Rural winners Holmwood Technical are the all-island ISSA/Digicel schoolgirl netball champions after they displayed spectacular conditioning and accuracy in the second half of the one-off final at Manchester High, defeating corporate area champions St Andrew High 40-34. It was dual success for the parish of Manchester, as hosts Manchester High won the all-island junior final 31-27. Manchester won the first quarter 9-8 but trailed 14-15 at half-time. They then took over the game to lead 24-19 in the the third quarter and did not relinquish it. In the feature contest, Holmwood had to do it the hard way. Typical of their performance against Denbigh in the rural senior final last Friday, the Christiana-based school started off slowly. They, however, showed superior fitness and kept their game together once the match entered the crunch phase. Cheered on by the strong support of their parish fans, they eased ahead in the third quarter before pulling away decisively in the fourth and final quarter. Winning coach Carlene Graham-Powell said her team's fitness made the difference. "This is an all-island final with the best of the best so you have to bring something that gives you the edge. We have always produced fit teams. We have observed over the years we can use fitness to win these kind of games." St Andrew led the first quarter 9-8 and kept that lead intact at half-time, with the score at 19-18. It was still anybody's game when the lead changed hands for the first time, and the third quarter ended with Holmwood holding the edge at 27-26. However, Trishana Hanson's pace and determination from centre court and wing attack plus the deadly attacking force of Denene Taylor and Nicole Dixon proved too much for St Andrew. Their own strike force of Tristina Harwood (26 from 33) and Tiffany Clarke (8 from 13), who were quite fluent earlier on, were starved of enough balls to really challenge Holmwood's run in the last quarter and their game was hurt by too many turn-overs in the last quarter. Taylor ended with 30 from 46 attempts and Dixon 10 from 16. Losing coach Jennifer Brown, was not overly disappointed saying her side had exceeded expectations in going so far this season. "I don't think anything can be taken from us. We have been blessed to reach this far and congrats to Holmwood, they were better than us today." Holmwood regain rural netball title Published: Saturday | December 3, 2011 President of the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA), Dr Walton Small (right), presenting the Digicel Trophy to Holmwood Technical's captain Denene Taylor after the school won the senior rural final, beating defending champions Denbigh High 34-30 at Manchester High yesterday. Sharing in the occasion are coach Carlene Graham-Powell (left) and ISSA's chairperson for netball, Angella Chaplin (second left).- photo by Richard Bryan Richard Bryan, Gleaner Writer Holmwood Technical dethroned reigning Digicel/ISSA rural senior netball champions Denbigh High champions 34-30 in a closely fought final at Manchester High yesterday. Denbigh started stronger and led 9-7 after the first quarter. The teams were locked at 18-18 at the half-time interval before Holmwood pulled away 29-23 in a decisive third quarter. The final result was a reversal of last year's final at the same venue, where Denbigh ended Holmwood's five-year run as champions. Carlene Graham-Powell, who has guided Holmwood's netball programme over many years, said the championship was regained utilising the right attitude towards the game. "Last year, we had a strong team ... but the girls did not play as a unit," an usually calm Graham-Powell told The Gleaner . "This year, we have a younger team which works hard and the girls are humble." She also paid tribute to captain Denene Taylor, who netted all but five of their total goals. "We also have a captain who understands teamwork and is humble, and the others feed from that," Graham-Powell said of Taylor, who is a national player. Christine Bartley, coach at Denbigh, said her team failed to rise to the occasion and lost energy in the crucial third quarter. "We had a good chance, but we never played to our best." She admitted the game swung in Holmwood's favour in the third quarter when her team lost energy and failed to keep out Holmwood's pint-sized substitute goal attack Nicole Dixon, who netted five of seven attempts. "We started flat and with not a lot of confidence and realised too late (Dixon's role)," Bartley added. The rivalry is expected to continue as both coaches expect to retain the majority of their starting line-up for next year. In the third-place play-off, Edwin Allen defeated Knox 31-29. Meanwhile, in the junior final, Manchester High defeated Anchovy High 23-17. Holmwood's 'Champs' success comes with high price, says coach PRODUCING a Girls Championships winning team nine years in a row has been both an expensive and challenging venture, according to Holmwood Technical High School girls team coach Maurice Wilson. Wilson, who was a guest presenter at last Friday's Inaugural Annual Coaches Conference put on by the University of Technology's Caribbean School of Sports Sciences at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, said it can cost up to $360,000 per month just to have a team of 40 travel to the various development meets across the island in the build-up to the annual ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys & Girls Athletic Championships. WILSON... teachers can pay a more supportive role in terms of education for the students as everything is left on the coach "And that is basic," Wilson said. He pointed out that transportation costs range between $10,000 and $40,000 per meet depending on the distance the team must travel from their Christiana, Manchester base. In addition, they must provide three meals per day per athlete at a cost of $1,000 each. "The good thing about our programme... we really don't have a budget. We just tag-along," said Wilson, who also conditions GC Foster College's track team. "There's no meagre budget. There's no budget period," he added. Among the challenges to producing elite athletes from a meagre high school budget, which was Wilson's topic, is the inadequacy of training facilities. "Basically we have five hard surface tracks in a population of 2.7 million," he pointed out. Those surfaces include the National Stadium and Stadium East, GC Foster College, Catherine Hall Sports Complex, and the recently laid track at the University of the West Indies in Mona. Many schools have only one school bus to be shared among the various teams that might need to use it. "(And) a lot of times if you're from a very strong tradition in terms of sport itself, the bus driver is very biased because every time it's track and field going out every single week, so there's a real problem in terms of adequate transportation," Wilson noted. Holmwood were especially challenged this last track season as their home ground was under repair and the team needed to travel to Kirkvine three days per week for training. Lack of sufficient gym facilities is another issue. "I don't believe in weight-lifting at a tender age, but I believe having started to approach a mature age of 18 years old and competing against the best in the world, then there needs to be some form of strength training," Wilson stated. Having to pay for accommodation when the team needs to stay overnight in a location and the sore point of extra educational support from teachers, were also among his concerns. "Teachers can pay a more supportive role in terms of education for the students. Everything is left on the coach. They are training and that is why they are not performing." "What about giving some assistance for the performance," Wilson said rhetorically. "The coaches are doing their job in getting optimal performance from the athletes... what about somebody assisting in terms of getting optimal performance from their education." Also lacking was access to the right kind of facilities for rehabilitating injuries athletes suffer. "This in my opinion is very lacking and it is difficult for a lot of teams and a lot of coaches to have access to prevention and rehabilitation of injuries," noted Wilson. "These are challenges that are very prevalent and obvious in our system. We're not expecting anything perfect, but these are problems that we are facing in the system," Wilson concluded. 'This has been the closest Champs' Published: Monday | April 4, 2011 Members of the Holmwood team, along with 'Champsy', the mascot of the meet, celebrate their relay and Champs success at the National Stadium on Saturday. - Ian Allen/Photographer Holmwood coach says margin of victory-loss will be bigger in future Ryon Jones, Gleaner Writer Holmwood Technical High School's girls continued what seem an impregnable dynasty, by bagging their ninth consecutive Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA)/GraceKennedy Boys & Girls' Championships on Saturday night inside the National Stadium. The champions held off the strong challenge of pre-meet favourites Edwin Allen High, who were once again relegated to being bridesmaids. It was, however, not a walk in the park for the Christiana-based school, which was pushed to the wire by long-standing nemesis Edwin Allen and emerged victors by a mere six points, as the final points standing read Holmwood, 326, to Edwin Allen's 320. The mastermind behind Holmwood's success, Maurice Wilson, has pledged that future title races will not be as close. "This has been the closest Championships I have been involved in and this will be the only one this close, as it is either going to be a big victory or a big loss," Wilson pronounced at the end of the four-day battle. journey to the field Leading up to the Championships, Holmwood did not have the services of their field, which saw them having to journey miles to the Kirkvine sports club for training. Wilson believes this fact, combined with Edwin Allen's dogged effort, influenced how close the title race turned out to be. "Edwin Allen had a very competitive team, but also the lack of our training field contributed to this victory being very close. But I must give credit to the Edwin Allen team," expressed Wilson, who said he was keeping his fingers crossed that the school's field will be ready for next season. "There was a committee in place to get our field sorted out and for whatever reason we were not able to use the field for the entire track and field year," Wilson shared. "We are just hoping that the field will be in place for us come September, if the programme is to continue in a progressive manner, because it was extremely difficult for the young ladies and difficult for the coaching staff," he added. Coming into the 52nd Girls' Championships, Edwin Allen were favoured by the pundits to capture their first title, but this only sought to motivate Wilson and his team. "Obviously they (Edwin Allen) were the clear favourites; they had the better all-round team, but I would credit a lot of our success to the coaching staff, headed by Mr Dave Anderson, Mr Kirk Brown, Mr Dwight Jones, medical staff Paul Houghton and manager Chester McCarthy," Wilson outlined. "We have been working together for a couple of years and we have a very cohesive unit and I would want to give this group of persons the credit and also the young ladies. "I also want to make special mention of the Class Four girls as the youngsters really came out and performed extremely well," he added. Wilson is not yet prepared to comment on next season and the prospect of a 10th straight title. "We still have a good team, but we have to make sure we don't get complacent and we have the necessary facilities and equipment in place," Wilson stated. "There are some issues to be sorted out; I am just employed to coach the track team, so I cannot speak to the administration of how and what will happen, but for now we are just trying to enjoy this victory." Holmwood girls triumph again Ryon Jones, Gleaner Writer Holmwood Technical's maroon clad army from Christiana, Manchester yesterday marched away with their ninth consecutive Inter-Secondary School Sports Association (ISSA)/GraceKennedy Girls' Championships title after thwarting the strong challenge of bridesmaids Edwin Allen . In the title race, which went down to the wire, Holmwood Technical amassed a total of 326 points, a mere six ahead of second place Edwin Allen on 320. The top six was rounded off by St Jago High (211.50), Vere Technical (186), Wolmer's Girls (122) and Manchester High (72). Holmwood's Chris-Ann Gordon was one of the stars for her school as she accounted for the record in the Class Two 400 metres. She romped to victory in 51.62 seconds, to better the mark of 52.41 seconds set back in 2004 by Sonita Sutherland, a former Holmwood student. The Vere Technical pair of Olivia James, 52.90, and Shericka Jackson, 52.94, claimed the silver and bronze medals respectively. "First of all I thank God for giving me all the strength and all the endurance to break that record today," Gordon expressed. "It is really not a surprise to me, because I trained very hard this season," she added. The 16-year-old Gordon failed in her bid for a second individual gold medal as Simoya Campbell of Spaldings High, upstaged her in the Class Two 800m. Campbell captured the race in 2:11.24, while Gordon placed second in 2:13.01. Edwin Allen's Marleena Eubanks, 2:14.97, took the bronze. Outstanding Tracey The outstanding Ristanannna Tracey successfully defending her title in the Class One girls 400m racing home in 52.38 seconds. Tracey, competing at her final championships, claimed her third individual gold medal in the Class One 800m, winning in 2:05.95. The minor medals in the Class One girls 400m were captured by Manchester High's Orenthia Bennett, 55.26, and Bellefield's Moya McKenzie 56.10 seconds while Edwin Allen's Desreen Montaque, 2:05.95, and Vere Technical's Chantal Duncan, 2:09.44, copped the silver and bronze medals respectively in the Class One 800m. Holmwood did really well in the relays. They got off to a winning start in the Class One 4x100m crossing the line in 45.50 seconds. Edwin Allen had to settle for second, in 45.77. Holmwood were not represented in the Class Two final, which was won by Vere Technical in 45.61, while St Jago, 46.36, claimed second in and Edwin Allen, 46.46, took third. In the final and decisive event the 4x400m, Vere Technical won in 3:33.17, to eclipse Holmwood 's record of 3:34.35 set back in 2009. More important, Holmwood, 3:36.90, got the better of Edwin Allen, 3:41.26, for the silver. Mild upset There was a mild upset in the Class One girls' 100m hurdles as pre race favourite, St Jago's Tonique Sobah had to settle for second in 13.96 seconds. The gold medal went to Convent of Mercy's Kimberly Golding, 13.93, while St Jago's Anna Kay James, 14.30, claimed the bronze. In Class Two it took a photo finish to separate St Jago's Chrisdale McCarty and last year's CARIFTA champion, St Andrew High's Megan Simmonds. Both stopped the clock at 13.66 seconds. McCarty was adjudged the winner, while Holmwood's Janieve Russell was third in 13.92. Yanique Ellington of Holmwood claimed gold in the Class One girls 200m to go with her silver medal won on the penultimate day in the 100m. Ellington stopped the clock at, 24.10, to beat the Herbert Morrison pair of Remona Burchell, 24.18, and Toveo Jenkins, 24.45. Class Two was won in impressive fashion by Vere Technical's Shericka Jackson, posting a time of 24.06 seconds. Edwin Allen's Claudette Allen, 24.25, and Wolmer's Girls' Cardine Copeland, 24.79, claimed second and third respectively. The girls' 1600 sprint medley open was a cracker, as both winners Holmwood Technical, 4:01.64, and second place finishers St Jago, 4:01.83, dipped under the previous record mark of 4:01.92 set by Holmwood last year. Edwin Allen were third in 4:05.84. Jamaica College, Holmwood rule Champs Published: Sunday | April 3, 2011 Holmwood Technical's girls celebrate their ninth consecutive triumph at the annual ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls' Championships at the National Stadium last night. Holmwood won the girls' title with 326 points, six more than archrivals Edwin Allen High. - Ian Allen/Photographer Andre Lowe, Senior Staff Reporter Jamaica College (JC) and Holmwood Technical High held off strong challenges from main rivals Kingston College and Edwin Allen High respectively to emerge boys and girls' champions on the final day of the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA)/ GraceKennedy 2011 meet at the National Stadium yesterday. It was not a day for the faint of heart. Leads in both the girls' and boys' championships changed regularly throughout the day. The girls' title was only decided in the final event, the 4x400 metres which was won by Vere Technical. Holmwood finished second to clinch the title, their ninth consecutive, with 326 points with Edwin Allen second on 320. JC went into the boys' 4x400 metres with a comfortable lead to end with 280 points, eleven more than Kingston College, Calabar were third on 236, Wolmer's were next on 139 with Munro College fifth on 133. The boys from Old Hope Road who were claiming their first title since 2000 started the day 21 points behind Kingston College, who had been leading the championships since the first day, but managed to produce the goods when it mattered, to stave off the hot pursuit and secure their 21st hold of the title. With the title still on the line before the final event, the 4x400m Open, in true dramatic fashion, the second leg runners for JC and KC collided in each other, resulting in the two finishing at the back of the pack. It didn't matter in the end as JC crowned themselves Champs kingpins. Their authority was underlined in the Class Three 4x100m as they smashed the old mark of 43.04 seconds, to register an impressive 41.21, with KC, 41.43, and Calabar, 41.79, also bettering the old record for their second and third places respectively. Munro won a scintillating Class One 4x100m relay, in a neck-breaking 39.92, ahead of the previously all-dominant St Elizabeth Technical, 40.49, and Bridgeport, 40.53. Sprint medley relay KC, 3:33.17, as expected, won the sprint medley relay, beating Calabar, 3:33.72 and Jamaica College, 3:35.75; JC's strong finish ensuring that KC hearts could not rest in comfort. Ashinia Miller continued Calabar's dominance in the throws when he broke the Class One boys' shot put record with a big 18.98m mark, erasing his former teammate Chad Wright's 18.22m record set last year. Discus record holder and champion Travis Smikle, also from Calabar, was second with 18.08m with Emmanuel Onyia (Munro), 17.70m finishing third. The JC pair of Deshawn Jackson and Devaughn Baker won the Class Two and Three 200m respectively as JC continued their relentless late afternoon assault on the title. Jackson, won his final in 22.06, with Bog Walk's Jevaughn Minzie, 22.26, and St Jago's Kadeesh Willis, 22.49, picking up the other medals. Devaughn Baker (JC) won the Class Three boys 200m in 22.69 ahead of Jordan James (Wolmer's), 22.97, and Raheem Chambers (St Jago), 23.06. In the Class Three boys 400m final, favourite Jordan James (Wolmer's), 50.28, got out quickly and appeared to start tiring at the 200m mark, but recovered with gusto towards the end to steal a win from JC's Devaughn Baker, 50.34, while Calabar's Malcolm Campbell was third in 51.24. After finishing a disappointing fourth last year, Eastern Championships record - holder Javere Bell (Seaforth), 46.54, returned to decimate the field in the Class One final, with his fastest time of the year, while Munro's Waynee Hyman, 47.40, was second with KC's Jovan Williams, 47.60, finishing third. Michael O'Hara (Calabar) continued his impressive championships, building on his 100m triumph by dominating the Class Three 100m hurdles field, stopping the clock at 13.69. O'Hara, who wore a big smile across his face while clearing the last hurdle, was trailed by Wolmer's Jaheel Hyde, 13.93 and St Jago's Jordan Chin, 13.96. Class Two 110m hurdles Tyler Mason (JC) won the Class Two 110m hurdles event in 13.82, just shy of the 13.69 Champs record set in 1999 by Dwayne Robinson. Mason, however, would have probably bettered that mark had he not decided to celebrate before the end of the race. Kemar Williams (Calabar), 14.16, was second with Davion Dennis (STETHS), 14.34 running third. KC's Stefan Fennel has been peerless all season, so it was little surprise when his smooth hurdling gave him an easy win in the Class One final, threatening the meet record with an impressive 13.68 run. In one of the most exciting races at the meet, last year's Class Three champion Kevin Robinson (Foga Road), 1:57.40, produced a late burst to nip 1500m champion Jorel Belfante (Calabar), 1:57.45. JC's Romaine Headman, 1:57.77, was third. 'Holmwood will win number 9' Saturday | March 19, 2011 Holmwood's Chris-Ann Gordon ... is expected to be one of the stars of this year's Boys and Girls' Championships.- file André Lowe, Senior Staff Reporter Like they did last year, several local track and field pundits have dismissed Holmwood Technical's chances of successfully defending their title this year, with Edwin Allen expected in some quarters to finally end the dynasty that is threatening a ninth consecutive lien on the girls' title at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls' Athletics Championships . The Christiana-based school endured a close four days of competition last year to outlast Edwin Allen High in the end, to secure a 15-point triumph inside the National Stadium, beating their rivals 273.33 points to 258 points in the final tally. For Dwight Jones, one of the coaches at the school, there is a familiar air about the mood ahead of this year's championships, and for those that are eyeing their crown, he had this to say. "History will repeat itself, many people thought that we would not win Champs last year and we went and successfully defended our title, and the same thing will happen this year. We are going to Champs to win our ninth title, we are determined," said Jones. big names missing Holmwood would have to continue their push without three of the bigger names in the form of Petra Fanty, Chantae McLean and Sashawna Bennett, who have all moved on. However, with the likes of team captain Janieve Russell and Chris-Ann Gordon marshalling the ranks, Jones reminded everyone that the arsenal is still loaded with explosive talent and that they won't be presenting their title to anyone. "We have a number of girls who could have returned but we have some solid replacements, plus a number of familiar names, and I'm sure that they will do their part to lead us to title number nine," said Jones, who went on to rate his team's level of preparation going into the March 30 to April 2 championships. "With the recent Gibson Relays, based on what we saw, we are pleased. There are still some areas that we need to work on, but with a week and a half or so to go, by Champs we will be more than ready," Jones noted. "We have improved throughout the season, the team is still in its 'getting ready' state, but we have been improving gradually." Relating to the recent Gibson Relays, Holmwood secured three relay victories, each time relegating Edwin Allen into second place. Holmwood captured the Class 3 4x100m in record time, 45.77 seconds to erase the old mark of 46.00 seconds; the Class 1 4x100m in 45.72 and the 4x800m Open in 8:52.33. "This year, the key to reclaiming the championships is to get the young girls to understand that they have a ninth title to win so we have to all go out there and give our best. Once everyone gives their best, then we will be returned as champions," said Jones, who went on to remove the notion of complacency in the camp. "From time to time you may see a little complacency creeping in, but when it comes to Champs these girls know what they have to do and they know how to deliver when it matters most." Holmwood's Thompson stars at Jamaica College meet Published: Sunday | January 9, 2011 Holmwood's Yanique Thompson was in impressive form at yesterday's WATA/JC track and field meet on Old Hope Road, accounting for two of the four records that were broken at press time. Thompson showed excellent early season form in winning the girls' Class Three 80m hurdles event, stopping the clock at 11.58 seconds ahead of Camperdown's Peta-Gaye Williams, 11.74 and Edwin Allen's Tracey May, 12.03. The young Holmwood charge was at it again in the Class Three 100m event where she, along with Glenmuir's Ashley Stephens, posted 11.50 seconds to register the fastest time in the event. Jonielle Smith also dipped below the previous best time of 11.80 seconds, with a 11.63-second run of her own but this was only good enough for third place. World Youth Championships and Central America and Caribbean Games bronze medallist Travis Smikle was also in impressive form, recording a 56.01m throw in the open discus to better the 49.75m that was established by Jason Morgan in 2003. Ashinia Miller, 55.90m, and Odaine Richards, 55.16m, also bettered the old mark for their second and third place, respectively. The meet was not without a bit of controversy, as Edwin Allen's Christianna Williams, running on the downward incline, was clocked at 11.01 seconds in the Class Two 100m, a time that shattered the previous mark of 11.60 seconds by Samantha Henry back in 2005. It was a remarkable run by the former Oracabessa High athlete who led from start to finish in a powerful display. There were, however, several question marks around the legitimacy of the time, but in the end, the timekeepers decided to stand by the mark. Outstanding Manchester High athlete Chanice Porter, who is continuing her recovery from a shin injury, won the Class Two high jump without much fuss at 1.75m before posting the fourth best time in the 100m, 11.97 seconds. Toni-Ann Smith was too quick for the rest in the Class One girls' 100m with a time of 11.87 seconds, which bettered Ackhena Martin's (Tacius Golding) 11.94 seconds and Rochelle Williams' 11.96 seconds. Munro College's Tevin Smith won the Class Two boys' 100m, posting a time of 10.33 seconds ahead of JC's Rohan Walker, 10.44 seconds, and Romano Dixon from Greater Portmore, who ran 10.51 seconds. The Class One boys' 110m hurdles was won by St Jago's Jowayne Moore in 15.11 seconds ahead of Munro's Jevaughn Jackson, 15.16 seconds, and Camperdown's Kemol Burnett, 15.18 seconds. In Class Two hurdles, Kingston College's Levaughn Battick walked away with top honours with a 14.81-second timing. Wolmer's' Oshane Marsh was second in 14.99 seconds, the same time posted by Munro's Rosean Maxwell. It was a St Jago trifecta in the Class One 100m hurdles for girls with former Morant Bay High school standout Tonique Sobah, 14.09 seconds, winning ahead of her teammates Anakay James, 14.56 seconds and Monique Lovelock, 15.75 seconds. Calabar were one-two in the boys' Class One shot put event with Frederick Dacres, 16.78m, outperforming his teammate Oshane Chambers 16.69m with Munro's Rajae Gayle, 15.70m finishing third. Bog Walk's Williamena Williams had a 2:22.23 run in the Class One girls' 800m with Holmwood's Chantalia Watson, 2:22.26 finishing second and Manchester's Nickesha Mitchell rounding off the top three in 2:29.89. Queen's, Denbigh Take Netball Titles Published: Wednesday | December 8, 2010 The Queen's School and Denbigh High are still celebrating after they were crowned national schoolgirls junior and senior champions respectively at the Leila Robinson Courts yesterday. Queen's successfully defended their title handing out a netball lesson to Holmwood in the junior final with a 33-20 victory. In the senior final it was a much closer affair as Denbigh held on for a 24-21 win over St Hugh's High. Holmwood made a flying start as they became the first team to lead Queen's this season as they were up 3-1 after three minutes. However, Queen's soon hit back and the scores were tied 6-6 at the end of the first quarter. With centre Keleisha Hutchinson controlling the game well, urban champions Queen's came into their own during the second quarter as goal shooter Sade French and Khadijah Williams were unstoppable as they led their team to a 15-11 lead at half-time. The winners increased that lead to 22-15 after three quarters and for the remainder of the game the Queen's players showed superior skill, forcing their opponents to make several unforced errors. French led all scorers with 27 from 33 attempts with Williams getting six from 12. Centre Hutchinson was named most valuable player (MVP) for the juniors. Overjoyed Coach Marvette Anderson was overjoyed. "I am very happy for the girls and I cannot find words to describe that happiness as they have worked hard all season and deserve this victory and only losing one game in four years is a true testimony to their success," said Anderson who is also the National Under 21 assistant coach. In the senior final both teams were very guilty of several turnovers. Denbigh led 7-5 at the end of the first quarter and the scores were locked a 11-11 at half time. Both teams continued to make mistakes for the remainder of the game as they found it very difficult to score several easy chances. Urban champions St Hugh's were especially let down by errors from goal shooter Chiquana Reid. Denbigh with their host of supporters spurring them on used that to their advantage and looked the team which wanted it most as they held on to their close 24-21 win. Winning coach Christine Bartley was very elated with her team's success. "This victory is sweet as the girls played according to plan and despite looking a bit nervous at the start they held their own at the end as I reminded them that the last time we won an all-island title was at the same venue in 2006 when we defeated St Andrew High and most of the players were on that team," said Bartley. Denbigh, Holmwood Share Rural Netball Titles Published: Sunday | December 5, 2010 Denbigh High of Clarendon put in a clinical performance last Friday in Mandeville to score a 27-22 victory over defending champions Holmwood Technical of Manchester, and in the process crowned themselves Digicel/ISSA rural senior netball queens. Holmwood had earlier won the junior final battle between the two 23-15, and were banking on taking the double, as they have done for the last couple of years, before a strong show of parish support at Manchester High courts. However, Denbigh had other plans, intentions which were made clear from early, when they made a grand entrance to the playing field, flanked by  cheerleaders , with fans and teammates banging heavy Dutch pot covers. To top things off, they were quite vocal as they did their pre-game physical regiment. At first, this seemed comical for the bulk of fans, who clearly were there to support Holmwood. Holmwood's win in the Juniors, however, kept the Denbigh cheerleaders quiet, but they came alive once the senior final started and the May Pen-based school sank the opening hoops and kept going, to keep a convincing 8-3 lead at the end of the first quarter. smooth  sailing Denbigh sported an all-round game, outmanoeuvring Holmwood in centre court, where they were noticeably weaker. National Under-21 player Denene Taylor tried hard with 17 from 23, but was often starved of enough balls to really pressure Denbigh. There was not sufficient backup , as Shanakay Palmer could only muster five from 10 attempts. It was smooth sailing for Denbigh, who kept the lead throughout. The result was scarcely in doubt as they led 15-9 after the second quarter and 20-15 after the third. In the end, their two national representatives - goal shooter Jelene Graham and  goalkeeper  Crishena Copeland - made the difference. Graham beat all scorers with 21 from 26 while Gevaughn Benjamin was merely a sidekick, sinking six from 14. Holmwood, Denbigh back in final (11-30-2010) IT will be a Holmwood/Denbigh battle for both titles in the Rural Issa/Digicel schoolgirl netball finals on Friday, at Manchester High School, as both teams advanced with semi-final victories yesterday at St Elizabeth Technical High school. Former champions Herbert Morrison were on the receiving end twice, as they were annihilated on both occasions, by the defending champions Holmwood Technical. In the junior game, they were defeated 27-9 followed by a 54-7 whopping in the senior division. Another past champion, Denbigh, also stayed perfect as they first put a halt to Bellefield High 23-16 in junior action, before completing their job with a 29-12 win over Manning's High in the senior game. After putting a halt to the dream run of Bellefield in the first junior semi-final, setting up a rematch with defending champions Holmwood, coach of Denbigh Christine Bartley was very optimistic. "Last year we went into the final against Holmwood where we lost. This time around we are coming to make up for that defeat and the girls will be ready for the occasions. They do not fear Holmwood," she said. "Both teams are very good and I think victory will come to the team that makes the least mistakes in the final," Bartley added. Like they had been doing all season, Holmwood's seniors, who are also the defending All-Island champions, were once again at the best as former champions Manning's had no answer. National-Under 21 goal shooter Deneen Taylor and goal attack Shakaye Palmer received balls with ease inside the goal circle and they were well on target. At the end of the first quarter, the Holmwood team jumped to a 9-2 lead, before increasing the tempo just before half time to lead 22-4. For the remainder of the game the Holmwood girls continued to turn on the pressure and they scored 32 more goals with their opponents just adding three. In the other senior semi-final, it was a bit more competitive, but Denbigh still were able to lead all the way as they led 8-4, 15-7, 22-8 before completing a 29-12 win. Holmwood on a roll in rural netball Published: Friday | November 12, 2010 Holmwood Technical, the defending champions in both the senior and junior categories of the ISSA/Digicel rural schools netball competition, registered two convincing wins in the second round, easily posting victories over Montego Bay High and Mushett High on Tuesday. In matches hosted in Santa Cruz at St Elizabeth Technical (STETHS), Holmwood made light work of Montego Bay High 52-2 in the juniors, before their senior squad completed a demolition job of Mushett High 55-5. In curtain-raisers at the same venue, Herbert Morrison defeated two Manchester-based teams. In the juniors, the former champions edged Bellefield 16-13 before outscoring Porus 29-10 in the seniors. In matches hosted at Brooks Park in Mandeville, Manchester High, who were runners-up to Holmwood in the seniors last year, held on to defeat STETHS 25-23. Manchester led 8-4 after the first quarter and opened up decisively to lead 71-6 at the half-time mark. However, rejuvenated play from the STETHS trio of Latavia Williams (GS), Tashica Hibbert (GA) and Trishna Powell (C) created panic among the Manchester team. In fact, STETHS's late rally produced 17 goals during the second half of the match, to Manchester's conversion of eight. In the juniors, Manchester trailed Black River 3-4 after the first quarter and 6-9 after the second, before the introduction of Trishana Levy at the start of the third saw them rally to 15-12 and finally 20-17. All-girls school Bishop Gibson High made it a good day for the parish, defeating STETHS 17-14 in the juniors. In the final game of the afternoon, deCarteret College and Black River produced an exciting 15-15 tie. Gordon top high school girl at Penns BY PAUL A REID Observer Writer Monday, April 26, 2010 PHILADELPHIA, USA -- Holmwood Technical's Chris-Ann Gordon was yesterday named the High School Girls' Outstanding Relay Athlete of the 2010 Penn Relays after two outstanding anchor legs on winning 4x400m and 4x800m relays on Friday at Franklin Field, University of Pennsylvania. Holmwood swept the three Championship of Americas relays, the 4x800m, 4x100m and 4x400m, for the first time since 2006 after leaving the meet empty-handed last year. Gordon......split 52.8 seconds to anchor the 4x400m relay team The 15-year-old Gordon, who was making her first appearance at the meet, split 52.8 seconds to anchor the 4x400m relay team holding off Edwin Allen's Ristananna Tracey after earlier in the day running 2 minutes 09.95 seconds on the anchor of the 4x800m. Ironically, she was matched against Tracey -- last year's award winner -- in both races, and managed to hold her off. Tracey ran two good races, splitting 2 minutes 06.72 seconds in the 4x800m and had taken over the lead in the 4x400m before Gordon passed her with 150m to go and went on to win. Gordon's win is the 12th for a Jamaican high school girl and third in the last five years. Vere's Inez Turner, who anchored the 1991 4x800m team to 8 minutes 37.71 seconds, then a World Junior Record and still the meet record, won or shared the award a record three times in 1989, 1990 and 1991. Bev McDonald of Vere won the first for the Jamaicans in 1987. Another Vere runner, Claudine Williams, won twice 1992 and 1993; Tanya Jarrett of Manchester High won in 1994; Holmwood's Sheryl Morgan won in 2001, followed by Vere's Simone Facey in 2004 and Sonita Sutherland of Holmwood in 2006. Gordon rallies from surgery to grab MVP award at Penns Published: Monday | April 26, 2010 Holmwood Technical's Chris-ann Gordon sets off on the final leg of the 4x800m high school girls relay at the Penn Relays, University of Pennsylvania, on Friday. - Contributed Raymond Graham, Gleaner Writer HOLMWOOD Technical returned to winning ways at the Penn Relays this year after failing to secure a single win in 2010. They returned with a vengeance as for the third time at this relay carnival, they captured a triple, winning the 4x100, 4x400 and 4x800 metres. They also accomplished this feat in 2001 and 2006. When they captured the triple in those years, they also claimed the MVP award for relays with Sheryl Morgan, the 2001 winner; and Sonita Sutherland, copping the award in 2006. One of the athletes who played a key role in Holmwood's success this year, also walked away with with the MVP award - 15-year-old Chris-ann Gordon - after two brilliant anchor legs on the 4x400 and 4x800 teams. In the 4x400, Gordon ran a 52.8 seconds split as her team won in 3:39.66, while in the 4x800 metres, she clocked 2:09.95 on her leg as Holmwood won in 8:47.73. Second place On both occasions, defending champions Edwin Allen, which had beaten Holmwood in both events in 2009, had to settle for second. Gordon, in a Gleaner exclusive after being notified of her MVP accomplishment, was very elated. "First I would like to thank God, my parents and my coaches, especially Mr Wilson (Maurice), for winning this award. Without them I would not have got the opportunity," said Gordon, who also thanked her teammates who shared victories in both events. "I am happy to know that I was able to compete because I started training only in January instead of September because I had surgery for appendicitis and had to miss the first four months of background training," she pointed out. In fact, her first competition was at the Gibson Relays in February, where she only competed in the 4x400m. Not worried Despite the late start, Gordon who won the class Three 400-800 double at Champs 2009, said she was not worried. "My coach was not rushing me because this was my second year in the class and he was confident that I had the beating of everyone here and they were slowly getting me into shape," said Gordon. She went on to capture three gold medals at this year's championships , repeating her 400-800 success, as well as copping a 4x400 relay victory. Gordon, who attended Clarksonville All-Age in St Ann, stated that she was a long-distance runner at her previous school. "I used to run the long-distance events but when I got recruited to Holmwood Technical I was allowed to compete in the sprints because there were no middle-distance events in this class (four) and coach Wilson told me that I had the potential to do well in the these events and I was allowed to run the 100 and 200 metres," she said. Gordon did not win in her first year in Class Four but since then, she has been unbeaten as the following year she captured both events as a second-year athlete in Class Four. Last year she switched to the 400 and 800 metres and advises her peers to listen to their coaches and be respectful if they want to be successful. She also lists Shericka Williams and Veronica Campbell-Brown as her role models. "I like both athletes because Williams is a very good 400 metres runner and I love this event, while I like Cambbell-Brown because she is very humble,". Gordon, who will celebrate her 16th birthday in September, is now looking forward to the World Junior Championships in July. "At this moment I do not know what my coach will be doing but if I am fit enough to compete I would like to go to the World Junior Championships and at least bring home an individual and a relay medal for my country," said Gordon. Chris-Ann Gordon shines as Holmwood sweep three titles BY PAUL A REID Observer Writer Saturday, April 24, 2010 PHILADELPHIA, USA -- After leaving empty-handed last year, Holmwood Technical girls left Franklin Field with a handful of titles yesterday having swept all their Championships of Americas relay events on the second day of the 116th Penn Relays Carnival here. Led by the indefatigable 15-year-old Chris-Ann Gordon and 14-year-old Diana Johnson, the Maurice Wilson-coached girls won the 4x800m, 4x100m and 4x400m in front of a reported 38,904 spectators, who turned out in brilliant weather yesterday after Thursday's 24,132-strong crowd for a two-day total of 63,036. Anchor leg runner Chris-Ann Gordon salutes the crowd after leading Holmwood Technical to victory in the 4x400m relays and a clean sweep of all three Championships of Americas titles at yesterday's second day of the 116th Penn Relays Carnival in Philadlephia, Pennsylvania. (Photo: Paul Reid) Holmwood, who won the 4x800m in 8 minutes 42.49 seconds, the 4x100m in 45.41 seconds and the 4x400m in 3 minutes 39.66 seconds, were completing their first sweep since 2006. Ironically, although Wilson had refused to take Gordon to the meet last year, she turned out to be the key ingredient running both anchor legs in the longer races, splitting an eye-popping 52.79 seconds in the 4x400m to hold off Edwin Allen's Ristananna Tracey, after running 2 minutes 09.46 seconds to anchor the 4x800m in the morning. Wilson, who has led Holmwood to 16 titles, was calm at the end of the day, telling reporters he was "extremely happy" with the girls' performance and that not winning anything last year "was enough motivation to work hard this year". He added: "We were getting better as Girls' Champs approached, while others were levelling off, and for the first time in three years we actually put in serious preparations after Champs for Penn Relays." The 4x400m win was a fitting end to the day, as Gordon held off Edwin Allen, who were second in 3 minutes 41.04 seconds and Benjamin Cardozo of New York, third in 3 minutes 42.27 seconds. Manchester High and Vere Technical were fourth and fifth, respectively. Allison Daley led off with 57.2 seconds, Janieve Russell ran 53.8 seconds on the second leg, while Petra Fanty split 55.9 seconds. They started the ball rolling in the 4x800m with a commanding display of power running, taking over the race early and never relented, winning their eighth title in the two-mile event. The team of Lovan Palmer, Petrene Plummer, Monique Thompson and Chris-Ann Gordon ran 8 minutes 42.49 seconds, their season-best and the third-fastest time ever at the Penn Relays, only behind Vere Technical's record 8 minutes 37. 71 seconds and Holmwood's 2008 winning time of 8 minutes 41.92 seconds. Despite a gallant 2 minutes 06.72 seconds anchor leg from Ristananna Tracey for defending champions Edwin Allen, the Clarendon school finished a distant second in 8 minutes 47.73 seconds. The team that made one change from the one that ran in Thursday's qualifying heats bringing in Chris-Ann Gordon for Chantae McLean was led off by Palmer, who split 2 minutes 11.77 seconds. The difference came on the second leg when Plummer blitzed a 2-minute, 08.78-second leg, opening an 80m gap over Edwin Allen's Desreen Montaque, who split 2 minutes 16.04 seconds. Thompson's 2 minutes 12.00 seconds and Gordon's 2 minutes 09.95 seconds cruised the final two legs, extending their lead all the time. Assistant coach Dwight Jones told the Observer the girls had run to plan, as they took over the race as planned... "We are more than satisfied with this performance, the girls ran well and we are happy." A few hours later the sprint relay team, anchored by 14-year-old Diana Johnson, ran a modest 45.41 seconds to win, as Jamaican schools occupied the top four places. Herbert Morrison were second in 45.81 seconds, thanks to a fast-finshing Antonique Campbell; Edwin Allen, the fastest qualifiers on Thursday, were third in 45.87 seconds, while The Queen's were fourth in 45.99 seconds and the fifth Jamaican school, Manchester High were seventh in 46.79 seconds. Wilson admitted to reporters that he "expected to win" the 4x100m, but thought it would be a fight to the wire and said the team's experience gave them the edge. Camperdown High were third in the consolation 'small schools' final in 47.05 seconds behind the top American school this year, Junipero Serra of Gardena, California and Ohio's Bishop Hartley, while St Jago were fifth in 47.26 seconds In the lone field event contested national junior record holder Candicea Bernard improved on her second place last year when she won the discus with a brilliant 48.05m mark, to become only the second Jamaican schoolgirl to win the event here after Mannings School's Kamesha Marshall, 10 years ago. The winning distance came in the third round when she was in sixth position after opening up with a 39.12m effort. Vere Technical's Vanessa Levy was second with 44.47m, while Edwin Allen's Sasha-gay Marston was fifth with 42.51m. Holmwood sweep Penns Published: Saturday | April 24, 2010 Holmwood Technical's Chris-ann Gordon runs away from her opponents awaiting the baton during the high school girls' 4x800m relay at the Penn Relays, University of Pennsylvania, yesterday. - Contributed Raymond Graham, Gleaner Writer AFTER failing to win a single event last year, the Maurice Wilson-coached Holmwood Technical girls set the University of Pennsylvania track on fire yesterday as they finished with a perfect relay record at the meet, capturing the 4x100, 4x400 and 4x800 metres events. The Holmwood Technical train started rolling in the first final involving high school teams - the 4x800 metres - as they upset defending champions and favourites, Edwin Allen, on the way to a convincing win. After playing second-fiddle all season to Edwin Allen, Holmwood, led by a brilliant second leg by Petrine Plummer, clocked 2:08.79. Ristananna Tracey ran an excellent anchor leg for Edwin Allen, clocking 2:06.72, but she was left with too much to do, as Chris-ann Gordon piloted Holmwood to victory in 8:42.49. The other members of the winning Holmwood team were Lovan Palmer and Monique Thompson. Edwin Allen ended second in 8:47.73. The quartet of Sherica Moulton, Kadesha Dallas, Yanique Ellington and Diana Johnson on anchor, then made it two from two for Holmwood in the 4x100 as they won in 45.41 seconds. Despite running without one of their top athletes - Remona Burchell, who did not get her visa - Herbert Morrison Technical finished a creditable second in 45.81 seconds. Edwin Allen (45.87) and The Queen's School (45.99) ended third and fourth, respectively, while Manchester High finished seventh in 46.79. In the consolation final for 'small' schools, Camperdown clocked 47.03 seconds for third, while St Jago were fourth in 47.26 seconds. Holmwood closed the day in fine style, as, despite a good challenge from defending champions Edwin Allen, they could not prevent the Christiana-based school from completing the treble as Chris-ann Gordon, with a brilliant anchor leg of 52.79, piloted her team to victory once again. The other members of the winning team were Allison Daley, Jeneive Russell and Petra Fanty. Edwin Allen clocked 3:41.04 for second, while Manchester High were fourth in 3:42.61, with Vere Technical fifth in 3:44.55. Wilson was very pleased with his team's success. "I am extremely happy for the wins as last year we came to the meet and failed to win an event. We were motivated by that so we put in some good work after Champs and were very determined to make up for last year's failures," said Wilson. There were two other success for Jamaican schools yesterday, as Candicea Bernard of St Hugh's and Kemoy Campbell of Bellefield continued their excellent form this season with individual wins. Bernard won the girl's discus with a 48.05-metre throw. Vere's Vanessa Levy was second with 44.47, while Edwin Allen's SashGaye Marston ended fifth. Campbell had Jamaica first-ever success in the high school boys 3000 metres when he clocked 8:20.14 for the win, the fourth-fastest time ever in the event. Awesome Blackwood slams ton to put Holmwood in final Garfield Myers Saturday, April 10, 2010 SANTA CRUZ, St Elizabeth -- A near flawless unbeaten 152 from captain Jermaine Blackwood guided former champions Holmwood Technical High through to next week's final of the all rural ISSA/Grace Headley Cup against defending St Elizabeth Technical High (STETHS) at the Alpart Sports Club. In the semi-final clash at the STETHS Sports Complex yesterday, first century of the schoolboy season helped Holmwood to 348-3 shortly after Lunch in reply to Manchester's 344 all out. With first iinnngs advantage decided, the umpires immediately called a halt to play in the drawn game. Yesterday's third day -- in what was originally scheduled as a two-day affair -- was added to facilitate a result. Blackwood, a classy 17-year-old West Indies and Jamaica Under-19 batsman, shared partnerships of 78 for the third wicket with Aldaine Thomas (19) and an unbroken 105 for the fourth wicket with Shevon Mitchell, not out 38 (five fours, 61 balls), to carry his team home. On a pitch of true bounce and pace, the right-handed Blackwood was never troubled by a feather-weight Manchester bowling attack after resuming from an overnight 45 in partnership with Thomas on zero and the team score at 166-2. By the time the umpires called a halt a few minutes after Lunc he had hit 14 fours and four sixes and faced 170 balls. Holmwood last won the Headley Cup in 2006 and they will be in search of their seventh title when they face STETHS in what should be a grand climax to the rural schoolboy season next Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. STETHS, meantime, overwhelmed Tacky High by an innings and 241 runs in the other semi -final at Chedwin Park on Thursday. Yesterday, Holmwood's coach Orville Pennant who is in search of his first schoolboy title as head coach paid tribute to the proven power of STETHS down the years but also expressed confidence in his team. "It is always a challenge going up against St Elizabeth Technical. When it comes to schoolboy cricket they are the father, but at the same time we (Holmwood) have the team to go out there and beat anybody," he said. Blackwood was similarly confident. "We are mentally prepared for STETHS," he said. For Manchester High, whose score was boosted by an attacking 149 by captain Courtney Allen, the defeat meant double disappointment after being beaten by STETHS in the final of the knock-out competition in early February. Coach Barry Barnes paid high tribute to Holmwood. "We can't take anything away from them, they played really well," he said. He also had high praise for Allen, a Jamaica Under-19 batsman who has now completed his last schoolboy season. "He is not only a good cricketer and team man but a tremendous person and very humble, we will miss him," said Barnes. Holmwood in final Published: Saturday | April 10, 2010 Richard Bryan, Gleaner Writer Jermaine Blackwood produced a herculean knock of 152 at St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) in Santa Cruz yesterday to pilot Holmwood Technical past Manchester High's first innings total and into the Grace/ISSA Headley Cup final . Blackwood, who represented the West Indies at the Under-20 World Cup in New Zealand earlier this year, scored just 14 bondaries while defying spin and pace to get Holmwood comfortably past Manchester's score of 344 for the loss of three wickets. Holmwood resumed on 166 for two, still needing another 177 to decide the game. The semi-final challenge needed a third day's play following protracted play on Wednesday's opening day, when a wet pitch delayed the start until after lunch, and then bad light cut away half-hour. Manchester initially battled the conditions, reaching 80 for two, but slipped to 101 for five. Rearguard action, led by their captain Courtney Allen's innings of 144, had provided hope of reaching their second final of the season. However, Aldane Thomas' wicket for 19 was to be their only success yesterday as the wicket held up well and Chevaughn Mitchell's unyielding support with 36 ensured they will meet their arch-rivals STETHS in the final. Holmwood lose points in Champs recount BY PAUL A REID Observer Writer Wednesday, April 07, 2010 A correction to an error in calculating the points from the girls' heptathlon Open at the ISSA GraceKennedy Girls Athletics Championships has seen a slight change in the margin of victory for Holmwood Technical over Edwin Allen High. Originally Holmwood Technical had been declared winners of their eighth straight title with 273.33 points ahead of Edwin Allen's 258. However, it was discovered that the points for the heptathlon Open that was won by Edwin Allen's Ann Marie Duffus with a personal best 4776 points to beat Tonique Sobah of St Jago, 4742 points, and St Elizabeth Technical's Rochelle Farquharson, 4172. With the additional points, Holmwood -- who collected one extra point from Danielle Newman -- would beat Edwin Allen by 13.33 points -- two less than the original scores. Garth Gayle, general secretary for the Jamaica Amateur Athletics Association (JAAA) who was in charge of the recorders at the four-day meet, acknowledged the mistake last , but was quick to point out it would not have changed the final standings. He explained that the heptathlon, which is normally scored similar to a relay event, with the winners getting 12 points, was instead scored as an individual event and awarded nine points to the winner. A recalculation of the points should also see some changes in the individual points. Duffus, who also scored points in the javelin Open and Class 1 long jump, would now have scored 27 points to tie with Natoya Goule of Manchester High at the top of Class 1, while the two additional points should see St Elizabeth Technical's Farquharson being declared the class champion in Class 2 with 24 points -- one more than Danielle Williams of The Queens School, who had tallied 23 points. However, a number of coaches have questioned the inclusion of points scored in Open events towards the class champions, which they say is a deviation from the norm. Gayle, who was off the island and was due back yesterday, was unavailable for comment. New Points standings HOLMWOOD 274.33 EDWIN ALLEN 261 ST JAGO 183 VERE 158 MANCHESTER 144.83 Wilson contemplates future at Holmwood BY PAUL A REID Observer writer reidp@jamaicaobserver.com Tuesday, March 30, 2010 If Holmwood Technical go on to win Girls' Champs title number nine next year, they could do it without Maurice Wilson, the man behind their success the last eight years. Even before securing their eighth win on Saturday as the ISSA GraceKennedy event drew to a close at the National Stadium, Wilson was already looking ahead and Holmwood, the school he put on the track and field map, was not necessarily in the picture. WILSON... I almost walked away this year. "I almost walked away this year," he told the Observer in an interview. "We need a more cohesive effort from the school community, this is not just about money now, it is about how we build on this success we have been having." Holmwood won the title with 273.33 points, 15.33 more than Edwin Allen, the pre-Champs favourites, who score 258 points, the closest margin in over 15 years and in stark contrast to last year when Holmwood won by nearly 200 points. Holmwood trailed early in the meet and only asserted themselves on the last day and went on to win what Wilson described as "the wickedest one...the sweetest victory". Despite all this, Wilson says they still have too many frustrations and while he paid tribute to Principal Paul Bailey, said more must be done with the facilities if he is to think about continuing. Holmwood's third-placed finish at Central Champs two weeks before Girls' Champs had fed fuel to the fire that their reign was at an end, but Wilson said he was not even on the island then. Wilson had flown to Africa, he said, on personal business. "Normally I would never leave during Central Champs," he said, pointing out the level of frustrations he was feeling about the lack of support. After returning and surveying the situation, he said he rolled up his sleeves and went to work and "a lot of magic happened in these last two weeks" to get his team into a position to defend the title. "I will take a lot of credit for this win," he stated, pointing out he did not delegate as he had in the past, but made sure he touched all bases, spending more personal time with the athletes. He sounded an ominous warning for next year, saying if he is back they could break records for total points. "We have the team now that could double what we have this year,", he boasted, adding he had projected 277 points coming into Champs. If he walks away from the programme he has built, making it into the second most successful in terms of titles won, Wilson mused that he would concentrate on his GC Foster Track Club where he has developed several senior athletes. Victory dance Published: Tuesday | March 30, 2010 Sedricka Lewis (right), teacher at Holmwood Technical, leads the celebrations with a pair of pot covers as the staff and students celebrate their eighth lien on the ISSA/GraceKennedy Girls' Championships inside the school's auditorium in Manchester yesterday. Students of Holmwood Technical High School march through the streets of Christiana, Manchester, yesterday as they celebrate their victory in the 2010 Girls' Athletics Championships. André Lowe, Senior Staff Reporter THEY GATHERED in the town of Christiana, Manchester, as early as mid-morning, hoping to get a glimpse of their Holmwood stars, hoping to join in the revelry of yet another ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls' Championships triumph. After building a Girls' Champs empire with eight victories on the trot, one would almost expect Holmwood's latest success to go by with little or no attention, lost as 'just another trophy'. However, this was not the case yesterday as the celebratory convoy rolled into the bustling town close to noon. Champs still means a lot to this community. They could be heard long before they could be seen. The sound of cheers, horns, whistles and drums flooded the streets of Christiana and soon hundreds of students, teachers, parents and well-wishers, draped in maroon armour, brought traffic to a standstill as they partied like they were winning their first title. Everyone joined in the festivities, from the youngest to the oldest; this means everything to everyone. "Holmwood a whol' a wi team. All who neva go di school support dem cause dem put wi pon di map and wi nah stop seh Holmwood," said taxi operator Bryan Williams. "Dem a real warriors, suh wi love dem and when Champs time come, everybody roun' here back Holmwood to di fullest." The excitement actually started long before with a rally session inside the school's auditorium with visual arts teacher Everard Harriott doubling as MC. The building seemed to burst at the seams with every square inch covered by exuberant students. Pot covers met with deafening effect, a giant Holmwood flag made its rounds throughout the masses, the school band was in full voice as the celebrations took the form of a revival gathering. "A come wi just a come, a come wi just a come and we nuh want nuh 'botheration', whoiee," sang Harriott before calling for a moment of silence for the unsuccessful challenge of rivals Edwin Allen. Their motto, 'Deeds, not words', emblazoned across their chest on T-shirts in what was probably another not-too-subtle message to their rivals. The roof was almost removed from the auditorium when team chef Laurel Green brought out the trophy for all to see, as hundreds of screaming students erupted wildly, perfectly in sync with another round of revival-type singing. This is a proud bunch and school spirit is certainly not in short supply here. "Might as well wi keep di trophy. A fi wi and dem cyaa get it," Harriott exclaimed. Team captain Petra Fanty was very much part of the mix, and the 18-year-old, who has been on six championship teams, was extremely happy with the victory and was pleased with the appreciation shown by her peers. "This means a lot to us. Now we are thinking about the ninth (title). I'm enjoying the celebrations and I feel good that we were able to come out on top and make everyone happy," said Fanty. Her teammate and triple gold medallist Chris-Ann Gordon was equally excited about the activities. "We are glad for this victory. We trained hard and this means a lot to us," Gordon shared. In the meantime, principal Paul Bailey was also elated with the latest victory, describing it as his most precious, considering the problems the team had to endure leading up to the meet. He also credited their success for the general academic improvement that is being enjoyed at the school. "This one was more special because most people expected Edwin Allen to win this one and it was extremely close but the girls dug deep and we feel very good about this one," said Bailey. "This is another major achievement; this is now the eighth time that the girls are winning the Championships and I keep on saying that the fact that they are doing well in sports helps them to do better in academics as well." 