St. Bess Sledgehammers won their first U19 National Club Championship (NCC) title with a
hard fought 32-20 win over St. Catherine Old Boys Thundercats on Saturday at the UWI
Mona Bowl.
It was Thundercats who started more brightly and pinned the champs in their half for the first
ten minutes. Despite the pressure, it was Sledgehammers who broke the deadlock with tries
from back row Sirrano Smith and speedster Racheed Pencle, one of which was converted
by captain Domique Myers. Thundercats continued to press and were rewarded just before
half time with a converted try from Shamar Smith leaving the score at 10-6 in favour of
Sledgehammers.
In the second half the Sledgehammers took control with two long distance tries, the first by
Pencle who raced in from 40m and the second by center Jaylan Lewis who broke from the
half-line. Myers slotted home two additional goals to seal the 22-6.
Winning Head Coach Kamar Findlay said, “We are excited and happy for the win, especially
for BB Coke High which supports the team and from whom our player’s hail. It was a tough
game against the Thundercats who had several national youth players in their ranks.
We came prepared to counter their forwards in the middle, therefore, we spent the week
working on our defensive line and this paid dividend as we held them to one score. It’s a joy
to bring another title to Junction and to wider St Elizabeth. As the only rugby league team in
the parish, there is always excitement when we do well. This speaks volume for the talent in
the area and we hope to see more young men and women take up rugby league and
express themselves and achieve great things.”
Scorers
St Bess Sledgehammers
Tries: Racheed Pencle (2), Sirrano Smith and Jaylan Lewis; Goals: Domique Myers (3)
St Catherine Old Boys Thundercats
Tries: Shamar Smith; Goals: Shevaughn Smith
In the third-place playoff, Liguanea Dragons defeated Portmore Rugby League Club 12-4. In
the 5 th place ranking game, Western Hyenas were 18-8 winners over Washington Blvd. Bulls.
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