18 hours ago
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TOP-SEEDED SENIOR teams remain on course to advance to the second round of the Urban ISSA Schoolgirl Netball competition, maintaining unbeaten runs in the preliminary round of action.
Former champions Gaynstead High, competing in Zone C, have been the most impressive so far. The Dalton Hinds–coached team recorded the biggest win of the season – and a new competition record – crushing Penwood High 102–1, becoming the first school to surpass the century mark in scoring. They also registered convincing victories of 79–9 over St Jago, 74–4 over Tivoli, and gained points from Bridgeport, who failed to show up for their match.
Eastern-based Camperdown High have also been dominant in Zone D. The Wayne Stewart–coached unit has notched four consecutive wins, defeating St Andrew High, 50–13, Immaculate, 26–23, Kingston Technical, 52–1, and Merle Grove, 38–32.
In Zone A, The Queen’s School, coached by Marvette Anderson, continues to impress with several members of their 2023 championship-winning junior team now stepping into the senior ranks. They edged Norman Manley 39–33 in their opener before outlasting St Hugh’s 42–37. They also gained automatic points from Papine, who failed to turn up for their encounter.
Defending champions St Catherine High, aiming for a remarkable fourth straight title, lead in Zone E. The Phyllis Thompson–coached team from St John’s Road has played one match so far – a commanding 40–8 win over Ardenne High.
Meanwhile, Wolmer’s Girls, under coach Tracy-Ann Griffiths, are showing that last year’s All-Island junior success was no fluke. After their junior team’s impressive 37–25 win over Holmwood Technical in the 2024 final, many of those same players are now starring in the senior ranks. Wolmer’s opened their campaign with a 55–19 rout of Convent of Mercy Academy (Alpha) and followed up with a hard-fought 42–35 victory over a strong José Martí side – sending a strong message to their rivals ahead of the second round.
Raymond Graham
English (US) ·