'The most satisfying victory' Members of the Holmwood Technical Class Three 4x100m relay team celebrate victory during the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls' Championships at the National Stadium Powerhouse Holmwood Technical claimed their eighth consecutive Girls Champs title on Saturday night inside the National Stadium, after getting the better of pre-meet favourites Edwin Allen in a hot four-day battle that came down to the very end. Holmwood tallied 273.33 points, 15 more than Edwin Allen, 258, who were hunting their first hold on the title. Holmwood's coach, Maurice Wilson, the brains behind the Christiana-based school's seemingly impregnable dynasty, could be thought of as getting somewhat numb to winning national titles. But for him, number eight is the sweetest so far because, as the saying goes, 'the hotter the battle the sweeter the victory'. This is an adage that Wilson subscribes to, especially considering the conviction with which many analysts wrote off their chances to successfully defend their crown. "Most definitely, this is certainly the most satisfying victory for us because, based on the media reports, it seemed as if we did not stand a chance to win this year," said Wilson. "It was probably the first time in five or so years that we were not favoured to win the Champs, and that made it a little difficult to get everyone motivated, especially the youngsters who were somewhat affected by the reports," he added. In all fairness, Holmwood were probably at their weakest this year after losing no fewer than 10 class athletes, who led them to glory last year. However, having seen off the Edwin Allen threat, many now believe that with their crop of talented youngsters maturing and gaining more experience, it is going to take some doing to topple the 'Queenpins' for years to come. "We lost most of our girls for this year's championships so on paper we will have a stronger team next year," Wilson said. "They (media reports) were somewhat justified because we had not been performing consistently throughout the season, so I wouldn't say that the media reports were negative. But they certainly didn't help the confidence of the team. It probably served to motivate the other teams." Strategic shift The coach highlighted a strategic shift which was taken a few weeks ago as a crucial step towards ensuring success this year. "I realised that it was going to be a challenge and that we were in a spot of bother so I made some strategic changes a few weeks before the championships. I did some more personal interaction; I became a lot more hands-on in terms of the preparation of the team. In former years I did a lot more delegating and supervising, but this year I had to get more involved from a personal basis," said Wilson. However, Wilson is not taking anything for granted and has acknowledged that things will not be as easy from this point onwards, as they were last year when his team won by almost 200 points. "It's difficult to say what is going to happen next year because we won by almost 200 points last year, and at that point not a lot of people expected us to win by such a marginal points difference this year, so a lot can change ... I'm sure that the management of Edwin Allen will continue trying, and St Jago is also looking good as well," stated Wilson. While pointing to a complete team effort for the triumph, Wilson singled out sprinter Diana Johnson, middle-distance runners Chris-Ann Gordon and Petrene Plummer, all-rounder Jenieve Russell and team captain Petra Fanty for special mention. However, he is hoping that the team's continued success will result in greater support for their track programme, which manages to reap rich results despite measly resources. "We have done extremely well with what we have, but we need to galvanise enough support so that we can have better physical facilities and equipment for the team. This is something that we must look into," said Wilson. Holmwood hold off Edwin Allen BY PAUL A REID Observer Writer reidp@jamaicaobserver.com Sunday, March 28, 2010 HOLMWOOD Technical won the ISSA GraceKennedy Girls' Championship for the eighth straight year last night after overhauling Edwin Allen High in the closest race in years to prevail by a mere 15 points -- 273.33 to 258. St Jago held onto third place with 180 points. Vere Technical, who set the early pace, were fourth with 158, while Manchester rounded off the top five with 144.83. Samantha Elliott of Immaculate Conception High School wins the Girls Class One 100 metres hurdles in 13.96 seconds at the National Stadium yesterday. At right is Tonique Sobah of St Jago, who placed third. (Photo: Bryan Cummings) EIGHT-IN-A-ROW: Holmwood Technical's victorious mile relay team of (from left) Chris-Ann Gordon, Jeneve Russell, Allison Daley and Petra Fanty display the number eight, representative of their school's consecutive triumphs, on the final day of Champs at the National Stadium last night. Wolmer's Girls' were the top Corporate Area school, finishing sixth with 117 points, while Herbert Morrison were the top western school in seventh place on 80 points -- their best finish ever. Unlike previous years when the fourth day was a romp for the Maurice Wilson-coached Holmwood team, this year they were made to fight for every single point in what Wilson described as "the wickedest one... the sweetest victory". The Championships came down to the 4x400m relay where Holmwood needed to avoid finishing too far behind Edwin Allen as they led by less than nine points entering the event. Holmwood won in 3 minutes 37.52 seconds, while Edwin Allen placed fourth as Vere and Manchester took the silver and bronze. While sitting among a group of his jubilant charges on the warm-up track, Wilson said, "You cannot keep doing the same thing all the time and expect different results". Despite frustrations about the poor facilities his charges were forced to endure as they prepared, Wilson -- who spoke to the Sunday Observer with two events to go in the four-day meet -- said they had to "draw on the ghosts of the great Holmwood athletes of the past to get the girls to rise to the challenge that faced us this week." He praised principal Paul Bailey and his coaching staff for the work done, especially when he was away last month on a trip to Africa while the Central Championship was being contested. Holmwood's relatively poor showing at the regional meet, finishing third, he said, caused some "disrespect" in some areas of the media. "We did not win seven years in a row by accident, and if only for that, we deserved better." Wilson said he would take "a lot of the credit for the win as a lot of magic happened in the last two weeks" to get the team ready to and warned that next year, if he is still at Holmwood, they could create history by amassing over 450 points. It was a stirring battle from the start with the lead changing on a regular basis until Holmwood went to the front midway the proceedings as they scored 41 points from five of six relays to turn the tide at the end. Edwin Allen scored 32 points, also from five of six relays. They were bidding to become the 12th school to win the title since it was first contested in 1957 when St Hilda's won. There were two records yesterday, taking the total to seven over the four days. Holmwood ran 4:01.92 with the team of Kerry-Ann Walker, Kimberly Stevens, Claudette Campbell and Kimberlee Hines, to lower the record in the sprint medley relay from 4:02.41 set by Vere in 2000 while the Edwin Allen Class 4 4x100m team blazed 47.58 seconds to win ahead of Wolmer's Girls' and Hydel. Holmwood won the Class 3 race ahead of Herbert Morrison and Alpha; Herbert Morrison, with a brilliant anchor leg from Seidatha Palmer, won the Class 2 event from Holmwood and The Queen's, while Edwin Allen won Class 1 ahead of Herbert Morrison and Vere. Manchester's middle-distance queen, Natoya Goule, ended her glittering Champs career on a high with three gold medals, adding the 800m and 3,000m to the 1500m won on Friday. Holmwood started the final day's chase with victory in the Class 3 400m where favourite and defending champion, double gold medallist Chris-Ann Gordon, obliged, while teammate Shantae Green was fourth for a total of 14 points. Gordon's 53.62 seconds was slower than the 52.68 recorded last year, while Vere's Yanique McNeil was second in 55.00 and St Jago's Yvonna Grant third in 56.20. She had the fastest time of the day, however, as neither Class 1 nor Class 2 winners ran faster. Edwin Allen's Ristananna Tracey was a surprise winner in Class 1, holding off Friday's 100m champion, Antonique Campbell of Herbert Morrison, on the line to win in 53.85 seconds to 53.91, with Holmwood's Petra Fanty third in 54.61. Vere took gold and silver in the Class 2 event with Shericka Jackson winning in 53.74 ahead of teammate Olivia James, 53.99 and Manchester's Sandrae Farquharson, 54.56. Gordon's second individual gold came in the 800m when she clocked 2:12.03, but Edwin Allen picked up 13 points as Central Champs winner Marleena Eubanks took second in 2:13.55 and Sanikee Gardner third in 2:14.2. Chantal Duncan of Vere won the Class 2 event in 2:11.25 ahead of Holmwood's Petrene Plummer, 2:11.83, and Vere's Taska Johnson, 2:12.07. Manchester's Natoya Goule completed an unbeaten career at Champs by winning the Class 1 800m in 2:06.44 running by herself from the start, clocking 1:00.11 for the first 400m after taking the 1500m in a new record the previous night. Edwin Allen's Ristananna Tracey was second in 2:09.67, with Manchester's Sharlene Brown third in 2:12.75. Goule added the 3000m title for good measure, running 10:28.60 for the seven-and-a-half-lap event for her third gold of the meet. Holmwood's Amoya Bailey was second in 10:33.11, while STETHS' Class 3 standout Alethia McLaughlin was third in 10:33.37. Herbert Morrison's Campbell and Holmwood's Class 3 runner Diana Johnson were sprint double champions, winning the 200m to add to their 100m titles. Campbell produced a stirring stretch drive to edge Diandra Gilbert of The Queen's, who had to settle for the silver again, while Yanique Ellington of Holmwood was third. Campbell, who came off the bend in second behind Gilbert, dropped to fourth before starting her charge with 20 metres to go to clock 23.86 to Gilbert's 23.87, while Ellington ran 24.05 seconds. Johnson repeated her Class 4 double as she clocked 24.21 seconds as Saqukine Cameron of Edwin Allen and Kedisha Dallas repeated their 100m finish for second and third place, respectively, in 24.25 and 24.55. Shericka Jackson of Vere won the Class 2 race in 23.89 as 100m silver medallist Seidatha Palmer of Herbert Morrison was second again in a personal best 24.17, ahead of Edwin Allen's Shawnette Lewin, 24.41 seconds. After two false starts, St Jago's Nattaliah Whyte, who won the silver in the 100m, turned the tables on Wolmer's Girls' Shauna Helps, winning in 24.95 seconds to 25.40 second with long jump champion Amanda Carty of Hydel in third in 25.80 seconds. Immaculate Conception's Samantha Elliott, who won the Class 2 100m hurdles last year, won the Class 1 race in a season best 13.96, relegating Edwin Allen's Nikita Tracey to her second straight silver in 14.28 seconds, while Tonique Sobah, who was second in Class 2 last year, was third in 14.30. The Queen's Danielle Williams won her second gold in less than 24 hours when she took the Class 2 100m hurdles in 13.75 seconds running into a 2.9m/s wind. Williams won the gold in the 100m on Friday and Holmwood's Janieve Russell, who was second in Class 3 last year, settled for the silver in 13.94, with Kimberly Golding of Alpha taking third in 14.07. St Jago's Shenel Francis won the Class 3 80m race in 11.51 ahead of Alpha's Tatiana Wolfe, 11.70, while Vere's Tishanna Monteith was third in 11.78. Holmwood, Vere make strong start Richard Bryan, Star Writer Vere and Holmwood Technical High both made winning starts to their second-round campaign in Group Four of the ISSA Grace/ISSA Headley Cup. The group considered to be the Group of Death, as it also includes last year's beaten finalist Port Antonio and Charlemont, who reached the semi-finals of the Knockout Cup by topping their St Catherine preliminary zone for the first time. Vere toppled Port Antonio High at home in Hayes , Clarendon, while Holmwood journeyed to Charlemont to inflict an even more crushing defeat. strong bowling effort Vere batted first and posted what initially appeared to be a paltry score of 131, compiled in 53 overs. Opener Odane Nembhard top-scored with 38 while there was a valuable 31 from National Under-15 representative Fabian Allen. However, when the Portlanders batted, a strong bowling effort from Atoy Newell, who grabbed 5 for 35, led to their undoing. Except for a valiant 44-run third-wicket partnership between Neville Dour (37) and Orane Hall (35), which took them from 20 for 3 to 64 for 4, no other players reached double figures. They lost wickets regularly to be all out for 103 in 38 overs. Vere's 28-run victory sets up their clash next week in Christiana against Holmwood, who brushed aside Charlemont by five wickets after bowling them out for 98. Takim Lowe (4 for 15), Marlon Gayle (2 for 20) and Onique Robinson (2 for 25) were the main wicket takers. Holmwood not afraid of Edwin challenge Seven-time defending champions Holmwood are in a confident mood ahead of the start of 2010 ISSA GraceKennedy Boys and Girls' Champs, and claim they will not be bothered by an expected challenge from Holmwood. According to Chester McCarthy, the team's manager, while they expected Edwin Allen to do much better than they did last year, the experience of his girls will be too much for their opponents. "If all things remain equal, we will be able to pull off a special Champs 100 victory," said McCarthy, who has been there since Holmwood's first victory in 2003. While admitting Champs will be closer than last year, he believes his Class-Four athletes will determine how close it gets. According to the experts, Edwin Allen should outscore Holmwood in Class Four, but McCarthy believes this is only so because his girls are yet to spark. "I would not say they have a better Class Four than us, but our Class Four right now is not doing what they are supposed to be doing, based on where they are in the training programme," he added. Edwin Allen's coach Michael Dyke, speaking to Star Sports , expressed the belief that if he gets 20-25 points from his Class Four, it would set them up nicely for the win. However, McCarthy doesn't believe Holmwood have to get that much. "If we get as little as 18 points from our Class Four, they will not be able to touch us, we don't have to beat them in Class Four, we just need to get some points. "However, come next week, if they (Class Four) don't lift their game, it's going to make the task a bit more difficult." As for classes two and three, the experts expect Holmwood to outscore Edwin Allen, but Dyke, while admitting they might score marginally less in those classes, does not expect to fall too far behind. untouchable Edwin Allen is top heavy in Class One and are thought to be untouchable, but according to McCarthy, untouchable is not quite the right word. "They have a stronger Class One overall than we do, but I can definitely tell you, our class-one people will be stepping up next week," he said. With Edwin Allen expected to outscore Holmwood in classes one and four and with the table set to turn in classes two and three, the question on everyone's lips is whether the defending champs can weather the storm. McCarthy, however, is not concerned, "we are not worried in any major way about certain things right now, once we get this Class Four to pick up their game, you are going to have a very enjoyable Championships and at the end of it, Holmwood is going to be victorious." As to just how close the Championships will be, McCarthy believes if his Class Four delivers, it will be over before the relays on Saturday. "If we are in all the finals, and they are in all the finals, they are not going to pull it off ahead of all of us ... . Our athletes will step up, and if it comes down to the relays, we will take this Championships," he promised. McCarthy warned that last week's result from Central Champs, which saw Edwin Allen beaten by more than 50 points, should not be used to judge his team. "It's going to come down to the more determined team, and I can tell you we have won at Championships before, Edwin Allen are this scenario ... and it's going to take a lot more than they think to win this Championship," he added. "It's only our Class-Four group that we have that don't know what it takes to win a Championships. Edwin Allen has no clue," said McCarthy. Edwin Allen ready to upstage Holmwood Anthony Foster, Star Writer Michael Dyke, head coach of Edwin Allen doesn't expect seven-time defending champions Holmwood to just 'lay down and die', but he has made it clear that he believes his girls are prepared and ready to dethrone them. "I know they will be fighting very hard, but we are prepared for it," Dyke told Star Sports . "If you are going on to the battlefield, you have to be prepared and I think the girls are ready for any challenge." Several track and field pundits expect Edwin Allen to score a narrow win over Holmwood, who still have a hand on the trophy. However, the real question for Edwin Allen, a school who has never won the title, is will they be able to handle the pressure headed down the stretch. But Dyke has no such concerns and not only believes that his team are ready to deliver but that the tag of favourites serves as added motivation for the girls. "I think they are highly motivated, ready to take their first Championship and if it is God's will, then we will definitely do it." "I know they are ready mentally and physically ready. They are capable of dealing with the kind of publicity they are getting," said Dyke. Penn Relays According to the coach work started from last year's Penn Relays, where the team won two Championship of America titles, 4x400m and 4x800m. In regard to the quality of the team Edwin Allen have, many say it is their best ever, a statement Dyke agreed with. "It's our strongest team, which gives us our best chance." Edwin Allen with the Tracey sisters, Nikita and Ristananna, Amoy Blake, Anmarie Duffus, Shashawna Ffrench, and Mackola Joseph are top heavy in Class One, and along with Class Four, they are expected to outscore Holmwood in these areas. However, on the flip side, Holmwood should outscore Edwin Allen in classes two and three, but Dyke, like the experts believe it should not be by too far. "In some events we know Holmwood will be stronger in those classes, but have ensured that we also have strong events in those classes as well. In areas like the middle distance, we know we definitely can outscore them," said Dyke. He also expects the team to do well in the vertical jumps and throws. Dyke also expects a strong showing from his Class Four athletes. "We expect them to contribute to our success and they are doing pretty well at the moment and we expect them to score a minimum 20-25, which would really give us a cushion. "So if those classes do what we expect them to do, then I think the Class One will just top it off for us," he added. So with less than a week to go, the coach believes it's just about putting on finishing touches and giving the girls enough rest ahead of a four-day battle for their school. Holmwood top money list in Milo Junior Grand Prix BY PAUL A REID Observer writer Tuesday, March 16, 2010 ANGELS, St Catherine -- Holmwood Technical High topped the money list by winning $157,000 as the second Milo Junior Grand Prix series came to an end at the GC Foster Classic at Angels, St Catherine. Holmwood, who won the boys' 4x800m section with 68 points, also finished in the top three in the other three sections to take the largest share of the $500,000 prize offered by the sponsors. Edwin Allen High, who took the girls' 4x800m section with a perfect 72 points in the six-meet series and were second in the 4x400m, will collect $105,000, while Manchester High get $92,000. Munro College, who won the boys' 4x400m section and Wolmer's Boys', who were third, became the first non-central Jamaica-based institutions to win money in the series. Last year the series was dominated by central-based schools that took all the prizes. The pay out last year saw Manchester High winning $250,000; Holmwood won $150,000 and Edwin Allen, $100,000. On Saturday, Edwin Allen completed the perfect season in the 4x800m, winning in 8 minutes 58.51 seconds, beating Manchester High, 9 minutes 08.10 seconds, and Holmwood Technical, 9 minutes 14.94 seconds. The Michael Dyke-coached team also won the 4x400m in 3 minutes 42.95 seconds ahead of Holmwood and Manchester High. Tacius Golding won the boys' 4x800 in a mild upset over Holmwood, winning in 7 minutes 55.82 seconds. Holmwood were second in 7 minutes 59.21 seconds and Bellefield third in 7 minutes 59.53 seconds. Wolmer's Boys' took the 4x400m section and despite being third across the line, were the highest-placed high school team in 3 minutes 21.37 seconds, followed by Holmwood and Munro College. Points standing 4x800M girls -- Edwin Allen, 72, Manchester, 54 and Holmwood, 54 4x800M boys -- Holmwood, 68, Bellefield, 36 and Tacius Golding, 29 4x400M girls -- Manchester, 66, Edwin Allen, 56 and Holmwood, 49 4x400M boys -- Munro, 50, Holmwood, 37 and Wolmer's, 30 Cash payout (total prize money -- $500,000): Holmwood -- $157,500 Edwin Allen -- $105,000 Manchester -- $92,500 Munro -- $60,000 Bellefield -- $40,000 Tacius Golding -- $25,000 Wolmer's -- $20,000 Holmwood looks to clamp down on indiscipline Holmwood Technical coach Maurice Wilson has disclosed that attitudinal problems could lead to his team not fielding their strongest Class One 4x100m team at tomorrow's Gibson Relays. "There may be one or two persons who might not run because of attitude problems," Wilson told Star Sports . The coach made it clear that he hoped such a move would "show the youngsters that we are not in the business of winning at all cost". "The possibility exists that we might not field our strongest team, because we are not going to compromise certain principles," Wilson added "We refuse to compromise on certain principles just to win a particular race." Wilson maintains that in addition to track and field it is important for his wards to see the bigger picture. "We are trying to let persons understand that there is a lot more values to be taken from life, than just to win," said Wilson, who has guided Holmwood to seven-straight Girls' Champs titles. "If persons are not willing to adhere to the rules and regulations, then they are not going to run." A final decision on the team the coach said will be made by tomorrow. Shericka Moulton, Yanique Ellington, Samantha Woodburn, Nickeisha Beaumont, Petra Fanty and Arnella Livingston are considered to be the big names on Holmwood's 4x100m team. Holmwood will win again - McLaughlin Anneisha McLaughlin, World Championships 200m finalist, addresses students at her alma mater, Holmwood Technical High School, during The MVP Track & Field Club star and former Holmwood Technical standout, Anneisha McLaughlin, returned to her alma mater yesterday during The Gleaner 'Champs 100' Tour to offer a pep-talk to the seven-time ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls' Championships victors. McLaughlin, who sped to a personal-best 22.5 seconds in the 200m at last year's IAAF World Championships in Berlin, Germany, believes that the Manchester-based school will once again defend their title at this year's centenary staging of the highly respected meet. Said McLaughlin: "We are definitely going to bring home the eight htitle, I have no doubts about that." Championship team The 24-year-old acknowledged the threat of the likes of Edwin Allen, but believes that her alma mater's Champs experience will see them through in the end. "Holmwood have been known to produce on the day, we are a championship team so I'm not too worried. We always produce when it matters most," said McLaughlin. The young sprinter, who was recently identified by the Inter-Secondary Schools Sport Association as the most successful female athlete of the last decade, stressed the importance of balancing a solid educational background with other pursuits in life. "Work hard to achieve your goals. At times, things may not go the way you want them to but don't give up, just go back to the drawing board and continue to work towards your dreams," McLaughlin urged the attentive students who packed inside the school's auditorium. The 'Champs 100' Tour is being staged in partnership with GraceKennedy, VMBS and LIME in celebration of 100 years of local high-school athletics competition and will continue tomorrow at St Jago High School. Yohan Blake and Markino Buckley have been confirmed for the St Jago leg Queen's, Holmwood win in All-Island netball finals Brave St Hugh's pipped for Senior crown BY OSHANE TOBIAS Observer writer Friday, December 11, 2009 THE Queens School and Holmwood Technical High were crowned respective Junior and Senior Digicel/ISSA All-Island netball champions at Clarendon Park yesterday. The Queen's got past Holmwood, 34-20, in the Junior decider, while it needed extra-time for Holmwood to defeat St Hugh's, 35-31, in the Senior section. The Queen's were winning their second title at this level after victories in 2006, while for Holmwood, it was their fifth consecutive Senior crown. A victorious Queen's squad accepts the All-Island Junior League netball trophy from representatives of sponsors Digicel and ISSA after defeating Holmwood Technical, 34-20, in the final at Clarendon Park yesterday. Holmwood Technical High crowned Senior Digicel/ISSA All-Island netball champions at Clarendon Park yesterday In the Junior final, The Queen's were too hot for Holmwood and dominated the entire match. They led 8-6 at the first interval after coming from two goals down. They went on to dominate the second quarter and took a five-point lead at half-time, 16-11. From here on it was clear that Holmwood had no answer for The Queen's pair of Sade Ffrench -- who shot a game-high 21 points -- and Khadijah Williams (13), as they closed out the third period with an eight point lead, 25-27. At this point, the Holmwood team had already conceded defeat. Winning coach Marvette Anderson told the Observer that it was their hard work and dedication that led to their success. "We have been working at it all year long. In fact, from last year when we lost the Urban finals we made a pledge that we were going to go all the way, and this is what happened today," she said. The Senior League decider was a game to be remembered, as both teams exchanged the lead at various times throughout the match. It was Urban Area champions St Hugh's who took an early 2-0 lead in the first quarter, but numerous turnovers saw them being held to a 6-6 stalemate at the end of the first break. They however came out looking ominous in the second period and deservedly took that quarter, 16-11. The defending champions Holmwood would however, turn up the tempo and came out firing -- scoring five unanswered goals in the first two minutes before taking the third quarter, 22-20. Both teams then traded the lead in the fourth quarter which ended 28-28. In the five minute extra-time period, the Manchester-based school showed why they are the defending champions, outscoring their counterparts 7-3, with national junior representative Deneen Taylor shooting a match-high 32 points. St Hugh's Chiquana Reid scored 20 points, while Desrene Brown had 10. Holmwood's Carline Graham said it was a bitter-sweet feeling, having not completed the double. In the end she was proud of her troops, however. "I'm elated; we'ave been working all year long and we decided that we were coming out here to defend our title. Being down, we were not worried because we knew that there was a lot of time to go. In the end both the Juniors and the Seniors did well", said Graham. A victorious Holmwood Technical Senior League squad receives the All-Island netball trophy from representatives of sponsors Digicel and ISSA after defeating St Hugh's, 35-31, in the final at Clarendon Park yesterday. Holmwood meet Urban champs in finals BY GERALD REID Observer writer Thursday, December 10, 2009 RURAL Area champions Holmwood Technical will seek their third and fourth titles this season when they face Urban Area champions The Queen's and St Hugh's in the Digicel/ISSA All-Island Junior and Senior showdown, respectively, this afternoon at the Juici Patties Complex in Clarendon Park at 2:00 pm. A new champion is expected to be crowned in the Juniors as last year's champions Herbert Morrison were eliminated in the semi-finals, while Holmwood will defend their All-Island National Senior League title. Action begins with Urban champs The Queen's versus Rural Area winners Holmwood, while defending Rural and All-Island champions Holmwood meet their Urban counterparts St Hugh's in the Senior final at 3:00. The Queen's will be making their third attempts at the national Junior title after victories in 2006 and defeat in 200, while it's a first attempt for Holmwood at this level. Holmwood are hunting a fifth straight National Senior crown, while St Hugh's are yet to taste victory in this category despite several attempts. Coach of Holmwood, Carline Graham, said the Juniors are facing a gritty team in The Queen's. "They're a very good team and I have seen them in action already. My players have the ability to match our opponents and they will be going all out to emerge winners and I think if they play their best can pull it off," she said. Said Graham of St Hugh's: "I've not seen them play this season, but they would have to work very hard to dethrone us of the Senior title. They need to be at their utmost best as Holmwood are raring to go and are also very confident of retaining the title." According to St Hugh's coach Phillip St Marie, "I've seen Holmwood in action this season and they look a very strong team. We'll not be casing them as they are very strong on their legs. The team that produces the least turnovers and also capitalises on their centre passes should emerge winners." The St Hugh's coach said his team will stick to their game plan and concentrate on producing more accurate passes to contain the defending champions. "We're seeking our second All-Island triumph," said Queen's coach Marvette Anderson. "Our chances are also very good and it should be a very interesting and exciting showdown with Holmwood." Manchester, Holmwood in Rural netball clash BY GERALD REID Observer Writer Friday, December 04, 2009 MANCHESTER High will make their first appearance in the Digicel/ISSA Rural Area Senior League final when they challenge defending champions Holmwood Technical this afternoon at the Clarendon Park Court in Clarendon, starting at 2:30. Meanwhile, the Junior final will be contested by Holmwood and Denbigh High at 1:45. Holmwood reached the final by defeating Kemp's Hill, 45-15, while Manchester turned back Titchfield, 26-23, in the Senior League semis on Tuesday. In the Junior League semis, Holmwood beat Manchester, 30-12, while Denbigh topped Glenmuir, 16-15. The big game, however, is expected to be the Senior League showdown clash where Manchester will be seeking to create history by winning their first ever netball title. Carlene Graham, coach of Holmwood, has won the Senior League title for the past four years and is gunning for her fifth triumph. Unbeaten leading up to the final, Graham would like to end the Rural Area competition in similar fashion. According to Graham, Holmwood have played Manchester more than once this season. "We've played them in the Rural Schools Rally final and we have won, and also played them in a few practice matches (but) I'll not be taking any chances with Manchester as they have players who can play as the ball is round. It is not to say I am scared but I have seen and played against teams over the years that are much stronger," Graham said. Holmwood boast National Under-16 players in Shantel Campbell at centre and goalkeeper Vangellee Williams, while shooters Deneen Taylor and Priscilla Taylor should also feature prominently. For Manchester to create an upset, they will have to produce their very performance against a team that has scored over 40 and 50 goals against all their opponents. Manchester's coach Simone Smith said the match should be a tough one. "We'll be playing our own style and try not to follow Holmwood's style of play as it would throw the team strategy off. We've been to the Senior League final before and hoping for a good performance from my players. "Both of us are coming to win, but the players are coming up against a more experienced aggregation and it won't be easy," Smith conceded. In the Junior League final, Holmwood enter unbeaten and have been winning their matches quite comfortably. Denbigh, on the other hand, have been finding it hard to defeat their opponents by a solid margin. Graham said this should be a close game as Denbigh have previously won the championship and should not be taken lightly. "Denbigh has a fairly good team and the team that produces the least mistakes on the day should eventually come out winners," said Graham, who thinks the last quarter of the match could determine the winners. Denbigh's coach Christine Bartley said the team has a very good chance of winning and it all depends on who wants it most. She admitted that Holmwood are a good team, but said Denbigh have the ability to go all the way and come out victorious. Meanwhile, the third- and fourth-place play-offs are scheduled for noon between Manchester and Gleumuir in the Juniors and Titchfield and Kemp's Hill in the Seniors. Top teams into ISSA Rural Area quarters BY GERALD REID Observer writer Sunday, November 22, 2009 DEFENDING champions Holmwood Technical, Denbigh, Manchester High and Tacius Golding advanced to the quarter-final round of the Digicel/ISSA Rural high schools Senior League netball competition after convincing wins last Friday. All four teams won their respective groups with maximum 10 points. The quarter-finals, to be played on a knock-out basis, is scheduled for this Tuesday. Holmwood easily captured Group 4; Denbigh took Group1; Tacius Golding topped Group 3, while Manchester grabbed Group 2. Second place in all four groups are yet to be decided as it is considered very close on points with the other teams and goal average might have to be used to determined the runners-up who will also advanced to the quarter-final knockout stage. Meanwhile, in the Juniors, Denbigh and Holmwood are the first two quarter-finalist as they have won all their five games in their respective groups. Denbigh won Group 1 while Holmwood captured Group 4. Again, Groups 2 and 3 are very close to decide who go through with the winners of each group and the runners-up. Defending Junior League champions Hedrbert Morrison could be in danger of not reaching the quarter-finals as they might have to await goal difference with other teams. In results of Senior League games played last Friday, Holmwood hammered Clarendon College 45-11; Denbigh defeated Bishop Gibson 39-24; Manchester outscored Kemp's Hill 34-23; Tacius Golding defeated Tacky 34-13; St. Elizabeth Technical beat Anchovy 32-18; Manning's cruised past St. Hilda's 36-7; Edwin Allen outscored Belair 26-19; Frome got past Hampton 28-25; Williams Knibb defeated Seaforth 21-8; Charlemont neat St Mary 41-31 while Titichfield outscored Herbert Morrison, 25-19. Results of Junior League games played last Friday were: Holmwood crushed Clarendon 43-7; Denbigh defeated May Day 239; Manning's outscored STETHS 26-13; Glenmuir surprised Manchester 19-15; Bellefield edged Edwin Allen 18-17; Frome whipped Aabuthnott Gallimore 34-7; Guy's Hill beat St Mary High 18-15, while Titchfield beat Montego Bay 16-13. Holmwood, Denbigh remain unbeaten in Digicel schools netball BY GERALD REID Observer writer Wednesday, November 18, 2009 DEFENDING champions Holmwood Technical and Denbigh High continued on their winning ways as the 2009 Digicel/ISSA Rural Area High Schoolgirls Senior League continued last Friday. Holmwood's Senior League team defeated Titchfield High 38-13 to make it three wins from as many starts to lead Group Four in the second round, while Denbigh also registered their third straight win from as many outings by crushing Hampton High School 59-13. Holmwood's next game is today against St Mary High both in the Junior and Senior League. Denbigh last won the Senior League title in 2005 and were the All-Island Junior League champions. Holmwood also continued their unbeaten run in the Junior League with a 30-20 win over Titchfield, while Denbigh won 19-6 over St Elizabeth Technical (STETHS). Other winners in the Senior League were Manchester High, who registered an easy 46-20 victory over Manning's High; Herbert Morrison came out with a convincing 35-20 win over Charlemont High; St Hilda's High got past Anchovy High 28-26; Bishop Gibson defeated Irwin High 39-25; Edwin Allen High beat Tacky High 22-13; Tacius Golding were 26-23 winners over William Knibb High; Clarendon College got the better of St Mary High 23-19; Frome Technical defeated Albert Town High 21-7; Kemp's High Hill outscored STETHS 19-15, while Belair High and Seaforth High played to a 23-23 draw. Meanwhile, the other winners in the Junior League were Glenmuir High, who defeated Black River High 29-19; Manning's High beat Ocho Rios High 23-13; St Mary High beat Clarendon College 26-6; Guy's Hill High defeated Montego Bay High 23-17; defending champions Herbert Morrison got past Charlemont 17-15; Manchester High edged past Frome Technical 18-16; Anchovy High beat May Day High 17-9. The Junior and Senior Leagues continue today. In Junior action, Anchovy vs STETHS at Rusea's; Islington vs Bellefield at Buckfield at 10:00 am; defending champions Herbert Morrison vs Edwin Allen at Kaiser at 10:30 am; Ocho Rios vs May Day; St Mary High vs Holmwood Technical at GC Foster College at 11:00 am; Denbigh vs Manning's at 11:20 am; Titchfield vs Guy's High at Buckfield; Montego Bay High vs Clarendon College at Kaiser at noon; Frome Technical vs Black River High at Rusea's; Aabuthnott Gallimore vs Manchester at Buckfield at 12:45 pm. In Senior action, Kemp's Hill High vs Anchovy at Rusea's at 10:45 am; Titchfield vs Charlemont at Buckfield; William Knibb vs Edwin Allen at Kaiser at 11:15 am; Albert Town vs Bishop Gibson at Brook's Park at 11:30 am; Tacky vs Belair at GC Foster College; St Mary High vs defending champions Holmwood at GC Foster College at 11:45 am; Manning's vs STETHS at Rusea's at noon; Seaforth vs Tacius Golding at GC Foster College at 12:30 pm; Denbigh vs Frome Technical at Rusea's; St Hilda's vs Manchester High at Buckfield at 1:30 pm. Holmwood Athletes Overseas FORMER Girls' Championship stars Holmwood Technical's Keno Heaven and Petrona Layne of Vere Technical played important roles recently in helping New Mexico Junior College in the United States to a good second-place finish at the Texas Technical Cross Country meet in Lubbock, Texas. Competing alongside NCAA Division-One teams, New Mexico amassed 199 points to finish second behind home team Texas Technical which had a total of 180 points . The 5K course was won in 17 minutes 14 seconds by Caroline Jepleting of New Mexico. It was a school record for the Kenyan-born athlete and it also ranked her as one of the top collegiate runners in the nation . It was the best-ever placing by New Mexico at a cross country meet and Layne, a sophomore who represented Jamaica at the Carifta Games finished 26th overall in 21 minutes 03 seconds. Heaven, one of four former Holmwood Technical athletes at the institution, had a finishing time of 22 minutes 34 seconds in her first competition for her new school. Heaven, who was a second-place finisher behind Manchester High's Natoya Goule at this year's Boys and Girls' Championships in both the 800 and 1500 metres events, is a freshman at the college. The other three Holmwood Technical athletes at the college, all freshmen, are Trudy Ann McLean, Loriann Clarke and Christina Bennett. Holmwood athlete sparkles in CSEC Published: Sunday | September 20, 2009 Anthony Foster, Gleaner Writer Shantea McLean ... a star on and off the track. - PHOTO BY Anthony Foster THERE WERE YEARS when Shantea McLean would turn up at Girls' Championships and leave with two or more gold medals. However, in preparation for the 2009 championships, the young Holmwood Technical middle distance athlete decided to give up hard, intense training and spend the extra hours burning the midnight oil instead as she prepared for her Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations. The results were marvellous. In one shot, McLean, who identified mathematics as her favourite subject, has done what no other Holmwood Technical High School girl has ever done, she got 10 CSEC passes with six distinctions. In 2007, McLean ran 2:13.09 to win the Class 3 800m and returned in 2008 to retain her title in 2:13.89, adding at the same time the 1500m crown in 4:35.18. This season, however, in her first year as a Class Two athlete, McLean had her first defeat in three years, finishing second in 2:11.49 behind Edwin Allen's Ristannana Tracey. She also failed in her attempt to make the Jamaican junior team, but said this was due to less time training. BALANCE "This year I decided to focus much more on academics, as a result, I did not do as well in track and field as I am used to ... if I did not give academics so much of my time, I think I would have done well in terms of making the national team," she said. McLean, who starts lower six at Holmwood tomorrow, added: "Balancing academics and track and field is not always easy. You have to prioritise the things you want and what level in terms of academics you desire to accomplish." Admitting that her performances on the track could have been better, she said after seeing her excellent results, she does not regret the sacrifice. " ... Now I can give track and field more time and see how far it can take me," she said. When examination results were released earlier this Month, it was a joyful time for the 16-year-old and her family. She secured ones in electronic document preparation and management, information technology , English language, social studies, principles of business and office administration, and twos in principles of accounts, English literature and mathematics, while picking up a grade three in Spanish. Despite these excellent results, McLean, a lover of rice and peas with chicken, said she was expecting a bit more. "I was expecting a one in mathematics after sacrificing so much of my training, but then again, I got grade two, so I am happy," the avid fan of R&B, soul and gospel music said. Her love is for track and field and she wants to become a professional in the sport because of the exposure she has had in its field and she looks forward to better things in the coming season. "This coming season I want to make all the teams possible and I am confident I will." She recalls being a part of the 4x400m victories at Girls' Champs (2007) and Penn Relays (2008) as her most memorable moments. keep focused McLean, who lives in Spaulding, Manchester, sees herself in 10 years as part of Jamaica's Olympic team, and when asked if she thinks she can add something to Jamaica's poor middle distance running, McLean, who admires World and Olympic 100-metre champion Shelly-Ann Fraser, because of her humility, replied: "Yes, I believe that, once I keep focused. "I am aware it takes a lot of work, but once you have your mind set on it, you will achieve," said the girl who has five brothers. How champs was won - Holmwood exceed expectations Holmwood Technical's coach Maurice Wilson said his girls exceeded expectations on their way to a seventh straight title at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls' Athletic Championships . Holmwood, on Saturday night, ended their four-day dominance by tabulating 400.5 points, way ahead of second-place Edwin Allen (203) and third-place Vere (197.5). Though the coach was confident his team had what it took to take the title, he admits the margin of defeat was a surprise. "Honestly, we expected to win by about 150 points," said Wilson having achieved almost 50 points over that target. "I was not pleased with the discipline six weeks ago, but we got it together in that regard and I think that made the difference," he said. Special victory In terms of performances, Wilson signalled out Osheen Erskine and the girls' 4x400 quartet of Keno Heavens, Petra Fanty, Janieve Russell and Chris-Ann Gordon as the highlights of the meet. Erskine won the 100m and 80m hurdles, the latter a special victory for the coach. "The 4x400m, we haven't won any all season, and again I think this was a tremendous performance," he said. Wilson had told Anneisha McLaughlin, a former member of the Holmwood team, that the previously held record would be broken. "We told her we were going to break her record from 2003, and we did," he said. "So I think those two performances stood out in my mind," he added. Asked about the performance of 14-year-old Chris-Ann Gordon, who won the 400/800 metres double for Class Three girls, the coach didn't elaborate too much "I don't want to look into the performance too much, but I think she is just very talented," he said. Gordon's 800m performance, arguably the best of the meet, saw her destroying the Class Three 400m field, which included Carifta Under-17 champion Shericka Jackson of Vere, to win in 52.68. The athlete, who won the 100m and 200m in Class Four last year, ran 2:13.45 for victory in the 800m. She returned later in the afternoon to clock 51.2 on anchor for Holmwood to break the record in the 4x400m open (3:34.35). However, overall, Wilson thought it was a good meet, but insists he had to put pressure on the girls to keep them focused. "They were getting complacent and I made it clear to them that the Championships is not over until the final day, you must always have respect for your opponents," he said. This one's the greatest Champs April 6, 2009 Kingston College athletes celebrate their 31st victory after the 99th staging of the Inter- secondary Schools Sports Association/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls' Athletic Championships at the National Stadium on Saturday. Holmwood Technical High School athletes celebrate their seventh straight victory in the girls' section after the 99th staging of the Inter-secondary Schools Sports Association/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls' Athletic Championships at the National Stadium on Saturday. Kingston College's (KC) head coach, Michael Russell, believes his boys lifted themselves to a performance beyond expectations, while Maurice Wilson, the main man in charge at Holmwood, said his task was not to allow his girls to get too complacent. Holmwood, with 400.5 points, had a huge win over second-place Edwin Allen, which scored 203 points, Vere (194.5), Manchester (154.5) and St Jago and Wolmer's 127 each) to top the girls standings. Wilson said it was a good Championships, but all that was required was to put pressure on the girls to keep them focused. "They were getting complacent ... and I made it clear to them that the Championships is not over until the final day, you must have respect for your opponents," he said. 1.5 points win On the boys' side, KC, with 223.5 points, won by a whisker over Calabar High, which ended on 222. JC (154), Wolmer's (144) and St Jago (122.5) rounded off the top five. "We had a number of persons who were injured but as the saying (Latin version) Fortis Cadere Cedere Non Potest - the school's motto - the boys definitely lived by the motto today. The Brave May Fall But Never Yield," he said, repeating the school's motto in english. KC entered the final day on 109 points to Calabar, who were third on 79, but as the finals unfolded, Calabar made big inroads into the lead. It was down to the 4x400m relay where Calabar needed to finish ahead of KC by three places and it was on the cards until when Ramone McKenzie's injury took a toll with him leading on the final leg. He was relagated to third and KC closed strongly to finish fifth, which ensured the 1.5 points margin. However, according to Russell, this may not have been the case if it weren't for "a number of disappointments". "We lost out in the 400m Class One because we had good representations there, Rolando Berch and Akino Ming, they got injured, so we were not able to capitalise in that area," he added. Outstanding performances But, he believes what made the difference for KC were some outstanding performances. "Stefan Fennell in the hurdles (Class-Two 110m champion), Jonathan Reid in Class-One high jump (winner at 2.05m), an overall team effort, all round," he said. "You have some one point (finishes), Keiron Stewart, could not finish his 200m but jogged through and gave us a point ... Matthew Simms, who did the high jump and got half a point and at the end we won by 1.5 points." He also praised the heptathlete, Hansle Parchment, who he said never competed before Champs this season "...and he came through and won the event. "We won Champs from there," he said. "This victory is the greatest one ever because it was down to the line." Holmwood's coach Wilson also singled out two impressive performances. He said Osheen Erskine and the girls' 4x400 quartet of Keno Heavens, Petra Fanty, Janieve Russell and Chris-Ann Gordon stood out. Erskine won the 100m and 80m hurdles, but according to Wilson, the latter event was special. "I think it was a splendid performance," he said. "The 4x400m, we haven't won any all season and again I think this was a tremendous performance," he said. Wilson said he told Anneisha McLaughlin, a member of the Holmwood team that has set the previous record, that "... we were going to break her record from 2003 and it did happen. "So I think those two performances stood out in my mind," continued Wilson, who said they exceeded expectations as "we expected to win by 150 points". Johnson cops treble in Holmwood romp Sunday, April 05, 2009 Holmwood Technical, paced by a scintillating performance from new sensation Dianna Johnson, who won three gold medals, all in record times, cruised to their seventh straight girls' title as the ISSA/GraceKennedy Girls National Championships ended at the National Stadium last night. The Class Four athlete won the 100m and 200m and ran a leg on the relay team which became the first Class Four team to clock sub-48 seconds at Champs. After a slight hiccup on Wednesday, the Maurice Wilson-coached team cruised to an overwhelming win, beating former champions Vere Technical by well over 150 points - 400.5 to 194.50. Edwin Allen (203) and Manchester High (154.5) earlier shook off adversities to finish in the top four, while St Jago were fifth with 127 and Wolmer's Girls (121) finished sixth and were the top Corporate Area school. "The team rose to the occasion. Saturday is Holmwood's day at Champs," Wilson told the Sunday Observer last night He dismissed suggestions that they might have won it from Thursday's big day, saying "we're not in the habit of giving up, we've been down by points not so long ago but we came back." There were five double winners, with four of them from Holmwood, including the exciting Johnson who added the Class Four 200m record to the 100m mark set on Friday. Johnson contributed to a third record when she led the 4x100m team to victory in a spanking 47.64 seconds, to smash the old mark of 48.02 established in 2005 by Manchester. Three records were broken yesterday and one equalled as Holmwood won three of the four sprint relays - Classes One, Two and Four - while Vere won in Class Three. The Christiana girls also took the 4x400m Open in a record 3:34.35 ahead of a depleted Manchester, with Edwin Allen third. Herbert Morrison won the Sprint Medley, their only gold of the meet, in 4:07.12, with Edwin Allen second and Clarendon third. Holmwood started the rout from the first two finals as Chris-Ann Gordon and Petra Fanty landed the 400m Class Three and Two, respectively. Gordon just missed the meet record of 52.52 seconds, clocking 52.68 to hold off Sherika Jackson of Vere (53.13), with St Jago's Kadejah Haye third in 56.25. Fanty's Class Two time was slower than the first two in Class Three, but her 54.24secs was good enough for nine points and the gold ahead of Wolmer's' Danielle Downie, 54.34, ahead of Herbert Morrison's Antonique Campbell and Shavine Hodges. There was an upset in the Class One final where Wolmer's Jodi-Ann Muir edged World Junior Championships semi-finalist Latoya McDermott on the line in 53.45, while Edwin Allen High's Amoy Blake was third in 54.58. Vere won three of the four 200m finals yesterday through Jura Levy in Class One, Celia Walters in Class Two and Shericka Jackson in Class Three. But it was Holmwood's Johnson who stole the limelight as she completed the Class Four double by setting a second record, 24.62 seconds, erasing the 24.70 set by Dianne Dietrich in 1999. Wolmer's' Jonielle Smith was second in 25.30 ahead of 100m silver medallist Antonika Drummond, 25.34. Levy put Friday's defeat in the 100m behind her and held off Edwin Allen's Gayon Evans to win the Class One 200m in a smart 23.73. Evans clocked 23.86 and Holmwood's Audra Segree 23.96. Walters copped Class Two in 24.09 seconds ahead of a fast finishing Antonique Campbell of Herbert Morrison (24.32 seconds) and Shericka Moulton of Holmwood, 24.40 seconds. Jackson ran a fast 23.99 seconds to win Class Three ahead of Chanice Bonner of Queens (24.57 seconds) and Kimone Smith of Holmwood Technical 24.77 seconds. Class Three 100m champion Osheen Erskine of Holmwood captured a double, taking the Class Three 80m hurdles in 11.36 seconds, just .03 off the record set in 1996 by Kareecia Thompson, as her teammate Janieve Russell was second in 11.46 seconds just holding off St Jago's Chrisdale McCarty who was third in 11.49 seconds. Keisha Wallace of Wolmer's Girls improved on her fifth place finish last year to win the Class 1 100m hurdles in 14.11 seconds ahead of Friday night's 400m hurdles winner Nikita Tracey of Edwin Allen (14.37 seconds) and Leslie-Ann Mitchell of Manchester High (14.56 seconds). Following the disqualification of Alpha Academy's Kimberley Golding, Immaculate Conception's Yanique Elliot easily retained her Class Two 100m hurdles title in 13.75 seconds much faster than the 14.25 seconds she ran last year to beat Morant Bay's Tonique Sobah's 14.34 seconds and Manchester High's Adriana Brown who grabbed the bronze in 14.35 seconds. Final Points standings Holmwood 400.5 Edwin Allen 203 Vere 194.5 Manchester 154.50 St Jago 127 Wolmers' 121 The Queen's 70 Herbert Morrison 59 St Andrew High 55 STETHS 49 St Hugh's 43 Immaculate 42.50 Alpha Academy 40 Morant Bay 24 Dinthill 14 Excelsior 13 Oberlin 12 Bellefield 12 Frome 11 Clarendon 10 Campion 9 Camperdown 7 Oracabessa 7 St Catherine 5 William Knibb 5 Tacius Golding 4 Glengoffe 4 Knockolva 3 Glenmuir 3 Donald Quarrie 2 Central 1 Guy's Hill 1 Holmwood look all set for 7th title Saturday, April 04, 2009 Defending champions Holmwood Technical are well set to claim their seventh straight ISSA/GraceKennedy Girls national championships title later this evening by taking a commanding lead after 19 finals on yesterday's third day of the stellar event. The Maurice Wilson-coached school continued to pile on the points to open up a sizeable gap over the field and closed the day on 162.50 points. Despite trepidations from Wilson earlier in the week, they could amass over 350 points today after qualifying at least one person in most of the finals set for today. Edwin Allen moved into second place on 96 points, followed by Vere Technical, 67.50; St Jago, 54; and Manchester High rounding out the top five with 53 points. Wolmers' Girls were the top Corporate Area school in sixth position on 45 points, just ahead of St Hugh's, who led after the first day and were second on Thursday. Holmwood Technical's Dianna Johnson set the only record yesterday, stopping the clock at 11.90 seconds in the Class Four 100m final after chasing the fast-starting Christiania Williams of Oracabessa High and passing her just before the line to erase Denesha Morris' 11.93 seconds set in 2004. Williams was second in 12.01 seconds, while the second Holmwood runner, Antonika Drummond, took the bronze in 12.19 seconds. Former IAAF World Junior Championships silver medallist Carrie Russell of The Queen's won her first title at Champs in two years when she recovered from a slow start to blow past Vere Technical's Jura Levy, wining in 11.37 seconds in the Class One final. Levy, a finalist in the 200m at the World Juniors in Poland last year, ran 11.42 seconds, while Edwin Allen's Gayon Evans was third in 11.58 seconds. Deandre Whitehorne of Vere streaked away from the field to win the Class Two event in 11.54 seconds, just ahead of Herbert Morrison's Shavine Hodges (11.84secs), with Sherika Moulton of Holmwood in third place in 11.89 seconds. Osheen Erskine of Holmwood ran 11.98 seconds to win the Class Three title ahead of St Jago's Mellisa Williams (12.00secs), with Chanice Bonner of The Queen's third in 12.07 seconds. Manchester High's Natoya Goule extended her unbeaten streak at Champs by winning the Class One 1,500m in an easy 4 minutes 31.43 seconds, running unchallenged all the way. She won by nearly 20 metres over teammate Neisha Morgan, who improved on her fourth place from last year for second in 4 minutes 37.42 seconds and Holmwood Technical's Keno Heaven, 4 minutes 39.42 seconds. Holmwood swept the top two medals in the Class Two final - Petrene Plummer winning in 4 minutes 45.54 seconds followed by Amoya Baley in 4 minutes 50.55 seconds and Manchester High's Sharlene Brown, 4 minutes 53.15 seconds. The Class Three event went to Edwin Allen's Carla Thompson (4 minutes 50.21 seconds) who beat pre-race favourite Shevel McDonald of St Jago (4 minutes 50.58 seconds), while Taska McDonald of Vere Technical was third in 4 minutes 50.73 seconds. Edwin Allen's World Junior Championships finalist Nikita Tracey led home her younger sister Ristananna to win the 400m hurdles Open in 57.41 seconds. Ristananna ran a personal best 58.49 seconds for the silver, while La-Toya Campbell of The Queen's took the bronze in 59.48 seconds. Holmwood started the day with a bang, picking up 16 points in the first final, taking the gold and silver medals in the javelin open with Shakeisha Miller winning in a big upset from a throw of 36.88m ahead of Cassandra Bennett's 35.56m. There was a big upset in the Class 1 high jump: IAAF World Youth Championships silver medallist Misha-gaye daCosta of Immaculate, who was expected to win, finished seventh. Rochelle Robb of Alpha won with 1.65m ahead of Vere Technical's Kerrima Blake and Holmwood's Christina Barrett, both of whom also jumped 1.65m. Campion College won their first event of the meet when Davieke Daniel took the Class Four high jump title with 1.58m; Jodi-Kay Peterkin of Wolmer's Girls took the silver with 1.55m and Safia Morgan of Immaculate won the bronze with 1.50m. Edwin Allen High's Sasha-Gay Marston, who was sixth in Class 3 last year, won the Class 2 discus with a 38.72m throw, shorter than her personal best 40.21m set earlier this year, beating Vere's Monique Henry (37.55m) and Kerry-Ann Walker of Holmwood (36.70m). Favourite Keisha Wallace of Wolmer's Girls, who was fifth last year, leads the qualifiers after running 14.26 seconds to win the second semi-final, while Vere Technical's Juneielle Barker, who won the first semi-final, was next with 15.18 seconds. Twenty-five finals will be contested on today's final day as well as the final three events in the Heptathlon. The day will start with the prelims of the Class 3 long jump as well as the semi-finals of the 200m in all classes. Holmwood, KC look set Published: Friday | April 3, 2009 Holmwood Technical's Janieve Russell clears the bar on her way to winning the girls' Class Three high jump , with a record-breaking leap of 1.77m, on day two of the four-day Inter- Secondary Schools Sports Association/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls' Athletic Championships at the National Stadium yesterday. Holmwood Technical look home and dry in the race for the girls' title, but the battle for the boys' crown will be hot between defending champions Calabar High and Kingston College over the last two days of the 2009 GraceKennedy/ISSA Boys and Girls' Athletic Championships. Last night, after seven finals, Holmwood led the girls with 48 points, 13 ahead of St Hugh's with 35. They are followed by Edwin Allen 28, St Jago 24, Wolmer's 21 and Vere Technical 19. Five finals complete With five finals completed in the boys' section, the Michael Russell-coached Kingston College lead the way with an impressive 53 points, with Jamaica College in second on 37, Calabar third with 36, Wolmer's 30 and Bridgeport 12. St George's, with six, round off the top six. The usually reliable Champs Preview which has tipped Calabar to top the championships by nine points - 266 to KC's 257 - had forecast that the defending champions would be clear by 24 points (after six finals) at the end of the second day. KC at this time, however, look good for their 31st title overall and the Michael Clarke-coached Calabar will have to dig very deep to retain their title on the final two days of the four-day meet. Last night KC's coach Russell was satisfied. "Based on the predictions we are not supposed to be here, but based on what we know we can do we are just about there," Russell said. Calabar's coach Michael Clarke, in summing up the day, said "It could have been better." Like Russell, Holmwood's Maurice Wilson was satisfied with his team's showing after two days. "It will not be a beautiful win, but we are getting the points in the various areas," Wilson said. Records broken Four records were broken at press time on the second day. Holmwood's Janieve Russell, who is tipped to win at least three gold medals at the championships, two individual and one in the sprint relay, got off to a sparkling start. She won the Class Three high jump with a record leap of 1.77m, beating the 1.74m set by Wolmer's Shanice Hall last year. Runner-up Kimberly Williamson of Edwin Allen equalled the old mark, while Manchester High's Chanice Porter cleared 1.65m for third. Also in record-breaking mood was K'Don Samuels of Jamaica College, who won the pole vault open with a leap of 4.45m, to add five centimetres to the 4.40m mark set by Kingston College's Jabari Ennis in 1998. Calabar's Devon Dobson, 4.00m, was second and KC's Xavier Boland, 3.80m, third. The third record of the day came in the Class One boys discus, where pre-meet favourite Travis Smikle of Calabar threw 51.43m to smash the 51.05m Bridgeport's Camoi Hood threw in 2005. Yesterday Bridgeport's Cleayon Smith (50.12m) was second and Smikle's teammate, Chad Wright (49.67m), third. St Hugh's had a big, one-two finish in the girls' shot put open. Coach Michael Vassell saw his daughter Micara break a 28-year-old record with 12.87m, to beat the 12.82m set by Holmwood's Marlene Lewsi in 1981. And for good measure, his second string, Candicea Bernard, completed the 'quinella' with 12.84m. Edwin Allen's Vanessa Levy, 12.03m, was third. Results of yesterday's finals: Girls High jump Class Three: 1. Janieve Russell (Holm) 1.77m (record), 2. Kimberly Williamson (Edwin Allen) 1.74m, Chanice Porter (Manch.) 