIME FINALISTS Wolmer’s Girls’ School and defending champions Holmwood Technical delivered commanding performances in yesterday’s ISSA Schoolgirl All-Island Netball finals at the Manchester High School.

In the junior final, the Tracy-Ann Griffiths-coached Wolmer’s overwhelmed last year’s runners-up Holmwood with a convincing 37-25 victory. Later, Holmwood’s senior team secured back-to-back titles, defeating St Catherine High 43-32.

Wolmer’s, making their first-ever all-island appearance, showed no signs of nerves. They quickly took a 4-0 lead before edging Holmwood 8-7 in the first quarter. Goal shooter Kaelyn-Kendra Smith, later named the most valuable player, was unstoppable with 36 goals from 42 attempts.

Wing attack Sha-Maula Hall and goal attack Zoi Chin provided excellent support with precise passes. Wolmer’s extended their lead to 19-13 at halftime and were ahead 27-18 by the third quarter, ultimately winning by 12 goals.

Holmwood’s Syranna Brown contributed 21 goals from 29 attempts in a valiant effort.

Griffiths expressed pride in her team’s triumph: “I am so proud of the girls. This win has been two years in the making and is a foundation for future success.” Holmwood’s coach, Carlene Graham-Powell, acknowledged Wolmer’s superiority: “Inexperience hurt us, and the players panicked. Congratulations to Wolmer’s. They were the better team.”

Determined to salvage pride after their junior team’s loss, Holmwood’s seniors started strong, leading 4-1 early.

St Catherine fought back to tie the first quarter at 5-5 before Holmwood edged ahead 9-7. The closely contested first half ended 19-16 in Holmwood’s favour.

In the third quarter, Holmwood’s National Under-21 representative Jada Ricketts dominated alongside wing attack Romeisha Hudson. Their defence, led by goalkeeper Celina Collins, stifled St Catherine’s lanky shooter, Kaydeen Gordon, helping Holmwood build a 30-23 lead. Spurred by their fans, Holmwood sealed a decisive victory in the final quarter.

Ricketts, named MVP, led with 34 goals from 39 attempts, supported by Reneica Jones with 9 from 13. Gordon scored 26 of St Catherine’s 38 attempts.

Coach Graham-Powell expressed mixed emotions: “We wanted both titles, but I’m grateful for the senior team’s win. The players gave their all.”

St Catherine’s coach, Phyllis Thompson, lamented another loss.

“This is our third consecutive defeat in the final, but I’m proud the girls finished healthy.”