18 straight for Corinaldi Avenue Primary

Corinaldi Avenue Primary School, for the 18th consecutive year, emerged champions of the 2024 St James Municipal Under-12 Netball Competition at the Montego Bay Boys and Girls Club on Thursday.

In the much-anticipated final, Corinaldi defeated their opponents Irwin Primary School 15-6, to secure the victory. The third-place showdown saw Barracks Road Primary edging out Granville Primary 7-6.

The competition provided exposure, experience and an enhancement to youth development for the young players according to Mayor of Montego Bay Richard Vernon. The St James Municipal Corporation were first-time sponsors.

“The St James Municipal Corporation was happy to sponsor the competition this year. We are as invested in social development as much as we are keen to improve infrastructure and maintain order. It is an excellent competition and deserves the support of citizens who desire a better municipality,” said Vernon.

“The corporation remains positive about the competition’s future prospects. We will review the partnership and explore ways to make it more impactful,” he added.

In the first quarter, Irwin led 3-2, but Corinaldi took charge in the second quarter, outscoring them 4-2.

LEADING SCORER

With a few adjustments made by the coach, the champions trounced their opponents by going on a 9-1 run in the second half. Goal shooter Nasasiah Morris got 13 and was the leading scorer with 41 for the season.

Winning coach Omroy Kerr was overjoyed with his team’s 21st title.

“I think what really gave us the edge was the fact that our girls are a bit fitter. I think they played stronger in the second half and that’s why they managed to win the game,” Kerr said. “The team that prepares to win, will win, and that is what we have been doing over the years. We do a lot of training and get the results.”

Losing coach Kaylalee Malcolm said the team has more work to do.

“Overall, it was good and I think the girls played well. We knew before it wouldn’t be a normal game. We made the necessary game plans and the girls stuck to it most of the time, “ Malcolm told The Gleaner.

In the presentation ceremony, Evanae Henderson was given the Most Valuable Player award for the final, for her exceptional handling of her defensive duties. She was presented with a trophy and a gift package.

Trophies, medals, gift baskets and water bottles were given to first-, second- and third-place winners. First-place also received $15,000, second, $10,000, and third, $7,000. Fourth-place walked away with gift baskets.

For the sectional prizes, the top Primary Exit Profile (PEP) students with the highest scores from different schools will get a $10,000 bursary.