1.65m, 4. Shanice Lee (St Andrew High) 1.65m, 5. Chennel Palmer (Vere) 1.65m, 6. Krista-Gay Taylor (Convent of Mercy) 1.60m. Long jump Class Four: 1. Tamara Moncrieffe (Holm) 5.18m, 2. Shardia Lawrence (Vere) 5.27m, 3. Latavia Coombs (Holm) 5.13m, 4. Shauna Helps (Wolmer's) 5.07m, 5. Kristen Deacon (Wolmer's) 5.06m, 6. Kerri-Ann Francis (Immaculate) 5.04m. Shot Put Open: 1. Micara Vassell (St Hugh's) 12.87m (Record), 2. Candicea Bernard (St Hugh's) 12.84m, 3. Vanessa Levy (Edwin Allen) 12.03m, 4. Shakeisha Miller (Holmwood) 11.73m, 5. Ashantia Hayden (Morant Bay) 11.52m, 6. Kerone Walker (Wolmer's) 11.20m. Long jump Class Two: 1. Kriss-Ann Walters (Excelsior) 5.87m, 2. Rochell Farquharson (Steths) 5.82m, 3. Tanya Bryan (St Jago) 5.79m, 4. Mellisa Walker (St Andre High) t Andrew High) 5.78m, 5. Kathie Lee Laidley (St Andrew High) 5.60m, 6. Sashawna Bennett (Holm) 5.60m. Boys Heptathlon: 1. Hansle Parchmen (KC) 4717 points, 2. Kamal Fuller (Wolmer's) 4581, 3. Kevoy Biggs (JC) 4330, 4. Deuce Carter (Calabar) 4258, 5. Cleayon Smith (Bridgeport) 4195, 6. Horane Holgate (Morant Bay) 4116. Pole Vault Open: 1. K"Don Samuels (JC) 4.45m (Record), 2. Devon Dobson (Calabar) 4.00m, 3. Xavier Boland (KC) 3.80m, 4. Hugh Lewis (JC) 3.70m, 5. Mikhail Russell (KC) 3.70m, 6. Deron Marshall (Ardenne) 3.00m. Discus Class One: 1. Travis Smikle (Calabar) 51.43m (Record), 2. Cleayon Smith (Bridgeport) 50.12m, 3. Chad Wright (Calabar) 49.67m, 4. Shane Dodd (JC) 49.00m, 5. Oshane Harris (KC) 46.98m, 6. Omar Bryan (Munro) 46.49m. Class Three high jump: 1. Clive Pullen (KC), 1.88m, 2. Javari Fairclough (Calabar) 1.85m, 3. Ashani Wright (JC) 1.85m, 4. Marvin Pinnock (KC) 1.80m. Holmwood's Russell aims high Holmwood Technical's Janieve Russell clears the bar on her way to winning the girls' Class Three high jump, with a record-breaking leap of 1.77m, on day two of the four-day Inter-secondary Schools Sports Association/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls' Athletic Championships at the National Stadium yesterday. - Ian Allen Janieve Russell, viewed by many as Holmwood Technical's biggest weapon, described her record-breaking leap as a tricky outing on the second day of the GraceKennedy Boys and Girls' Athletic Championships. Russell and her main rival, Edwin Allen's Kimberly Williamson, failed in their first attempt to clear 1.77m, which the athlete admits made her a bundle of nerves. "The competition was very sticky because we both hit down the bar at the first attempt, and I wasn't sure who was going to win, it was frightening," Russell said. In the end, Russell was the only one to clear 1.77m, a record height, which erased Wolmer's Shanice Hall's 1.74m done last year. Williamson (1.74m) and Manchester High's Chanice Porter (1.65m) were second and third, respectively. "I feel very good to know that my hard work paid off," Russell said. She, however, believes it could have been an even better performance. "I could have done better because my personal best is 1.80m," he said. It was behind this performance and her expected 80m hurdles victory that Russell has envisioned herself as Jamaica's first Olympic Games champion in the high jump, long jump or sprint hurdles. Russell is well aware of fact that Jamaica have yet to secure a win in any of these events and made it clear that while her first intention is to get a college education, chasing that gold will be her next target. "Every night when I dream, I see myself winning at the Olympics," noted Russell." "It would be a great privilege for me to be the first Jamaican to win those events, it would be as good as setting a next record," he said. Coaches' corner - What they said on day two. Girls MAURICE WILSON - HOLMWOOD "Not a bad day ... . It won't be a beautiful win, but we are getting the points in the various areas." JERRY HOLNESS - MANCHESTER "We are not depending on the field events ... we normally score most of our points on the track, so its not anything strange." BOYS MICHAEL RUSSELL - KC "According to the predications, we were not supposed to be here, but based on what we knew, we are just about there." MICHAEL CLARKE - CALABAR "Not really satisfied, it could have been better." Russell breaks records as Holmwood lead Friday, April 03, 2009 Defending champions Holmwood Technical moved into the lead after yesterday's second day of the GraceKennedy/ISSA Girls Championships with 48 points, leading St Hugh's by 13 points after seven completed finals. After a first day where they trailed St Hugh's, Holmwood's coach Maurice Wilson said they were happy with yesterday's results, "especially for the young girls; they worked hard all season and deserved the rewards". Based on the results, Wilson said he was more confident now they would be able to build on what was accomplished in the first two days and retain their title tomorrow. Holmwood picked up 29 points from the four finals completed yesterday, including victories in the Class Three high jump and Class Four long jump events. Edwin Allen High are third on 28 points, St Jago fourth on 24, while Wolmer's Girls' with 21 complete the top five places. Two records were broken yesterday in the shot put Open and Class Three high jump, while another eight finals will be contested today, including the javelin Open, high jump Classes One and Four, discus Class Two, all three 1500m finals and the 400m hurdles Open. The two-day seven-event heptathlon will also start with the 100m hurdles, high jump, shot put and 200m. Despite breaking her own record set last year with a 12.87m throw in the shot put Open, Micara Vassell of St Hugh's was left in tears of disappointment, saying she was hoping to throw closer to 14 metres. The top two places was a repeat of last year's feat as her teammate Candicea Bernard was second with 12.84m, also bettering the previous record of 12.80m with Wednesday's discus Class One winner, Vanessa Levy of Edwin Allen, third in a personal best 12.03m. Bernard and Vassell were winning their second medals of the meet after taking the silver and bronze in the discus on Wednesday. "I was hoping to do much better and was training hard and expected to throw about 14 metres," Vassell told the Observer. "This is my last year and I'm happy to have contributed to St Hugh's and set the record again but having mixed feelings," she said. Vassell broke the record on her first throw while Bernard's best throw came on her second-to-last attempt, as both were consistent, throwing under 12 metres only once. Holmwood's 15-year-old Janeive Russell, as expected, broke the record in the Class Three high jump, erasing the one-year-old 1.74m mark set by Shanice Hall of Wolmer's by clearing 1.77m. Edwin Allen's Kimberley Williamson equalled the old mark for silver, while Manchester High's Chanice Porter was third with 1.65m. None of the medallists managed to equal their personal bests set earlier in the year. Russell told reporters afterwards that the competition was stiff between three good jumpers, but added, "I feel very pleased that I broke the high jump record," adding quickly, "but it was not my best height as I have jumped 1.80m, but I am very pleased." All three passed on the first two heights (1.40m and 1.45m), then cleared the next four on their first attempt to separate themselves from the field. Russell managed to get past 1.70m on her third try after Williamson cleared it on her first attempt, while Porter knocked down the bar on all three attempts. Both then cleared 1.74m on their last try and while Williams failed to get over 1.77m, Russell cleared it on her second attempt but after knocking off the bar on her first try at 1.80m, retired. Tamara Moncrieffe of Holmwood won the Class Four long jump with a decent 5.37m effort to beat Vere Technical's Shardia Lawrence, 5.27m, and teammate Latavia Coombs, 5.13m. Chris-Ann Walters of Excelsior High, who led after the preliminaries with 5.99m, won the Class Two long jump with a best mark of 5.87m, beating favourite Rochelle Farquharson of St Elizabeth Technical, 5.82m, and Tanya Bryan of St Jago, 5.79m. Farquharson won the triple jump on Wednesday and was expected to win the long jump today. There were no surprises in the first round of the 100m yesterday as all the athletes expected to advance to this evening's final all progressed to the semi-finals which will be run this afternoon. The semi-finals of the 400m in all three classes will also be contested today. Points standings after seven finals Holmwood Technical 48 St Hugh's High 35 Edwin Allen High 28 St Jago High 24 Wolmer's Girls 21 Vere Technical 19 Manchester High 16 St Elizabeth Technical 16 St Andrew High 15 Morant Bay High 10 Immaculate Conception 9 Excelsior High 9 Convent of Mercy 5 Camperdown High 2 Donald Quarrie High 2 Hair's the champ Thursday | April 2, 2009 Members of Holmwood Technical High School's athletics team show off their new Champs hairstyles during the first day of the Boys and Girls' Athletic Championships at the National Stadium yesterday. For about six years the girls from the Holmwood Technical High School track team have been providing much entertainment with their outlandish yet intricate hairstyles. Very often, the styles carry the school's maroon and gold colours but, according to team captain Audra Segree, the various creative hairdos began when Aneisha McLaughlin was captain. As many may recall, McLaughlin and her teammates came out with a unicorn hairdo (hair pulled back in one with a long plait raised in the air with elastic bands wrapped around it). This hairdo created quite a stir and, since then, the trend from the Holmwood team has continued. Calming Dem Dung This year, Segree said their hairdo is called Calming Dem Dung. "It is cornrow on one half of the hair and chinybump on the other with safety pins fastened in the top of the chinybumps. Maroon and yellow embroidery thread is tied between the chinybumps, creating a diamond shape," said Segree. She said that, to come up with these hairdos they call meetings, use hair books and then combine various styles to create their own. Other schools have caught on but it's the team from the Manchester-based school that still leads the pack with the daring dos. Defending champs face stiff challenges It's finally here . The much-anticipated 2009 ISSA/Grace-Kennedy Boys' and Girls' Championships begins tomorrow and the two big questions are: Can Kingston College (KC) unseat defending boys' champions Calabar High? Will Holmwood Technical have enough to hold off the challenge of Edwin Allen High and pocket their seventh straight girls' title? Over the next four days, one thing is for sure, the competition inside the National Stadium will be hot with St Jago, Jamaica College (JC) and Wolmer's adding to the mix among the boys and Vere Technical and Manchester High there to keep the heat on the top contenders in the girls' events. The action starts at the National Stadium tomorrow at 8:15 a.m. with the 110m hurdles heptathlon heats for boys. Four finals will be contested, the triple jump open for girls, the Class Three girls discus, long jump Class One boys and the Class One girls discus. Some of the big guns of the meet will be seen in action in the early afternoon with the running of the heats of the 200 metres for boys and girls in all classes. Last year, Calabar won with 277.5 points over Kingston College (233) and St Jago (155.5), but things should be far more difficult for the Red Hills Road-based school this time around. Ramone McKenzie, who is very confident he will take the Class One 200/400 metres double, is the man set to lead his team's charge. Top Class Three boys Sprint hurdler Warren Weir, a semi-finalist at last year's World Junior Championships, sprinters Richardo Powell and Oshane Bailey, along with field event athletes Marlon Thompson, Travis Smikle and Chad Wright, are their main Class One weapons. In the lower classes, Travis Drummond will lead the sprinters while Ashina Miller, Demar Robinson and Akeem Smith head the field in Class Two while Xavier Williams, Kemar Williams and Javarie Fairclough are the top Class Three boys. However, although coach Michael Clarke has described his team as a rounded one, Kingston College with Keiron Stewart, who will start favourite in the 110m and 400m hurdles, along with Andre Peart, Donohue Williams and company, can be counted on to give their best for their team. St Jago who are also in the hunt, will have in their ranks Nickel Ashmeade, who if he is fully fit, along with Andre Walsh, Adolphus Nevers and David Thompson , could spoil Calabar's party. But all eyes will be on the 200m clash where Ashmeade, who will also run the 100m, will face McKenzie. In the 400 metres, McKenzie would also have the talented Akino Ming of KC to contend with. Calabar could also be denied crucial points in the Class Two sprints, as Bridgeport, who will not be among the challengers for the top title, will have Jazeel Murphy, the big favourite for the 100/200 metres. Munro College's pair of Adam Cummings and Renaldo Reid could also make matters worse for Calabar, again in areas KC will not suffer. Could create some problems Herbert Morrison, apart from Lee, who will be among the favourites for the 100m, have Jason Young in the 200m and he too could create some problems for Calabar. Old Harbour High's Kemar Bailey-Cole should add some fireworks to the Class One boys' sprints. JC who will be led by Waqar DaCosta in the middle distances and Earl Grant , along with Wolmer's Dwayne Extol and Julian Forte, would also be there to capitalise on any mistakes. On the girls' side, many experts believe where Holmwood are strong, Manchester and Vere, along with Herbert Morrison, could score heavily. The Christiana-based team is weak in Class One, but with Samantha Woodburn, Petra Fanty, Yanique Ellington, Shericka Moulton and Sashawna Bennett should gain valuable points in Class Two. However, Herbert Morrison with Antonique Campbell, Shevine Hodges and Seidath Palmer in distances between 100 to 400 metres, along with Vere's Deandre Whitehorn and Celia Walters, could disrupt Holmwood's push for victory. In Class Three, Holmwood have Janieve Russell, a super talent, who will contest the sprint hurdles and jumps. However, Manchester with Shay-Ann Holness in the hurdles, and Chanice Porter, who is expected to win the high and long jumps, could again outscore Holmwood. Chris-Ann Gordon, another class act for Holmwood, will contest the 400/800 metres, but faces a uphill task to beat Manchester High's Sandrae Farquharson in the one-lap event and Carla Thompson of Edwin Allen in the 800m. Lower classes ( l - r ) Holmwood's Chris Ann Gordon, Holmwood's Petra Fanty Holmwood seem strong in Class Four, but coaches are reluctant to count these points in the lower classes as many of the girls are new to competition. On the other hand, Edwin Allen with Nikita Tracey, who chases her first 400m hurdles title, Gayon Evans, Kaycea Jones, Amoy Blake, Vanessa Levy and Anmarie Duffus, all in Class One, are experienced enough to marshal their team. Ristananna Tracey, Shashawna Ffrench, Kimberly Williamson and Sasha Marston are expected to lead Edwin Allen in the lower classes. Notable stars Manchester with Natoya Goule, who will run in the 800 and 1500 metres, and Vere's Jura Levy, a star act in the Class One sprints, are notable stars. Wolmer's pair Danielle Dowie (400m/400mH), Jodi-Ann Muir (400m), St Andrew High's Latoya McDermott (400m), Peta-Gaye Reid of STETHS (HJ), Samantha Elliott of Immaculate (100mH) and Kimberly Golding (100mH) of Alpha (100mH) are other girls expected to do well on the track. Shanieka Thomas of Vere (jumps), St Hugh's pair of Candicea Bernard and Micara Vassell (throws), Vanessa Levy of Edwin Allen (throws), Wolmer's Jeanelle Facey (throws) and St Jago's Kellion Knibb (throws) are some of the girls expected to do well in the field. Too close to call...but coaches favour Holmwood, Calabar As the long anticipated Grace Kennedy Boys' and Girls' Athletics Championships inches closer, it remains difficult to predict just who will be the big winners. However, as STAR Sports continues its countdown to what has been described as the most anticipated clash in years, we sought the opinion of several of the island's top coaches whose schools will not be in the hunt but they too predict a close contest. Dwayne Jarrett and Raymond 'KC' Graham, who won titles at Vere and St Jago respectively, along with Claude Grant, Michael Vassell and Edward Hector, are some of the coaches we caught up with. Best all-round Jarrett, coach of the William Knibb boys and girls teams, gave the the edge to Holmwood and Calabar. "Holmwood have shown the best all-round depth throughout the season, from Class Four up to Class One, while other schools like Vere and Edwin Allen have athletes who will dominate in some classes, the all-round depth is not there. "I think the other team to watch though is Edwin Allen," said Jarrett. "I think if they can get it right, they can challenge Holmwood," he added. Jarrett believes Vere and Manchester will share third and fourth, and St Jago fifth. On the boys side, Jarrett picked Calabar but believes Kingston College will be in the running. "Calabar again, they have all-round depth, but you can never count out KC, who are very strong in the field," he said. Jarrett thinks St Jago, Jamaica College (JC) and Wolmer's will round out the top five. Four successive titles Raymond Graham, who led St Jago girls to four successive titles in the late 90's, also gave the nod to Holmwood and Calabar. "Holmwood are favourite but could face a severe test, as Edwin Allen has an outstanding chance to win their first Championship," he said. "The Holmwood team lacks experience as they have a young squad. On the other hand Edwin Allen have seasoned campaigners and could just pull it off. Over the years however, Edwin Allen, despite having great squads seemed to lack that competitive mode at Championships," Graham continued. "If Holmwood is not beaten this year they will not lose for another five years at least," Graham warned. On the boys side, Graham expects St Jago, Jamaica College and Wolmer's to pose a threat, but thinks the Championship will be decided between KC and Calabar. "Despite their strength in Class One, Calabar is not that well rounded," explained Graham. JC, St Jago and Wolmer's, according to Graham could be spoilers in terms of deciding which team wins. The coach believes on paper Calabar could suffer more from these challenges than their rivals. "One area which could affect KC's victory bid is in the throwing events, which used to be one of their strengths." added Graham. Whole approach Hector, coach of Holmwood boys also gave the edge to Calabar. "I think Calabar seems to be the most dominant team," he said. "KC seems to have some sort of resurgence in their whole approach, and JC seems to be on the up." "If Calabar don't have everything together, if there are any great mishaps, either (KC or JC) steal the Championships from them, but Calabar is the team ahead now," Hector added. Vassell coach of St Hugh's girls, has picked Calabar and Edwin Allen. "Holmwood don't have the big Class One they normally have, and Edwin Allen are a more rounded team, but could have a problem with nerves, so (Michael) Dyke is going to have to get his girls calm, especially his relay teams, because that is what it's going to come down to, those 12 points are going to be very vital going down the stretch," he said. On the boys side, while expecting Calabar he believes they may not be as strong as they think. "They are going to be fighting with St Jago's Nickel Ashmeade, Dexter Lee of Herbert Morrison, Kemar Bailey-Cole of Old Harbour for the points, KC are not going to lose any there," he said. "It's going to come down to the relays, and funny enough, maybe an event like a 5000m," he added. "Calabar still have the edge, but KC are right there, which means Calabar cannot allow any mishaps," he added. Claude Grant, coach of Herbert Morrison girls and boys teams, picked Holmwood as girls winner, but says St Jago could surprise Calabar. "The other girls teams have improved, but Holmwood have quality within their ranks and they have a lot of persons and will always spread their talent in terms of the individuals they have." "Others may have quality, but because they may be doing two or three events, the talent pool will be depleted," added Grant. On the boys side, Grant explained his choice of St Jago. "You have to look at the depth of what St Jago has to offer to what Calabar have to come with. Calabar have good athletes but they don't have the full complement, and other schools will be pulling points from them in areas where they would have got points," he explained. Holmwood confident of rising to expectations Maurice Wilson ... coach of Holmwood's girls. Holmwood are under pressure to win their seventh straight girls Champs title, but according to coach Maurice Wilson they are not at all worried. Edwin Allen, the Michael Dyke conditioned team out of Frankfield, Clarendon, has been tipped to be in a strong position to unseat the six-time defending champions. But, Wilson, despite making it clear that he respects Edwin Allen insists the team will not be looking over their shoulders. "I am in no way worried about any other team," When asked about how close he expected the meet to be on Saturday's final afternoon, Wilson responded: "I believe its going to come down to a situation that if we don't do what we are supposed to do, then it can be a problem." Have the edge Edwin Allen, according to projections, should have the edge because they are top heavy in Classes One and Two, whereas Holmwood are said to be stronger in the lower classes. However, Wilson does not agree and in his assessment things are in fact level. "I think it's equal across the board," "The difference however is I believe is, we basically know what it is to win a Championship. There is no other team that I can recall, not even in the hay days of Vere Technical, that has risen on the day in terms of performance like Holmwood," he added. "I am depending on that sort of spirit to get us through the Championships," he said. Wilson, however disclosed that it has been a tough year for the team. "This has been a difficult year for the team overall," He also warned: "If our backs are against the wall, you are going to see the best of us, but it will never be a situation where we can't win," he said. Dyke, in an interview with STAR Sports on Tuesday, had given his team the best chance ever, based on their all-round ability, when compare to previous years. Wilson while agreeing with Dyke however stressed that his team will also be strong in that regard. "I must concur with coach Dyke, that this is one of the best teams he has assembled," "However, In terms of being all-round, I think our team also fit the bill." he said. Holmwood, according to Wilson, may have one weakness and it's the youthfulness of the team. The majority of the team members this year are between ages 15-16 whereas in previous years the average was 17-18. He also conceded that his Class One is not as strong as he would have liked, but warned against taking them lightly. "The persons, who are in Class one, are no big names, so to speak, but what I can assure you, is that, there will be a lot of surprises. Senior athlete Keno Heavens is Holmwood's most senior athlete and she enters her final year at Champs, in the 800m and 1500m events. Asked about the leaders in the respective classes, Wilson named a few Class Two athletes, who are standouts and have the ability to cause a few upsets. Wilson mentioned Samantha Henry, Shericka Moulton in Class Three mentioned Janieve Russell and Antonika Drummond in Class Four. Osheen Erskine and Kedisha Dallas are prominent in Class Three, while Petra Fanty, Yanique Ellington, Samantha Woodburn, Shericka Moulton and Sashawna Bennett are more of the big names in Class Two. Despite having so some many top athletes Wilson, however made it clear that a loss would be more of a disappointment than a surprise. "When you have coaches that are working hard, and schools that are putting in the resources, then everybody deserves an equal chance," Wilson said. "I believe the team that is best organised during the Champion- ships and has done the necessary work before it, deserves to be the winners," he added. "But if we lose there would be some disappointment." Earlier this month, Holmwood scored 396 points to beat Edwin Allen (323), Vere (262.5) and Manchester (242) at Central Champs. Holmwood's Heavens looks to make her mark Holmwood's Keno Heavens NAME: Keno Heavens D.O.B: 9.12.89 CLASS: One SCHOOL: Holmwood EVENTS: 800m, 1500m PR: 2:06.36 (800m), 4:41.00 (1500m) MAIN RIVALS AND WHY: Heavens has pointed to Manchester High's star athlete Natoya Goule and Mackola Joseph of Edwin Allen as her main rivals in the 800m. She also believes the same two athletes, along with Vere's Teneisha Davis, are the danger in the 1500m. LAST YEAR'S PERFORMANCE: Heavens was third in the 800m in 2:12.00 and seventh in the 1500m. EXPECTATION THIS YEAR: Lowering her personal best of 2:06.36 is the main aim at Champs, which she expects will bring a medal . Heavens will also be gunning for a medal in the 1500m, the more difficult of the two races. NOTE: Entering her final year at Champs, Heavens, a former national junior representative, will want to go out on a high. Her lone success to date, the Class Two 800m title, which came in 2007, could be a major motivational factor. Having said that, winning will be far more difficult this year than in 2007, as Natoya Goule, the queen of this distance, opted out of the event. But, Goule or no Goule, Heavens has shown at various meets this season that only one thing is on her mind: winning, regardless of who turns up at the start. Gordon could cop distance double Holmwood's Chris Ann Gordon NAME : Chris Ann Gordon DOB : 18.9.94 CLASS : Three SCHOOL : Holmwood EVENTS : 400m, 800m, 4x400m PR : 55.39 (400m), 2:13.69 (800m) MAIN RIVALS AND WHY : In the 400m, Gordon points to Shericka Jackson of Vere and Sandrae Farquharson of Manchester High, as her main rivals due to their innate ability to be fierce competitors. In the 800m, Gordon believes Edwin Allen's Carla Thompson will be the major threat. LAST YEAR'S PERFORMANCE : Gordon, like her teammate Petra Fanty in 2005, copped the sprint double, winning the 100m in 12.08 and 200m in 25.02. EXPECTATION THIS YEAR : Gordon will aim at another double; this time, however she also hopes to run personal best times. NOTE : Gordon, as early as January, at the JAAA/Puma Development Meet at Kirkvine signalled her intention of being among the top performers at Champs. At the meet, she ran 55 seconds flat in the 400m. In December, she ran 1:38.80 in the 600m at the GC Foster College Over Distance Meet, which put her among the best over the 400/800 metres distances. At Central Champs, held at GC Foster College two weekends ago, she was beaten by Manchester High's Class Three superwoman Sandrae Farquharson. At Carifta Games trials, Gordon opted for the Under-17 800m, which she took easily in 2:13.69. Come next week at Champs, Gordon will be dangerous at both events and perhaps even a few short sprints, which she won at Class Four last year. Holmwood, St Jago retain titles at Central Champs KAYON RAYNOR, Senior staff reporter Jamaicaobserver Saturday, March 14, 2009 TWENTY records were shattered on yesterday's final day of the third Milo Central Athletic Championships, taking the overall tally to 32, as Holmwood Technical and St Jago High retained their respective Girls' and Boys' titles at GC Foster College in Spanish Town. The Maurice Wilson-coached girls from Holmwood scored 396 points from 43 finals to win the two-day meet by 73 points ahead of nearest rivals Edwin Allen, who finished with 323. Vere were third with 262.5, followed by Manchester High, 242, and St Jago, 227.5 to round out the top five. The Danny Hawthorne-conditioned St Jago team, which performed without the services of their injured world junior 200-metre silver medallist Nickel Ashmeade (broken right hand), still managed to score 315.5 points to win to boys' crown by 188 ahead of Edwin Allen with 127.5 points. Vere were third with 108, ahead of Old Harbour, 104, and Holmwood, 102 to round out the top five. There was a three-way tie for the overall champion girl honour, involving Manchester High's Class Three athlete Sandrae Farquharson, and the Edwin Allen Class One pair of Gayon Evons and Nikita Tracey with 18 points each. Farquharson posted meet records of 54.62 seconds and 23.95 seconds to capture the Class Three 400m and 200m; Evons won the Class One 100m and 200m with times of 12.30secs and 23.98secs, while Tracey secured victories in the 100m hurdles with 14.74secs and 800m in 2 minutes 14.46secs. Shashawna Ffrench of Edwin Allen with 14 points and St Jago's Georgiana Gordon, 15 points, were named champion girl in Classes two and four, respectively. The overall champion boy trophy was shared between Allayne Cunningham of Guys Hill and Byron Golding of May Day for tallying 18 points each in Class Three. Cunningham won the 400m and 200m, both in record times of 50.44secs and 22.86secs, while Golding won the 1,500m and 800m in 4 mins 28.22 and 2 mins 08.60, respectively. Kemar Bailey-Cole of Old Harbour and Sanjar Pantry of Kellits were crowned champion boys in Class One and Two with 16 points each. Tomlinson bags $100,000 in Milo Junior Grand Prix 100m series PAUL A REID, Observer writer Tuesday, March 03, 2009 Manchester High's Brandon Tomlinson has won the $100,000 first prize for his school after taking the top prize in the Milo Junior Grand Prix boys 100m series. Despite a mix-up in Saturday's 33rd Gibson Relays at the National Stadium that saw the cancellation of both 100m races, the series organisers awarded points to the runners who were registered for the events and Tomlinson, who won two of the three races contested so far, moved to an unbeatable 33 points, well ahead of Munro College's Rolando Reid and Albert Town's Andrew Fisher, both on 17 points each. The series that includes 100m races for high school sprinters in Classes One and Two and the 4x800 relays, offers a total of $500,000 for the winning schools - $100,000 to the winners of the 100m races and $150,000 for the relay winners. The points are awarded at five events starting with the GraceKennedy STETHS Invitational in late January, the Puma/JAAA Development Meet at Jamalco, Milo Western Relays, Gibson Relays and ends with the GC Foster Classic on March 15. On Saturday, the series organisers decided to award points, combining first (nine points) and second-place (seven points) and splitting them equally so each runner was awarded eight points. The girls 100m series will come down to the Edwin Allen pair of Gayon Evans (35 points) and Kaycea Jones (29 points), who have finished first and second in all the events run so far. Meanwhile, Holmwood Technical boys' 4x800m relay team has all but won the $150,000 prize for the relays with one event left to run. Despite finishing second to Jamaica College in the 4x800m on Saturday, the Eddie Hector-coached Holmwood team earned the 12 points as the top school of the number taking part in the series and improved to 48 points with one race to go in two weeks' time. Holmwood would have to finish out of the top five at GC Foster and for Edwin Allen to win, to edge them by a point. On Saturday, Holmwood and Jamaica College traded the lead on the anchor leg until the Jamaica College runner took over the race with just under 200m to go and ran away winners in 7:41.95 minutes to Holmwood's 7:43.01 minutes. Anchored by another outstanding leg from national junior representative Natoya Goule, Manchester High girls won their 4x800m race for the third straight event to maintain their four-point lead over Holmwood Technical (46 to 42 points), making the event a two-team race with one event to go. Edwin Allen are in third place on 26 points and out of the running for the cash prize. Manchester High trailed an invited team - Team Jamaica Bickle USA and Holmwood until the third leg runner Sharlene Brown caught up with the leaders handing over to Goule within striking distance. Goule stayed with the other two teams until the last 200m when she put on her trademark burst of speed and won by at least 10 metres in 8:49.01 minutes. Kimberley Brown and Neisha Morgan ran the first two legs for Manchester High, while Holmwood took second in 8:51.91 minutes with the Americans third. Holmwood, MVP in top form at Milo Relays PAUL A REID, Observer writer Thursday, February 19, 2009 ANGELS, St Catherine - Fifteen records were broken and one equalled at the 31st Milo Western Relays held at GC Foster Sports College in Angels, St Catherine last Saturday. Holmwood Technical's girls team was responsible for three of the new marks, while the Men's and Women 4x100m relay teams from the MVP Track Club broke their own records to highlight a high-level meet which was being held outside Montego Bay for the first time due to construction work at the Catherine Hall stadium. Meet director Ray Harvey was pleased with the results on and off the track and said despite several potential stumbling blocks, the meet was run on time and finished on time. "It's never easy to run a meet of this magnitude and anything can happen to change things, but we have a dedicated set of officials and workers who ensured the meet ran mostly smoothly" he told the Observer. Harvey also praised the staff at GC Foster whom he said "rolled out the red carpet for us..." The Asafa Powell- and Shelly-Ann Fraser-led MVP sprint relay teams smashed their three-year-old marks in the Clubs/Institutions event to the delight of the thousands who turned out. The team of Fraser, Commonwealth 100m hurdles champion Brigette Foster-Hylton, Olympic 400m silver medallist Shericka Williams and 2006 World Junior 400m hurdles champion Kaliese Spencer clocked 43.37secs to erase their own 43.46 set in 2006. The Men's team, with three members of Jamaica's team which set the world record in winning gold at the Beijing Olympics set a new standard of 38.72 secs. Ainsley Waugh handed over to Michael Frater who gave the stick to Nesta Carter, creating enough room for Powell to cruise home, beating the 38.87 set in 2006. The Maurice Wilson-coached girls from Holmwood set new marks in the Class 2 4x100m (46.05secs), Class 4 4x100m (48.28) and High Schools Girls Sprint Medley Open (4:00.59). Kingston College lowered their own Boys Class 3 4x100m record of 45.04secs to 44.93, while both High School Boys 4x200m records fell. Holmwood's Class 1 team ran 1:26.27 to break KC's 1:26.32 mark set in 2006, while Wolmer's Boys' lowered the Class 2 mark to 1:28.95 from 1:28.99 set by Holmwood in 2004. Bellefield's Kemoy Campbell, who was denied the 3,000m record last year due to a power cut to the electronic timing, ran a splendid 8:27.04 to decimate the old mark of 8:47.22 set in 2007 by Shawn Pitter. UTech's Roxroy Cato lowered the Men's 400m hurdles record with a solid 51.03secs, beating the 53.20 set by Steve Banton last year. Holmwood take early lead in Junior Grand Prix Series PAUL A REID, Observer writer Jamaica Observer Wednesday, February 04, 2009 SANTA CRUZ, St Elizabeth - Holmwood Technical High relay teams, along with Edwin Allen's Gayon Evans and Manchester High's Brandon Tomlinson, are the first winners in the inaugural Milo Junior Grand Prix which got underway last Saturday at the Grace STETHS Invitational in Santa Cruz. The series, which was launched last week at a press launch for the Milo Western Relays in Montego Bay, will see points being awarded in the 100m and 4x800m relays at five meets, with $500,000 being given to the winning schools. Keno Heaven anchors the Holmwood Technical girls to a win in the 4x800m relay at the Grace STETHS Invitational held in Santa Cruz on Saturday. Holmwood won in 8:58.44 seconds to take the lead in the Junior Grand Prix series. (Photo: Paul Reid) Evans, a World Junior Championships representative, ran 11.75 seconds to win the Girls section, beating teammate Kaycea Jones, 11.82 seconds, and Vere Technical's Jura Levy, 11.85, into the minor places. Tomlinson (10.89secs) edged Munro College's Class 2 runner, Rolando Reid (10.90) into second, while Holmwood's Sheldon Williams was third in 10.94. Holmwood swept both 4x800m relays and lead both sections with 12 points. Manchester High were second in the Girls' section, with Edwin Allen third. Bellefield took second in the Boys section with Edwin Allen again finishing third. Shantae McLean, Lovan Palmer, Chriss-Ann Gordon and Keno Heaven ran in that order for Holmwood, who win in 8 minutes, 58.44 seconds, despite being pushed on the third leg by a courageous run from Edwin Allen's 400m hurdles champion, Nikita Tracey, who handed over second. The Holmwood Boys' team of Jermaine Blake, Wayne McIntyre, Andre Headley and Kevin Whyte led from the start to win in 7:46.21. The series continues at the PUMA/JAAA Development this Saturday at Jamalco, Clarendon; the MILO Western Relays at GC Foster on Feb 14; the Gibson Relays at the National Stadium on Feb 28, and the GC Foster Classic on March 14. 100m Grand Prix standings Girls Gayon Evans - Edwin Allen High - 9 points Kaycea Jones - Edwin Allen - 7 points Jura Levy - Vere Technical - 6 points Audra Segree - Holmwood Technical - 5 points Leslie-Ann Mitchell - Manchester high - 4 points Ornella Livingston - Holmwood - 3 points Boys Brandon Tomlinson - Manchester High - 9 points Rolando Reid - Munro - 7 points Sheldon Williams - Holmwood - 6 points Jermaine Barnaby - Vere Technical - 5 points Andrew Fisher - Albert Town - 4 points Jermaine Gayle - Vere Technical - 3 points Bruce McLean - Manchester High - 2 points Chadic Hines - STETHS - 1 point Relays Grand Prix points Girls Holmwood Technical A - 12 points Manchester High - 10 points Edwin Allen High - 9 points Holmwood Technical B - 8 points Tacius Golding - 7 points STETHS - 6 points Boys Holmwood Technical - 12 points Bellefield High - 10 points Edwin Allen High - 9 points STETHS - 8 points Kellits High - 7 points Tacius Golding High - 6 points Young Russell shines at Hurdles & Relays Meet BY KAYON RAYNOR Senior staff reporter Jamaica Observer Sunday, January 25, 2009 Janieve Russell of Holmwood Technical continued her record-breaking form in the 80m hurdles at yesterday's second staging of the Central Hurdles and Relays at GC Foster College. Four other records were broken at press time at a meet badly affected by heavy winds. Having opened her season on January 10 at the JC Development Meet with a record 11.80 seconds, the Class Three athlete produced 12.09secs yesterday to establish a new mark by shaving 0.08 seconds off STETHS' Rochelle Farquharson's old mark of 12.12secs. Russell had also established new records in the long jump and high jump at the JC meet. Holmwood team-mate Osheen Erskine was second in the event in 12.20 ahead Vere's Tasha Clarke, 12.38. The other records to fall were in the Girls Class Four 70m hurdles, the Girls Class One 400m hurdles and the Boys and Girls 4x800m relays. Peta Gaye-Williams of Vere clocked 11.45secs to shave 0.10 off Chelsea Montaque's (St Andrew) previous mark of 11.55 in the 70m hurdles. Latavia Coombs of Holmwood was second in 12.05 and Gorgia Gordon of St Jago third. Shana-Gaye Tracy of Manchester High, who represented Jamaica at last summer's World Junior Championships in Poland, posted 1:02.32 in the 400m hurdles to erase the old mark of 1:03.63 done by Andrea Reid of Holmwood last year. Junie Baker of Vere also finished under the old record in 1:03.26 while Tamara Kean of Holmwood clocked 1:04.91 for third. The Holmwood Girls team signalled their Penn Relays ambitions in the 4x800m, relay clocking 8:59.33 to shave 16 seconds off Manchester's 9:15.52secs. The Men's equivalent went to GC Foster College in a record 7:44.62. Previous record-holders Manchester High were second in 7:47.96, while JC were third in 7:50.37. Holmwood lead semi charge Published: Sunday | January 25, 2009 MANDEVILLE: DEFENDING CHAMPIONS Holmwood Technical led three other favoured qualifiers to the semi-finals of the Grace/ISSA rural Knockout Cup on Friday. Holmwood defeated Port Antonio by 108 runs, traditional rivals St Elizabeth Technical mauled St Mary Technical by 228 runs after scoring 379, Manchester got by Vere by 112 runs while Frome grabbed the other semi-final spot after beating St Thomas Technical. National player André Creary struck 22 in Holmwood's total of 239 for six and then returned to snare five wickets as Port Antonio folded for 131. In fact, the losers profited from a reckless start in which the Holmwood team conceded 17 runs in the first over bowled. They reached 51 without loss off five overs before fast bowler Onique Robinson had Derron Crawford caught for 14 to turn the match in the champions' favour. The Portland team continued to play aggressively but lost wickets regularly as Creary was introduced into the attack and they folded in 12 overs despite scoring at a whopping 11 runs per over. Earlier, Anchard Hamilton continued his consistent run with a top score of 66 and he was well supported by Jermaine Blackwood (40) and Takeem Lowe (29). Hard-working Holmwood nab 4th straight Senior Award Thursday, January 22, 2009 Holmwood Technical's success was attributed to "a lot of hard work" as the school collected its fourth successive ISSA/All-Island Schoolgirl Senior netball title at the Awards Ceremony at Terra Nova Hotel in Kingston yesterday. "We start our season very early and we put in a lot of work. We're also part of the Clarendon Netball League and... that sort of helps us in terms of improving skills and the parents and the past students support us in whatever we do and the principal is a very dedicated person also," coach Carlene Graham told the Observer. Graham was named the top Rural Area Senior Coach for conditioning her team to the Zone D title. The Manchester-based school then claimed the Rural Area title ahead of Denbigh High and Tacius Golding before beating Urban Senior title-holders Vauxhall High, 47-44, in the All-Island final. Meanwhile, St Andrew Girls won the All-Island Junior title after defeating Herbert Morrison, 24-16, in the final. They had earlier captured the Urban Area Group 4 crown and the overall Junior title ahead of The Queen's School and St Hugh's. Coach Jennifer Brown, Rita Spence of Herbert Morrison, and Vauxhall's Rohan Robinson were named top Rural and Urban Junior and Senior coaches, respectively. Ashley Ray Barrett of Herbert Morrison and Holmwood's Desrene Taylor were the Most Accurate Shooters for the Junior and Senior Rural leagues, while St Andrew's Shanice Lee and Charisha Richards of Vauxhall were the Urban Area winners. The competition suffered a loss at the start of the season following the death of ISSA Netball Competitions Committee head and principal of The Queen's School, Yvonne Keane-Dawes, in September. Holmwood, St Andrew are all-island queens Published: Tuesday | December 9, 2008 Jermaine Lannaman, Gleaner Writer Dr Walton Small (right), president of the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA), and Angella Chaplain, chairperson for netball, ISSA, applaud members of the Holmwood Technical school team as they celebrate, following the trophy presentation , winning the senior all-island netball final against Vauxhall High at the Stadium courts yesterday. Holmwood won the Under-19 title with a 47-44 extra-time scoreline. Rural area champion Holmwood Technical grabbed their fourth successive hold on the ISSA/Digicel All-Island Netball senior league title, following a hard-fought 47-44 extra-time win over urban area champions Vauxhall High, while St Andrew High got the better of Herbert Morrison High 24-16 in the junior equivalent at the National Stadium courts yesterday. In two close and exciting contests, Holmwood, who had to fight tooth and nail after being four goals down with two minutes remaining in regulation time, became the first team since the all-conquering Dunoon Technical of the 1990s to claim a fourth consecutive hold on the national title. While St Andrew, who under the guidance of 20-year veteran Jennifer Brown, earlier in the season captured the urban and all-island Under-13 titles, capped off the season with the Under-16 equivalent. Amazing feeling "It feels good, it feels great to be crowned champions for the fourth consecutive year," said a delightful Carolyn Graham-Powell, who before speaking to reporters, broke down in tears and had to be restrained. "It's a lot of hard work and dedication that we put in and to know that we were so close to losing and come back is an amazing feeling. "I want to dedicate this victory to C. Lloyd Walker (former Dunoon Technical coach), who taught me so much and prepared me for occasions like these and the entire Holmwood Technical community, who gave us their full support," she added. Against the odds at 38-34 down with two minutes to go and Vauxhall's vocal and vociferous supporters on a high, Holmwood, through standout goalshooter, Deneen Laylor, who netted 42 of 54 attempts, rallied in spectacular fashion to take a 39-38 lead with 30 seconds remaining and had it not been for a goal five seconds from the end from Vauxhall's top shooter, Trudy-Ann Green (42 of 56 attempts), the Manchester team would have won the game in normal time. Had that happened, it would have been equally dramatic, intense and deserving for the girls from Manchester, as throughout the heated encounter, they were pushed to the limit by their east Kingston challengers, who after losing the first quarter 8-9, rallied to tie the second 20-20, then led the third and penultimate 30-29. "We tried and tried and tried, but it was just not our day," said Vauxhall's assistant coach, Patricia Jackson. "They were simply better than us. But I am nonetheless proud of my girls, they did their best." Worked hard for victory In the junior final, which was played in the hot, 1 p.m. sun and in front of a handful of spectators, St Andrew took the first half 13-11 before rounding off the encounter. St Andrew goalshooter, Shanice Lee, who got valuable support from energetic centre, Chelsey Montaque, said the girls from the City trained and worked hard for their victory. "We have excellent players and our coach really pushed us to work hard," she said. "This is a proud and happy moment for the school, knowing that it is our third title this season and we are very elated." Holmwood, Herbert Morrison meet in schoolgirl semis GERALD REID Wednesday, November 26, 2008 REIGNING All-Island Senior champions, Holmwood Technical, will take on Herbert Morrison in the semi-finals of the Digicel/ISSA Rural High Schoolgirls League this afternoon at St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) in Santa Cruz, starting at 1:45. The other semi-final is in the Junior League where Holmwood and Herbert Morrison meet at 12 noon. Both semi-finals will determine who goes through to the finals of both competitions. Action in the other two semi-finals will be played on Friday between Frome Technical and the winner of the Denbigh-Old Harbour game in the Juniors, while Tacius Golding face Denbigh High in the Seniors, also at STETHS. Interestingly, both Holmwood and Herbert Morrison have not lost a game in either division and fans should expect two exciting encounters. Holmwood, coached by Carlene Graham and Herbert Morrison, coached by Rita Spence, both see these showdowns as being very important. The Juniors semi-final could be a close affair as Holmwood have been winning with scores of over 30 goals. Results of quarter-final knockouts played on Monday at GC Foster: JUNIORS - Holmwood defeated Titchfield 31-4; Herbert Morrison outscored Manchester 23-13; Frome beat McGrath 23-13. The Denbigh High and Old Harbour game was not played. SENIORS - Holmwood beat Frome 53-19; Herbert Morrison topped STETHS 26-23; Tacius Golding stopped Edwin Allen 34-27; Denbigh defeated McGrath 28-9. Local girls on fire at Penn relays Saturday, April 26, 2008 American commedian Bill Cosby (left), chats with Holmwood Technical's Salcia Slack as he made the presentation to the jamaican school for winning the high school girls 4x800m at the 114th Penn Relays in Philadelphia yesterday.(Photo: Paul Reid) PHILADELPHIA, USA - Edwin Allen High and Holmwood Technical delighted thousands who turned up at Franklin Field on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania for the second day of the 114th Penn Relay Carnival as Jamaican high school girls won two of three Championship of America relay titles yesterday. In front of a reported 39, 904, fans/supporters the second highest Friday attendance in the meet's history after 23, 567 attended on Thursday, the Jamaicans came up just short after losing the 4x400m relays. It was another gorgeous day when the temperature reached the high 70s making for perfect sprinting weather and the Jamaicans duly obliged with some outstanding running. Edwin Allen easily defended their 4x100m title with a sixth fastest ever time of 4.79 seconds with the team of Naffene Briscoe, Kasia Jones, Gayon Evans and Shawna Anderson, the same team that had run the fastest time in Thursday's qualifying heats. Edwin Allen's coach Michael Dyke expressed his satisfaction with the win, saying only he had hoped to run faster, closer to a 44.60 seconds time but said "in a finals, you can't guarantee anything" adding the exchanges were executed well and that was the key to the win. Many time winners and record holders Vere Technical was second in 45.23 seconds with Holmwood Technical's 45.49 ensuring a Jamaican clean sweep of the top three places. St Jago finished in seventh place in 46.67 seconds while Alpha Academy in their first ever Championship finals was eighth in 47.55 seconds. St Andrew's High won the Large School's consolation finals in 46.98 seconds while Manchester High took the Small School's Consolation race in 45.64 seconds, Herbert Morrison was third in 47.22 seconds while STETHS was fifth in 47.97 seconds. Holmwood Technical bounced back from last season's disappointment when they failed to win any event in nine years with a big win in the 4x800m, coming from behind to beat defending champions Eleanor Roosevelt and Edwin Allen thanks to a fast 2:09.1 seconds anchor leg from Bobbie-gay Wilkins. Holmwood's winning time of 8:41.92 seconds was the second fastest ever at the Penn Relays, trailing only the great Vere Technical team of 1991 that ran 8:31.71 seconds, the a Junior World Record. Yesterday's victory in the Two-mile relay was the 22nd time a Jamaican school was taking first place since Clarendon College won in 1982. Clarke, Wilson predict more successes for Champs 2009 DANIA BOGLE, Observer staff reporter bogled@jamaicaobserver.com Saturday, April 19, 2008 Michael Clarke and Maurice Wilson, coaches of 2008 ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys' and Girls' Champion teams Calabar and Holmwood Technical, respectively, think that with their current cadre of athletes, their teams should be hard to be beat within the next few years at the annual high school athletics event. Both men said that while a few key persons will leave school this year, the core of their teams will remain at least for another year, giving them a good shot at winning in 2009. Calabar will lose current team captain Andrew Riley, who won the Class One boys' high jump and heptathlon Open, finished third in the 110m hurdles, was part of the winning 4x100m relay team, and was named the Champion Boy and Champion Class One boy for the 2008 championships. "Andrew has been the stalwart of the team," Clarke, a Calabar old boy himself, told Sporting World. Noel Facey - the Carifta trials double champion - who finished second in the discus and third in the shot put at Champs, Warren Weir, and Marvin Grant will also leave school this year. "Our philosophy in terms of building a team is primarily about continuity, and the spaces that are going to be created now based on our plans and what we have implemented over the last year should put us in a position whereby the boys who are leaving will be missed, but not a significant loss," Clarke said. For Holmwood, the loss will come in the form of Bobbie-Gaye Wilkins, the Class One 800m champion who also anchored the winning girls 4x400m Open relay team and Andrea Reid. The school, which was winning its sixth consecutive championships, ended with over 100 points more than second-placed finisher Vere Technical, and coach Maurice Wilson said he is looking for another win next year. "By natural progression we should have another win," Wilson said, adding with caution that anything can happen. "It is very difficult to predict what is going to happen next year because what you find is that there are persons who drop out of the programme or the sort of support you get throughout the year can also decide how you perform, so there are a lot of other factors you have to take into consideration," he said. Wilson admitted that while the same school winning the Champs every year may lead to predictability or boredom for spectators, doing the best is what matters. "You cannot lose to create competition.cannot be working hard all year with a team and then hope to lose in order to generate enthusiasm among the spectators," he said. He added that much of the success of his team comes through proper planning and it may only be a matter of time before things fall into place for the other teams as well. "This year we were not dominant in everything, it was basically good planning, there were other teams which did well so maybe these teams' planning structure has not matured as it should, but it will eventually happen and we (Holmwood) are not going to win forever," Wilson told Sporting World. Calabar's victory over Kingston College was closer, only 40 points separated them, and Clarke, although optimistic, seemed to prefer to err on the side of caution. "If all goes well those boys who are to return and they return without mishap, it should position us where we can do as well as we did or close.I don't want to predict, but we should do very well," he concluded. Holmwood girls to get Wall-of-Fame honour published: Wednesday | April 16, 2008 Raymond Graham, Freelance Writer JAMAICA'S MOST dominant high school team over the past 10 years at the Penn Relays, Holmwood Technical's girls, will have much to cheer about next weekend when they travel to the popular event. The Maurice Wilson-coached 2001 4x400 metres quartet, of Kerrian Whyte, Karen Gayle, Aneisha McLaughlin and Sheryl Morgan, has been inducted into the Penn Relays Wall of Fame for their outstanding time of 3:34.75, which still stands as the fastest time by a female high school team at the championships. Holmwood Technical will become the sixth Jamaican high school team to be given this honour. Elated with recognition Naturally, head coach of the Holmwood team, Wilson, was elated with his team's recognition. "It is an unbelievable feeling as several of these ladies are not recognised," Wilson said. "Persons like Gayle, Whyte and Morgan are the people who built the Holm-wood programme and are not recognised like the Calverts and Sutherlands,'' he said. Wilson said he was extremely pleased that people outside of the school community were able to recognise the achievements of the young women. Vere Technical's 1991 mile-relay quartet of Charmaine Howell, Claudine Williams, Janice Turner and Inez Turner was the first Jamaican high school team to be recognised when they were inducted in 1995. Two years later, it was the Camperdown's 4x100m relay team of Marie Taylor, Revoli Campbell, Helena Rochester and Andrea Lloyd that was recognised for its performance in 1989. First local team In 2003, Camperdown's star-studded 4x100m relay team of Derrick Thomas, Carey Johnson, Ralston Wright and Garfield Campbell became the first local high school male team to get that award for their record-breaking run in 1986. The following year, another boys' team, St. Jago, was inducted as the 4x800m quartert of Carlton Allen, Mark Lucas, Eaton Evans and Michael Williams was rewarded for its fantastic run in 1990. The same year, Vere Technical's female team was also rewarded as it became the only high school team to be inducted twice. It received this recognition for its 1992 distance medley team which included Charlene Robinson, Avia Morgan, Evette Turner and Janice Turner. Quartet honour Former Camperdown honoree Carey Johnson and Ralston Wright will be recognised for the second time as they were part of Texas Christian University 1991 record-breaking 4x100m team which did 38.80 seconds. The quartet, which included Americans Jon Drummond and Horatio Palmer, became the first college team to run sub-39 seconds and they held that record for 10 years. Wilkins brought the house down with a great run by Richard Bryan, Freelance Writer Bobby-Gaye Wilkins (second left) with members of Holmwood's winning 4x400m team shortly after the race at the National Stadium last Saturday. The other runners are (from left) Petra Fanty, Shantea McLean and Andrea Reid. Holmwood clocked 3:36.44 to win from Vere 3:36.82 and Edwin Allen 3:37.06 - Ian Allen St Jago High's sprint twins, Yohan Blake and Nickel Ashmeade, 5000m winner Kemoy Campbell of Bellefield High, Vere Technical's Jura Levy, Ramone McKenzie of Calabar and Munro College's Class Three 100m record breaker, Adam Cummings, all had special moments that would have competed for the best cheers of last weekend's GraceKennedy Boys' and Girls' Championships. However, Bobby-Gaye Wilkins' scorching run in anchoring the Holmwood 4x400m team to victory in the last female event on the night must have ranked very high on any list. In previous years, there was nothing to look forward to when it came to that event, except for a Holmwood record. This time, pride was stake and the enormous challenge of protecting the prestigious tradition of having not lost a 4x400m race since the championship held at GC Foster in 2002. Just minutes before the race, coach Maurice Wilson, in a radio interview, was very conservative about his team's chances, saying then "it would be difficult to win". Just a cursory look at the team in running order seemed to justify that caution: Starting first would be Petra Fanty, the Class Two sprinter who had managed just fourth place in both the 100m and 200m; Andrea Reid, who had finished third in the 400m hurdles; Chantea McLean, the Class Three star athlete who had won both the 800m and 1500m; and Bobby-Gaye Wilkins, the expected lynchpin, and winner of the both the 400m and 800m. Vere, Edwin Allen and Manchester High did most of the running for the first three legs, and with Wilkins collecting the baton well behind the two leaders, some 30 metres behind, the feeling among most of those watching was that the gap was too huge, even for someone of her pedigree. Wilkins, apparently still struck by the way she responded told Star Sports : "I told myself I would not panic. I just (kept) remember (ing) what my coach told me ... maintain your form ... maintain your form." Wilkins had gone out fast, hitting top speed earlier than normal. Thoughts of giving up the chase even entered her mind for a few seconds. "At the 200m mark when I catch (caught) up with them (the front- runners), I just felt I could go no more, but I just backed that out of my mind and kept on running ... running." Lifted by the deafening cheers, Wilkins surged into the lead with a mere 15 metres to go to complete an astounding win. More important, she may have left the perfect memory that would inspire future Holmwood athletes to produce determined peformances under pressure, regardless of the opposition. Wilson hails Slack, Wilkins Head coach of Holmwood Technical High School girls' athletics team, Maurice Wilson, has described Bobby-Gaye Wilkins' 'super-human' effort in the 4x400m and the overall performance of Salcia Slack as his highlights of the four-day Boys' and Girls' Championships. "I personally didn't believe we had the legs to match Edwin Allen in the 4x400m," Wilson said. Wilkins, who received the baton about 15-20 metres back in third, on the final leg, ran a sizzling 50. 