They Beat Manchester High 43-37

The 2021/2022 Inter-secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) rural area under-19 netball title was won by defending champions Holmwood Technical after clobbering Manchester High 43-37 at the latter school’s court.

Both schools, after winning their respective semi-finals last Monday at Manchester school, managed to reach the finals. Manchester held off a late charge from Glenmuir High to win the nail-biting experience 39-37 whereas Holmwood pulverized St Thomas Technical 66-4. Holmwood led at each interim in Thursday’s final.

They were up 9-8 at the conclusion of the first quarter; 21-15 at half-time; and 29-27 at the third quater. Holmwood coach Graham Powell was glad to hold his position. She claimed that this was their 13th triumph since 2005 only losing once to Manchester back in 2016.

How her players pulled away unequivocally during the fourth and final quarter, outscoring Manchester to win comfortably in the end truly awed her.

On Wednesday April 13th, Holmwood are set to clash with urban region victors Gaynstead High in the all-island play-off in Kingston.

Simone Smith, Manchester’s coach, saluted Holmwood on their triumph, but said one reason her group lost the game was due to numerous turnovers.

She further stated that the group did not capitalise on the numerous turnovers and that the shooters were not shooting well thus permitting Holmwood to win.

Jaden Swaby, who scored 36 goals from 41 attempts, and Kadijah Wright, who got seven goals from 13 efforts were the vital scorers for Holmwood.

For Manchester High, Danielle Laidlaw scored 11 times from 15 attempts while Melaine Francis scored 19 goals from 24 attempts. Meanwhile, Glenmuir crushed St Thomas Technical 30-11 during the third-placed play-off.