The Combermere School, The St Michael School, and Queen’s College were on the winning side on Thursday afternoon when the Under-19 Division of the 2024 Dasani Powerade Barbados Secondary Schools’ Netball League competition got underway.
At their home court in Waterford, the netballers of Combermere made a strong statement with a 24-6 victory over The Lodge School. From the first whistle, Combermere dominated the match. They finished the first quarter 5-1, and hardly allowed the Lodge team room to free their arms inside the shooting circle.
Zakaiya Hunte, playing goal-shooter for Combermere, netted six goals from 14 attempts. Goal-attack Nayeli Yearwood led her team’s charge with an impressive 10 goals from 13 attempts.
Hunte and Yearwood’s dynamic partnership in the shooting circle was key to building Combermere’s lead. Kassidy Layne, who came on later as goal-attack, contributed significantly with seven goals from 11 attempts, while Hailey Roach added one goal to the tally. By halftime, Combermere had surged ahead to 12-2, leaving The Lodge School struggling to catch up.
The Lodge School’s shooters, Samiah Harewood and Caitlyn Boyce, faced a tough time, with Harewood managing just two goals from two attempts, and Boyce adding four goals from four attempts.
Despite their accuracy, The Lodge School found themselves outclassed, trailing 18-4 at the end of the third quarter before Combermere sealed the win.
In Zone Two, The St Michael School sent a clear message with a resounding 37-8 victory against St George Secondary. The game was effectively decided from early, with The St Michael School led 12-1, 20-4 at halftime, and then 25-6 at the end of the third quarter.
SMS goal shooter gets another one over St George’s defence. Photo Credit: Zahir Motara
The girls from Martindales Road showed their superiority in every department. Makel Alleyne was the star of the show, delivering a remarkable 32 goals from 39 attempts in her role as goal-shooter.
Alleyne’s dominant presence in the shooting circle left St George’s defenders with few answers. Supporting her was goal-attack Mahela Blake, who added five goals from eight attempts. Together, Alleyne and Blake orchestrated a smooth attacking flow, keeping St George’s defenders on their heels throughout the match.
St George Secondary’s goal-attack Chelsea Best, put in a good effort, scoring eight goals from 15 attempts, but it wasn’t enough to challenge The St Michael School.
In another exciting Zone Two matchup, Queen’s College claimed a 20-13 victory over The Alleyne School. Leading 5-1 by the end of the first quarter, Queen’s College maintained control 10-1 and 15-4 in the second and third quarters.
Queen’s College goal-shooter Alyssa Davidson scored 11 goals from 18 attempts. Davidson was ably assisted by goal-attack Sienna Boyce, who was perfect on the day, sinking five goals from five attempts.
The Alleyne School mounted a late comeback in the final quarter, narrowing the deficit thanks to some sharp shooting from goal-shooter Nataliyah Bridgemena-Smart, who scored five goals from nine attempts, and goal-attack Jakaira Jones-Smith, added seven goals from nine attempts.
However, Queen’s College’s early lead proved too much to overcome, and they secured a hard-fought win. (AS)