8 seconds anchor leg to hand her team a surprise victory in 3:36.44 ahead of Vere (3:36.82) and final leg leaders Edwin Allen (3:37.06). Slack, the team captain, won the triple jump and heptathlon open, Class One discus and was second in the long jump. Although they won by over 150 points, Wilson said it was never easy. "I think it was a great championship for us. We really had to work extremely hard, even though we won by a lot of points, I had to depend on the younger ones to perform well." Wilson said Holm-wood's sixth straight victory would not have been possible without the full support of manager Chester McCarthy and coaches Dave Anderson, Kirk Brown and Dwight Jones. "I think those persons really contributed, also Pat Anderson, sponsors Windalco, CariMed, Super Plus, along with vice-principal Edward Hector and Paul Bailey, the principal. I think we all came together as a team and were able to produce this victory," he said. No stopping Holmwood in 6th title romp BY PAUL A REID Observer writer reidp@jamaicaobserver.com Sunday, March 16, 2008 Holmwood Technical cruised to a sixth straight Girls Championships title as they outclassed the field with a massive 352 points to win by over 130 points as the ISSA/GraceKennedy-sponsored event ended at the National Stadium last night. The total was almost identical to the 353.5 they scored last year, with Vere (210.5), Edwin Allen (206), Manchester (147) and St Jago (125.5) rounding out the top five. The champions overcame a number of mishaps, including break-ins on consecutive nights at their Kingston base, to land the title going away. The Christiana-based school also won three of the six relays, while Edwin Allen landed two. Head coach, Maurice Wilson, said in light of all that went on since they got to Kingston on Tuesday, "This one was actually difficult. If it was a close Champs we would have lost." Wilson explained that they had to look at a different way to win this year from the previous four times. "We didn't have the core of high-standard athletes, so we had to concentrate on getting points where we could and we were lucky... to do so from early." Wilson praised senior athletes Salcia Slack and Bobby-Gaye Wilkins for their roles in the victory, describing the latter as the "anchor for the team, an understated person who goes out and sets the example in every area... losing her will make a lot of difference the programme", he said. Wilkins, in her final year at Champs, repeated her amazing double from last year, winning both Class One 400 and 800m in just under two-and-half hours. Just before 2:00 pm, the Pan-Am Juniors 400m gold medallist stamped her class in the one-lap event, going to the front early and never relenting to win in 52.46secs, increasing her margin with every stride. Vere Technical's Kayan Robinson (54.67) was second and Edwin Allen's Shakeeri Cole (54.85) third - a repeat of last year's top three. Wilkins returned just after 4:15 pm to power her way through crowd of runners on the last turn to sprint home in the 800m in 2:10.89 with Cole taking silver in 2:11.86 and last year's Class Two champion, Keno Heaven of Holmwood, the bronze in 2:12.85. Wilkins ended her Champs career with a brilliant anchor leg in the mile relay, catching the runners from Edwin Allen and Manchester as her team won in 3:36.44 seconds. She timed an amazing 50.8sec split. Slack was the only triple champions at the meet, adding the Heptathlon record to the Class One discus and triple jump Open won on Friday, but settled for second in the long jump behind Todea-Kay Willis of St Andrew High, 6.13m to 5.92m. Slack scored 5,411 points to beat the old Heptathlon mark of 5,282 set in 2004 by Nadina Marsh. Manchester's Natoya Goule was also a double winner, taking the Class Two 800m in 2:08.78secs after winning the 1500m Friday as the Edwin Allen pair of Nikita Tracey and Mackola Joseph finished second and third - improving one place from last year. There were also three sprint double winners: Edwin Allen's Shawna Anderson in Class One, Vere's Jura Levy in Class Two and Holmwood's Chris-Ann Gordon in Class Four. Manchester's Sandrae Farquharson, who won the Class Three 400m earlier, returned to cop the 200 to land two individual gold. Levy, who broke the 100m record Friday, sped to a smart 24.48secs, holding off a fast-charging 400m champion, Antonique Campbell of Herbert Morrison (24.62) and Denesha Morrison of Manchester (25.07). Anderson completed the Class One double, winning the 200m in 24.61 ahead of Vere's Kayan Robinson (24.79) and teammate Naffene Briscoe (24.82). Holmwood's Gordon added the Class Four 200m title to the 100m won Friday after clocking 25.32secs. Kessi Ann Brown of Wolmer's (26.10) was second while Oshin Brooks-Gillings of Alpha (26.25) was third. In the 400m, Herbert Morrison's Campbell, the Class Three sprint double champion last year, ran a well-timed race in the last 70-metres to upstage the defending champion, Shana-Gaye Tracey of Manchester, to win the Class Two 400m in a PB 54.58secs. Tracey, who won the 400m hurdles title on Friday, went out hard and led as they came into the home stretch but had nothing left for Campbell's superior foot speed. Edwin Allen's Amoy Blake was second in 54.99 seconds while Denesha Morris of Manchester third in 55.11 as Tracey faded to fourth. Farquharson of Manchester nipped Vere's Shericka Jackson for the Class Three title after a stirring battle down the home stretch after both had separated themselves from the field. Holmwood open up big lead PAUL A REID, Observer writer reidp@jamaicaobserver.com Saturday, March 15, 2008 Shawna Anderson (left) of Edwin Allen celebrates her win (11.58 secs) in the girls' Class One 100m final at the National Stadium last night. Teammate Gayon Evans (right) was second in 11.73. Holmwood's Audrea Segree (centre) gives up the chase. (Photos: Bryan Cummings) Defending champions Holmwood Technical opened up a sizable lead going into today's final day of the GraceKennedy/ISSA Girls' Championships as they appear to be rolling to a sixth straight title. Leading by 19 points after seven events at the end of Thursday's second day, the Maurice Wilson-coached girls were ahead by over 60 points after 19 finals were completed last night. Twenty-five more finals will be completed on today's final day, including the 200m and 400m events. The day's events will start at 9:00 am with the preliminary rounds of the Class 3 Girls Long Jump. Holmwood scored heavily in the 100m and 1500m events and picked up points in every final contested to put daylight between themselves and the rest of the field. Holmwood is on 151 points, followed by first-day leaders Vere Technical, 87.5; Edwin Allen Comprehensive, 76; St Jago, 58.50; and Wolmer's Girls rounding out the top five, 46.5. A record run in the Class 2 100m by World Youth Championships representative Jura Levy of Vere Technical highlighted the girls' events as she erased the eight-year-old record of Nadine Palmer, formerly of Holmwood Technical. The pint-sized Levy caught the fast-starting Carrie Russell of St Thomas Technical and blew past her in the last 10m to win the Class 2 100m in 11.46 seconds and erase Palmer's 11.50 seconds from the record books. Sashane Gayle of Holmwood took third place in 11.93 seconds. Shawna Anderson led an Edwin Allen High 1-2 in the Class 1 event, winning in 11.58 seconds ahead of Gayon Evans, 11.73 seconds and Immaculate Conception's Danielle Jeffrey, 11.85 seconds. Vere Technical's Deandra Whitehorne, who was fourth last year, took the Class 3 race in 11.74 seconds ahead of Holmwood's Sherika Moulton, 11.83 seconds with Wolmer's Girls' Cardine Copeland, last year's Class 4 champion, third in 11.89 seconds. Holmwood Technical's Chris-Ann Gordon and Kedisha Dallas took the gold and silver in the Class 4 100 ahead of St Elizabeth Technical's Opal James, the Long Jump winner on Thursday. Natoya Goule of Manchester High led from the start to retain her title in the Class 2 1500m as she extended her unbeaten streak in individual events at 'Champs', winning in 4:36.36 minutes ahead of Edwin Allen's Mackola Joseph 4:41.40 minutes, with another Manchester runner, Kimberly Brown, in third place, 4:44.94 minutes. Vere Technical's Petrona Layne retained the Class 1 1500m in 4:39.92 minutes as the former champions took the 1-2 quinella with Tenesha Davis taking second 4:42.01 and St Jago's Roshane Boreland taking third in 4:42.01 minutes. Boreland was the only non-central-based athlete to win a 1500m medal last night. Shantea McLean of Holmwood Technical out-sprinted the field to win the Class 3 event in 4:45.18 minutes ahead of Edwin Allen High's Carla Thompson, 4:47.42 minutes, with last year's winner Petrine Plummer relegated to the bronze medal position in 4:53.25 minutes. IAAF World Youth Championships finalist Shana-Gay Tracey powered her way to her second straight 400m hurdles title in 58.18 seconds, slower than the 57.90 seconds she ran last year. Edwin Allen's Nikita Tracey improved from fifth place last year for the silver in 58.95 seconds while Holmwood's Andrea Reid was third in 59.25 seconds. Candicea Bernard of St Hugh's won the Girls Class 2 Discus, throwing 40.24m after taking second in the Shot Put Open the previous evening with a 12.70m effort that was better than the previous record but below the winning effort of her teammate Micara Vassell. Kerry-Ann Walker of Holmwood Technical was second with 35.06m while Evanna Whitehorne of Vere was further back with 30.92m for the bronze. Wolmer's won their second High Jump event of the meet when Anna-Lisa Myers took the Class 1 event with 1.70m ahead of Alpha's Claudia Calder who repeated her silver medal performance from last year, also with 1.70m, the same height she cleared in 2007. Holmwood Technical's Christina Barrett was third with 1.65m. Wolmer's had taken the Class 3 event in an upset on Thursday when Shanice Hall equalled the record of 1.74m, beating favourite Peter-Gay Reid of St Elizabeth Technical. Alpha's Tatiana Wolfe won the Class 4 event with a jump of 1.55m, beating Holmwood's Shanice McPherson and Queen's Tishauna Francis on the count back. St Jago took first and third in the Javelin Open with Ichama Dawkins winning with a throw of 36.31m and Kellion Knibb taking the bronze, 30.97m, sandwiching Holmwood Technical's Cassandra Bennett, 34.94m. Points standings after 19 events Holmwood Technical 151, Vere Technical High 87.5, Edwin Allen High 76, St Jago 58.5, Wolmer's Girls' School 46.5, Manchester High 43, St Hugh's High 40, Convent of Mercy 35.50, St Elizabeth Technical 35, St Andrew High 33, Immaculate Conception 27, Morant Bay High 13, The Queens School 12, Herbert Morrison Tech 8, St Thomas Technical 7, Campion 5, Happy Grove 5, William Knibb 3, Dinthill Technical 3, Charlemont High 3, Glengoffe 3, Christiana High 2, Buff Bay High 2, Bellefield High 1, Tarrant High 1, Meadowbrook High 1. Slack unleashes with record, two gold at Champs PAUL A REID, Observer writer reidp@jamaicaobserver.com Thursday, March 13, 2008 Holmwood's Salcia Slack prepares to hurl the discus on the way to winning the Class One event on yesterday's first day of the GraceKennedy/ISSA Girls' Champs at the National Stadium. Slack won with a record 45.13m to erase the old mark of 44.40m. (Photo: Bryan Cummings) Holmwood Technical's Salcia Slack highlighted yesterday's first day of the ISSA/GraceKennedy Girls Champs at the National Stadium by setting one record and establishing a new personal best in two events to win two gold medals. The 18-year-old first-year Class One athlete broke the 10-year-old discus record of 44.40m set by Tanya Thomas of Manchester with 45.13m on her first attempt in the preliminaries. Earlier, she set a PR, wind-aided 13.23m (3.3m) to win the triple jump after taking second place last year. Former champions Vere Technical, meanwhile, lead the tables with 25 points - one more than defending champions Holmwood, followed by St Hugh's, St Jago and St Andrew High. Meanwhile, Kingston College lead the Boys' section with 13 points after one final, followed by Wolmer's (11), Morant Bay (seven), Jamaica College (three) and St Jago (two). Despite her outstanding effort, Slack was calm after the discus and told the Observer she was expecting the record: "I was planning on it from earlier, but this is the right time and place to just let it all go," she said. Not satisfied with just two golds, the many-time CARIFTA champion has set her eyes on two more records - the Class One long jump of 6.47m, held by former Dinthill athlete, Elva Goulbourne, and the Heptathlon Open of 5,282 points held by Nadina Marsh, formerly of St Jago. Slack won the Heptathlon with 5,020 points last year. Todea-Kay Willis of St Andrew was second in the triple jump with 12.61m, while Immaculate's Jhanelle McLeod was third in 12.10m. Micara Vassel of St Hugh's took silver in the discus with a throw of 40.18m, while Vere's Kaymarie Jones was third with 39.47m. Vere got off to fast start, taking 16 points from the first final - the Class 3 discus - before picking up valuable points in the other two events. Marsielle McBean led a Vere one-two in the Class 3 Girls discus, winning with 32.55m to top teammate Tamika Frater, 31.67m, while St Jago's Kellion Knibb was third with 31.15m, beating teammate Fayon Gonzalez for the bronze. Four more finals will be decided on today's second day of the four day meet - High jump Class 3, long jump Class 4, shot put Open and long jump Class 2. STETHS's first-time CARIFTA Games selectee, Peter-Gay Reid, will start favourite in the Class Three high jump after clearing 1.70m three times this season. She could break the record of 1.74m on her birthday. Holmwood to unveil secret weapons By Richard Bryan, Freelance Writer Shanice McPherson of Holmwood clearing the bar at 1.55m to win the Class Four girls high jump at the recent Milo Central Championships. She will also compete in sprint events at Boys' and Girls' Championships. - file Class One has traditionally provided most points for Holmwood during their five-year reign at Boys' an d Girls' Championships. This year's chase towards an inevitable sixth title is likely to see the unfolding of new stars between Classes Four and Two. The fact that Holmwood were limited to just a few places (by their standards) on the Carifta Games team, suggest they are in a rebuilding stage. "Traditionally, because of the age at which most athletes enter our school, Class Four has been our weakest in terms of the competition out there," according to assistant girls Coach, Dave 'Diego' Anderson. "This year will be different and, we should get good enough points from Class Four and most from Class Three and Two." Repeat performers Last year, Holmwood won the championship by a whopping 121 points with an aggregation of 44. That number has increased to 50, with the difference padding the lower classes.The breakdown of the team will see Class Four - seven athletes; Class Three - 12; Class Two - 20; and, Class One, 13. Holmwood have experimented in the various meets with different competitors. A case in point is Central Championships, where Kedeisha Dallas won ahead of teammate Gleneve Grange in the 200m. However, the strongest athlete in this event is Crissan Gordon, who, along with Shanice McPherson are repeat performers in Class Four. Gordon, fourth, last year in the 200m, did not run at Central Championships but she has recorded the fastest time in the Class Four 200m, clocking 25.0, seconds at Jamalco. In Class Three, there is plenty of experience with Sherika Moulton (100m), Shantea McLean (800m) and Petrine Plumber (1500m) repeating. Moulton did not medal last year but has improved significantly, winning the 100m at Central Championships. Plumber had also finished second to Goule last year in the 3000 open. Close to half of Holmwood's female team will compete in Class Two, suggesting that is where they expect to get the bulk of their points. Particular interest will surround Yannique Ellington, who wants to crown her 16th birthday later this week with victory in the sprints, particularly the 200m. She has had to play second fiddle to Jura Levy (Vere) and Gayan Evans (Edwin Allen), but she will be motivated from victory in the Under-17 event at the Carifta Trials ahead of teammate Petra Fanty. A similar challenge looms for Fanty who won the Under-17 100m at the Carifta Trials. Sashane Gayle, the 100m champion at Central Championships, makes her debuts for Holmwood at these championships, after sitting out the required year after transferring from Christiana High. Kediesha Dallas of Holmwood Technical (left) winning the Class Four girls 200 metres final in a record 25.96 seconds at the Milo Central Championships at G.C. Foster College recently. - - file Manchester beat Holmwood in Headley Cup Wednesday, February 27, 2008 Holmwood suffered a two-wicket defeat against Manchester High to highlight yesterday's Grace Headley Cup League 'A'. Marlon Pinnock's 103 propelled Holmwood to 201 all out in a Zone C clash, with Christopher Gayle taking 4-20 and Kemoye Daye, 4-47. At 123-3 Manchester were on course in their reply, but gave the former champions a glimmer of hope with the fall of five quick wickets. However, national youth player Jamie Merchant (58 no) batted through to the end as Manchester reached 202-8. Allen Powell scored 28 against Jermaine Blackwood, 2-54, and Rohan McLune, 2-53. In Zone A: Cambridge beat Rusea's by six wickets. Cedric James took 5-25 and Gareth Dennis, 5-43 to dimiss Ruseas for 137. Dravian Forbes (40) was the topscorer. In reply, an unbroken half-century stand between Ryan Barrett (49no) and Donovan (37no) took Cambridge to 139-4. In Zone B: Defending champions STETHS registered an eight-wicket win over Mannings. Mannings first made 118, with Linton Buchanan bagging 5-34. STETHS responded with 119-2 with Derval Green (54no) and Carl Palmer Jnr (38no) taking them home. Godfrey Stewart had a huge 109-run win over Lacovia. Godfrey Stewart made 206-7 declared with captain Adrian Thompson (82) and Rickel Walker (57) the topscorers. Lacovia were then bowled out for 97, with Nickoy Rowe making 42. Thompson bagged 4-13 and Ryan Moxam, 3-27. In Zone D: A fourth-wicket stand of 103 made the difference in Glenmuir's five-wicket win over Vere. Kieron Thomas (50) and Chad Hylton (48no) combined in Glenmuir's 138-5 after Vere were bowled out for 137. Vere's quest for a big total was denied by fastbowler Ricardo Williams, who took 5-43. Garvey Maceo (120-3) defeated Kemps Hill (118 all out) by seven wickets. In Zone E: Despite Oral Johnson's 6-62, Dinthill lost by 12 runs to Marcus Garvey, who made 140 batting first. In reply, Dinthill were bowled out for 128 with Okino Lodge, 44, topscoring against Damani Sewell, 4-46. York Castle's Shanaughn Cunningham bagged 4-14 as Bog Walk were dismissed for 91. The former then made 95-4 with Nickle Webber (21no) and extras of 28 the leading scores. In Zone F: Titchfield won by eight wickets at Folly Oval after bowling out Oracebessa for 96 with Renaldo Scott making 42 against Damion Heslop, 3-15, and Herman Henry, 3-38. In reply, Henry made 57 not out and Jamiel Morgan, 21 not out, as Titchfield reached 97-2. At the CASE, Port Antonio beat Maggoty by 70 runs. Port Antonio made 134 all out with Jamion Gray (43) topscoring against Carlton Brown 3-18. Maggoty were bowled out for 64 as Denny White grabbed 3-2 and Neville Doure 2-3. Holmwood, St Jago dominates published: Sunday | February 17, 2008 Elton Tucker, Assistant Sport Editor Omar Johnson of Claude McKay (right) wins the Class One boys' 200 metres final at the Milo Central Championships at G.C. Foster College yesterday. Johnson's winning time was 21.88 seconds. Manchester High's Brandon Tomlinson (left) was second in 22.15. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer ST JAGO High were runaway winners of the boys' title while Holmwood Technical High were poised to lift the girls' crown at the two-day Milo Central Championships which ended at G.C. Foster College yesterday. At press time, with five events to be completed, St. Jago's boys were way out in front with 310.5 points - well ahead of Holmwood, 123, Edwin Allen, 93.5, Claude McKay, 84, and Manchester High, 76.5. Holmwood's girls, 364, were more than 40 points ahead of Edwin Allen, 321.5, Vere Technical, 311, Manchester High, 237, and Bellefield, 21. There were six events still to be completed. Kemoy Campbell of Bellefield High continued the record-breaking show he started on Friday when he shattered the mark for the Class One 1,500 metres by almost 16 seconds. Campbell, who ran a record 14.44.10 for the 5,000m Open on Friday, was alone at the finish of the 1,500m yesterday as he crossed the line in 3:57.81, well below the previous mark of 4:13.67 which was set last year. Campbell was more than seven seconds ahead of second-place Conroy Crossman of Edwin Allen 4:05.67, while Manchester High's Daren Lindsay took third in 4:05.95. Holmwood's Kevin White won the Class Two boys' 1,500m in 4:12.03 from St. Jago's Webster Chung (4:15.98) and Edwin Allen's Rogeek Rochester, 4:28.54. The girls' Class Three and Class Two finals also produced new records . Edwin Allen's Carla Thompson won the Class Three final in 4:54.30, beating the 4:55.30 which was set last year by Holmwood's Petrene Plummer. Plummer was second yesterday in 5:04.29 with Thompson's schoolmate Kellyann Pinnock third in 5:19.90. Class Two leaders Edwin Allen were again in front in Class Two where Mackola Joseph dipped below the meet record with a winning time of 4:48.52. The previous mark, 4:50.58, was set last year by Manchester High's Kimberly Brown who was second yesterday in 4:59.16. Edwin Allen's Sharlene Nickel was third in 4:59.56. The Class One girls' 1500m went to Manchester High's Niesha Morgan in 4:55.48 with Vere Technical's Petrona Layne second in 4:57.70 and Marvia Lewin of Edwin Allen third in 5:02.24. There were also two record-breaking performances in the girls' 200m finals. Holmwood's Kedisha Dallas won the Class Four final in 25.96, bettering the 26.03 she set in the heats. Sandrae Farquharson of Manchester High triumphed in Class Three in 24.40, beating the 24.49 set by Vere's Deandre Whitehorne last year. White was third yesterday in 25.33, just behind her schoolmate Sherika Jackson who placed second in 24.92. The boys' Class One 200m went to Omar Johnson of Claude McKay in 21.94, Class Two was won by Old Harbour High's Kemar Bailey-Cole in 22.94 while the Class Three gold went to St. Jago High's Ernest Turnbull in 23.92. Holmwood claim their first schoolboy title of season published: Friday | February 15, 2008 Richard Bryan, Freelance Writer HOLMWOOD TECHNICAL shrugged off the disappointment of not winning last year's Headley Cup to claim the first senior schoolboy cricket title this year - the inaugural Grace/JIIC Rural knockout title over Vere at STETHS on Wednesday. Holmwood, led by Sean Bennett in the absence of Andre Coley who is on West Indies duties overseas, won the toss and proceeded to put his stamp on the day's proceedings with a knock of 99, as his side posted 276 for five off their alloted 50 overs. Other significant scores came from Takim Lowe (51) and opener Anthard Hamilton (41). After losing their first five wickets for 44 runs, Vere recovered briefly but again fell apart from 106 for five to 131 all out in 33 overs, to lose by a whopping 145 runs. Holmwood's opening partnership between Marlon Pinnock and Hamilton yielded 39 runs, and by the time Bennett entered the fray at 101 for two, an excellent platform had been set. He proceeded to hit seven fours and a six while sharing in a partnership of 65 with Jermaine Blackwood. Bennett was eventually bowled by Vere's best player on the day, Renico Smith, just short of what would have been a remarkable century with the score well advanced at 239. Impossible target The large total and the prospect of deteriorating weather conditions virtually made the target impossible, and the one major concern was whether the 20 overs needed to constitute a contest was available. In any case, Vere lost wickets regularly with the first at 11, then at 17, 32 and 44. Smith (42) then provided a rearguard action with a 62-run partnership with Oraine Francis (26) and when that was ended at 106, the end came quickly. Rohan McLeod bowled the most overs (nine) for the victors and took the most wickets - a good haul of three for 21. He was backed up by Denroy Boothe (2-17 off five overs) with Bennett, Blackwood and Marlon Gayle getting one each. Holmwood, Queen's celebrate All-Island schoolgirl victories DANIA BOGLE, Observer staff reporter bogled@jamaicaobserver.com Thursday, December 13, 2007 HOLMWOOD Technical and The Queen's School were yesterday crowned Senior and Junior All-Island champions, respectively, in the ISSA/Digicel-sponsored schoolgirl netball competition at Brook's Park in Mandeville. Rural area winners Holmwood retained their title with a 37-33 victory over Tarrant High for the Senior crown, while Urban area champions The Queen's dethroned Denbigh High, 23-13, for the Junior title. In the Senior final, Holmwood led 9-8 at the end of the first quarter, 18-17 at half-time and 27-24 at the end of the third quarter, led by goal-shooter Deneen Taylor with 27 of 40 attempts. Tall national goal-attack Christina Solmon, who landed 24 of 29 attempts for the losers, gave Holmwood trouble early in the first quarter as a light drizzle started over the venue. But mid-way the first half, the Kingston team started showing signs of fatigue. The final quarter was hotly contested after the winners had a three-point lead whittled to one before moving on to a five- point victory. Carlene Graham-Powell, coach of Holmwood, said her team wasn't disturbed by Tarrant despite their dependence on their national player for much of the game. Earlier, The Queen's School exacted revenge on Denbigh for last year's defeat in the All-Island final with a 23-13 win after leading 16-7 at half-time. Goal-shooter Renee McLarty led the scoring for the winners with 15 goals from 19 attempts, while Khadijah Williams netted eight of nine. Denbigh's coach, Annett Daley, who is also assistant national senior team coach, told the Observer the team is a relatively young one while admitting that The Queen's played the better game. The Queen's Marvette Anderson said she doesn't believe in revenge, but said yesterday's victory was great nonetheless. Holmwood top sectional awards at Champs PAUL A REID, Observer writer Wednesday, April 04, 2007 Holmwood Technical's dominance of last weekend's ISSA/GraceKennedy Girls' Champs was comprehensive. Apart from their massive points tally after a slow start, they also won four of the five sectional awards on Saturday night. Herbert Morrison's Antonique Campbell, the Class Three sprint double winner, was the only other athlete to take home a sectional award, having accumulated 18 points to top Holmwood's Yanique Ellington (14) and St Jago's Samantha Woodburn and Manchester High's Sharlene Brown (13 each). Triple gold medallist Salcia Slack, who won the Class Two long jump and discus, as well as the heptathlon Open, was the Class Two and Overall Champion girl with 25 points. Three other Holmwood athletes - Janeive Russell (23) and Osheen Erskine and shot put Open record-breaker Deborah Rose - all finished with 20 points. Bobby Gaye Wilkins, the Class One 400/800m double winner, was the top Class One athlete with 18 points, better than teammates Anastasia Leroy and Schillonie Calvert, who had a gold and silver each in the 100 and 200m. They were tied on 16 points. Immaculate's Danielle Jeffrey, one of eight double winners at Champs when she took the Class Two 100 and 200m, and Manchester High's Shana-Gaye Tracey, who won the Class Two 400m and 400m hurdles Open, had 18 points each to finish behind Slack in Class Two. Holmwood's Janeive Russell scored 23 points in Class Four - three more than teammate Osheen Erskine and Wolmer's Cardene Copeland, who won the Class Four sprint double and led the 4x100m team to an upset victory. Top coaches pleased after 'great Champs' published: Monday | April 2, 2007 Champion schools Holmwood Technical and Calabar High celebrate together on Saturday night on the playing field in front of the grandstand at the National Stadium after wrapping up victory at the GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletics Championships. - photo by Anthony Foster Anthony Foster, Freelance Writer Calabar High and Holmwood Technical are still celebrating theirsuccess from the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletics Championships, which ended at the National Stadium on Saturday night. And two of the happiest coaches are Michael Clarke, who led Calabar to their first title in 10 years, and Maurice Wilson who was guiding Holmwood to their fifth straight. Despite the points margin, Calabar, who won by 73.5 points ahead of second-place and dethroned champions Kingston College (KC), and Holmwood over 100 points ahead of Vere Technical, both were quick to point out that it was not easy. Wilson described it as a "great Championships." He added: "It wasn't as easy as the points indicated. The first two days were actually difficult days because anything could have happened, but we didn't become too complacent and that made a difference." PREPARATION "Whole heap a work, whole heap a work," was how Clarke described Calabar's preparation, "Give thanks we came through." Calabar took the Championship title with 273.5 points, ahead of KC (200), Jamaica College (161), Wolmer's (137.5), and St. Jago (120). Herbert Morrison (64), St. George's College (51.5), Munro College (45), Camperdown (41), and Bridgeport (30) complete the boys top 10. In the girls section, Holmwood topped the field with 353.5 points, ahead of Vere (232), Manchester (226), Edwin Allen (217), and St. Jago (168.5). St. Andrew (91.5), Immaculate (77.5), Wolmer's (71), STETHS (42.5) and Alpha (42.5) complete the top 10. Ramone McKenzie was the star of Calabar's first victory in a decade. He won the Class Two 200m (20.89) and 400m (47.24), both record times. While Clarke described the Championships as "very exciting, high quality," he said the highlight for him was the overall performance of his Red Hills Road-based school. He noted: "We saw a number of records going that we could consider world-class at the junior level and probably bordering at the senior level," he said. One of the most impressive performances could be that of KC's Kerion Stewart who lowered his national 110m hurdles record from 13.69 seconds in the heats, to 13.53 in the final. He also won the 400m hurdles in 51.42 seconds. Blair hurled On the girls side, Holmwood's Taneisha Blair hurled the javelin 47.85 metres, also for a new national junior record, but this and Salcia Slack's performance in winning two individual gold medals were singled out by Wilson as the highlight for the Christiana-based school. "Those performances really stood out for me," he said. He, however, believes his programme is now benefitting big time in the field events. Slack won the Class Two long jump with a record leap 6.11m, discus (36.87), heptathlon and finished second in the triple jump. Deborah Rose won the shot put open with a record throw of 12.57m, while Osheen Erskine won the Class Four long jump (5.44m). "We have really broadened the whole scope of the programme in terms of the field events, which gave us some cushion ... but overall it was a very interesting and exciting Championships, not withstanding the amount of points we won by." Wilson, who thanked his support staff of assistant coaches Dave Anderson, Patrick Johnson and Kirk Brown, along with Lascelles Harvey and Chester McCarthy from the managerial point, said his only disappointment was in the sprint relays. "We would have wanted to be more dominant in terms of the relays since that is my area of specialisation. But when you are involved in a Championships, it's all about points, the quality of the performances matters yes, but accumulation of points matters even more." Looking to next year, Clarke said: "A good percentage of our Class One team is going, but we have good replacements," said the man who has also won Champs as coach at St. Jago and Jamaica College. Never be relaxed The former Calabar student added: "With KC you can never be relaxed. They are a powerful, never-say-die-team, so you have keep them on the run and always look out for them." Holmwood, with Keno Heaven, Schillonie Calvert, Bobby-GayeWilkins and Anastasia Le-Roy, and St. Jago with Nickel Ashmeade, Rykert Hylton, Andre Wise, and Yohan Blake, closed the Championships with mile relays victories - 3:38.49 and 3:09.51 (record) respectively. The Holmwood trio of Bobby-Gaye Wilkins (One), Slack (Two) and Janeive Russell (Four), along with Herbert Morrison's Antonique Campbell (Three) were the Class champions. Wolmer's Julian Reid (One), Calabar's McKenzie (Two) and JC's Waqar DaCosta (Three) took the boys champion athlete titles. 5th straight title for rollicking Holmwood BY PAUL A REID Observer writer reidp@jamaicaobserver.com Sunday, April 01, 2007 Holmwood Technical became the second school to win five straight Girls Champs titles last night after romping to a big win in the ISSA/GraceKennedy-sponsored event at the National Stadium. The Maurice Wilson-coached team that started the string of victories in 2003, broke the tie they shared with Excelsior, who won between1970-1973. In front of a noisy, near-capacity crowd, Holmwood - who came into the final day with a 42-points lead - accumulated points in almost every final and scored big in the relays as well. Holmwood Technical's Anastasia Leroy (centre) is overcome with emotion as she wins the Girls Class One 200m final ahead of teammate and 10m champion Schillonie Calvert (left). (Photo: Bryan Cummings) Anastasia Leroy raising the baton as she crossed the finish line in the mile relay, the final event of the meet, fittingly symbolised a job well done. The winners amassed a colossal 353.5 points and the only race left to be decided was for second place. Vere, who led after the first two days, rallied to edge Manchester, 232 to 226.5. Edwin Allen High was fourth with 217.5 and St Jago fifth with 168.5, while St Andrew High was the top Corporate Area team in sixth place with 91.5 points. The usually calm Wilson told the Sunday Observer he was "extremely happy for the team. We worked hard and progressed through the season and I believe the team showed great character and this augurs well for the future," he said. Speaking to the Sunday Observer before the start of the relays, Wilson said character and leadership from the senior athletes was the difference after a slow start which saw them trailing Vere after the first two days. He said it was not until they had taken the lead to over 100 points that they considered the deal sealed. "We were never going to take any chances so what we did was continued scoring and after we reached a certain total we started to calm down," Wilson said. There were eight double winners, including three sprint double winners yesterday, while Holmwood's Bobby-Gaye Wilkins took the challenging 400-800m double in Class 1. Immaculate's Danielle Jeffrey in Class 2, Herbert Morrison Technical's Antonique Campbell in Class 3 and Wolmer's Cardene Copeland in Class 4 completed the sprint double. Jeffrey sprinted home in 23.65 ahead of Edwin Allen's Kaycea Jones, while in Class 3, the soft-spoken Campbell, who told the Sunday Observer her favourite event was the 400m, bested the field in 24.14secs ahead of Holmwood's Yanique Ellington (24.40) and Shavine Hodges of Mt Alvernia, who got her second medal of the meet after taking third in the 400m earlier. Pre-champs favourite Deandre Whitehorne of Vere failed to advance past the semi-finals after finishing fourth in her heat. Campbell later returned with a stirring anchor-leg run to lead the 4x100m team (47.12) to a close second behind Holmwood (47.08). Copeland, the fastest qualifier from the morning's semis, was also an easy winner, crossing the line in 24.90 secs ahead of Manchester High's Sandrae Farquaharson (25.23) and Janeive Russell of Holmwood (25.35). As they did on Friday night in the 100m finals, the Holmwood pair of Schillonie Calvert and Anastasia Leroy topped the field in the 200m, but this time Leroy got there first. An overwhelmed Leroy told the Sunday Observer she had tried so hard all her career to win the half-lap race and she was finally able to do it. Like a true teammate, Calvert said as long as it was her friend who had beaten her she was happy for the points for the school. Kimberly Williams, who broke the triple jump record on Wednesday, added the Class 1 long jump title yesterday with a leap of 6.09m, beating her teammate Rose-Ann Jones (6.02m) and Melissa Ogbourne of St Jago (5.79m). Shana-Gaye Tracey won her second gold when she added the Class 3 400m title to the 400m hurdles won Friday night in a smart 53.33secs, catching St Andrew's Latoya McDermott (53.48) on the line. Manchester picked up 15 points in the event as Denesha Morris was third in 54.18. Tracey was not surprised by her win and while conceding that it was harder than she anticipated, described the feeling as "great... wonderful..." She told the Sunday Observer that it was "very hard but it came out well as I came to win two (individual) gold medals". Wilkins continued Holmwood's proud tradition in the Class 1 event with her second straight win, a masterly performance as she had the field beaten midway the second curve. Wilkins' winning time of 52.14secs - the seventh fastest all time by a Jamaican Junior - was just over a second outside the record set by former teammate Sonita Sutherland last year, but well ahead of second-placed Kayan Robinson of Vere (54.80) and Edwin Allen's Shakeeri Cole (54.81). Manchester High's Natoya Goule added the 3,000m Open to the Class 2 1500m title she won on Thursday, leading from the start to win in 10:19.46 ahead of Petrine Plummer of Holmwood and Vere's Teneisha Davis. St Jago's Samantha Woodbine took the Class 3 400m with a well-timed run, crossing the line in 55.98 seconds, just in front of Holmwood's Yanique Elligton (56.09) and Mt Alvernia's CARIFTA Trials Under-17 champion Shavine Hodges, who had a PR 56.21. IAAF World Youth Championships 2005 silver medalist Natasha Ruddock of St Jago blew away the field to cop a fine win in the Class 1 100m in 14.02secs, compensating for missing last year's meet through injuries. St Hugh's Shanekia Hall was second in 14.21 and Vere's Carla Kay Mills third in 14.45. Alpha's Shermaine Williams won the Class 2 100n hurdles in 13.81; Vere's Lanice Hall the Class 3 80m hurdles and St Jago's Chrisdale McCarthy the Class 4 70m hurdles in 10.81secs. Keno Heaven of Holmwood, who missed Champs last year after transferring from Cambridge High in 2005 - the same year she was a finalist in the 800m at the IAAF World Youths Championships in Morocco - won gold in the Class 2 800m in 2:09.73 for her first Champs gold medal, beating Vere's Teneisha Davis (2:11.04) and Edwin Allen's Nikita Tracey (2:11.46). Wilkins took the 400-800m double after her 800m Class 1 win in 2:11.98sec. The Edwin Allen pair of Shakeeri Cole and Andrea Sutherland followed. Shantae McLean of Holmwood won the Class 3 800m in 2:13.09 ahead of Herbert Morrison's Nicola Green (2:14.79) and Manchester's Sharlene Brown (2:14.81). Misha-Gaye DaCosta of Immaculate justified her tag as favourite by landing the high jump Class 2 (1.80m), just failing to equal the record of 1.83m set in 2000 by Sheree Francis. Team-mate Terri-Ann Grant and Wolmer's Anna-Lisa Myers were tied for second with 1.70m. Final points, standings 1) HOLMWOOD TECH 353.50 2) VERE TECH 232 3) MANCHESTER HIGH 226.50 4) EDWIN ALLEN 217.50 5) ST JAGO 168.50 6) ST ANDREW HIGH 91.50 7) IMMACULATE 77.50 8) WOLMER'S GIRLS 71 9) ST ELIZABETH TECHNICAL 42.50 9) CONVENT OF MERCY 42.50 11) HERBERT MORRISON 42 12) ST HUGH'S 21 13) MORANT BAY 19 14) THE QUEEN'S 18 15) MT ALVERNIA 15 16) CAMPERDOWN 12 17) GLENGOFFE 8 18) ST CATHERINE 6 19) CLARENDON COLLEGE 5 20) OBERLIN 4 20) MANNINGS 4 20) TITCHFIELD 4 20) GLENMUIR 4 24) CAMPION 3 25) BELLEFIELD 2 25) HAPPY GROVE 2 25) MILE GULLY 2 25) SPANISH TOWN 2 29) JOSE MARTI 1 Deborah Rose sets new shot put mark PAUL A REID, Observer writer Saturday, March 31, 2007 Deborah Rose is all poise and focus after releasing the shot put in the open event at the National Stadium on Thursday. (Photo: Bryan Cummings) Holmwood Technical's Deborah Rose is the new record holder in the Girls' shot put open, but because of some mix-up, her new mark was not celebrated on Thursday when it was set. Rose and many others at the stadium were not aware of the record due to some confusion over who held it and what the measurement was. The uncertainty arose as the mark in the Champs programme listed the record as 12.82m set by Marlene Lewis of Holmwood back in 1981. However, Lewis used a 3.7Kilo (8.14lbs) ball and since 2002 junior female athletes have been using a heavier ball weighing 4Kilos (8.8lbs). With the introduction of the heavier ball by the IAAF, all previous records were discarded and so the record broken by Rose on Thursday was held by yet another former Holmwood student, Peter-Gay Beckford, who won the event in 2004 with a mark of 11.75m. Rose created a mild upset when she won with a 12.57m throw, beating the likes of Vere Technical's Keneisha Throughsingh, Edwin Allen's Latanya Nation and favourite Geneva Greaves of Manchester High, who finished well down the field in seventh place. Until she heard the announcement on the radio on Friday morning, the 19-year-old former Meadowbrook High athlete, told Sporting World she was not aware she had even broken the record. She said, however, "I am very elated as this is a wonderful experience for me. This feels like a whole week of events for me," she said, having contested three events, the Class One discus, where she placed out of the medals,SPO Mar 31_ and the javelin yesterday, placing third. Placing fourth in the Discus on Wednesday, she said the disappointment motivated her to push harder in the shot put, "so I came out with the frame of mind to even go after the record, when I saw the line was so close and decided to go after it". Rose, who completed her Champs career by contributing 20 individual points to Holmwood's effort to win a fifth straight Champs title, said her work was done and now it was time to switch gear and become a cheerleader and encourage her teammates. Holmwood open 40-point lead PAUL A REID, Observer writer Saturday, March 31, 2007 Defending champions Holmwood Technical have opened up a commanding lead in the ISSA/GraceKennedy Girls' Championships going into today's final day at the National Stadium. WELL DONE: Schillone Calvert (left) and teammate Anastacia Leroy hug as they observe the instant replay of their thrilling Class One girls' 100m final on the giant screen at the National Stadium yesterday. Calvert won narrowly ahead of Leroy. (Photo: Bryan Cummings) Defending champions Holmwood Technical have opened up a commanding lead in the ISSA/GraceKennedy Girls' Championships going into today's final day at the National Stadium. After trailing arch rivals Vere Technical after the first two days, the Maurice Wilson-coached girls stepped up to the challenge on yesterday's third day and ended with 152.5 points, 42 ahead of nearest rival Manchester High on 110.5. Vere are next on 106.5, with Edwin Allen High on 99.5 points and St Jago High and St Andrew High rounding off the top five on 44.5 points each. Points standings after 19 finals Holmwood Technical 152.5 Manchester High 110.5 Vere Technical 106.5 Edwin Allen 99.5 St Jago High 44.5 St Andrew High 44.5 Immaculate Conception 39 Wolmer's Girls' 19.5 St Elizabeth Technical 19.5 Herbert Morrison 14 Convent of Mercy Alpha 19 St Hugh's High 11 Glengoffe 4 Camperdown High 4 Glenmuir High 4 Morant Bay High 3 Mile Gully High 2 Happy Grove High 2 Campion 1 Mannings 1 Jose Marti 1 On the day when the stakes rose appreciably and the young athletes responded in kind with a series of outstanding performances, none more than Holmwood's Teneisha Blair, who improved on her National Junior Record in the javelin Open. Blair, the silver medallist at CARIFTA Games last year and the CAC Junior Gold medal winner, who was controversially left off the national squad for next weekend's CARIFTA Games in the Turks and Caicos, broke both the Champs and National Junior Record in the javelin open. Blair threw the spear a distance of 47.85m, breaking her Champs record 46.62m set last year and the 47.49 NJR she set at National Junior Trials last year. As if to add fire to the controversy of her non-selection to the CARIFTA team, her new mark is just shy of the CARIFTA Under-20 record of 47.88m, set in 1999 by Sephora Bissoly of Martinique. Blair told Sporting World minutes after the event she was planning on breaking both records, "this is my last Champs and I was hoping to break both of them and I did, so I am happy for that". Schillone Calvert of Holmwood maintained her 100m at Champs gold when she started fast and blazed to victory in the Class One final, edging her fast-finishing teammate Anastacia Leroy, 11.38 seconds to 11.41 seconds. Edwin Allen's Kimberly Smith was third in 11.69 seconds. Immaculate Conception's Danielle Jeffrey retained her Class Two title with a smart 11.64, turning back the Edwin Allen pair of Kaycea Jones and Gayon Evans. Herbert Morrison's Antonique Campbell opened some eyes when she sped away with the Class Three title, winning the first ever individual gold for the 31-year-old institution. Running out of lane one, the CARIFTA Trials 200m winner, won in 11.89 seconds, holding off the challenges of Holmwood's Petra Fanty (12.00) and Colleen Spencer of Manchester High (12.02). Cardene Copeland of Wolmer's won the Class Four event in 12.11 seconds, ahead of Osheen Erskine of Holmwood and St Jago's Mellissa Williams (12.40 seconds). Salcia Slack of Holmwood followed up her record in the Class Two long jump on Wednesday night with her second gold in under 20 hours when she retained her Class Two discus with a best throw of 36.87m, lower than the 37.56m she threw to win last year. Kaycia Greaves of Manchester won the silver medal (34.77m), while St Hugh's Nicole Vassell was third with 34.43m. Natoya Goule celebrated her 16th birthday with a post-to-post victory in the 1,500m Class Two in 4:33.26, just finishing ahead of a fast-finishing Mackola Josephs of Edwin Allen (4:33.47) and Vere Technical's Teneisha Davis, who took the bronze in 4:34.31. This was Goule's third straight 1,500m win at Champs, after winning back-to-back titles in Class Three. Petrona Lane of Vere Technical won the Class One event in 4:40.12, ahead of Marvia Lewin of Edwin Allen and Vanessa Boyd of Holmwood retained her position from last year. The Class Three event was won by Holmwood's Petrine Plummer in 4:42.49, easily beating Manchester High's Sharlene Brown and Holmwood's Amoya Bailey. Shana-Gaye Tracey of Manchester High lived up to her billing as favourite in the 400m hurdles, winning in 57.90 seconds, as Andrea Sutherland of Edwin Allen had to settle for her second straight silver with 58.46 seconds, while Andrea Reid of Holmwood took the bronze in 58.84 seconds. Manchester High's Kadeen Isaacs took the Class One high jump with a clearance of 1.70m, the same as Claudia Calder of Alpha Academy, who won Class Two high jump last year, ironically with the same height. Marsha Matthias of St Jago High was third with 1.65m, while defending champion Shantal Thompson of Vere was a disappointing fifth, managing to clear only 1.60m Holmwood's Slack notches record, but Vere still ahead PAUL A REID, Observer writer Friday, March 30, 2007 Holmwood Technical's Salcia Slack highlighted yesterday's second day of Girls' Champs with a record in the Class 2 long jump - the final event of the day. Slack landed in the pit at 6.11m to erase the old record of 6.02m held jointly by Dinthill Technical's Elva Goulbourne (1997) and St Jago's Tamara Francis (2004). Vere Technical's Jillisa Grant was second in 5.88m and Immaculate Conception's Misha Gaye DaCosta third in 5.81m. Holmwood made a big move up the points ladder, closing to within three of leaders Vere Technical, who lead with 53 points after seven finals. Holmwood are on 50 points followed by St Andrew High 32.50, Manchester High 28.50 and Edwin Allen 27 completing the top five schools. Holmwood scored 48 points yesterday while Vere tallied 25. Coach Maurice Wilson was in a much better mood after yesterday's event and told the Observer that "today was much better than the day before. Based on what happened on Wednesday, everything on Thursday was a surprise, a gift." Wilson said the first day helped to impress on them that no one can "take anything for granted so once you get them in finals and scoring, it is a gift." He described Deborah Rose's surprise win in the shot put Open as a show of character after a letdown in the Class 1 discus on Wednesday. Vere Technical's coach Constantine Haughton was not worried by the closing of the gap, saying they were "coming to do our best in all events and that is basically our modus operandi, to do our best." Haughton said there were some disappointments yesterday as they had "expected some people would have continued through like Throughsingh in the shot putt and was firm favourite to win... that would be a temporary setback". They key for the next two days, he said, was that all their athletes stay healthy as the meet was still wide open. Twelve more finals will be contested on today's third day, including the 100m in all four classes. Holmwood's first gold of the meet came in the fifth final, the Class 4 long jump where Osheen Erskine won the gold with a leap of 5.44m while teammate Janeive Russell was fourth for a total of 14 points, which moved them to second then - six behind Vere and half a point ahead of St Andrew High. Chanice Porter of Manchester High won the silver medal with 5.38m, while the leader from Wednesday's prelims, Khadija Campbell of Immaculate, took bronze with 5.35m. After a disappointing fourth place in the Class 1 discus on Thursday, Rose rebounded to upset the field and win the shot put Open with a throw of 12.57m. This was Holmwood's second ever win in the event. Vere's Throughsingh picked up her second silver in as many days with a throw of 12.00m, while Edwin Allen's Latanya Nation repeated her bronze medal from the discus on Wednesday. Manchester High's Geneva Greaves, who won the discus on Wednesday and led the shot put after the morning prelims, finished a disappointing seventh with a best of 11.39m. St Andrew High's Kathie-Lee Laidley was the only athlete to clear the bar at 1.65m to win gold in the Class 3 high jump that was contested in rainy and cool weather. Eight others were tied at 1.60m with Vere's Shanieka Thomas getting the silver while four others were tied for third place. St Elizabeth Technical's Peter-Gay Reid, who was tipped to win after coming into the meet with a season best 1.70m, was seventh. The semi-finals and finals of the 100m will be run today and both Holmwood and Vere have positioned themselves nicely with a number of qualifiers. Yesterday's finals results High Jump Class 3 Kathie-Lee Laidley (St Andrew) 1.65m Shanieka Thomas (Vere) 1.60m (Three tied for third at 1.60m) Long Jump Class 4 Osheen Erskine (Holmwood) 5.44m Chanice Porter (Manchester High) 5.38m Khadija Campbell (Immaculate) 5.35m Long Jump Class 2 Salcia Slack (Holmwood) 6.11m Jillisa Grant (Vere) 5.88 MishaGaye daCosta (Immaculate) 5.81 Shot Put Open Deborah Rose (Holmwood) 12.57m Keniesha Throughsingh (Vere) 12.00m Latanya Nation (Edwin Allen) 11.54m Points standings after seven finals Vere Technical 53 Holmwood 50 St Andrew High 32.50 Manchester High 28.50 Edwin Allen 27 Immaculate Conception 17 STETHS 15 St Jago High 12 Wolmer's Girls 5.50 St Hughes High 5 Glenmuir 4 Morant Bay High 3 Campion 1 Holmwood knocked out published: Friday | March 16, 2007 Richard Bryan, Freelance Writer NEW CHAMPIONS will be crowned for the first time in three years in the ISSA/Grace Headley Cup competition after Godfrey Stewart pulled off a huge upset by taking first innings honours over champions Holmwood in a drawn semi-final at STETHS yesterday. However, Godfrey Stewart will have to wait until next week to find out who their final opponents will be after the other semi at Kirkvine between STETHS and Garvey Maceo was abandoned due to a water-damaged pitch. That match will be played again next Tuesday and Wednesday at Alpart. An utterly disappointed Robert Lewis, coach of the Holmwood team, gave up the ghost at 5:40 p.m. yesterday, saying to The Gleaner : "it caah mek, we don't have the time". His team had just embarked on the unlikely task of scoring 107 after Godfrey Stewart held them up for much of the afternoon while scoring 87. It was a cruel end for Holmwood who were bundled out for 59, 20 runs less than what Godfrey Stewart mustered when Godfrey Stewart chose to bat on the first afternoon. Spinners Ryan Moxam snared five wickets and left-armer Jomo Thompson three in Holmwood's poor first innings. In fact, the 59 scored by Holmwood was their lowest under Lewis's watch as coach since 1989 and was scored at a snail's pace - taking up 42 overs. "We came today needing to score 73 more. The wicket was not doing anything extraordinary; it was a total lack of commitment," Lewis said of his side's batting. Norman Jackson, coach of Godfrey Stewart, was a happy man. "I feel good for the boys. I knew that once they were able to keep their heads they would pull it off. I am not surprised as you can recall we had them down at 50-odd for five in an earlier round. We had made 141 and only rain saved them," Jackson said. Holmwood's Calvert sounds strong warning BY KAYON RAYNOR Observer staff reporter raynork@jamaicaobserver.com Sunday, March 11, 2007 HOLMWOOD Technical's Schillonie Calvert sounded a warning she is ready to defend her class one 100-metre title at this monthend's GraceKennedy/ISSA Boys' and Girls' Championships, by clocking a quick 11.50 seconds at the 10th staging of the GC Foster Classics yesterday. Running along with seniors Calvert who is coached by Maurice Wilson - powered away from the rest of the field after an explosive start, relegating Shelly-Ann Fraser of UTech/MVP 11.52 and Cuba's Mileydis Laso 11.79 into second and third respectively, in the invitational 100 metres for women. Triple gold medallist of the 17th Central American and Caribbean Junior Track & Field Championships in Trinidad and Tobago (2006) Schillonie Calvert (left) of Holmwood Technical wins the Invitational 100 metres in 11.50 seconds at the 10th GC Foster Classics staged in Angels, St Catherine yesterday. Shelly-Ann Fraser (centre) of UTech/MVP finished second in 11.52secs, while GC Foster College's Sonita Sutherland reacts to hurting her hamstring. (Photo: Bryan Cummings) Calvert's former teammate, quarter-miler Sonita Sutherland, who now attends GC Foster College, pulled up with what seemed a hamstring injury. Last year, Calvert posted 11.39 seconds to win the 100 metres, which helped Holmwood win their fourth consecutive JAAA's Girls' Championship trophy, before moving on to win three gold medals at 17th Central American and Caribbean Junior Track & Field Championships in Trinidad and Tobago. Gavin James of UTech/MVP posted 10.60 secs to win the men's invitational 100 metres ahead of GC Foster's Kawayne Fisher, who was accredited with the same time. Another GC Foster athlete, National World Junior representative, Allodin Fothergill, returned 10.64 for third. Other impressive performances at the meet staged at GC Foster College's all-weather Mundo Track located in Angels, St Catherine, included Commonwealth bronze medallist (2006) Olivia McKoy in the Javlin, Leeford Green in the institution's men 400 metres, Annswert Whyte of Clan Carthy and Seaforth's Javere Bell in the Class One and Three boys 400, as well as Kingston College's Keiron Stewart in the Class One boys 110-metre hurdles. McKoy produced an outdoor world-leading 56.42 metres to win the women's Javlin, announcing her intention of being a member of Jamaica's team to this summer's World Championships set for Osaka, Japan. The men's equivalent went to Aundrae Clarke of UTech/MVP in 66.24 metres. In another field event, Nicholas Gordon - the bronze medallist from Champs 2006 - leapt 7.38 metres to win the Class One boys long jump. The winning mark at Champs last year was 7.25 metres. Running with the seniors, Clan Carthy's Whyte - the seventh-placed finisher in the Class One boys 400 metres at Boys' Champs last season, returned a brisk 47.54 seconds to finish second behind Green of Fortis International, who won the event in 46.36secs. Calabar's Roderick Tennant pulled up during his heat of the Class One 400 metres, looking as if he aggravated an old hamstring injury, which he sustained at the Howard Jackson Relays in Morant Bay earlier this season. Bell of Seaforth High clocked 51.02secs to win the Class Three boys 400 metres, signalling his intention to improve on his eighth place finish in the event at Champs last year. KC's Stewart - a semi-finalist from last year's World Junior Championships in Beijing, China - posted 13.94 seconds to win the Class One boys' 110-metre hurdles ahead of Calabar's Warren Weir (14.13) and Jamaica College's Andre Collins (14.21). The favourite for the event at month-end's Boys' Championships, title holder Akeem Smith of Wolmer's, did not compete at yesterday's last-chance meet, having already qualified for Champs. Meanwhile, Cuba's Ana Achi Pena won the women's invitational 800 metres in 2:09.06 minutes ahead of Holmwood's Kena Heaven (2:09.89) and Edwin Allen's Shakeeri Cole (2:13.15). Holmwood annihilate Seaforth published: Sunday | March 4, 2007 Richard Bryan, Freelance Writer HOLMWOOD CAPTAIN Andre Creary's century and match haul of 10 wickets saw his side to a crushing innings and 224-run victory over Seaforth High yesterday in their Grace Shield Headley Cup second-round quarter-final match in Christiana. Holmwood's 472 for five declared included, for the first time in their history, three centurions. Two came on the opening day's play through the efforts of openers Marlon Pinnock (106) and