Wolmer’s, Gaynstead claim urban netball titles

Defending champions Wolmer’s Girls’ and Gaynstead High ruled supreme yesterday in the ISSA Urban Schoolgirl junior and senior netball finals at St Andrew High School, scoring exciting wins over their opponents.

In the junior final, Wolmer’s edged Norman Manley High 29-25, while Gaynstead prevailed in overtime against Jose Marti Technical 48-45 in the senior decider.

In the opening game, the Tracy Ann Griffiths-coached Wolmer’s team took early control, racing to a 7-4 lead at the end of the first quarter. However, Norman Manley rallied strongly in the second, outscoring their opponents 7-5 to cut the deficit to a single goal as Wolmer’s led 12-11 at the half.

Despite being at a disadvantage in size, Norman Manley were not fazed and stayed toe to toe throughout the contest. They drew level twice in the third quarter at 14-14 and 15-15, but were eventually overpowered by Wolmer’s superior size, especially inside the goal circle, led by goal shooter Jadeen Frith and goal attack Nia Ashley.

The pint-sized Norman Manley players, led by goal shooter Tanajah Smith, goal attack Tamoy Farqhuarson, and wing attack Gabrielle Dwyer, fought gallantly.

In the end, however, the defending champions prevailed.

Frith was a tower of strength inside the circle for Wolmer’s, scoring 27 goals from 29 attempts. For Norman Manley, Smith netted 19 from 23, while Farqhuarson added six from seven attempts.

Griffiths was pleased with her team’s overall performance.

“This team is less experienced than last year’s, so it was about patience. Norman Manley is a good team and they have gotten the better of us this season, but I’m happy we won when it mattered most. Congratulations to Norman Manley, they played well,” said Griffiths.

Norman Manley coach Wayne Wallace praised the fighting spirit of his players.

“First, congratulations to Wolmer’s. Going up against a quality Wolmer’s team, I must big up my players. They fought hard despite playing without three members who were absent and losing our captain in the third quarter due to injury. I am really proud of them, and we will be back better next year,” Wallace said.

In what was a repeat of the 2022 senior final, Gaynstead entered the contest as clear favourites based on their season-long performances, but they were pushed to the limit by a gallant Jose Marti team. The game going into overtime, Gaynstead were, in fact, forced to come from behind in that overtime period to pull out the 48-45 victory.

Mackayda Thomas led the scoring for the winners with 41 goals from 45 attempts, while Kalee Martin was outstanding for Jose Marti with 42 goals from 43 attempts.

Winning coach Dalton Hinds congratulated his players after the hard-fought victory. “Congratulations to the girls on the win. Jose Marti is a good team and both teams played well. I think a few tactical changes I made late in the game made the difference,” Hinds said.

Jose Marti coach Phillip Pinnock felt inexperience cost his team in the end. “This team is a bit inexperienced and it cost us today, especially in the final seconds of regulation time. Gaynstead is an experienced team that has been to many finals. However, I am extremely proud of my girls,” said Pinnock.

Both Wolmer’s and Gaynstead will be in action in tomorrow ‘s All-Island finals at G.C. Foster College.

At 1 p.m., defending junior champions Wolmer’s will face rural champions Denbigh High, while Gaynstead will meet defending senior champions Holmwood Technical at 2 p.m.