THE PRIMARY Schools road tennis team title is now in the hands of St Stephen’s.
The first-time finalists smashed their way to the crown during the final of the Cave Shepherd/Berger Paints/A One Supermarkets National Primary Schools Championships while shattering two-time champions St Cyprian’s Boys’ hopes of putting their third consecutive win in the bag.
Battling at Rubis Courts, Brighton, yesterday, St Stephen’s waltzed their way to the title by a 2-0 margin after victories from Azarie Clake, who later also captured the boys’ individual title, and teammate Mikhail Grant-Bennett.
In the opening match, Clarke triumphed over St Cyprian’s Alex Stewart 21-12.
Clarke set out relying on his technique, which hindered Stewart’s attacking play. Although Stewart was able to avoid the sow, he was forced into making a number of unforced errors.
Grant-Bennett started out a bit unsettled, giving away some early points but managed to compose himself to display some outstanding smashes, back-arm shots and solid serves. He locked scores with Mascoll 10-10 and eventually pulled away to win the game 12-16.
Jireh Malcom got a consolation win for St Cyprian’s, beating Rashad Jordan 21-13.
St Alban’s took the third place spot when they defeated Westbury 2-1 with wins from Mekaili Worrell, who trounced Jayden Mayers 21-14, and Nahjae Haynes, who prevailed over Ackeem McCollin 22-20 in a close match. Aaron Weatherhead pipped Nathan Griffith 22-20 for Westbury’s lone win.
Though siblings Ahijah and Kezia Blunt of St Martin’s Mangrove made it to the final they were unable to take home individual trophies, losing their singles final.
Nine-year-old Clarke knocked Ahijah Blunt off his game when he made some impressive shots to win 21-14.
His game on court was characterised by some good serving, a decent back arm and some controlled smashes. Though Blunt took some early pressure he managed to make a great comeback to tie the scores at 10-10.
George Lamming’s Eboni Atherley defeated seven-year-old Kezia Blunt 26-24, 12-21, 21-13 to win the girls’ single crown.
Though small, Blunt showed she wasn’t a pushover but made a number of errors in the decisive third set, which allowed Atherley to walk away with the championship trophy.
Solange Holford defeated Abilla Clarke of St Stephen’s to win the third-place play-off 18-21, 21-18, 21-18 while Nathan King of Blackman Gollop beat Kenan Olliverre of George Lamming 21-12, 21-15 to clinch third place among the boys.
The William Grazette Award went to Grazettes Primary, who were the most organised school during the competition.