John Campbell (140) as the champions reached 418 for four in response to their opponent's paltry 101. Massive cheers Creary, also captain of Jamaica's victorious Under-15 team last year, was unbeaten on 70 overnight when his coach, Robert Lewis - also the Jamaica Under-15 manager, decided to bat into the final day. Creary quickly went on the attack and there were massive cheers around the ground when he finished unbeaten on 102 after just 40 minutes of play. Offspinner Creary's 6-28 from 13 overs had done the trick when Seaforth batted on the first day, and it was no surprise when he was quickly brought into the attack once the Portlanders started to look shaky yesterday. Beaten by Cornwall when the quarter-final round began last week, Seaforth offered some resistance mainly through opener Kavin Bascom's 40, but they faded mid-afternoon for 148 as Creary, who bowled 20 overs this time, got four wickets for 22 runs. Holmwood's next challenge will be joint group leaders Cornwall on Wednesday in Christiana. Holmwood in charge of quarter-final published: Saturday | March 3, 2007 Richard Bryan, Freelance Writer The big guns of rural Grace Headley Cup cricket , Holmwood and St. Elizabeth Technical (STETHS), mined contrasting advantages on yesterday's opening day of second round play of the quarter-finals. Defending champions Holmwood are likely to move in for the kill against Seaforth Town this morning following a total domination with bat and ball on their small home ground in Christiana. Their rivals STETHS, shortly before close of play, were 137 for seven and have a more daunting task to go for an outright win after struggling to eke out first innings honours over Godfrey Stewart, who scored 122 batting first in Santa Cruz .Holmwood powered their way to 418 for four and will likely declare this morning for a full go at Seaforth, who folded for a 101 in 39 overs yesterday. Holmwood's imposing total was built around a first-wicket partnership of 222 between openers Marlon Pinnock and John Campbellwho both hit centuries. Pinnock, who went the run out route for 106, was scoring his second century of the season, having scored 143 against Lacovia in the second round. Campbell struck 140 and even captain Andre Creary, who had done most of the damage with figures of six for 28 off 13 overs, weighed in with the bat on 70 not out. Holmwood girls, Edwin Allen boys triumph Paul Burrowes, Observer writer Friday, March 02, 2007 Holmwood Technical High girls and Edwin Allen boys nailed the two-day Milo Central Championships, which ended at G C Foster College yesterday. At press time yesterday, with only two girls' events remaining, Holmwood Technical secured the championships with 347 points, ahead of Edwin Allen, 225, Vere Technical, 299, Manchester High, 260, and Glenmuir 30. For the boys, Edwin Allen retained their title with 119 points, ahead of Holmwood Technical, 112, Claude McKay, 108, and Manchester High, 66. Meanwhile, Manchester High's Jair Francis and Brandon Tomlinson, Old Harbour High's Jamie Wilson, and Deandra Whitehorn and Shanika Thomas of Vere Technical stamped their class as double winners. Francis, who won Class One 400m Wednesday in 47.64 seconds, added the 200m yesterday in 21.67 seconds, beating Claude McKay's Omar Johnson, 21.98, and Vere Technical's Chris-Dale Sewell, 22.19. Tomlinson took care of business in Class Two, adding the 100m Wednesday to the 200m yesterday, when he clocked the winning time of 22.69 seconds. He won the 100m in 11.07. Wilson of Old Harbour High was the boss in Class Three, the only one in his class to dip under 24 seconds in the 200m, which he won in 23.61 seconds. Sean Ennis of Manchester High was second in 24.46 with Ricardo Clarke of Edwin Allen third in 24.67. Wilson won the 100m in 11.61 seconds. Vere's Whitehorn notched the sprint double in Class Three, clocking 24.49 for the 200m and 12.05 for the 100m, while teammate Thomas reigned supreme in the high jump and long jump for class three girls. Thomas leapt 5.26m in the long and 1.71m in the high jump. Holmwood Technical's Jermaine Christie was another double winner, capturing the 400m Hurdles Open, 55.13, and the long jump Class One, 6.77 metres. Other notable performers were Salsa Slack, the Holmwood girl winning the Class Two discus, 41.49 metres, and placing second in the triple jump open with 13.04 metres. Vere's Kimberly Williams demolished the field in the triple jump, winning with 13.50 metres, with teammate Shaneika Thomas finishing third in 11.54 seconds. Vere girls won the sprint medley in 4:13.50 and Holmwood boys captured the equivalent sprint medley in 3:44.08. Edwin Allen girls secured the 4x400m open in 3:40.88, ahead of Vere and Holmwood; and Manchester boys made their point in the male equivalent, winning in 3:19.22, beating Claude McKay and Edwin Allen. Holmwood, STETHS draw; Cornwall, G'Stewart win CRICKET - Grace Headley Cup Thursday, March 01, 2007 Cornwall College and Godfrey Stewart High recorded victories yesterday in the quarter-finals of the Grace Headley Cup schoolboy cricket competition. However, defending champions Holmwood and perennial powerhouses STETHS had drawn games. On yesterday's final day of the two-day matches, Cornwal's Maurice Ellis guided his team to a huge 10-wicket victory over Seaforth High. Batting first after losing the toss, Seaforth were bowled out for 134 shortly after lunch, as Roman Mandison bagged 5-25. Cornwall in their first-innings reply were led by a fine knock of 149 from Ellis in chalking up 326 all out. Ashley Rowe made 45 and Chevaughn McLean 43 against Keno Wallace (3-56), who topscored with 34 in Seaforth's first innings, and Kenroy Williams (2-46). Batting a second time, Seaforth made 235 for a lead of 43, with Kevin Williams (35) topscoring. Mandison took 3-41 and Ellis 2-43. Ellis then hit 29 not out as Cornwall reached 44 without loss. Godfrey Stewart defeated Kemps Hill by 76 runs. Godfrey Stewart were bundled out for 171 with leg-spinner Marcel Parchment (3-56) and Floyd Ramdal (3-19) the main destroyers. But Kemps Hill folded for 128 with Carson Ebanks taking 3-33 and Ryan Moxam, 3-35. Godfrey Stewart then posted 216-8 in their second innings, with Adrian Thompson hitting 60 and Rickel Walker, 52. Set 259 to win, Kemps Hill were all out for 183 despite Jason Wedderburn's 87. Moxam snared 3-55 and Ebanks, 4-22. STETHS took first-innings over Dinthill, who posted 157 with Mikhail Miller (51) topsoring and Nkrumah Bonner getting 38, against Jason Dawes, 4-18. STETHS then made 154-3 at the end of the first day before declaring at 280-9 as Nicoy Samuels hit 86 against medium-pacer Frank Fuller, 4-12, from six overs, and Bonner, 3-105. Bonner returned to smash an unbeaten 111 in Dinthill's 211-5 at the close. Holmwood's Sean Bennett hit 113 not out in the champions 296-9 declared against Garvey Maceo, who were all out for 179 with Andre Lindsay (42) topscoring. Holmwood, Edwin Allen share lead published: Thursday | March 1, 2007 Anthony Foster, Freelance Writer EDWIN ALLEN and Holmwood Technical are joint girls leaders while Edwin Allen are out front in the boys section entering today's second and final day of the Milo Central Athletic Championships at G.C. Foster College, St. Catherine. Edwin Allen and Holmwood are on 159 points each with Manchester and defending champions Vere locked on 134 each in the girls' competition. Glenmuir are next with 19 points. In the boys section, defending champions Edwin Allen, with 60 points, lead Holmwood (55), Manchester (44), Claude McKay (36), Central and Vere (33 each). Taffawee Johnson of Ocho Rios and Holmwood Technical's Schillonie Calvert won the senior 100m events on yesterday's opening day of the meet. Johnson won his event in 10.91 seconds, edging out Bruce McLean of Knox, who did the same time, in a photo finish. In the girls event, Calvert, a World Junior and World Youth bronze medallist, won in 11.52. Edwin Allen's pair of Shawne Anderson (11:83) and Kimberley Smith (11:89) collected the minor placings. The boys Class Two event went to Brandon Tomlinson of Manchester High, who crossed the line in 11:07, ahead of Dean Hylton of Central (11:19). Glenmuir High's Kedesha Simpson took the girls Class Two event in 11:73 ahead of Kaycea Jones of Edwin Allen (12:00). Vere's Denadra Whitehorn won the girls Class Three event in 12:05 ahead of Colleen Spencer of Manchester High (12:18), while Jamie Wilson of Old Harbour (11:61) took the boys equivalent. Holmwood's Osheen Erskine took the Class Four event in (12:30), beating Dejah Stewart of Edwin Allen (12:68) to the line. Open section In the field, Keneisha Throughsingh of Vere hurled the shot put 12.67m to win the Open section ahead of Deborah Rose of Holmwood (12.60). In discus, Class Two, Salcia Slack of Holmwood won with a throw of 41.49m ahead of Kaymarie Jones of Vere (34.44). Shaneka Thomas of Vere won the Class Three long jump with a leap of 5.26m. Manchester High, with Chantel Adams and Sean Ellis, won the girls and boys Class Three 400m events. Adams secured her victory in 56:57 ahead of Yanique Ellington of Holmwood (56:69) and Jereece Maxwell of Manchester (57:30), while Ellis (55.47) defeated Omar Campbell of Tacius Golding (57.92). Vere's Kayon Robinson (54:64) won the girls Class One 400m while Jair Francis of Manchester (47:64) took the boys event. Claude Melhado of Edwin Allen (49:38) and Holmwood's Keno Haven (54.71) were the boys and girls Class Two winners. In the 800m events, Andrea Sutherland of Edwin Allen (2:17:15) beat Holmwood's Vanessa Boyd (2:17:38) for the girls Class One title while Rayan Lawrence of Bog Walk (1:56:52) took his event ahead of Ryan Reid of Vere (1:57:00). Garnet Gordon of Vere (1:57:92) won the Class Two boys race while Mackola Joseph of Edwin Allen (2:19:14) took the girls event. San-J Powell of May Day (2:09:42) and Sharlene Brown of Manchester (2:19:36) were the Class Three winners. Holmwood in fine form at Gibson Relays published: Monday | February 26, 2007 Anthony Foster, Freelance Writer The hype surrounding the 2007 GraceKennedy Boys' and Girls' Athletic Championships intensified at last Saturday's Gibson Relays with some stellar performances from reigning boys and girls High schools champions Kingston College (KC) and Holmwood Technical. KC, who it is said will be hard pressed by Calabar to retain their title, won six relays while Holmwood, who are firm favourites to win their fifth straight girls title, took home five. However, Maximising Velocity Power's (MVP) Sherone Simpson, who ran two super second legs to lead her team to the 4x100m and 4x400 titles, was the individual star of the meet. MVP won the women's 4x100m in a record 43.28, beating G.C. Foster (43.59), as twop teams dipped below the 44-second barrier for the first time at the meet. MVP also won the 4x400m 3:30.78. After his team's impressive display, KC's coach Lennox Graham was quick to point out that this is not Champs. He also said his Class Four boys who won two relays, will not be at Champs. "This is not Champs," he said. "We have to put it in perspective. It was a great performance by Kingston College, as I said before my Class Three and Class Four boys were coming. This was the Class Four Champs, most of them will either have to stop training or don't make the team because we don't have Class Four at Champs. Happy for them "I was happy for them (Class Four) they won two races, Class Three were just as impressive," he said. Graham also hailed the Class One boys 4x100m. "I am happy, we came out with zero injury and we are very happy," he added. Included in their victories were three of the 13 records that fell on the evening. KC won the boys' Classes Three and Four 4x100m relays in record times - 43.84 and 46.03 respectively, while the mile-relay quartet of Kerrion Stewart, Oshane Berham, Andre Peart and Rolando Berch surprised Calabar and St. Jago to win in a record 3:09.22, the first time under 3:10 in years. KC also won the boys 4x200m in Classes Three (1:31.99) and Four (1:36.54), along with the 4x800m event in 7:46.01. Calabar only won one relay, but coach Michael Clarke said they achieved their objectives, despite only winning the Class Two 4x100m in 41.66. "The primary objective was achieved, which was to end the meet without injuries. The second was to see where we are compared to our competitors. "Basically we achieved both, so it's now back to the drawing board." Despite not winning the mile relay, St. Jago's coach Danny Hawthorne, said: "I think they performed excellently. Many people came to see us win the 4x400m, but sometimes in life it goes that way." Though they did not set a record, Holmwood were easily the best female team. They won the Class One (44.73) and Four (48.50), along with the 4x400 (3:37.42), 4x800 (9:01.7) and 4x200m (1:37.26) relays. Anastasia Le-Roy was impressive on the 4x200m and 4x100m, so too was Schillonie Calvert on the 4x100m and 4x400m, and Bobbie-Gaye Wilkins on the 4x400m and 4x800m. Much improved Maurice Wilson said his girls improved from their last outing. "Saturday was a much improved performance compared to Western Relays," he said. He was a little disappointed with the Class Three girls 4x100m. "I think we have four of the better Class Three girls, but we just have not get to gel as a team," he added. However, he said there is still more work to be done before Champs, especially in other areas. Edwin Allen won the Class Two 4x100m in 45.83, while Manchester took Class Three event in 46.90. Manning High's Dorrion Bent, who ran a super anchor leg, carried his team to the Class Two 4x200m title in 1:28.57, while Camperdown took the Class One race in 1:25.20. St. Jago won the Class One event in a record 40.08 seconds. In the minor events, St. Benedicts won the Under-12 Primary boys 4x60m in 31.89, Quest won the 4x100m Prep Under-12 boys event in 53.30, Vaz took the Under-12 4x60 in 34.60, both meet records. John Mills took the junior high school girls and boys 4x100m in 52.34 and 46.27 respectively. Relay blitz to set stadium track alight - Showdown looms large for high school boys, Holmwood girls near 'unbeatable' published: Saturday | February 24, 2007 Holmwood Technical's Sonita Sutherland takes off after collecting the baton from Schillonie Calvert enroute to winning the girl's 4x400m High School girls open at last year's Gibson Relays at the National Stadium. Both will run at today's meet - Sutherland for G.C. Foster College and Calvert for her school. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer Anthony Foster, Freelance Writer The 31st staging of the Gibson Relays, the Carib-bean's biggest relay festival, takes centrestage today at the National Stadium. Relay teams from several Caribbean countries, The Bahamas, Cayman Islands , Netherlands Antilles, Cuba, Puerto Rico and Curacao are down to compete at this year's event. Also participating will be men's 100m world record holder, Asafa Powell, the fastest female in the world over 100 and 200 metres, Sherone Simpson, as well as three global medallists, and several other international athletes. On the school's side, the boys section should be close as Calabar, Kingston College (KC), St. Jago, Wolmer's, Camperdown, Herbert Morrison and Jamaica College (JC), will be firing on all cylinders Calabar and St. Jago are the top two for The Art Printery Class One 4x100m and Security Administrators mile relays, while KC should have things their way in the 4x800m relay. Hottest The 4x400m is expected to be the hottest and closest. Not even Bertland Cameron, the man who has held the 400m record at this meet for over 20 years, was willing to call this event. "It's going to be something to watch. I have not seen this (so many top teams) in a long time," the Wolmer's coach said of the event, in which he also gives his team a chance to win. Holmwood Technical's girls should dominate, especially in the Championship events, JMMB 4x100m, Jamaica Biscuit Com-pany 4x400 and Western Union 4x800. However, Edwin Allen and St. Jago, should put up tough challenges. Holmwood's mile relay team, which will include Schillonie Calvert, Anastasia Le-Roy, and Bobby-Gaye Wilkins, and 4x800m, which should have Wilkins, Keno Heaven, Vanessa Boyd and Susan Hall, should have the easiest task of the three. Even Edwin Allen's coach Michael Dyke and St. Jago's Raymond 'KC' Graham, admitted to Holmwood's superiority in the 4x400m. "I definitely will give it to Holmwood," Dyke said, while Graham says "Holmwood is unbeatable". In the low sprint classes, Manchester should repeat their success from Western Relays. "I am expecting to do just as well with the Classes Two and Three," Manchester High's coach Jerry Holness said. Starting at 10 a.m., about one-and-a-half hour off the scheduled start, Powell, Simpson, along with World Championships silver medallists Michael Frater, Darrell Brown and Brigitte Foster-Hylton, will be on show. Action should be hot as many of the teams will be chasing a share of the Gatorade $250,000 for record breakers. With this incentive, one expects more than the 14 records, which went in 2006, to be broken this time around. Clubs/institutions The top clubs/institutions - Maximum Velocity Power (MVP), High Performance Training Centre (HPTC), G.C. Foster College, Speed Unit, University of Technology (UTech), Royalty and Jamalco - should highlight the senior section. Powell, Frater, Brown and Ainsley Waugh should be unstoppable once they pass the stick around in the JNBS-sponsored men's 4x100m, though the Netherlands Antilles who won at the CAC Games in 39.29 are expected to face the starter. UTech, with Mario Foresythe, and Nester Carter, and Speed Unit with Andre Wellington, Winston Smith, Barbados national champion Andre Hinds, and Chumaine Fitten, all coached by Stephen Francis, should be pumped up to spoil the show. While pointing out that MVP is the team among his group, Francis said: "UTech is the second best team, because they have Carter and Foresythe. I think the Speed Unit team is the next fastest team, that team has two 10.2 and two 10.30, so that is the next big team." In the Port Authority-sponsored men's 4x400m open, HPTC is the team to beat, with Jermaine Gonzales and Usain Bolt who opened his season with a 45.92-run two weekends ago. Track analyst Hubert Lawrence believes they are the favourites, but believes MVP with Gregory Little could be a surprise team. "The fastest institution has been HPTC with 3:0814 in Montego Bay. They are leading the list ... but if MVP comes out with a full team, it should be a very good race." The women's 4x100m and 4x400m should be easy for MVP, especially with Simpson, Foster-Hylton, Shericka Williams, Melaine Walker and South African Geraldine Pillay. UTech with Nyoka Cole, Kaliese Spencer and Alecia Cutenar, along with G.C. Foster Club Sonita Sutherland, Rose-Marie White, Jerene Bolt and Crystal Bell, aren't out. Girls' 4x400m a one-horse race Holmwood's Anastasia Leroy(left), Bobby-gaye Wilkins. - file It will take a very brave person to bet against Holmwood Technical in the girls' 4x400m Open at this Saturday's Gibson Relays. Coach Maurice Wilson said he plans to rest one of his top sprinters, either Schillonie Calvert or Anastasia Le-Roy but this should not weaken the Holmwood team. Bobby-Gaye Wilkins is by far the best schoolgirl over the one- lap event and she will lead the Holmwood quartet. Edwin Allen's coach Michael Dyke has already admitted that barring a mishap, it will be impossible to beat Holmwood. "I definitely will give it to Holmwood, because I don't think we will be at full strength ... but we will be competitive," he said of his team, which finished fifth in 3:42.03 in Montego Bay . St. Jago's Raymond 'KC' Graham agreed that "Holmwood are unbeatable". "I am hoping to run a very good time, because I have four good girls," said Graham. His team will be spearheaded by Shanique Smikle and Yanique Hay. St. Jago won the 4x600m at the Howard Jackson Relays in Morant Bay in 6:43.7 and the 4x400m at the Camperdown Classic in 3:47.3 At Western Relays, Holmwood with Calvert, Le-Roy, Wilkins and Andrea Reid, finished second behind the MVP Track Club in 3:34.29. UTech (3:34.64) and GC Foster (3:37.51) both finished behind Holmwood. MVP with Sherone Simpson, last year's world leader in the 100m and 200m in their line-up won at Western Relays in 3:30.41. Last weekend Simpson clocked 52.58 for the 400m. Holmwood's coach, Maurice Wilson, is aware of his team's strengths and the fact that he is far ahead of the other schools, but he has warned his athletes against complacency. "We are not being egotistical or complacent, but based on what we saw in Montego Bay (Western Relays), it's going to be very difficult to defeat this team," he said. Other schools such as St. Andrew, Queen's, St. Elizabeth Technical and Manchester High should figure in the final eight. Gibson Relays preview - Holmwood, on the double - 4x100m will be competitive Holmwood's Schillonie Calvert - file Anthony Foster For the first time in six years Holmwood Technical's girls will be tested in the Class One sprint relay at this weekend's Gibson Relays. They enter the event as favourites but Edwin Allen High and St. Jago High will be right there when the race is being decided. Wilson aware Holmwood's coach Maurice Wilson is aware of the task ahead in an event where baton changes will be crucial. "Over the last five years, we have had teams that have gone under 45 seconds, so I am expecting to run under 45 seconds again," he said. At Western Relays, Holmwood's quartet of Andrea Reid, Schillonie Calvert, Teneisha Blair and Anastasia Le-Roy, won in 44.97, ahead of Vere 47.99 and Mannings 49.01. However, Wilson believes his team will have to run very well to win. "I don't think we are strong as in previous years," he said. However, he warned his main rivals not to let it get too close. "Once it is close there is no doubt that we should win," he added. "We have two athletes that are in very good shape and I believe once it remains close, it's going to be very difficult to defeat this team," he said. Calvert and Le-Roy, who were both part of Jamaica's World Junior sprint relay bronze medal quartet, are the two top-class athletes who will lead the Holmwood charge. Edwin Allen won at the Camperdown Classic clocking 45.8 ahead of St. Jago. "We have a good chance," Edwin Allen's coach Michael Dyke said. "I don't think we had a stiff challenge at Camperdown Classic. With Holmwood at Gibson, they will be more competitive." Edwin Allen will be looking to Kimberly Smith, Naffene Briscoe, Verone Chambers and Shawna Anderson to lower the colours of Holmwood. Force of St. Jago St. Jago will also be a force. World Youth medallists Natasha Ruddock and Latoya King will compete well against Holmwood's Calvert and Leroy and Edwin Allen's Briscoe and Smith. "I think we have a good chance," said St. Jago's coach Raymond Graham. "As long as King, who was not part of the team that lost to Edwin Allen at Camperdown Classic is fit, we should do well," he said of his top athlete, who had suffered a calf strain going into that meet. Top teams victorious in Headley Cup round two Sunday, February 18, 2007 ST Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) made it four wins from as many matches in round two of the Grace Headley Cup schoolboy competition after whipping home side Mile Gully High by 210 runs yesterday. Ishmael Parchment smashed 102 not out while Nicoy Samuels chipped in with 60, as the former champions posted a daunting 291-4 declared. Mile Gully were blown away for 81 despite Lesbourne Edwards' 51, with Jason Dawes bagging 5-23 to maintain their 100 per cent win record in Group M. In other group matches, Decarteret College (108-1) defeated Mannings (107) by nine wickets, with Sheldon Hylton, 59 not out, sealing victory after Shane Farquharson captured five wickets when Mannings took first strike. Maurice Ellis' 61, guided Cornwall College (145-3) to a seven-wicket win over Rusea's High (144). Creeton Shearer (43) top-scored for Rusea's against Roman Mandison, 4-19. In Group N, defending champions Holmwood Technical (128-2) completed an eight-wicket victory over Cambridge (126), with captain Andre Creary highlighting the day's play with 4-38 and 83 not out. Ryan Moxam's 5-41 gave Godfrey Stewart High (147) a narrow 15-run win over Manchester High (132), while rain prevented completion of play between Lacovia and Frome, who were reeling at 60-9. The dominance of Dinthill Technical (241-4 declared) continued in Group O as they blew away St Mary High (65) by 176 runs. Dinthill's Sadian McKay made 111, but was overshadowed by team-mate Nkrumah Bonner who made 61 and took 5-17 as they continue to lead the group. Seaforth (243) remained in contention for a top-two spot after beating York Castle (115) by 128 runs. Kevin Williams (45) supported topscorer Kashane Roberts (68), before capturing 5-26, with Patrick Harty, (4-48 and 31) offering most resistance. Tavari Green took 5-58 before Maurice Powell (45) top-scored to give Glenmuir (167-6) a four-wicket win over Vere (166), despite Damion Bernard's 38 and 3-59. In Group P, a wet pitch at Kemps Hill, which wasn't prepared until after lunch, saw Ferncourt refusing to take the field, while the Bog Walk versus Titchfield game was not played because of an unprepared pitch. Milo Relays set to sizzle By Adrian Frater, News Editor Maurice Wilson, coach of Holmwood Technical female team - file With more than 100 clubs/institutions, high schools and prep/primary schools con-firmed for tomorrow's 29th staging of the Milo Western Relays, the unfinished Cath-erine Hall Stadium in Montego Bay , should be buzzing with excitement as the athletes seek to surpass last year's event, which yielded fourteen records. "I strongly believe that this year will be our best year ever," said meet director Ray Harvey. "This is a World Championship year so I am expecting that all the athletes will be turning up in a positive frame of mind." Like last year, 100m world record holder Asafa Powell, the undisputed fastest man on the planet; and his MVP Track Club teammate Sherone Simpson, who is currently laying claims to be the world's fastest woman, are the main attractions. However, with other top athletes such as World Championship silver medallist Michael Frater, leading quarter-miler Jermaine Gonzalez, top hurdler Brigitte Foster-Hylton, and rising star Sonita Sutherland alongside the cream of the local high school circuit slated to grace the track, the excitement should be wide-spread. "As usual, we will be coming down to Montego Bay to enjoy ourselves, and while we will not be bringing our Class One team, we will be at full strength in the other classes," said Lennox Graham, of Kingston College, whose team will be defending the 'Top Male Team' title. "We will also be looking forward to qualifying our 4x800m team for the Penn Relays." Kingston College's bid to retain their 'Top Male Team' title is expected to come under serious challenge from the likes of Wolmer's, Herbert Morrison and Cornwall College, perennial contenders at the one day-championship, which has at-tracted a record $700,000 sponsorship from Milo this year. While his school has lost a number of top athletes since last year's impressive showing, Holmwood's coach, the tactically astute Maurice Wilson still thinks his girls have what it takes to retain their 'Top Female Team' title, which they are defending for the fourth consecutive year. "The team is not the same as last year, but based on our strong tradition at this event, I am expecting the girls to rise to the occasion," said Wilson. "I am expecting strong competition from the likes of Manchester, Vere Technical and St. Jago, but I think we are ready for the challenge." In addition to the extra comfort the athletes will have on account of the 1,500 temporary seats recently erected at the facility, those who are successful will have a chance to take home a substantially improved incentive package this year. ( L - R ) Asafa Powell, Sherone Simpson, Sonita Sutherland, Jermaine Gonzalez, Brigitte Foster-Hylton The breakdown of cash incentives for this year reads as follow: Most outstanding male team - $20,000 Most outstanding female team - $20,000 Most outstanding western female team - $10,000 Most outstanding western male team - $10,000. "Milo has given us a larger sponsorship package this year," said Harvey, in reference to increase in sponsorship from last year's $500,000. "So we have decided to increase the incentive package to the outstanding athletes." Champs' hopefuls flying high published: Sunday | February 4, 2007 Anthony Foster Salcia Slack of Holmwood on her way to victory in the Class Two long jump with a leap of 5.45 metres at the Youngster Goldsmith meet at Stadium East yesterday. Slack also won the Open triple jump. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer AS THE GraceKennedy-sponsored National Boys' & Girls' Athletic Championships draw closer, athletes continued to warm up for the stellar event with good performances at yesterday's Youngster Goldsmith Hurdles and Field Classic at Stadium East. High jumpers Claudia Calder of Alpha and Shantel Thompson of Vere, last year's Champs winner at 1.74m, both cleared 1.70 yesterday with the former winning the gold medal. Manchester's Khadeen Isaacs (1.65m) was third. Class Two action Anna Lisa Myers of Wolmer's (1.60m) beat Holmwood's Natasha Williams (1.55m) and Kerima Blake of Vere (1.50m) in Class Two while Shanique Lee of St. Andrew (1.60m) was the Class Four winner, although Holmwood's Jenieve Russell cleared the same height. Kimberly Williamson of Edwin Allen (1.50m) was third in the event. Class Three went to Vere's Shaneka Thomas (1.68m) ahead of Shanna Kay Creary of St. Andrew and Sedeen Cesvette of Alpha who both cleared 1.60m for second and third, respectively. In the pit, Holmwood's Salcia Slack leapt 11.78m to capture the girls' triple jump Open ahead of St. Jago's Mellisa Ogbourne (11.48m) and G.C. Foster College's Angella Graham (11.46m). Jermaine Jackson won the men's long jump with a leap of 7.29m ahead of Herbert McGregor of Pro Launch (7.05m). St. Jago's Chirsda McCarthy won the girls' Class Four 70m hurdles in 11.67 seconds, beating St. Andrew High's Rusdeen Reid (11.68) in a close finish. In the 100m hurdles Open, Toni-Ann Doyley of Racers Track Club edged St. Jago's schoolgirl Natasha Ruddock for the win. Top-class coaches making the difference published: Tuesday | December 19, 2006 On November 20, eight of Jamaica's top coaches and administrators in track and field were honoured by the Gleaner Company, being designated theGleaner's 'Man of the Year', in recognition of their services. In a subsequent Gleaner Editors' Forum, five of the honourees - Neville 'Teddy' McCook, Mike Fennel, Dennis Johnson, Maurice Wilson, and Glenn Mills - shared their personal experiences and perspectives on coaching and sports administration in Jamaica. Yesterday, three administrators were highlighted, and, today, we feature coaches Maurice Wilson and Glenn Mills. Maurice Wilson Coach Maurice Wilson. - photo by Andrew Smith/Photography Editor Maurice Wilson, one of the bright, young success stories in local track and field coaching, developed an early interest in the field when, at age seven, his mother presented him with a book on the lives of Jamaican athletic stars. This whetted his appetite for the sport and so he got involved at primary school. Then it was on to Ferncourt High School where, unfortunately, a 'life-threatening injury' cut short his participation as an athlete. This did not dim his interest, however, with the result that, after graduating from Mico Teachers' College, he returned to his alma mater,Ferncourt, where he took up the job as track and field coach. Picking up pointers A daunting task it was for the rookie coach whose school was usually among the 'also-rans' at Boys' and Girls' Championships at the National Stadium. "When we got to Champs, we would sit and watch Kingston College and Calabar and Camper-down and wait for the 5,000 (metres) to score!" he recalled, laughing. But the young coach made good use of those hours at champs. While he waited for his school to pick up its single point towards the end, he was also busy picking up valuable pointers from the more experienced coaches. With that early baptism of fire, he was encouraged to attend G. C. Foster College of Physical Edu-cation and Sport, where he completed a level one coaching programme. Armed with his new certification, he moved to Clarendon College, where he continued to hone his skills and see to the improvement of that school's performances, moving from not winning a point the year he got there to being named the most improved team one year later. The stint at Clarendon prepared him for his next move, in 1996, to Holmwood Technical High in Manchester. Ten years later, as head coach for the girls' programme at Holmwood, Coach Wilson boasts an enviable record. He started with 11th place in the Girls' Championship in his first year. A period of steady progression culminated in victory in 2003. The girls have not lost that status since, winning four years in a row. Reflecting on those 10 years, Mr. Wilson disclosed that, at the outset, he decided that if he was going to stay for the long haul, it could not be an ordinary programme. The upshot of that bold assertion was the development of what he now terms "a little programme by the name of Vision 2000". Broad vision This vision included a plan to broaden the range of track events from the middle distances to include the sprints and hurdles. The audacity of that plan was underlined by the fact that the school did not possess even one hurdle! But some potential benefactors were obviously waiting to provide tangible support. One of those barriers was soon cleared with a donation of 20 new hurdles, and another 20 for training purposes. Support also came in the form of an adopt-an-athlete programme, and nutritional support for the athletes, ranging from highly-enriched processed foods from corporate sponsors to the more traditional rural gift of a squealing piglet tucked under a farmer's arm! Today, Coach Maurice Wilson is an integral part of the national track and field programme, a far cry from his early days, eavesdropping on the conversations of his more cele-brated colleagues to learn vital lessons in the art of coaching. At Holmwood, he is known to have produced several quality junior athletes including Anneisha McLaughlin, Sonita Sutherland and Sheryl Morgan. Holmwood and Denbigh rule the roost published: Thursday | December 14, 2006 Carolyn Johnson, Freelance Writer Rural champions Holmwood and Denbigh are all-Island champions of the 2006 ISSA/Digicel schoolgirl competition. Holmwood retained their title after beating Dunoon 31-24 in the senior match, while Denbigh shot past Queen's 24-11 to claim the junior title. The rural teams obviously decided that they did not come to town to lose and were ready to prove that 'country' schools were good. Denbigh took the lead early and were ahead 10-4 by half time. Accurate shooting from Gillene Graham who made 23 from 29, plus Cameka McGowan's one from three attempts led Denbigh to the trophy. The school's win was cemented by good passes, quick rebounds and capitalising on Queen's turnovers. On the other hand Queen's seemed to have lost the drive to win from the interval and stopped hustling for the ball. Their scoring was done by Kimberly Manning, goalshoot, who contributed six from nine, while teammate Shantele Shirley made five out of 11 attempts. "I'm elated. It has been a few years since we have won the urban title so I'm happy for the team. I think the occasion at first took its toll on both teams, but we settled down faster and that's why they pulled ahead," a delighted Annett Daley, coach of Denbigh said after the match. Queen's coach Marvette Anderson was on the other end of the spectrum. "[I'm] disappointed not because ... we lost, but it's how we lost. We did not stick to the game plan, made a lot of turnovers and that was what cost us the game. It was a good game in parts. It became one-sided after a while because we moved away from the game plan. I think they didn't fight hard enough," she said. SENIOR MATCH In the senior match, Dunoon made a formidable opponent for Holmwood but the team lacked composure to make it to the end. Although they trailed 15-12 at half time, they lost their drive in the third quarter when members began arguing and stopped marking. They tried to come back in the last quarter but it was already over. Holmwood never lost sight of the trophy with Samantha Martin making 30 goals from 41 attempts and Jodi-Ann Buckle making one from three. Dunoon's Crystal Gordon had an excellent shooting record getting 23 from 24 while her teammate Jody-Ann Foreman netted one from five. "It's a very good feeling. As we said, we knew what Dunoon had. We knew from early we had the better team, so we just had to keep our composure. Dunoon have very good players, but our girls have been champions, and there was no way we were going to lie down. If Dunoon wanted it they would have had to put up a better fight," Holmwood's coach Carline Graham said. "It's hard to beat a defending champion. Holmwood were champions last year, they played well, they won. Dunoon played well in spurts, they weren't consistent," coach of Dunoon, C. Lloyd Walker, said. Holmwood, Denbigh take rural titles published: Tuesday | December 12, 2006 Carolyn Johnson Holmwood Technical are ecstatic as they celebrate their win over Edwin Allen Comprehensive in the ISSA/Digicel rural high schoolgirls senior (under-19) final at G.C. Foster College yesterday. Holmwood won 32-24. - Junior Dowie/Staff Holmwood and Denbigh are rural champions in the 2006 ISSA/Digicel schoolgirl netball competition played yesterday at G.C. Foster College. Denbigh won the junior title, defeating Holmwood 22-14, while the Holmwood seniors ran past Edwin Allen 32-24. In the third place playoffs, Glenmuir beat Cambridge 23-20 in the junior segment, after which Mannings fell 20-30 to Denbigh in the seniors. Holmwood will meet Corporate Area senior champions Dunoon in the all-island finals tomorrow, while in the junior segment, Queen's will play Denbigh. Although the matches were played in the scorching mid-day sun, the players managed to rise to the occasion in two challenging games. The junior match started out with both teams matching goals but Denbigh took the lead and never looked back. Realising that Holmwood's goal shooter and Monique Green could not shoot, but left all shots to her team-mate Deneen Taylor, Denbigh stepped up the defence on the goal attack and kept her from the circle. Denbigh's other strength was their defence, which was facilitated by tight marking and follow that up, they capitalised on Holmwood's turnovers. "At the beginning. it was kind of difficult but after about five minutes, we started picking up, but overall it was great," said Shannon Lambert, captain of Denbigh's team. Failed to mark In Holmwood's assessment they failed to mark and missed valuable shots. "I think it was fairly good. Although we lost we feel good that we have come this far," said Monique Green, Holmwood's captain. In the senior match, Holmwood's coach Carline Graham believed it was theirs to lose. "From the beginning, we knew we had the game in our hands, (it was) just for the girls to keep composure and follow through to the end," Graham said. "I think this game boiled down to who wanted it most and I think Holmwood wanted it, they played for it, we didn't do anything. Having beaten Holmwood in the second round they were a bit complacent. I tried to tell them that the second round is history, this is the finals, they are defending champions, they coming to give it their all," said Minneth Reynolds, coach of Edwin Allen. Holmwood, Denbigh reign supreme BY DANIA BOGLE Observer staff reporter Tuesday, December 12, 2006 Title-holders Holmwood Technical and Denbigh High were crowned senior and junior champions of the 2006 ISSA/Digicel Rural Netball competitions, respectively, under partly cloudy skies on the outdoor courts at the GC Foster College, yesterday. Manchester-based Holmwood retained the senior crown they won last year after beating Edwin Allen 32-24, while Denbigh continued their unbeaten run this season, turning back the also previously unbeaten Holmwood 22-14 in the junior final. Holmwood Technical goalshooter Samantha Martin (centre) flies 'like Mike' as she aims for goal in the ISSA/Digicel Rural Senior Netball final against Edwin Allen at GC Foster College. Holmwood won the game 32-24. At left is Holmwood's centre Kannigia Buckle, while Edwin Allen's goalkeeper looks on. (Photo: Bryan Cummings) In the Under-19 final, Holmwood dominated 7-3 at the end of the first quarter and 12-7 at half-time before Edwin Allen put up a spirited fight to lessen the deficit 20-17 at the end of the third quarter. However, the maroon and gold-clad girls proved the more aggressive of the Central Jamaican teams and came back strong in the final quarter to eventually pull away from Edwin Allen to win the game by eight points. Holmwood's coach Carline Graham told Observer that her girls were never really worried. "We are accustomed to this sort of fight so when Edwin (Allen) got closer to us, it was no worry, cause we knew we had it," she said. Meanwhile, Denbigh's coach Annette Daley told the Observer that yesterday's final against Holmwood was about proving who was the better of the two junior teams that had both been unbeaten until that point. Denbigh had a narrow 11-8 lead at half-time before they sealed the game 22-14. "We were coming here to see the true champion... they (Denbigh) have proven today that they are the better team on the day," Daley said. Earlier in the day, Denbigh and Glenmuir topped Mannings and Cambridge, respectively, to take third place in the senior and junior competitions. Denbigh stopped Mannings 30-20, while Glenmuir defeated Cambridge 23-20. The rural champions Holmwood and Denbigh will now battle urban area winners Dunoon Technical and The Queen's School to decide the All Island champions in the final games of the season at the Leila Robinson Courts tomorrow afternoon starting at 1:30. Daley told the Observer that she expects a competitive game from the red and grey wearing The Queen's. "Queen's are always showing up to play a good match so we know we'll have a challenge there," Daley said. Graham said despite a long standing friendship with Dunoon, it will be all business on Wednesday. "We are friends, but we are going to go there and do our best," she said. The 2006 ISSA/Digicel netball competitions began on September 22 with a one-day rally at the Leila Robinson courts. The telecommunications company is sponsoring the schools' netball leagues to the tune of J$5.5 million over three years. Holmwood Reach Netball Semi-final Friday, December 08, 2006 MONTEGO BAY, ST JAMES - Two schools - Holmwood Technical and Denbigh High - will this morning seek to make it to both finals of the ISSA/Digicel rural area schoolgirls' netball competition when they take part in the semi-finals at St Elizabeth Technical, starting at 10:30. Both schools have advanced to the semi-finals, but will clash in the seniors division, thereby eliminating the possibility of a sweep of both semi-finals. Holmwood will meet Cambridge High in the juniors (Under-15) section, while Denbigh take on Glenmuir in the other game. In the other senior game, former champions Edwin Allen and Mannings will square off. Mannings are coming into the semi-finals on a high after dismissing Old Harbour High 49-13 in their quarter-final game at Brooks Park on Wednesday, while Edwin Allen High shook up a pesky DeCarteret College 29-18. In addition to their strong offence the Mannings defence, led by Jacqueline Buchanan, is also formidable. The Holmwood-Denbigh game will be interesting, but the Clarendon school will have the edge based on their performance from the Inter-Zone round where they won all four matches, including their easy 30-8 beating of Manchester High on Wednesday. In the Under-15 age-group, Denbigh High and Holmwood will start as favourites to advance to Monday's final. Track coaches, Administrators get Gleaner 'Man of the Year' Award published: Tuesday | November 21, 2006 Robert Lalah, Staff Reporter The eight coaches and administrators who were yesterday named persons of the year at the Gleaner Honour Awards function. With them are Professor Gerald Lalor (left), Governor -General Kenneth Hall (centre) and Oliver Clarke (right), chairman and managing director of The Gleaner Company. The eight were also co-recipients of the award in the education category (training). Eight hard-working men, who in their posts as coaches and administrators helped create some of the most memorable moments in Jamaica's sporting history, were yesterday given the recognition they deserve when they were recognised with the 'Man of the Year Award' at the 27th annual Gleaner Honour Awards ceremony at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel, New Kingston. Stephen Francis, Raymond Graham, Michael Fennell, Maurice Wilson, Neville 'Teddy' McCook, Glen Mills, Fitz Coleman and Dennis Johnson were the big winners at the event that saw 24 Jamaicans being honoured for their work and achievements in various fields. "Through these eight men, we recognise the vast number of coaches and administrators in Jamaica who work tirelessly with our athletes to propel them to sports greatness at every level...a celebration of the best of Jamaica," said the newspaper's editor-in-chief Garfield Grandison, at the gala luncheon attended by Governor-General Professor Kenneth Hall and Her Excellency Mrs. Hall. Grateful for Recognition Fitz Albert Coleman, who responded on behalf of the co-recipients, said: "We're very grateful for the recognition. It's sometimes easier to pay negative attention to coaches when athletes underperform, so what The Gleaner has done today is no small deed. We really appreciate and are grateful for this." Stephen Francis is best known as the coach of sprinting star Asafa Powell. Francis has also helped to improve the lives of several University of Technology students in the classroom, as a lecturer in the accounting department. Neville McCook has been associated with track and field in Jamaica for the last 42 years. The 67-year-old was bestowed with the Order of Jamaica (OJ) for his contribution to sports at the annual Heroes' Day function at King's House in October. Glen Mills has been coaching for more than 36 years. Over the last 19 years, Mr. Mills has been head coach of the national senior track team, having taken the baton in 1987 from Herb McKenley. Both as an athlete and a coach, Fitz Coleman's contribution to sports and the development of Jamaica's athletes has been outstanding. Some of 54-year-old's major accomplishments came by way of the performance of athletes whom he coached, many of whom excelled on the world stage, including Usain Bolt and Jermaine Gonzales. By 1961, Dennis Johnson was the number two ranked sprinter behind Frank Budd of the United States and ahead of Harry Jerome of Canada. That year, Mr. Johnson performed a feat that to this day hasn't been surpassed, when he equalled the World Record four times while attending the University of San Jose State in California. Raymond Graham has been widely recognized for the outstanding work he has done to raise the standard of Jamaican runners. His peers voted him Coach of the Year in 1998, when St. Jago High School won the third of four consecutive Girls' Champs titles under his tutelage. In the sporting arena, few can claim to have a contribution longer or more distinguished than that of the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) president, Michael Fennell, who on the 1st of August, was awarded the Order of Jamaica (OJ), the nation's fourth highest honour. Fennell ran for and won the post of vice-president of the Jamaica Olympic Association in 1973. In 1977, he became president of the association. Mr. Fennell is also currently the second vice-president of the Pan American Sports Organisation, which organises the Pan-Am Games. Maurice Wilson, with only a very limited number of Classes Three and Four athletes to choose from, managed to guide Holmwood Technical High School girls to four consecutive Girls' Championship titles. He is one of Jamaica's most successful junior coaches, who fashioned the development of one of Jamaica's most successful juniors, Anneisha McLaughlin. Wilson, who was a member of Jamaica's coaching staff at the 2004 Athens Olympics, has coached two other individual World Junior medalists. Entertainment at the event co-chaired by Karin Cooper, the Gleaner Company's Corporate Affairs Manager, was provided by Rupert Bent and Cindy Breakespeare. Holmwood hammer Knox to take lead Impressive STETHS take on Black River PAUL A REID, Observer writer Wednesday, September 27, 2006 CHRISTIANA, Manchester - David Downes scored a hat-trick to fire Holmwood Technical High to a 9-0 pasting of Knox College and into the lead of Zone G of the daCosta Cup schoolboy football competition yesterday. After failing to score in his first three games, Downes scored twice in the first half as his team led 4-0, while Sanjay Wright, Bonito Daley, Damion Roach, Kamaal Reid, Tyrone Chambers and Kobi Darling all got one each. The win took Holmwood to eight points - one more than Spalding at the top of Zone G. Tacky High, meanwhile, extended their lead atop Zone K after beating Brimmervale 3-0, thanks to a brace from Antony Walters and one from Omar Walker. The game was originally set for today but was brought forward due to a venue clash with the Islington vs Oracabessa game today. Tacky are now on 10 points from five matches and will maintain their lead through to the next round as none of the teams in action today will be able to catch them. McGrath missed a chance to take over the lead in Zone J after they played to a 0-0 draw with Bog Walk, and Edwin Allen dropped their first points in Zone H after drawing 0-0 with Lennon. MONTEGO BAY, St James - Former champions Frome Technical and St Elizabeth Technical (STETHS) will be seeking to end the first round of the daCosta Cup unbeaten when the competition continues today with 16 matches. Today's games will signal the end of the first round of matches in eight of the 12 zones, with the others set to end by Saturday. Frome, champions in 2003, will end the first round with a home game against Anchovy at Frome Sports Club and will be going after their fourth straight win. The 'Boysie' Nicholson-coached side have been impressive so far, scoring 13 goals and conceding two, and are coming off a 3-0 spanking of Rusea's last Saturday. On paper, STETHS have been the best team in the competition so far, scoring four straight wins while scoring 22 goals, and are one of five schools yet to concede a goal. Today they will host second-placed Black River High, who have scored nine unanswered goals in back-to-back wins. Renario Downswell, the competition's top marksman with 10 goals, and second-placed Comar Pascoe with nine, will lead the STETHS attack against a Black River defence that has kept clean sheets in three of their four matches played so far. Munro College will be hoping to rebound from Saturday's loss to STETHS when they play away to Maggotty at Appleton and could move back into second place if Black River fail to beat STETHS. One of the best clashes of the day should be at Petersfield Community Centre where Zone C leaders Petersfield will host Grange Hill for the first time since 1998. Both teams are level on seven points, but Petersfield have a slightly better goal difference and are yet to concede a goal in three matches. Zone C has turned out to be one of the most competitive in the competition where any four of five teams can win. Defending champions Godfrey Stewart High, who have not won since the opening, day, losing to Petersfield and drawing with Grange Hill, should return to winning ways when they play away to last-placed Maude McLeod High in Darliston. Maldon could reclaim the lead in Zone A if they beat St James High at Jarrett Park. Maldon are now in second place on six points, one behind leaders Herbert Morrison Technical, who will be idle. In their last outing Maldon's two-game winning streak was snapped 1-0 at Herbert Morrison and they will be hoping to beat St James High for the first time in many years and avenge a 5-0 loss at the same venue last year. At Martha Brae, Cornwall College and home team William Knibb will be seeking their second straight victory after getting their first on Saturday. In Zone I, Glenmuir will be eager to get back into action after being held to a 2-2 draw by Garvey Maceo on Saturday and will host Central High. The key clash in the group will come at York Town Community Centre where second-placed Garvey Maceo will host third-placed Kemps Hill. Both schools are locked on seven points from four games. The games between both teams were split last season. Garvey Maceo won the first 5-3, but then lost the return game, 1-0. Yesterday's results Zone G Holmwood 9 Knox 0 Christiana 2 Porus 0 Zone H Edwin Allen 0 Lennon 0 Zone J Bog Walk 0 McGrath 0 Zone K Brimmervale 0 Tacky 3 Zone L Happy Grove 0 Port Antonio 0 Yallahs 1 St Thomas Technical 2 Fair Prospect 0 Seaforth 1 Paul Bogle-0 Titchfield 2 Today's schedule Zone A St James High vs Maldon at Jarrett Park William Knibb vs Cornwall Zone B Knockalva vs Cambridge at Knockalva Frome vs Anchovy at Frome Sports Complex Zone C Maude McLeod vs Godfrey Stewart at Maude McLeod Petersfield vs Grange Hill at Petersfield Comm Centre Zone E Maggotty vs Munro at Appleton Newell vs Lacovia at Newell STETHS vs Black River at STETHS Zone I Kemps Hill vs Garvey Maceo at York Town Glenmuir vs Central at Glenmuir Old Harbour vs Vere at Spring Village Zone J Dinthill vs Glengoffe at Bramwell Clarke Complex McGrath vs Charlemont at McGrath Zone K St Mary High vs Iona at Highgate Comm Centre Islington vs Oracabessa at Brimmervale Holmwood's McCarthy blasts double century published: Sunday | July 30, 2006 Anthony Foster, Freelance Writer Melbourne's batsman Andre McCarthy acknowledges his record century against Kingston & St. Andrew in their Capital & Credit All-Island limited-overs match at Melbourne Oval yesterday. - Junior Dowie/Staff Photographer FORMER WEST Indies Youth player, Andre McCarthy, was in record-breaking form yesterday for Melbourne against Kingston and St. Andrew in the All-Island Capital & Credit limited-overs competition at Melbourne Oval. McCarthy, who walked in at No. 4, scored 225 not out, the first double century in the competition to lead Melbourne to a 126-run win over Kingston & St. Andrew on the Duckworth/Lewis system. Melbourne also qualified for the semi-finals with the win. The right-handed batsman went to the crease with Melbourne 38-2 and shared in an important 175-run sixth-wicket stand with Nikita Miller, who contributed 37. The two carried Melbourne to 351-5 off their 50 overs. First century McCarthy, who belted the ball with no fear, brought up his first century off just 98 deliveries. At that stage he had struck eight fours and five sixes. On reaching the magic figure, McCarthy, who recently helped Holmwood to three straight Headley Cup titles, reached the 200 mark off 135 balls after belting 21 fours and 13 sixes. During that time he was dropped twice, but in the end - two and a half hours later, his 225 of 148 balls was laced with 21 fours and 15 sixes. McCarthy was elated in the end. "I am feeling really good," McCarhty said. "I feel very good to know that I am the first one in the competition to score a double hundred. McCarthy said he started off slow but gradually stepped up the pace as his innings progressed. "At first I just tried to get used to the bounce and pace of the wicket and batted to occupy some time," he said. Confident "I am confident in my ability and knew that once I got a good start, I could score a bit faster," he said. He said, despite the fact that he scored so freely, it wasn't easy. "I hit a lot of sixes, but I had to work for the runs. This is one of my best innings, behind the hundred that I scored in the Headley Cup semis against Vere." When Kingston & St. Andrew replied, they reached 105-5 off 20 overs when the rain came. Marlon Blacks got 45 while Sheldon Smith claimed 3-29. At Chedwin Park: St. Catherine booked their place in the semi-finals with a five-wicket win over Portland. Portland 222 all out off 48.4 overs (Emilo Reid, 85, Lerone Tyrell, 53 not out; Bevon Brown, 2-52, Garth Garvey, 2-52, Wayne Morgan, 2-58). St. Catherine 226-5 off 47.3 (Keith Hibbert, 65, Wayne Morgan, 63 not out; Omar Clarke, 2-51). At Jamalco: Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) defeated Clarendon by 120 runs under the Duckworth/ Lewis system. JDF 299-6 off 47 overs (reduced) - (Wayne Cuff, 96, Avroy Harris, 60; Tavare Green, 3-65, Hamlet Stewart, 2-59). Clarendon needed 226 from 29 overs, but only reached 106-6. Albert Gopie hit 25 not out against Cuff 4-25. At Sabina Park: Kingston beat Boys' Town by 10 wickets. Boys' Town 70 (Fabina Forbes, 7-21). Kingston 71-0 (Domaine Wilson, 32, Jowayne Robinson, 21). At Alpart: In a match reduced to a 20/20 affair, St. Elizabeth defeated Manchester by 39 runs. St. Elizabeth 143 (Shane Powell, 61; David Powell, 2-11, Andre Dwyer, 2-4, Jamie Merchant, 2-31). Manchester 104 off 16.3 (Powell, 22; Conroy Miller, 3-31, Chris Dwyer, 2-3, Wayne Simpson, 2-5). At Nelson Oval: Hanover beat Lucas by one run. Hanover 152 all out 41.2 (Kadian McKenzie, 54; Aushuman Kentish, 3-26, Gary Herbine, 3-35). Lucas 151 off 35 overs (Tarick Cousins, 37; Kenneth Beckford, 4-52). At Kaiser: There was no play in the match between St. Ann and Trelawny. Sutherland lands meet record at CAC games Jamaica dominate after two days Sunday, July 16, 2006 Jamaican quarter miler Sonita Sutherland steamrolled her way to a championship record 51.57 seconds in the evening session on day two of the 17th Central American and Caribbean Junior Track and Field Championships yesterday in Trinidad. The Jamaican team is on target to better the 38 medals won two years ago in Mexico. Sutherland. steamrolled her way to a championship record 51.57 sec in the 400m Up to press time on day two of the three-day meet last night, the John Mair-coached team tallied 29 medals, after rocking-up 17 - 10 gold, three silver and four bronze on Friday at the Hasely Crawford Stadium. Yesterday's winnings included five gold, four silver and three bronze. Before the crowd at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Sutherland outclassed her rivals in a dominating performance to win the 400 metres, adding the CAC title to her CARIFTA crown which she captured in March by clocking an astonishing 51.30 seconds. She led home her team-mate Bobby Gaye Wilkins (53.19) and Trinidad and Tobago's Janeil Bellille (56.15) for the lesser medals. Sutherland copped one of the three 400-metre titles for the Jamaicans on the night as Latoya McDermott in the Under-17 girls and Romone McKenzie in the junior boys, also logged one-lap titles. McDermott stopped the clock at 54.10 seconds ahead of St Lucia's Monica Moncherry (55.15), for that island's first medal of the meet. Trinidad and Tobago's Jessica James (56.60) was third. McKenzie continued the trend in the Under-17 boys' race, clocking a brisk 47.59 seconds, beating St Kitts Kadeem Smith (48.70) and Akino Ming (48.76), also of Jamaica. The senior boys' 400-metre race brought the partisan Hasely Crawford Stadium crowd to its feet when local star Renny Quow narrowly held off the strong finishing Jamaican Allodin Fothergill in the final 10 metres to win the event. Running out of lane five, Quow led comfortably coming into the final straightaway, but faded badly in the closing 50 metres as second-placed Fothergill in lane six, and his team-mate Edino Steele in lane four, made late surges. But it was the diminutive Quow who emerged winner in 46.14 seconds to Fothergill's 46.17 and Steele's 46.29. Earlier, Barbadian Kierre Beckles captured the Under-17 girls' sprint hurdles crown in 13.72 seconds, outpacing the Jamaican pair of Shemaine Williams and Rosemarie Carty, who clocked 13.79 and 13.86, respectively. In the senior girls' event, Jamaican Kittanny Clarke led from early and won in 13.60 seconds over Barbadian Kimberly Stanford (13.60). The Mexicans dominated the boys' junior and senior steeplechase races on the night. In the Under-17 race over 2,000 metres with only two competitors Fer Hernandez clocked 6:19.62 minutes, while Puerto Rico's Luis Bernardi (7:02.43) claimed the silver. In the senior boys' event over 3,000 metres, Aroon Her Arias clocked 9:05.99 minutes ahead of countryman Omar Alej Chavez (9:23.43). The quartet of Kittiany Clarke, Anastasia Leroy, Nassene Briscoe and Schillonie Calvert - in that order - speed to a championship record 44.74-sec to take the Under-20 girls' 4 X 100 metres, erasing the old mark of 45.33 done by another Jamaican team in 2002. In the field, Seon Powell leapt 15.25 metres to take gold in the Under-20 boys triple jump.

