Denbigh, Holmwood the queens of all-island netball

DENBIGH High and Holmwood Technical were crowned queens of high school netball yesterday at the GC Foster College Indoor Court.

In the junior final, Denbigh claimed their sixth all-island title after edging defending champions Wolmer’s Girls’ 31-29 in overtime. Holmwood, meanwhile, retained their senior crown to secure a record 13th title after getting past Gaynstead 36-33.

Led by outstanding play from their defensive unit, spearheaded by goal defence Symonie Smith, Denbigh made their presence felt early, taking a 7-5 first-quarter lead before carrying a slim 13-12 advantage into half-time.

The remainder of the game was fiercely contested, as Wolmer’s, led by goal shooter Jadeen Frith and goal attack Nia Ashley Emmanuel – stayed in contention despite strong defensive work from Denbigh’s Smith and goalkeeper Kelsie Reid. Denbigh held an 18-17 lead at the end of the third quarter.

Wolmer’s took the lead for the first time late in the fourth quarter at 22-20, but Denbigh rallied to tie the scores at 24-24, forcing the game into overtime.

Toe to toe

In overtime, Wolmer’s surged to a four-goal lead before Denbigh fought back, with both teams going toe to toe deep into the period. With less than a minute remaining, confusion among the officials caused uncertainty among the players, but once the issue was rectified, Denbigh held on for a two-goal victory.

Goal shooter Chrisada Wignall led the way for Denbigh with 31 goals from 33 attempts. Frith topscored for Wolmer’s with 28 goals from 33 attempts.

“It was a good game. I knew the quality of the Wolmer’s team and we really prepared for them. My goal defence was impressive and she made the difference today,” said winning coach Winston Nevers, who was celebrating his first championship at Denbigh.

Despite failing to retain their title, Wolmer’s coach Tracy Ann Griffiths was proud of her team.

“They played the way I expected them to and stood their ground. I think the mishap by the officials caused them to lose their focus, but congratulations to Denbigh,” said Griffiths.

Excellent passes

In the senior final, Gaynstead and Holmwood traded goals in the opening quarter, ending 8-8, before Gaynstead took a 19-17 lead at half-time.

Holmwood, led by the diminutive Releica Jones at goal attack, were impressive in the third quarter, with Jones delivering excellent passes to goal shooter Syyranna Brown to keep her team in the contest, though Gaynstead still held a 28-25 lead at the break.

Gaynstead maintained their advantage in the final quarter and led 32-31 with less than three minutes remaining. However, known for their fitness and resilience in fourth quarters, Holmwood rallied to take a 33-32 lead before pulling away to win 36-33 and maintain their dominance in high school netball.

Brown topscored for Holmwood with 26 goals from 34 attempts, while Jones, who was named MVP, scored 11 from 16. For Gaynstead, goal shooter McKayda Thomas led with 28 goals from 32 attempts.

Winning coach Carline Graham Powell was emotional after guiding her team to a 13th All-Island title.

“There is something about all-island – I get excited every year when this time comes. This one is special because I have a very young team, including my starting goal shooter who is only 13 years old. I was confident but a bit nervous in the final quarter, though I trusted their fitness and hunger to win,” said Graham Powell.

Gaynstead’s coach Dalton Hinds blamed the umpires for the loss.

“Our players ground it out for three quarters, but when the odds are against you, there’s not much you can do. I also thought we were careless at times,” said Hinds.