Munro, Denbigh reign supreme in ISSA U-19 hockey finals
The Inter-secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA)/Jamaica Hockey Federation (JHF) Under-19 Hockey Championships came to a thrilling conclusion on Friday at the Mona Hockey Field with Munro College and Denbigh High claiming the boys’ and girls’ titles, respectively.
In the boys’ final, Munro College edged out Kingston College 2-1 in a game that was filled with excitement and tension as both teams gave it their all.
Ajani Josephs put Munro College ahead just after five minutes, showcasing his impressive skills on the field. However, Kingston College equalised in the 28th minute through Dashsean Gibson, keeping the match intense and unpredictable.
The turning point came in the 50th minute when Izion Fraser scored the winning goal for Munro College. This decisive moment sealed their championship title and left Kingston College in second place.
In the third-place play-off, Denbigh High defeated Jamaica College 2-0, with Jason Channer and Zachery Ebanks scoring for Denbigh. The win solidified Denbigh High’s strong performance in the tournament.
The girls’ final was a closely contested match with Denbigh High dethroning Immaculate Conception via penalty shootout.
Neither team gave an inch, with both sides displaying exceptional skill and determination.
Immaculate Conception took the lead in the 28th minute through Radi-Ann Creary, but Denbigh High refused to back down. Domanique Bartley equalised for Denbigh High in the 48th minute, sending the game into penalties and keeping the people in attendance on the edge of their seats.
In the penalty shootout, Denbigh High emerged victorious, with Jovanna Anderson and Tia Bennett scoring crucial goals. Only Zaria Windros found the net for Immaculate Conception.
In the third-place play-off, St Andrew High defeated Wolmer’s Girls’ 2-1 on penalties after the game ended 0-0. The match was filled with tension and anticipation as both teams fought for the win. Jayanna Hector and Kelsi McCallum scored penalties for St Andrew High, while Christassia Pearce got Wolmer’s Girls’ lone goal.
— Ruddy Allen