Holmwood whip Eltham for 4th straight title BY ANDREW HANCEL Observer staff reporter Friday, June 23, 2006 Holmwood Technical registered their fourth successive hold of the all-island schoolboy Grace Spalding Cup after a 10-wicket victory over Eltham High in the three-day final at Melbourne Oval yesterday. Moments before tea on the final day, the rural area Headley Cup champions reached the paltry target of 27 set by Eltham, with Jeffrey Scott (19) and skipper Marlon Johnson (five), taking them home. Needing 102 to make the Robert Lewis-coached Holmwood side bat again, the Corporate Area winners Eltham resumed yesterday on 16-1. But that target became a monumental challenge for Eltham as national Under-19 player Ziggy Levy took 6-40 from 19 overs. Off-spinner Levy was responsible for the first six wickets to remove the top six batsmen, including captain Kishan Shattock and first-innings topscorer Romeo Dunca, both for a duck. Sandre Watson topscored with an unbeaten 28 while Romeo Parker made 22 and Andre Scott a defiant 25 before becoming Levy's sixth victim. Holmwood, batting a second time, wasted little time with Scott smashing four fours, which including a pull through backward square-leg in the first over off lanky seamer Herod March. Scores in the game: Holmwood 210 and 26-0; Eltham 108 and 128. During his post-match comment, an elated Lewis said the victory brought a special feeling. "This is our fourth consecutive victory at this level and to have won the Spalding Cup on four consecutive occasions must be a really good feeling. I'm very proud of the achievement... in particular this year," said Lewis. In last year's final, Eltham lost by an innings and 141 runs, but despite losing by 10 wickets this time around, their coach Oral Simpson said the team is improving. "There are some positives. Last year they beat us by an innings and 100 runs; this year we lost by 10 wickets. We're getting closer and next year we'll be here again and it's going to be different," Simpson said.

