It was a case of old versus new.
Ten-time champions pitted against first-time finalists.
In the end, St Giles crushed West Terrace’s hopes of capturing their first title when they defeated them 9-6 in a thrilling final of the National Sports Council Pine Hill Dairy Primary Schools Netball Competition yesterday.
Known for their netball dominance after hoisting the cup for seven successive years between 1996 and 2002, St Giles captured their 11th crown and first since 2006 at the Wildey Gymnasium, turning back strong resistance from West Terrace, who are better known for their track and field exploits.
St Giles also extended their dominance to the awards section, winning six of the eight outstanding players’ awards.
The stage was set for an exhilarating showdown from the first centre pass, with both schools scoring their first two attempts, as West Terrace’s goal shooter Xhane Greenidge and St Giles’ goal attack Felicia Miller converted easy opportunities.
However, St Giles’ duo of goal attack Felicia Miller and wing attack Shamya Headley threatened to turn the game on its head with some crisp passes and crafty runs, as their opponents’ nerves became evident.
With West Terrace guilty of committing several turnovers, Miller and Headley were especially dangerous on the counter attack, and this resulted in three unanswered goals, as St Giles opened up a three-goal lead at the half (5-2).
After the break, West Terrace’s track star Leilani Haddock, who was playing goal attack, helped to spearhead a comeback, using her athleticism and speed to intercept several passes, as three straight goals from Greenidge allowed them to even the scores with 6:03 left in the game.
But with the score tied at 6-6, Miller, who was named Finals MVP along with Most Outstanding Goal Attack, and goal defence Leah James would produce a clinical display of goal shooting and technique to help steer their side to victory.
She first received a pinpoint pass from Headley, which she scored to restore her side’s lead, before James intercepted three straight passes, as Ciara Forde and Haddock both tried to force passes inside to the towering Greenidge.
It resulted in Miller scoring the last three of her team’s goals, the last of which put the contest to bed with just 53 seconds remaining. Some members of the West Terrace team broke down in tears at the sound of the final whistle.
Earlier in the third-place play-off, last year’s champions Charles F. Broome blanked Cuthbert Moore 7-0, thanks to Brianna Holder scoring five of her ten attempts and Aaliyah Haynes making two of her five.
St Mary’s were also crowned the team shooting champions, with Half Moon Fort placing second and Lawrence T. Gay Memorial copping third.
