[dropcap]I[/dropcap]t was Jamaica all the way at this year’s Jean Pierre Caribbean Under 16 Netball Championships, that ended Wednesday evening at the Vigie Multi-Purpose Sports Complex.
Jamaica went undefeated in this tournament plagued by rain from start to finish. Dodging rain drops may have been their biggest challenge, as they easily got past their opponents to clinch the title.
St Lucia which placed second provided the stiffest competition for Jamaica in a game played on Monday but in the end lost 36-21.
It was their only loss of the tournament having registered victories against Dominica 37-14, Trinidad and Tobago (32-19), Grenada 28-22, St Vincent and the Grenadines (47-7) and coming away with a 27-27 tie with Barbados.
The tournament concluded Wednesday with six matches. In games that morning Dominica defeated St Vincent and the Grenadines 20-14, Barbados got past Grenada 31-21 and Jamaica had no trouble demolishing Trinidad and Tobago 38-7.
In matches played that evening, Trinidad and Tobago got back on the winning track edging past Dominica 27-23. St Lucia knowing full well they needed a big score in order to have a chance at second place, put on a terrific display against St Vincent and the Grenadines and trounced them 47-7.
Leading the way was Megan Nestor who connected on 37 from 46 attempts. Teammate Dasha Eugene netted 10 from 18 attempts.
In the second game of the evening and last match of the tournament, Jamaica coasted past Barbados 35-15, which ensured St Lucia a second place finish.
Here are the final point Standings: (1) Jamaica, 30 points; (2) St Lucia, 24 pts; (3) Barbados (23 pts); (4) Trinidad & Tobago, 17 pts; (5) Grenada, 13 pts; (6) Dominica, 7 pts; (7) St Vincent and the Grenadines, 2 pts.
Following the last game of the tournament between Jamaica and Barbados, there was an awards ceremony. Among the special guests in attendance was Prime Minister Allen Chastanet who praised the teams and organizers.
He said: “Let me congratulate all the participating teams it was so nice to have you here in St Lucia. And hope you enjoyed your stay,” he said. “I just want to say how proud we are of all of you and to Jamaica for an incredible effort. Please give my regards your Prime Minister Andrew Holness when you get back.”
While congratulating the organizers specifically the Netball Association and the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, the Prime Minister having witnessed for himself how the inclement weather played havoc with the tournament made the following announcement.
“I want to make a promise that the next time we have a major regional tournament here, that we will have a cover and will have a new surface.”
Following a huge round of applause, President of the Caribbean Netball Association, Rufina Paul couldn’t help but respond to the Prime Minister’s kind gesture.
She said: “Thank you Prime Minister, we will hold you to that the next time we have a major tournament here we will be indoors and on a soft surface. So thank you very much for the promise, we are looking forward to the actual facility being established.”
Following are the various team and individual awards presented: Youngest Player, 11 year old Selena Brown, Grenada; Young Achiever, 16 year old Kereser Augustin; Most Valuable Player St Lucia, Bernet Joseph; Best Uniform Team, Trinidad and Tobago; Most Disciplined Team, St Vincent and the Grenadines; Best Team Spirit, Barbados; Most Improved Team, St Lucia; Country with the Best Goal Average, Jamaica; Most Accurate Shooting Team, Grenada; Best Defending Team, Jamaica; Top 16 recognized players in the Tournament, among them Megan Nestor, St Lucia.