Holmwood in command Champs grab first innings against Eltham

BY ANDREW HANCEL Observer staff reporter Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Despite a late fightback from Eltham High, Holmwood Technical remained in the driver's seat at the end of day one in the three-day all-island Grace Spalding Cup schoolboy final at Melbourne Oval yesterday.

After winning the toss and choosing to bat, Eltham were skittled out for 107, with Romeo Dunca topscoring with 41.
Fastbowler Ricardo Sticheron led the way for the defending champions, taking three for 24 from 10 overs, while Andre Creary took two wickets for six runs and Ventura Reid, two for 13.

Eltham's Herod March (left) is run out by Andre Creary of Holmwood Technical on the first day of the all-island Grace Spalding Cup final at Melbourne Oval yesterday. (Photo: Joseph Wellington)

In their reply, Holmwood got off to a positive start, reaching 159 for four before losing their next five wickets for 33 runs, closing the first day on 192 for eight.

Holmwood's Creary (52) and Andre McCarthy (55) put together 106 runs for the third wicket after openers Marlon Johnson (23) and Jeffery Scott (22) shared in a 44-run stand.

But then Eltham's prolific batsman Shacoya Thomas returned with the ball and bowled McCarthy to end the century partnership.
Left-arm spinner Frederick Hermitt enjoyed a good day's bowling, as he has so far taken three wickets for 71 runs, while right-arm offspinner Sandre Watson ended with two for 39, which included a brilliant return catch in the final over of the day.

Earlier, at the start of play, Eltham - who are facing Holmwood for the second straight year in the final - never got the start they would have wanted and were quickly reeling at 85 for seven by lunch.
This was after Thomas went for seven and opening partner Matthew Stewart made 21, before Dunca - batting at number six -joined Stewart to post 62 for the fifth wicket as five of their batsmen went for a duck.

With a lead of 85 Holmwood hold the advantage, but Eltham are still in contention with two days of cricket to be played. Match time is 10:00 am each day.

Holmwood hold the edge over Eltham
published: Wednesday | June 21, 2006

Anthony Foster, Freelance Writer

RURAL AREA champions Holmwood Technical hold the edge over urban champions Eltham entering today's second and penultimate day of their Spaulding Cup final at Melbourne Oval.

When play begins at 10:00 this morning, Holmwood will resume on 192-8 in reply to Eltham's meagre total of 108.

Batting first, Eltham were made to struggle from the start as they slipped to 19-4 within 10 overs. Shacoya Thomas, who scored 324 not out in last year's Grace Shield final, was the first to be dismissed for seven.

He was soon followed back to the pavilion by Romeo Parker, Keshan Shattock and Kino-Paul Sailsman who all went without scoring.

STOOD FIRM

Despite the slide, opener Matthew Stewart, 21, stood firm at the other end and with Romeo Dunca, 41, added 62 for the fifth wicket to add some respectability to Eltham's innings.

However, when was Dunca caught off Andre Creary and Stewart of by the same method off Andre McCarthy (1-27), Eltham lost their last six wickets for 27 runs.

Ricardo Sitheron, who was overlooked by the Jamaican selectors for the West Indies Under-19 tournament, finished with 3-24. He was supported by Ventura Reid (2-13) and Creary (2-5).

At their turn at bat, Marlon Johnson hit 23 and, along with former youth player Jeffrey Scott, 22, put on an opening stand of 44.

However, the innings of Andre McCarthy, 55, and Creary, 52, were what took Holmwood past Eltham's total in a 104-run third wicket partnership.

However, late in the afternoon Holmwood slipped from 159 for two to 192 for eight.

Frederick Hermitt, who has so far taken 3-71, and Sandre Watson, 2-39, have put Eltham back into the game.

Plummer shines at Houston Invitational

Tuesday, May 09, 2006

Former Holmwood Technical sprinter Yhann Plummer posted personal bests to win the 100 and 200 metres at the Houston Invitational in Texas over the weekend.

Other Jamaicans finishing in the top three last weekend in the United States included Sandie Richards, Marvin Anderson, Tanya Jarrett, and Monique Morgan.
Plummer, who is unattached, posted 10.21 seconds and 20.47 seconds, respectively, to account for both meet records.

In the 400m hurdles, Winston Chambers of Speed Koncept won race two in a season best 53.36 seconds, while Hickey Woolery of Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi, placed third in the discus with a personal best 54.45 metres.

Former national champion Sandie Richards timed 55.07 seconds for second place in the 400 metres won by American Tiffany Singleton of Sam Houston State University, who ran 54.88 seconds.
Meanwhile, Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Junior champion Tanya Jarrett, who is unattached, won the 400m hurdles in a season best 58.63 seconds.

In the Coca Cola Modesto Relays in California, former St Jago High star athlete Marvin Anderson, unattached, clocked 10.33 seconds for second in race two of the 100 metres. In the 200 metres, Anderson took race two in 21.14 seconds.

Sheldon Morant of Elite Athletes was eighth in race three of the 100 metres, with a time of 10.35 seconds.

In the Big East Outdoor Championships in Storrs, Connecticut, St Andrew High past student Arusha McKenzie, a sophomore at the Villanova University, was fifth in the 800 metres clocking 2:09.68, while her compatriot and teammate Monigue Morgan, a past student of Immaculate Conception, ran 13.53 seconds for second place in the 100m hurdles and posted a personal best 59.15 seconds for the bronze in the 400m hurdles.

One on One with Sonita Sutherland

Holmwood's Sonita Sutherland.

HOLMWOOD TECHNICAL'S 400 metres ace, Sonita Sutherland, is poised to join the long line of outstanding track and field athletes to emerge from central Jamaica.

The greatest of all is Herb McKenley, but there have been several others including recent stars Veronica Campbell, Sandie Richards, Sherone Simpson and Usain Bolt.

Sutherland was born and grew up in a small district called Malton in Manchester, just a few miles from Troy, Trelawny, the town where Campbell went to school.

She had her early schooling at nearby Robins Hall All Age before going on to Holmwood at age 14 in 2001.

Coached by Maurice Wilson, the pint-sized high school star has shown phenomenal improvement over the past three years in the 400m, moving from a personal best 53.56 seconds down to 51.13 at the recent Boys and Girls Championships.

A silver medallist at the IAAF World Junior Championships in 2004, Sutherland pushed her school to their fourth straight national high school girls title last month. She then put the icing on the cake in her final year at high school with three outstanding relay legs as Holmwood won the 4x100m (44.56), 4x400m (3:36.98) and 4x800m (8:45.87) at the prestigious Penn Relays in Philadelphia at the weekend.

One-on-One caught up with Sutherland at the Norman Manley Airport, shortly after her school returned from the Penn Relays.

QUESTION: How were you introduced to track?

SONITA SUTHERLAND : At All Age school two teachers took us around to the different meets in the parish to compete. I remember their names as ÔMiss CarterÕ and ÔMr Palmer.Õ

Q: What would you say is your greatest achievement to date in track and field?

SS : I would say winning the 400m silver medal at the 2004 IAAF World Junior Championships in Grossetto, Italy.

Q: The 2006 season has already been a successful one for you. Do you have any more goals for this season?

SS: I would really like to win gold in the 400m at the World Junior Championships, August 15-20 in Beijing, China and to break the 50.92 national junior record held by Sandie Richards since 1987.

Q: Overall what are your goals?

SS: I am looking forward to making the World Championships team next year and I would love to go on to the Olympics in 2008 and to win a medal.

Q: You have done the 400m hurdles and 800m over the past two or three years; will you be doing any of these events in the future?

SS: I did the 400m hurdles and 800m for my school at Girls Champs but I do not think I will be doing those events anymore.

Q: Do you have any role models?

SS : My coach Maurice Wilson, mother Jean Morgan and Olympic and World 400m champion Tonique Williams-Darling of the Bahamas.

Q: This is your last year at Holmwood; what will you miss most about school?

SS: At Holmwood it is not just about track and field. The girls are just one big, happy family and I am definitely going to miss that.

Q: Who are your best friends?

SS: Teammates Schillonie Calvert, Rosemarie White, Jerine Bolt and Debbie Ann Rose. We have a close relationship as we are all boarders in Christiana.

Q: Who is your favourite Jamaican athlete?

SS : Veronica Campbell.

Q: Who are your favourite international athletes?

SS: Sanya Richards, Jeremy Wariner and Williams-Darling.

Q: Have you been offered any overseas scholarships?

SS: Several, but I do not really have any interest. I will be staying in Jamaica with my coach at G.C. Foster College.

Q: What is your favourite movie?

SS: 'Love and Basketball'.

Q: What is your favourite dish?

SS: Rice and peas and curried goat.

Holmwood ecstatic over phenomenal achievement
published: Tuesday | May 2, 2006

Holmwood's sprint relay team, from left, Andrea Reid, Anastasia Le-Roy, Schillonie Calvert, Sonita Sutherland and Rosemarie White, pose with the Penn Relay Shield on their arrival at the Norman Manley International Airport yesterday. Holmwood's girls won the Championship of Americas 4x100m in 44.56, adding to their 4x400m and 4x800m crowns.

HOLMWOOD TECHNICAL'S track team manager Chester McCarthy described the school's success in four of seven Championship of Americas events at the Penn Relays as "phenomenal".

"I thought it (performance) was phenomenal, because for any one team or any one school to go to the Penn Relays and take back four Championship of Americas titles, creating a clean sweep in the girls' section, I think it is phenomenal," McCarthy told The Gleaner on the school's arrival at the Norman Manley International Airport yesterday.

In the mile relay, Holmwood's quartet of Bobby-Gaye Wilkins, Anastasia Le-Roy, Schillonie Calvert and Sonita Sutherland romped home in 3:36.98.

The 4x800m team of Vanessa Boyd (2:13.8), Jeraine Bolt (2:14.3), Sonita Sutherland (2:08.5), and Bobby-Gaye Wilkins (2:09.3) secured victory in 8:45.87, while Sutherland, Rosemarie White, Schillonie Calvert and Anastasia Le-Roy crossed the line in 44.56, the third fastest time ever at the meet.

"The group put the work in, the coaches put the work in, Mr. Wilson (Maurice) worked tirelessly at all of this and it was just a great effort on the path of many persons."

The boys - Bernard Powell, Kerone Robinson, Melvin Weller, and Stafford McFarlane - also took the 4x800m in 7:43.35.

"It was a great performance for me, I was prepared for it," said Sutherland who ran on all three winning relay teams.

"It was hard for me, but it wasn't for me alone, it's a team," said the final year student at Holmwood who said she will be attending college in Jamaica.

Calvert, a member of the 4x100m and 4x400m teams, said: "I'm very proud because we all won four events ­ the javelin, 4x100m, 4x400m and 4x800m.

"I'm sure everybody in Jamaica will be proud of us also," Calvert said.

Bobby-Gaye, a member of the mile and 4x800m teams, was also overjoyed.

"I feel very happy. We were positive going out there and we did our best in winning three relays," she said.

Teneisha Blair who won the girls' javelin, said it pushed her closer towards qualifying for the World Junior Championships.

"The only focus for me now is the World Juniors and I will be working towards that," said Blair who will be trying to improve on her 46.62m.

Edwin Allen with 400m hurdles winner Sherene Pinnock (56.90), Manchester, Morant Bay, and Vere were other teams that arrived yesterday.

HOLMWOOD'S PENN RELAYS JOY

Monday, May 01, 2006

Holmwood High School's victorious Championship of America 4X400 metres relay team (from left) Sonita Sutherland, Schillone Calvert, Bobby-Gaye Wilkins and Aanastasia Le-Roy pose with the University of Pennsylvania Relay Carnival plaque after romping home at the Penn Relays last Friday in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.

Sutherland was also a member of the Holmwood teams which won the Championship of America 4X100 and 4X800 metres relays.

McCarthy and Blackwood lift Holmwood

Monday, May 01, 2006

Holmwood Technical High School's 70th anniversary celebrations, which started a month ago, heightened at the Alpart Sports Club grounds last Thursday, as after three days, they outclassed rivals St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) by 136 runs in the final of the Headley Cup, which is sponsored by GraceKennedy Financial Services Division for the first time.

Scores: Holmwood 171 and 122; STETHS: 98 and 59.
The champion's ninth triumph in this competition was made possible through the astute spin bowling of West Indies Under-19 player Andre McCarthy and the lower-order batting of Bruce Blackwood, who is more noted for his fast bowling.

Loyal Holmwood supporters congratulate members of the winning team after their victory in the Grace Headley Cup last Thursday.

McCarthy came up with match-figures of 11-57 from 40.1 overs, after Blackwood had struck a positive undefeated half-century to lift his team from the shambles of 61-6 to a competitive total. It was Holmwood's fourth consecutive win over their same opponents, and for coach Robert Lewis, it was his seventh triumph with the champions.

STETHS must have fancied their chances when they asked Holmwood to bat first, with the scoreboard showing 61-6 just before lunch and ace batsmen, McCarthy (25) and Jamaica Under-19 player Ziggy Levy (18), back in the in the pavilion.

Holmwood found a saviour in their number eight batsman Blackwood, who hit a polished unbeaten half-century of 70. His knock included eight boundaries and lasted 187 minutes.

He shared in three vital partnerships, the first being a 41-run partnership for the seventh wicket with Sean Bennett, who made (14); also a 27-run partnership with Daley for the eighth wicket, and a valuable 36 for the last wicket with Jones. Holmwood's early demise was due mainly to the bowling of the STETHS trio of Samuels, Powell and Dawes. They received good support from skipper Damion Ebanks.

The loser's worries started on the second day, as after being 53-3 overnight, they could only add 45 more runs as McCarthy gathered 5-37 from 30 overs.

The champions, with a lead of 73 runs, then had some problems on a turning pitch as left-arm spinner Linton Buchanan claimed 6-33 from 27 overs. However, national Under-15 captain Andre Creary (44 no) batted with assurance to give a useful lead of 195 runs. Holmwood had victory in sight from the close of the second day, having captured five of their opponent's wickets. Within 33 minutes on the third morning, McCarthy, who missed a hat-trick in his 10th over, wrapped up the tail with 6-20.

He closed the loser's innings with his first delivery of his 11th over when Powell lifted the delivery high to Jones at mid-wicket, he spilled the catch, but Daley, standing by, held the rebound, as they jumped for joy just before the rains.

Scoreboard

Holmwood's First Innings

M Johnson ct Green b Hanson 4
J Scott ct wk Perry b Dawes 8
Z Levy b Ebanks 18
A McCarthy ct wk Perry b Samuels 24
A Creary ct Green b Ebanks 0
K Lewis ct sub Blake b Samuels 0
S Bennett lbw Powell 14
B Blackwood not out 70
H Daley run out 10
M Walford b Dawes 0
O Jones lbw b Powell 1
Extras: (b11, nb8, lb2) 21
Total: 171
Fall of wickets: 11, 23, 47, 51, 52, 61, 102, 129, 135, 171
Bowling: Dawes 13-3- 41-2, Hanson 8-2-18-1, Ebanks 12-3-23-2, Samuels 16-55-28-2, Buchanan 11-6-9-0, Powell 13.5-5-37-2, Ewart 3-0-10-0, Green 1-0-2-0 .

Steths' First Innings

D Green bw b Levy 10
J Barry c Creary b McCarthy 23
I Parchment c Creary b McCarthy 10
N Samuels c&b Creary 18
D Ebanks ct Blackwood b McCarthy 13
R Powell b McCarthy 0
M Perry not out 14
M Ewart hit wicket b McCarthy 1
K Hanson lbw Johnson 0
J Dawes run out 2
L Buchanan run out 0
Extras: (b4, lb2, w1) 7
Total: 98
Fall of wickets: 25, 36, 47, 67, 67, 84, 85, 86, 91, 98 .
Bowling: Blackwood 2-0-8-0; Walford 2-0-11-0; Levy 19-8-21-1; McCarthy 30-14-37-5; Johnson 4.5-3-12-1; Creary 5-4-1-1 .

Holmwood's Second Innings

M Johnson b Buchanan 22
J Scott lbw Buchanan 11
A Creary not out 44
A McCarthy ct Ewart b Buchanan 10
K Lewis run out 0
Z Levy ct Ewart b Buchanan 0
S Bennett ct Parchment b Buchanan 4
B Blackwood ct wk Perry b Dawes 19
H Daley lbw Dawes 0
M Walford lbw Buchanan 0
O Jones lbw Dawes 1
Extras: (b6, nb3, lb1, w1) 11
Total: 122
Fall of wickets: 36, 42, 54, 55, 57, 68, 106, 106, 111, 122 .
Bowling analysis: Dawes 6-0-23-3; Hanson 1-0-7-0; Samuels 7-3-14-0; Powell 19-5-37-0; Buchanan 27-12-33-6; Ewart 1-0-1-0.

STETHS' second Innings

D Ebanks ct McCarthy b Johnson 16
J Barry ct wk Scott b Johnson 9
I Parchment lbw b McCarthy 3
N Samuels b McCarthy 0
D Green ct wk Scott b McCarthy 0
R Powell ct Daley b McCarthy 16
M Perry run out 10
M Ewart lbw Johnson 0
K Hanson ct Blackwood b McCarthy 4
J Dawes b McCarthy 0
L Buchanan not out 0
Extras: (b1) 1
Total: 59
Fall of wickets: 21, 29, 29, 29, 29, 45, 45, 50, 59, 59 .
Bowling: Blackwood 2-0-11-0; Walford 2-0-5-0; McCarthy 10.1-3-20-6; Johnson 10-4-21-3 .
Toss: STETHS
Umpires: Howard Scarlett and Leroy Neish

Tears of joy for brilliant athletes

BY GORDON WILLIAMS, Contributor - philadelphia, pennsylvania

BOBBI-GAYE WILKINS' pain was real; so intense, it buckled her knees and rallied coaches and teammates to her side with words of comfort and hugs.

But not even biting stomach cramps could dull the young track star's joy of being part of two of three triumphant Holmwood Technical girls' championship-winning teams at the 112th Penn Relays at Franklin Field here yesterday.

"I am very happy although I was feeling some cramps," Wilkins said wiping away tears and composing herself after Holmwood won the 4x400. "But I just kept on going and I feel proud of myself."

FORGETTING THE PAIN

Leading the triple charge was Sonita Sutherland, who ran on all three winning teams. Sutherland did not mind the workload.

"It's hard for me to do it. But it's not just for me. It's for my team, the country (Jamaica) and the school," said the athlete who anchored the 4x400. "So to go out there (I just) forget about the pain and do it."

"We were confident coming here," she added. "We knew we could win all three because we had the fastest times in all of them from (the beginning of) the season. So we knew we could go out and win them."

"We all believed in ourselves that we can do it," added Schillonie Calvert, who ran on the 4x100 and 4x400 teams. "And we believe in the Father and believe also in our coach, and our coach believes in us...And when it comes to Jamaica, we all do it for Jamaica as well."

EASIER COMPETITION

The same boost was also obvious among the Holmwood coaches. Head coach Maurice Wilson said the Penn Relays "was much easier than (Girls) Championships."

However, he explained that he never underestimated the opposition, which included several quality high schools from Jamaica, especially Edwin Allen Comprehensive, Vere Technical and Manchester High, plus the unknown talents of the American high schools. Still, his girls were ready.

"We were well prepared," Wilson said. "Our preparation started in September and we don't have an indoor (season in Jamaica). So it is easy to plan the programme.

We really wanted to win three this year because this is Sonita Sutherland's final year and we think she has really served our school well. So we really wanted to give her a (send off) present, she and Rosemarie Whyte (who ran on the 4x100)."

Sutherland, who was joined by Vanessa Boyd and Jeraine Bolt on the winning 4x800, couldn't have asked for a better gift.

Holmwood girls take three

Holmwood Technical's girls.

THE OUTSTANDING Holmwood Technical High girls squad scored three brilliant victories yesterday at the Penn Relays in Philadelphia .

Holmwood, the local schoolgirls champions, won the Championship of America 4x100m, 4x800m and 4x400m in impressive times. The star of the show was Sonita Sutherland who ran on all three relays.

Sutherland, the Girls Champion-ships and CARIFTA Games 400m record holder, clocked the fastest split, 2:08.5, as Holmwood first took the 4x800m in 8:45.87. The other members of the winning quartet were Vanessa Boyd, Jeraine Bolt and Bobby-gaye Wilkins.

Holmwood next beat back local rivals St. Andrew High, Queen's and Edwin Allen to take the sprint relay. Sutherland ran the opening leg before Rosemarie White, Schillonie Calvert and Antastacia Leroy swept the Christiana-based school to victory in a fast 44.56 seconds. Bethel High of the United States were second in 46.74 ahead of St. Andrew High 47.45 and Queen's Queen's 47.82.

Sutherland then ran a 53.2 anchor leg to pilot Holmwood to victory in 3:36.98 the seventh fastest time ever by a high school team at the Penn Relays. Earlier in the heats Holmwood had clocked 3:36.09 to register the third best time. Holmwood hold the record, 3:34.75, which was set in 2001.

SMALL SCHOOLS

The Small Schools 4x100m was won by Alpha Academy in 47.15 with St. Jago second in 47.95. The Alpha quartet was Rosemarie Carty, Chene Townsend, Shermane Williams and Claudia Calder.

St. Jago High will enter today's boys sprint relay final with the fastest time. The Spanish Town-based school won their heat in 41.02. Camperdown are next with 41.09 ahead of Calabar 41.72, Kingston College 41.79 and St. George's 41.88. In the 4x800m Holmwood's boys enter today's final with the fifth fastest time, 7:54.36.

The fastest qualifiers are Shaker High with 7:49.21.

Yesterday Raymond Brown of Bridgeport High threw the shot put 18.22m to take gold.

On Thursday Jamaica scored two wins in the field events. There was a Jamaican one-two in the triple jump. Vere Technical's Kimberly Williams, 12.47m won ahead of Kimona Smith of Morant Bay, 11.90m.

The javelin for high school girls was won by Taneisha Blair of Holmwood with a throw of 46.08m. Vere Technical's Shantel Thompson was third in the high jump behind two Americans. The top three jumpers were credited with the same height, 1.74m.

Pinnock, Spencer shine in 400m hurdles at Penns

Bobbi-Gaye Wilkins...a member of Holmwood's 4x800m team.

EDWIN ALLEN HIGH'S Sherene Pinnock won the 400m hurdles in a personal best 56.90 seconds to pocket the high school title while Kaliese Spence ran a near national junior record, 55.64, for second in the college event at the Penn Relays in Philadelphia yesterday .

Pinnock who was disqualified for false-starting at last year's relays, finished almost three seconds ahead of second place Nicole Saunders of Menchville who clocked 59.85. Manchester High's Judith Riley was sixth in 61.03 in the time final.

In the college event Spencer of the University of Technology and a member of the MVP Track Club followed up her excellent 400m form at the recent Carifta Games with a very good run behind winner Dominique Darden (55.60) of the University of Miami.

HOLMWOOD ON COURSE

In another final event Vere Technical placed fifth in the distance medley in 12:07.45. The relay was won in 11:48.30 by Suffern High of New York. Holmwood Technical are on course for three championship relay titles. They had the fastest times for the 4x100m, 4x400m and 4x800m.

In the sprint relay Holmwood clocked 45.14 to lead Edwin Allen (46.17), Manchester High (46.21) and St. Andrew High (47.08) into the Championship of America final.

Holmwood also clocked 3:36.08 to register the fastest time in the 4x400m putting them ahead of Edwin Allen (3:42.03) and Vere (3:45.22).

In the 4x800m Holmwood's quartet of Vanessa Boyd, Jeraine Bolt, Susane Reid and Bobbi-Gaye Wilkins clocked an impressive 9:04.35 to lead American high school Eleanor Roosevelt (9:08.84) and Edwin Allen (9:12.64) into today's final.

Edwin Allen's quartet comprised Andrea Sutherland, Nadisha Spencer, Marvia Lewin and Nikita Tracey. The finals of all three relays will be run this afternoon.

The boys go into action today. Camperdown, winners of the Class One 4x100m and the 4x400m open at Boys Champion-ships are the favourites for both relays. Other leading schools in the sprint relay are Kingston College, Calabar, Wolmer's and Jamaica College. Holmwood's boys are expected to take the 4x800m.

Four in a row for Holmwood
published: Friday | April 28, 2006

Richard Bryan, Freelance Writer

Marlon Johnson, captain of the victorious Holmwood team, receives the Grace Headley Cup Trophy from ISSA Chairman Lt. Col. Errol Johnson yesterday. - CONTRIBUTED

HOLMWOOD RETAINED their Headley Cup in emphatic fashion against STETHS yesterday as the latter team caved in for 59 runs in its second innings to lose by 136 runs.

Scores: Holmwood 171 and 122; STETHS 98 and 59.

Hovering clouds and the presence of an unusually subdued handful of STETHS supporters and no visible member of their staff outside of stand-in coach Clive Ledgister, gave early indications of surrender, and the champions cornered them quickly as action lasted only 33 minutes and 54 balls.

Andre McCarthy, a member of the last regional Under 19 World Cup squad, bagged another three wickets for six in the second innings and 11 overall in the match to usher in a victory that firmly establishes Holmwood as top rural school in cricket.

FOURTH STRAIGHT VICTORY

It was the fourth straight victory against STETHS, the seventh title for Robert Lewis as coach and the ninth title overall for the Christiana-based institution which also won in 1967 and 1977.

Overnight batsman Mavrick Perry was run out by Ziggy Levy for 10 in the sixth over of the day and Marlon Johnson then trapped Makoy Ewart for a first-ball duck in the same over.

The trio of Kemoy Hanson, Jason Dawes and Linton Buchanan then merely accompanied their bats to the wicket to watch as Romaine Powell hit a six off Johnson before being caught in the deep for the joint top score of 16, with captain Damion Ebanks, who fell late on the previous afternoon.

Holmwood now turn their attention to the All-island final against Corporate Area Grace Shield champions Eltham next Tuesday at Chedwin Park.

Jamaican schools seek Penns sweep

Left: Holmwood's Schillonie Calvert. Center: St. Jago's Yohan Blake. Right: Leford Geen of Kingston College - FILE PHOTOS

JAMAICA HIGH SCHOOLS are strongly tipped to sweep the top events at this year's 112th running of the Penn Relays at Franklin Field in Pennsylvania.

As usual the weather will be key but the forecast is for cool nights but sunny days throughout. In the boys events Camperdown look set to win the sprint relay while Camperdown, Kingston College and St. Jago should decide the 4x400m.

Holmwood Technical, Claude McKay and St. Jago are the leading contenders in the 4x4800m.

Among the girls, Holmwood Technical will be looking for a sweep of all three relays as their only serious contenders among the Jamaica teams will be Edwin Allen Comprehensive.

CONTROVERSIAL FINISH

Camperdown won the Boys' Championships title in 3:11.00 in a controversial finish which saw the disqualification of second-past-the line Kingston College. They will be the team to beat again but St. Jago with the outstanding Yohan Blake and KC with sub-46 man Leford Green will be strong. Last year's final was won by Wolmer's in 3:12.07 in a blanket finish from Long Beach Poly.

Top American school in this event is Transit Tech of New York. They have already run 3:15.72 indoors this season and must be watched.

Camperdown clocked a record 40.37 at Boys' Champs and with Remaldo Rose (10.30) and Kimour Bruce (10.55) in their line-up they should be able to hold off a St. Jago team which will now be able to call on Blake who ran a Class Two record 10.34 in the 100m. KC, Calabar, Holmwood and Wolmer's should also do well.

In the individual events all eyes will be on Josef Robertson of Wolmer's in the 400m hurdles. Robertson ran an outstanding 50.24 at Boys' Champs beating KC's Green.

It will be two-the-hard-way in the 4x100m, 4x400m and 4x800m relays.

St. Jago upset Holmwood Tech a year ago, 45.35 to 45.50 and the latter are again the favourites.

Hollywood won Class One in 45.49 and have a very deep squad and could lower that time. However, Edwin Allen's Class Two girls clocked 45.04 to register the fastest time at Girls' Champion-ships and they will be hard to beat now. St. Jago have been hit by injuries and should not be among the top two.

Holmwood will be racing against the clock in the 4x400m. They set the meet record 3:34.75 in 2001 and with Sonita Sutherland running 51.13 this season the Holmwood team which also includes Schillonie Calvert, Anastacia Leroy and either Jeraine Bolt or Bobbi-Gaye Wilkins can get down to 3:33.0.

Edwin Allen will be looking to Sherene Pinnock to run Holmwood close but they lack the depth to challenge the defending champions.

The same two schools will decide the 4x800m. Holmwood have a 2006 best of 8:47.26 to Edwin Allen's 8:50.30. Edwin Allen won the event in 2003 and 2004 while Holmwood were victorious last year. Edwin Allen with Jodian Richards (2:09.22), Pinnock (2:08.89), Marvia Lewin (2:13.96) and Nikita Tracey (2:13.39) are the slight favourites. Holmwood's top two are Wilkins and Susan Hall and possibly Sutherland who ran 2:08.80 at Girls Championships.

Blackwood to the rescue
published: Wednesday | April 26, 2006

Richard Bryan, Freelance Writer

Holmwood Technical's No.8 batman Bruce Blackwood blocks a delivery on the defence in his innings of 70 not out on the first day's play of the Headley Cup final against STETHS at Alpart Sport Club yesterday. - JUNOR DOWIE/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

THE HEADLEY Cup final appeared delicately poised heading into day two with St. Elizabeth Technical (STETHS) ending on 53 for three in reply to 171 posted in 77 overs by defending champions Holmwood Technical.

The day belonged to fast bowler Bruce Blackwood, who batting at number eight, rescued Holmwood from 61 for six to what may be still be a fighting total by scoring 70 not out.

The champions' top order, which include five players from the National Youth teams, failed to click and it took Blackwood's four hours and 17 minutes at the crease to anchor the last four wickets to 109 precious runs from 54 overs.

Only Andre McCarthy (25) and Ziggy Levy (18) were able to get starts for the Holmwood batting which was for the second time this season backfiring against STETHS.

No one bowler dominated the action and wickets were shared around with Jason Dawes, Nickoy Samuels, Damion Ebanks and Romaine Powell accounting for two each.

The STETHS challenge for first innings honours will resume this morning with the com-binations of the teams' two most potent batsmen, captain Damion Ebanks (not out 5) and Nickoy Samuels (not out 4).

The batsmen dismissed so far are Derval Green (10) and the pair of Jonathan Barry (23) and Ishmael Parchment (10) who fell to Andre McCarthy.

Blackwood showed good technique against the spinners, pretty much keen on defense when playing to them, but was more attacking against the medium and pace bowlers.

He brought up his half century with an exquisite cut shot off pacer Dawes and that milestone included six 4s and 124 balls.

Robert Lewis, coach of Holmwood, was disappointed at his team's play, although optimistic that with early wickets this morning, first innings honours can still be salvaged.

"Our early guys (batsmen) really messed us up and I don't think the wicket was any big factor. They did not play with any sort of commitment and the way Bruce batted it showed that we could have done so much more.

"Anyway, I still think the game is evenly balanced and all we need is early wickets."

Clive Ledgister, who was the stand-in coach in absence of regular coach of STETHS' Junior Bennett, gave special commendation for Blackwood while ruing that his team missed out putting Holmwood under further pressure.

He told The Gleaner : "They played sensible cricket between lunch and tea and Blackwood really got stuck in and made the difference.

"In any case, I think we missed out on some half chances and I feel the wicket has settled down. It is playing fairly easy and there is no reason why we can't get the first target," he added of winning first innings points.

Give something back to the schools

Sonita Sutherland

IT WAS ANOTHER case of no contest at the 2006 CARIFTA Games in Guadeloupe .

Jamaica's athletes outclassed their Caribbean rivals for the 22nd consecutive year piling up 68 medals, including 39 gold. The Bahamas were a distant second with nine gold medals and Trinidad and Tobago third on eight.

As usual, it was in the track events that Jamaica were most dominant, especially in the relays where they swept all the gold medals. The spread between male and female was almost even in gold and silver medals. The boys took home 19 gold and 11 silver medals while the girls pocketed 20 gold and 10 silver.

THOUGHT FOR THE COACHES

Those who have watched Jamaica's dominance of the meet over the years must spare a thought for the coaches and administrators at the high school level. They are the one who have made this possible. With the CARIFTA games taking place each year just days after the annual Boys and Girls Championships, the country has been able to rely on the work done by the coaches of the respective schools.

All the athletes go to the three-day Games fully fit as they have all been training since last October. Most of the praise should therefore go to the coaches and sponsors of the high schools which provide the bulk of athletes for the meet.

Among these are Kingston College, Holmwood, Edwin Allen, Calabar, Camperdown, Immaculate, St. Jago and Manchester High.

These schools spent millions of dollars on nutrition, medical care, running gear and transportation for the athletes.

CASH INCENTIVE

Perhaps for the future the Jamaica Amateur Athletic Association (JAAA) or the Sports Development Foundation can consider giving some incentive to the schools which provide most of the athletes for the meet. For example, in recent years coaches such as Holmwood's Maurice Wilson, Raymond Graham of St. Jago, Edwin Allen's Michael Dyke and Immaculate's Mark Prince have provided several quality female athletes for the CARIFTA team and this should be recognised by giving something back to the schools whether in cash or kind.

While most of the performances at the meet were not better than expected, Holmwood's Sonita Sutherlaned and Natoya Goule of Manchester High along with the record-breaking girls and boys 4x400m produced excellent displays.

Sutherland who clocked a record 51.30 at the meet is definitely on the brink of being the next Jamaican female star over 400m. Internationally the event is not very strong and with normal improvement she can break into the top league within a year. I think both Sutherland and Kalise Spencer who also ran under 52 seconds at the CARIFTA Games should be groomed for the 400m and 800m.

Sutherland looked very good coming from behind in the Class One 800m final at Boys and Girls Championships while Spencer is also a past Class Two 800m champion.

Goule has shown a great deal of versatility in distances from 400m to 3,000m and looks to be something special even at this early stage. She won the Under-17 800m and 1,500m in record times and was also a member of the winning Under-17 4x400m quartet.

One cannot go overboard in her case as there have been many outstanding young athletes who have done well in her events over the years. Evette Turner of Vere Technical in the 1990s was even better than Goule at this same stage of her development and she never represented Jamaica at the senior level. There is a long way to go therefore, but she has made a good start and should be given all the encouragement.

Hail the champs! U-15 heads say preparedness, teamwork the key

BY IAN BURNETT Sports Editor Wednesday, April 19, 2006

The management of the victorious Jamaica cricket team has highlighted "preparedness" and "teamwork" as the main factors which contributed to the team's success in the CLICO West Indies Under-15 tournament which ended in Antigua and Barbuda on Monday.

PROUD SKIPPER: Jamaica's captain Andre Creary cradles the CLICO Under-15 Trophy on arrival at the Norman Manley International Airport yesterday. (Photo: Karl McLarty)

But despite the success of the team, the third in the history of the tournament, team manager Robert Lewis blasted the organisation of the tournament, claiming it was the "most disorganised" he had ever been to.

"I think this team was very well prepared," said Lewis, minutes after the team's arrival at the Norman Manley International Airport yesterday.

"... hats off to the Jamaica Cricket Association for investing in these youngsters. Everything went well... we took the youngsters across the island (Jamaica) on weeked programmes and this... gave them the impetus and the drive to... come back with the championship," added Lewis.

Jamaica, runners-up last year, went unbeaten to win this year's renewal, with one round to go. That game against the Windwards on Monday was rained out, as did all other games except the Barbados versus Trinidad and Tobago match.

Jamaica scored wins against the Leeward Islands, defending champions Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados and Guyana.
Though only one bowler, Courtney Allen, managed a five-wicket haul, Lewis had high praises for his spinners, whom, he said, "restricted" the opposing batsmen to "manageable totals", for the batting, led by captain Andre Creary, to answer the call each time.

Creary was voted the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament and for Jamaica, with a 210-run aggregate, including two half centuries - 59 and 92 not out.

For winning the MVP, Creary, whose aggregate score was one shy of the leading run-scorer, earned a trophy and US$1,500 to be used for his education and cricket development.
Lewis also praised the overall standard of the tournament and the quality of the pitches in Antigua.

"The high point would be the performances of the teams. I think all the teams... played very good cricket. I expected that we would have won based on the quality that we took to Antigua, but by and large, the overall standard was fairly good...

"I think you had better quality players this year and the pitches were better in Antigua, and so the overall tournament this year was better than last year. We see quite a number of prospects that we will look forward to in the future, I hope.

"In West Indies cricket, sometimes these young players get started and after that you never hear of them again, but I hope this is the beginning of something new," Lewis declared.
But Lewis also forthrightly blasted the organisation of the tournament as a low point for him.

"The low point was the organisation.. I think is was the most disorganised... I have ever been to. Nothing went smoothly... there were days when there wasn't even water at the grounds, and we had to be buying water and drinks for the youngsters," he fumed.

"The youngsters were given lunches in paper boxes and had to be sitting in the stands to eat during the rest days, at the facilities that were provided at the Antigua Recreation Ground, and I don't think that was good enough.

"The whole communication throughout.. was very poor, you did not know who was in charge and when anything happened you had to be on your own, so I think... this tournament was very poorly run and I made it know last night (Monday night) when I made the acceptance speech at the closing ceremony.

"They didn't feel good about it, but it is the truth, and I think that West Indies cricket cannot go forward with this type of organisation that was given to these youngsters in Antigua."
The Jamaicans, the last team to arrive in Antigua, were behind the 'eighth ball' from the start, and Lewis had no doubt where to lay the blame.

"There was a number of things that went wrong," he said. "When we went to St Martin en route to Antigua last Monday, when I checked at the LIAT desk I was told that there was no booking there. Somebody had made a booking from the West Indies Board, but no money was paid and so the booking was cancelled.

"As a result of that I had to do a lot of dove-tailing and trying to see what I could do on my end. Finally, I persuaded the supervisor at the LIAT desk to book us in and she did, and we were told that we had to travel to Antigua on two or three flights and this I did not agree with.

"Eventually, we were put on a flight to Antigua through St Kitts. We arrived in Antigua at about 11:00 pm and we had a game 9:30 am the next day, which was very tough on the youngsters, but the determination and the will to win prevailed, and as a result of that we came out champions," Lewis said.

He suggested that the youngsters' experience reflected how the regional body managed the game. "I think it is the whole question of management and how West Indies cricket is managed.

"They have a cricket operations office that usually does the bookings. I am not totally sure what went wrong, as Antigua is the headquarters of West Indies cricket. Most of the people who work in West Indies cricket live in Antigua, but you never see them. Nobody is there to explain anything to you, so you're left in a quandary, wondering what did go wrong," he said.

Meanwhile, coach Andre Coley, who was guiding a national unit for the first time, having assisted Robert Haynes with the senior team for a few seasons, was an elated man, who also highlighted the team's preparation as key to its success.

"Obviously I am very happy, pleased that all the preparation we put in before we left paid off," he said. "The guys pulled through, they had a very disciplined performance, and you wouldn't expect anything less."

The coach was highly impressed with his captain, whom he described as the foundation on which the team's batting was built.

"When we were in the field he marshaled his troops very well, the team played to the tactics that we came up with prior to every single game and that discipline that we left the island with, it just filtered into their game and we took it one game at a time and we were just better than the opposition."

To emphasise the total team effort, Coley said the bowlers chipped in when the top-order batsmen failed, and conversely, batsmen supported when things were not going too great for the bowlers.
For Creary, he said winning the tournament's MVP was "great", but he knew it was coming. He, too, highlighted the role the entire team played in this victory.

Yet another Holmwood, STETHS Headley Cup final
Observer Reporter
Friday, April 07, 2006

Mandeville, Manchester - Schoolboy cricket giants Holmwood Technical and St Elizabeth Technical (STETHS) are again in the rural area Grace Headley Cup schoolboy final after securing first-innings over Titchfield and Mannings in their semi-finals yesterday.

At Chedwin Park, Holmwood - having made 315-5 declared on the first day on the strength of Andre Creary's 104 - dismissed Titchfield for 126 as seamer Bruce Blackwood took 5-7 from 9.4 overs.

Orlando Watson (32) and Robert Weir (27) were the top-scorers as Titchfield collapsed from their overnight 24-0.

Batting a second time, Holmwood - who are the defending champions in both the Headley Cup and the all-island Spalding Cup, and are in search of their fourth straight double - made 159 all out with Sean Bennett leading the way with 68. This against seamer Pete Ellis, 4-29, and off-spinner Herman Henry, 3-28.

Titchfield reached 4-0 in their second innings when the game was called off.

At Alpart Sports Club, Nickoy Samuels, better known as the Jamaica Under-19 opening batsman, took 8-24 with his off-breaks as Mannings, replying to STETHS' 159, were dismissed for 67.

Jerome Williams top-scored with 22 for Mannings, who collapsed from 53-3 at lunch.

Batting a second time, STETHS reached 138-3 with Ishmael parchment making 81 and Jonathan Barry, 47.

The three-day final was originally scheduled for next week but now seems certain to be postponed until after the Easter holidays because both schools are well-represented in the Jamaica Under-15 squad which leaves shortly for the regional tournament in the eastern Caribbean.

Holmwood on top, STETHS struggle
published: Thursday | April 6, 2006

NATIONAL UNDER-15 batsman Andre Creary scored a century to put defending champions Holmwood in control of their Grace Headley Cup semi-final match against Titchfield entering today's final day at Chedwin Park.

Creary, who hit 104 (11x4, 2x6), and Kemar Lewis, 56, put on 86 for the fifth wicket which helped Holmwood to 315 for five declared.

Ziggy Levy, 42, Marlon Johnson, 43, and Young West Indies player Andre McCarthy, 32, also contributed to Holmwood's total.

Titchfield will resume today's final day on 24 without loss with Ronique Simpson, 15, and Orlando Watson, seven.

At Alpart: Mannings probably had a better day than they had hoped for by restricting favoured many-time champions St. Elizabeth to 159 for nine before rain ended play an hour after lunch and with 55 overs bowled.

STETHS reached 46 in the 17th over before Jonathon Barry went leg before to left-arm spinner Ralston Levy, who ended the day with a fine 5-48 from 21 overs.

BIG WICKETS

Marlon Saunders took just two wickets, but they were big ones in experienced opener Nickoy Samuels for 39 and STETHS' best batsman, captain Damion Ebanks, for five.

Ebanks looked good until he cut at one which bounced appreciably and was snapped up by wicketkeeper Jerome Wauchope at the second attempt for 22 at 100 for four. Romaine Powell, who was dropped twice, made 35.

No celebration in Christiana for Holmwood's girls

BY ANTHONY FOSTER, Star Writer

Students supporting the Holmwood girls at the National Stadium on Saturday. - FILE

INTER-SECONDARY GIRLS CHAMPIONS, Holmwood Technical, refused to carry out their normal after championships celebration in the town of Christiana yesterday.

The team decided against the celebration in a silent protest for what they termed the lack of support given to them by the school leading up to the championships.

Team manager Chester McCarthy explained the reasons behind the decision against the celebration.

"The coaching and management staff think that the school's administration could have given more support for this year's championships. We did not get the kind of support we thought was needed," McCarthy told Star Sports .

Holmwood's vice-principal, Edward Hector, however, said he wasn't aware of what McCarthy was talking about.

"The track and field team got a lot of support," Hector said.

"We got gear from Nike, food from Super Plus, transportation and accommodation for the girls ... I don't know what more he expected," Hector, who is also the coach of the boys team said.

Holmwood's girls won with 319 points, 16.5 more than Vere (302.5). Edwin Allen (235) were third followed by Manchester (187), and Immaculate (83).

This victory, according to McCarthy was because "we found ways and means" to make it possible.

McCarthy said the team had a deficit of somewhere in the region of $1m to get the 'world class team to the Penn Relays.'

The Penn Relays is set for Philadelphia from April 26-30.

While admitting he wasn't aware of any silent protest, Hector, one of two vice-principals at Holmwood said: "The march is a way to say thanks to the community and one of our major sponsors (Super Plus) .... they were expecting us, so they won't be pleased".

Hector who admitted there are problems with coaches' remuneration, said McCarthy should have been more specific on the matter of support.

Star-studded Holmwood look set to advance
published: Wednesday | April 5, 2006

Richard Bryan, Freelance Writer

DEFENDING CHAMPIONS Holmwood and last year's beaten finalists St. Elizabeth Technical (STETHS) will hope to keep their date in the final when they engage two teams which are yet to taste Headley Cup glory this morning at 10:00 a.m.

At Chedwin Park in St. Catherine, it is a case of Holmwood returning to the venue of their past two Headley Cup conquests and, against Titchfield, whom they last met in a semi-final in 1998.

At Alpart, STETHS will virtually be playing at home against Mannings, a team they last met at this stage way back in 1989 in the final at the same venue.

With at least five players who could be included in the national youth team later this year, Holmwood are unlikely to lose any sleep against Titchfield who finished second to Mannings in their quarter-final group and especially as the match requires two innings of action.

The Holmwood star-studded cast includes Andre McCarthy (West Indies and Melbourne), Marlon Johnson, who plays for St. Ann, Ziggy Levy (Manchester), Jeffrey Scott (national Youth wicketkeeper) and Andre Creary (former national Under-15 captain).

BOWLING CONCERN

If there is any concern for Holmwood coach Robert Lewis it is in the pace bowling department where he is yet to identify a match winner. Spin has done the job all season. STETHS' ammunition will likely come from Damion Ebanks (St. Elizabeth), Ismael Parchment, pacer Jason Dawes, left-arm spinner Linton Buchanan and Nikoy Samuels who has played in the past two finals.

The match-ups are otherwise predictable except for the surprise element which is possible only because it is a game of cricket.

Mannings are however more likely to feel more hopeful against STETHS if only on the basis that the former champions got to the semi-finals with the strength of three first innings honours and, even in earlier group action, failed to deliver the knock-out blow by way of comprehensive victories.

We've developed a culture for winning - Holmwood's coach Maurice Wilson
published: Monday | April 3, 2006

Left: Holmwood's Schillonie Calvert celebrates as she crosses the finish line to win the girls' Class One 200m in 23.58 seconds on Saturday's final day of the VMBS/ISSA Boys and Girls Championships at the National Stadium. Right: Holmwood's mile relay quartet of (from left) Anastasia Leroy Bobbie-Gaye Wilkins, Sonita Sutherland and Schillonie Calvert pose with their school's flag after winning the girls final event in a championship record 3:35.26 on Saturday night at the VMBS/ISSA Boys and Girls Athletics Championships at the National Stadium. - PHOTOS BY RICARDO MAKYN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

HOLMWOOD TECHNICAL High School's track and field head coach, Maurice Wilson, credited hard work and solid backing for their fourth straight triumph at the VMBS/ISSA Boys and Girls Athletics Championships.

At the end of four competitive days of track and field, Holmwood scored 319 points, 16.5 more than Vere (302.5), who were followed by Edwin Allen (235), Manchester (187), Immaculate (83), Alpha (77.5), St. Andrew (72.5), Wolmer's 69), St. Jago (66) and Queen's 64.5).

"It has been a lot of hard work, " stated Wilson. "It wouldn't have been possible without the support of people like Lascelles Harvey, Pat Anderson through the Windalco programe, the past students headed by Vie Griffiths, along with Dave Anderson (assistant coach), Dwight Jones, Mr. Brown, Chester McCarthy. It would've never been possible without those persons."

This is also the school's fourth title under Wilson's guidance.

"We have developed a culture for winning and that was what I wanted to do when I initially started at Holmwood."

Though the lead changed often between themselves and Vere Technical throughout the final day, Wilson said he was always confident of victory.

He said: "During the 400m races the young ladies showed me they were running with a lot of heart. When I saw Susan Hall (Holmwood) run past Jura Levy (Vere), I realized we were going right down to the line."

When asked to highlight his main performers, Wilson said: "Fantastic Sonita Sutherland and Rosemarie White.

"Sutherland, obviously this young lady is world class and Rosemarie White, winner of the heptathlon and long jump, second in the triple jump, phenomenal performance."

Sutherland won the 400m in a record 51.13 seconds, the second fastest time by a junior behind Sandie Richards' 50.92; and returned later in the day to capture the 800m in 2:08.80.

Sutherland, the team's captain, said: "I am feeling good right now."

She too admitted feeling nervous, and added "...but we kept our nerves. We went out there and did what we were supposed to do."

She said it wasn't until after the Class Four 4x100m that she believed victory was secure. White won the long jump with a leap of 6.32m and the heptathlon with 5262 points, finished second in the triple jump (13.04m) and third in the 100m hurdles (14.47).

"It was hard, but I had to go out there and do it for my school to win the Championships," said White, who was competing in her final year at Champs.

"The win means a lot to me because going out on my final year I'm proud of the Holmwood team to know that they're making us leave with a happy face."

Schillonie Calvert, Holmwood's Class One sprint double champion, said she was very happy.

"Four years in a row ... oh my God, I couldn't do anything else, I feel very proud," she exclaimmed.

Calvert, a World Youth silver medallist, said she wasn't sure of their fourth victory until during the 200m races.

"We believed in God and we knew after the 200m, then come the relays and we knew we were going to take over back and take charge and go back for the title."

Bobbie-Gaye Wilkins, who won the Class Two 800m (2:11.56) and 400m (53.13), said: "I'm most definitely happy with my team's performance, it couldn't be better.

"I was a bit difficult but we kept focused and did our best," added Wilkins, who said she was nervous straight throughout the Championships.

- Anthony Foster

Vere, KC still in front

Observer Reporter
Saturday, April 01, 2006

St Jago High's Yohan Blake and Wolmer's Josef Robertson took the limelight at the end of day three of the VMBS/ISSA Boys' and Girls' Championships at the National Stadium last night.

Four meet records were broken, with Blake's 10.34 seconds in the Class Two 100 metres bringing the house down, and Robertson's run rewriting the books with a national junior record.

Wolmer's Josef Robertson lowered the 400m hurdles open mark, Kingston College's Donahue Williams smashed the Class Two 1,500m record and Holmwood's Tanesha Blair established a new standard in the Javelin Open.

Will Kingston College rise to the challenge for a sixth successive title, or will they fall to Calabar, Jamaica College or Wolmer's Boys'?

Can Holmwood Technical girls pick up steam to stave off the challenge of the vivacious Vere express train.
On this April Fool's Day, however, none of the title contenders can afford to fool around.

After 15 events in the boys' section, KC lead with 104.5 points ahead of Calabar on 96.5, Wolmer's and JC 64 each, and rounding off the top five, St Jago on 30 points.

After 19 events in the girls' section, Vere lead with 133.5 ahead of Holmwood 108.5, Edwin Allen on 102, Manchester 67 and Immaculate on 45 to round out the top five.

In girls' exploits yesterday, Tanesha Blair of Holmwood Technical pierced the Javelin meet record with a throw of 46.62 metres. She broke the two-year record of 45.08 metres held by teammate Shaneka Parkes.

Vere's Kimoya Harriott pocketed the silver with 40.00 metres, with Kimone Tulloch of Old Harbour High holding on for bronze with 39.59 metres.

In the stellar 100 metres, Holmwood's Schillonie Calvert won Class One in 11.39 seconds. Immaculate's Danielle Jeffery proved that she was a notch up above the competition, winning Class Two in 11.87 seconds, and Carrie Russell of St Thomas Technical clinched the Class Three gold in 11.77 seconds, and Manchester High's Orenthia Bennett took Class Four in 12.03 seconds.

Shantel Thompson of Vere Technical secured the gold in the High Jump Class One, clearing 1.74 metres. Kimberly Laing of Immaculate, Marsha Matthias of St Jago and Suelyn Pilliner, also of St Jago, shared the medal podium with 1.65 metres.

Salsa Slack gave Holmwood maximum points in the Discus Class Two, tossing 37.56 metres, ahead of St Jago's Annakaye Robinson, 37.13m, and Vere's Kimberly Williams, bringing home her third medal of Champs 2006 with 34.03 metres.

Sherene Pinnock of Edwin Allen posted a personal best to bag the 400 metres hurdles open. She timed 57.03 seconds, ahead of teammate Andrea Sutherland and Manchester High's Judith Riley.

Manchester High's Natoya Goule was the fastest round the track in the 1,500 metres, winning in 4 minutes
37.71 seconds. Jodian Richards of Edwin Allen won the Class One 1,500m in 4:37.47 and Vere's Teneisha Davis won the Class Two in 4:38.69.

Meanwhile, a battle royal looms in the 400 metres, particularly in Classes Two and Three.

Holmwood's Sonita Sutherland is expected to make light of her meet record of 52.10 seconds, expending a minimum of fuel to lower the mark, but keeping enough in the tank for the relays later.

With Vere's Sharnetta Stewart out because of injury, only Edwin Allen's Sherene Pinnock will put her to the test.
In Class Two, Vere's Kayan Robinson, St Andrew High's Latoya McDermott and Holmwood's Bobby-Gaye Wilkins clash for top honours.

Vere's Jura Levy squares off against Holmwood's Susan Hall to settle the issue in Class Three.

2,500 athletes seek glory at Champs

Observer Reporter Wednesday, March 29, 2006

This morning begins the thrills and spills of the VMBS/ISSA Boys' and Girls' Championships at the National Stadium.

The gestures of victory - with the fist or finger or other parts of the body - will share the limelight with false starts, running out of lanes, faulty baton changes, and ranting and raving of irate coaches.

Over four days Kingston College's boys and Holmwood Technical's girls will seek their sixth and fourth successive titles, respectively, of the Championships.

And the tremor of excitement, the twists and turns of anxious spectators on the edge of their seats, and the aches and pains of glory-seeking athletes will match the hustle and bustle of security, the level of which the regular Champs crowd has never seen and experienced.

The security that loooms will simulate the safety measures coming at the 2007 Cricket World Cup at Sabina Park and the Trelawny Multi-purpose Complex.

Competition is scheduled to start at 8:30 am today through Friday, and 9:00 on Saturday, the final day, with 98 boys' schools and 93 girls' schools set to participate, totalling some 2,500 athletes.

KC's coach Lennox Graham said yesterday that "the people who need to be ready are ready for Champs", and that his words to his athletes were "try to get into the next round, and get a PR (personal record)".

Graham said he sees Calabar, Wolmer's, and St Jago as serious contenders" while "JC are rebuilding", the Old Hope Road boys making a better challenge next year.

He said KC were "raring to go" with team vice-captains Alain Bailey and Andre Wellington, captain Leford Green, Cawayne Jervis, Keiron Stewart and Tarik Batchelor leading the charge.

Wellington will make a record eighth and final appearance at Champs, leaving with his Class 3 200m record of 22.48 seconds set in 2001 still intact.

"Champs will be fun and a lot of the guys competing are the best of friends," he pointed out.

Coach of Holmwood Technical girls, Maurice Wilson said the "vibes are high" and they were ready to go into "war mode", but Vere Technical will give them a "hell of a time".

Wilson believes that Andrea Reid (400m, 400h), Salsa Slack (triple jump, long jump, throws), Rosemarie Whyte (long jump, triple jump, and heptathlon), and Susanne Hall (400 & 800) will be key to his championship honours.

Wolmer's Boys are expected to be strong in classes two and three, with Dwyane Extol, Christopher Waugh, Brian Bent; and class one with Josef Robertson and Jason Fraser, Robert Peddlar, Julian Reid, and Jevan Hudson.

Vere Technical girls will run Holmwood Technical very hot, led by Jura Levy, Kemisha McGregor, Teneisha Davis, Stacey Bell, Kayan Robinson, Petrona Layne, Shantel Thompson, Rose-Ann Jones, Kimoya Harriott, Kenisha Throughsingh, and Kimberly Williams.

As usual, the girls from Immaculate, St Andrew High, Edwin Allen and The Queens and Manchester High will make their presence felt.

Holmwood, STETHS, Mannings and Titchfield make last four in Grace Headley Cup

Monday, March 27, 2006

Title holders Holmwood, former champions St Elizabeth Technical, Mannings and Titchfield all secured their places in the semi-finals of the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA), Grace Headley Cup cricket competition.

GRANDSTAN ... hit 110 against Ardenne in JIIC KO
Holmwood beat Garvey Maceo by an innings and 109 runs at Vernamfield last week.
Garvey Maceo were bundled out for 107, replying to Holmwood's 298 for three declared, in which Marlon Johnson and Ziggy Levy made centuries.

Johnson completed a superb all-round performance by claiming 5-28 to add to his century on the opening day.
Forced to follow on 191 runs behind, Garvey Maceo fared worse and were blown away for 82 with Ziggy Levy, the other century maker claiming 5-32.

Andre McCarthy had also produced good all-round performances in earlier matches in the semis. Against Glenmuir, he smashed a majestic 113, while taking 6-75.

At William Knibb, despite Cordell Simpson's 6-56 for a match haul of 10-99, the hosts went down by three wickets to Mannings.
Mannings had resumed their first innings at 178 for eight, replying to William Knibb's 219 and added another 22 runs for the last two wickets.

With a first innings lead of 19, the William Knibb batsmen struggled and could only manage 135 with Dane Johnson getting 51, his second half century of the game.
Set 155 for victory, Manning's got home in the last over before the tea break.

Titchfield earned their spot after a four-wicket victory over Tacky at Folly Oval Sports Club.
Titchfield, replying to Tacky's 140, were bowled out for 115 after resuming at 90 for five.

Tacky, who led by 25 on first innings, could only manage 107 in their second innings, as Cleveland Whyte bagged 5-32 and Robert Weir, 4-31.
Set 133 for victory, Titchfield reached their target in fading light with just two overs to spare.

And former champions St Elizabeth had to settle for first innings points against hosts Glenmuir High.
Resuming at 156 for six, replying to STETHS' 216, Glenmuir were dismissed for 183 with Jason Dawes taking 4-49.
With a first innings lead of 32, STETHS made 218 in their second knock with Maverick Perry unbeaten on 50, while Damion Ebanks got 49.

Ricardo Williams ended with 5-34 and Albert Gopie, 3-42.
Set 251 for victory, Glenmuir held on for a draw at 142 for eight.

Third century for Davis

Mona High's Keron Davis scored his third century in urban cricket this season after cracking 104 to help his team beat Meadowbrook by 39 runs in the opening of round two semi-final premiership game at the Mona grounds.

The scores in the two-day game: Mona 169 and 190 all out; Meadowbrook 130 and 190 all out. Meadowbrook's batting did not live up to expectations. In their low first innings total, only Yonnick Chang (39 not out) showed any determination. Resuming on his overnight score of (51), Davis batted patiently as he steered his team to a first innings lead of 39 runs.

His marathon knock, which lasted just under three hours, saw the Meadowbrook players fetching the ball 14 times from the boundary. Davis also cleared the boundary five times. Kemar Wilson chipped in with 42, in his first innings.

At Jacisera Park, First Global Champions Tarrant High and Premiership holders Eltham High battled to an exciting first innings tie of 220.

Eltham, who took first strike, through Matthew Stewart (25) and Shacoya Thomas (42) added 62 runs for the opening stand. Romeo Duncan followed up by scoring 46 and Simeon Lewis 24. Lloyd Gould was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 6-62, ably supported by Cordell Johnson, who took 2-21.

Frederick Hermit them bowled his heart out to capture 7-61, but the clever efforts of Shamar Anderson 49, Kirk Swaby 37, Alvin Lobban 24, Dwayne Moncrieffe 23 and Richard Williams 22, helped put them on level terms. In Eltham's second turn at the crease, Shacoya Thomas (94) fell six short of a well-deserved century.

Mona duo smash tons in JIIC KO

The Mona High School duo of Keron Davis and Mardio Grandstan smashed centuries in the Jamaica International Insurance Company (JIIC) 40-over knock out competition as their team defeated Ardenne High School by 97 runs in the second round last Tuesday. Davis hit 129, which included 19 fours and four sixes and Grandstan 110 with 12 fours.

The pair also featured in a 240-run partnership for the second wicket, as the victors closed their innings at 289-3.
Ardenne were then restricted to 192-9 off their allotted overs, as Kemar Wilson grabbed 4-6 and Dwayne Burbles bagged 3-47. Only Michael Prescod 43 and Yonnick Marquis 39 made any useful contribution.

In other matches, Horace Miller cracked 130 as Norman Manley High outplayed Excelsior High by 121 runs. Miller's century, which included 20 fours, enabled the victors to tally 283 all out. Rohan Francis chipped in with 39 at the start of the innings as they added 88 runs for the opening stand.

Other useful knocks came from Nicholas Fearon, 22, and Anthony Grant, 21. Adrian Morris took 3-46, O'Neil Dixon 3-61, and Courtney Walsh Jnr 2-61. Fearon and Francis returned to capture two-wicket hauls as Excelsior were dismissed for 162 with Morris scoring 38, O'Shane Seivwright 35, and Lionel McLeish 33.

Meadowbrook High recorded a three-wicket win over Dunoon Technical. Batting first, Dunoon lost wickets steadily as pacers Rohan Francis 2-13, Jamie Watt 2-31, and Richard Smith 2-46, combined to dismiss them for 141 runs, with Hanif Palmer scoring 25. Francis returned to score 48 not out, in Meadowbrook's reply of 143-7.

In the St Catherine derby, Spanish Town High defeated Bridgeport High by six wickets. Scores in the match, Bridgeport 160 all out, Spanish Town 165-4. Batting first, Bridgeport were routed for 160 as only Raymond Grant, who made 35, offered any resistance to O'Neil Clarke 4-48. Philip Biggs then scored an impressive half-century (76) and Olando Reid (33), as Spanish Town romped to victory at 165-4.

Kingston College (139-2) whipped St Catherine High (136 all out) by eight wickets. St Catherine taking first strike were bundled out for a modest 136, of which Jermaine Gordon made 23, this against Lionel Morant, 2-25. Christie Jones then hit an undefeated 73 as the boys from North Street cruised to victory.

At Hope Road, Jamaica College defeated Tarrant High by 139 runs. Batting first, the home team piled up 240-5, thanks to solid half-centuries from Oliver Walker (90) and Marc Robinson with (80). The pair added 90 runs for the second wicket after Gavin Walker (21) assisted Walker with 66 for the opening stand, this against Shamar Anderson's bowling that claimed 2-36. The trio of Carlyle Moxan 3-25, Travis Reid 3-30, and Geoffrey Laing 2-18, combined well to route the visitors for 101.

In a game reduced to 38 overs-a-side, Eltham stunned Holy Trinity by 143 runs. Eltham first piled up 275-6, thanks to Shacoya Thomas 78 and Matthew Stewart 68, who both scored half-centuries before Rohan McClure (2-47) claimed the wickets of both batsmen. Jamie Gordon then scored 57, but the losers were restricted to 132-8 from their allotted overs.

Mona High defeated Meadowbrook High for the second time in three days; this time by 49 runs at Mona Road. Mona batted first and compiled 213-5 from Kemar Wilson 41, Mardio Grandstan 26, Dwayne Burbles 31 not out, and Kevin Hamilton 49 not out.

Rohan Francis (2-31) had the best figures. The combined efforts of Keron Davis (3-14) and Hamilton (2-4) then helped to dismiss Meadowbrook for 164 runs but not before Cordell Spence (51) scored a patient half-century.

Holmwood get Champs boost from Cari-Med
published: Monday | March 27, 2006

Byron McDaniel, Gleaner Writer

WALDERSTON, Manchester:

HOLMWOOD TECHNICAL'S track and field athletics team has received sponsorship from Cari-Med Limited for the upcoming Boys and Girls' Athletics Championships, which will run from March 29 to April 1 at the National Stadium.

The presentation of $170,000, as well as individual sports gear and care products, was presented by Cari-Med's management team to athletes and their coaches during morning devotion in the school's auditorium last Friday.

"This group has been very supportive of Holmwood over the years. We are very happy for the fine gesture and hope we will show our appreciation by our performance on and off the field," said principal Paul Bailey.

Senior product manager at Cari-Med, Allison Dexter, said apart from cash, "the team will be supplied with all that they need and our company will be at the venue to cheer them on".

The girls' team, with 45 members, are the defending champions and are looking to win their fourth straight title. The boys team comprises 25 athletes.

KC, Holmwood tipped to retain titles TRACK & FIELD - VMBS Boys' & Girls' Champs

Paul A Reid, Observer Writer Saturday, March 25, 2006

Sonita Sutherland of Holmwood

Montego Bay - Kingston College boys and Holmwood Technical girls will start red-hot favourites to extend their streaks at next week's Victoria Mutual Building Society's (VMBS) Super Champs that gets underway at the National Stadium on Wednesday.

Expectations are that on Saturday night, Kingston College will win their sixth straight and 30th title overall, and Holmwood their fourth straight title.

But neither coach was ready to lift the trophies just yet.

While Kingston College's Lennox Graham and Holmwood's Maurice Wilson were confident their charges could take home the respective titles, they warned against over-confidence and pointed out that other schools were improving.

For Graham, it was a matter of managing the individual athletes to ensure that they achieve their best on the day and allowing the "chips to fall where they might".

"We can only focus on ourselves," he told the Sporting World yesterday, "and let the other teams do what they can do".
Wilson, who will have the smallest team of the top schools, with only 35 athletes, said: "I believe it will be very difficult to lose Champs, but not impossible. It will be about momentum, once we start well, it will be OK."

Track and field expert Hubert Lawrence believes the two giants will dominate. "It will be KC by a stretch," Lawrence predicted, "with Calabar, Wolmer's and St Jago fighting for the consolation places".

On the girls' side, Lawrence said Holmwood will get home ahead of Vere Technical, but not by many points, with Edwin Allen High, St Jago and Manchester High the possible spoilers.

Lawrence, who has covered these Championships and most major championships in the island for radio and television for a number of years, noted that Holmwood must be given the edge, but said that they can't afford to make any mistakes.

With schools such as Edwin Allen expected to improve, especially in the hurdles events, any of the top two dropping points might prove fatal in their quest for championships honours.

Among the events, which he thinks will be competitive, are the boys' Class One sprint relays where any of three schools could win. Camperdown High won last year with a new meet record 40.39 seconds and with Remaldo Rose in red-hot form, they must be given a shot at retaining the title. Kingston College have run slightly faster this year, winning in 40.38 seconds at the Gibson Relays, while Holmwood Technical won at Penn Relays last year and will have anchor man Omar Brown back in their squad.

The Boys' Class One 400m with Josef Robertson of Wolmer's Boys School, Kerone Robinson of Holmwood, Jair Francis of Manchester High and Leeford Green of Kingston is another top race on the calendar.

Robertson and Green should lock horns again in the 400m hurdles Open where they will also come up against Rommell Lewis of Holmwood Technical.

Robertson, who won two straight titles at Calabar, will be going after his third straight.

Among the girls, a fit Shernetta Stewart of Vere should give the superfit Sonita Sutherland all she can handle in the Class One 400m.

Sutherland ran a personal best 51.23 seconds at last weekend's CARIFTA Trials at the Stadium East and looks to be rounding into her best form.

Stewart, meanwhile, is nursing a slight injury and coach Dwayne Jarrett said yesterday that she was still suffering some soreness but had been treated by the physiotherapist and hopefully will be ready for the meet.

Two Holmwood teammates Anastasia Leroy and Schillione Calvert will battle out the Class One 200m.

And while the battle will be on for the overall title, there will be a number of athletes whose schools will not be in the running for top honours, but will make their presence felt.

It will take outstanding running to beat Rose in the Class One boys' 100m after his seemingly effortless 10.29 seconds, and the record 10.24 seconds set in 2003 by Tesfa Latty of St George's College could be under threat.
Theon O'Connor, the Austin Sealy Award winner at last year's CARIFTA Games, appears to be in a class by himself and should win the Class One 800/1500m double.
Carrie Russell of St Thomas Technical, the Eastern Champs Class Three girls' sprint double winner will feature next weekend, as should Akino Ming of Happy Grove High in the Class Two boys' 400/800m.
Lenford Adams of Claude McKay High should feature in the Boys' Class One 800/1500m events, while Mt Alvernia High's Alicia Cutenar should medal in the Class Two sprint double, if she gets over a slight hamstring injury.

Holmwood's Wilson said there was a strong possibility that he will not run the quartet of Rose-Marie White, Calvert, Sutherland and Leroy that clocked an amazing 44.18 seconds at Milo Western Relays in the girls' Class One 4x100m again until the Penn Relays.

With the limited number of athletes at his disposal, Wilson says he has learnt to "spread them out and try to maximise the points". "I would be happy for third place in the girls' sprint relays," he said, "if this will help me get the maximum out of the athletes in other areas".

The key to success, he said while literally 'knocking wood', was that the Holmwood girls have never "suffered any major injuries at a championships".

This is no accident, he said, given his background in physiology. The coaching staff leaves no stone unturned to get the athletes fit for Champs, and Wilson added that he would rather lose two days in training than a year of competition.

Vere Technical's Dwayne Jarrett refused to make any prediction. "That was never my style. We have a well-rounded team and while I am not too comfortable with some aspects of my team, we will be ready." He declined, however, to elaborate on what areas he was not satisfied with, but added that last year's team appeared a lot more focused than this year's squad.

On the boys' side, Kingston College's Graham told Sporting World he also preferred not to predict points, explaining that in the past they have won with 183, while losing when scoring over 200 points.

"It does not matter how many (points) we score," he said, "as long as we win". "As long as most things go well, we will be happy."

Alain Bailey, who won the long, triple and high jump events last year, Andre Wellington and Green will be ending their Champs career this year and Graham said he expects them to go out on a high.

St Jago's Danny Hawthorne was quick to concede championships honours to KC, but was the only coach interviewed who ventured to predict a points target.
Hawthorne said he hoped to score between 150-160 points, which should be good enough to help them retain second place.

Hawthorne said his team was weak in the field events, but expected to pick up points in Class Two where they will have the likes of Johan Blake in the sprints. He said they should also pick up points in the Class One and Two 800m events.

Calabar's Michael Clarke said his team should do better than the fourth place they had last year. This year's team, he said, was more rounded than last year's and was expected to score heavily in Class Two track events.

Holmwood at Carifta Trials

Observer Reporter
Saturday, March 18, 2006

A spectacle of smooth, succulent, sensational sprinting highlighted day one of the Carifta Trials at Stadium East yesterday.

Remaldo Rose signalled his return to fine form with a 10.29-second clocking to win the Under-200 100 metres. It was all over after 50 metres, the 2004 World Junior Championship bronze medallist easing away from the pack in a slight headwind (-0.1m/s wind).

Cawayne Jervis of Kingston College and Yohan Blake of St Jago High snatched the other two places, Jervis timing 10.45 seconds, ahead of Blake, 10.46.

In the women's equivalent, Schillonie Calvert of Holmwood Technical cooled the competition, clocking 11.37 seconds. She blew away Samantha Henry of The Queen's School, who recorded 11.68 seconds, with her schoolmate Tarika Williams a distant third in 11.95 seconds.

At this rate, both Rose and Calvert have raced into medal contention at the IAAF World Junior Championships in Beijing, China, in August.

In the Under-17 100m, Herbert Morrison Technical's Dexter Lee eased away for an emphatic victory to register 10.78 seconds, ahead of Edith Dalton James's Ricardo Powell (10.98) and Holmwood Technical's Jamie Davis (11.00 seconds).

St Thomas Technical's Carrie Russell saved the best for last in the Girls' Under-17 100m, as she sealed victory in 11.87 seconds. Immaculate's Danielle Jeffrey (11.93) and Glenmuir's Kadesha Simpson (12.00) took the other top spots.

In the preliminaries of the 400m, Holmwood Technical's Sonita Sutherland, a World Junior Championship silver medallist, showed awesome signs of recovery with a sizzling 51.96 seconds in the Girls Under-20.

G C Foster College's Allodin Fothergill (47.70) was the quickest in the Boys Under-20 400m preliminaries.

Vere Technical swept the Girls' Under-20 long jump, Rose-Ann Jones winning in 5.78 metres, ahead of Kimberly Williams, 5.67 metres. Both battled a strong -3.7m/s wind. Shantel Thompson was third in 5.64 metres.

In the Under-17 Girls' high jump, Misha-Gaye DaCosta bounced over 1.73 metres for gold, beating St Andrew High's Kathy-Lee Laidley (1.70m) and Immaculate's Terri-Ann Grant (1.65m).

Campion College's Theon O'Connor continued his usual dominance of middle distances, winning the Boys' Under-20 800m in a playful 1:50.44. Melvin Weller of Holmwood Technical and Kamar Ellis of St Jago was second and third in 1:51.74 and 1:51:76 respectively.

Holmwood Technical's Bobby-Gaye Wilkins took the female equivalent in 2:06.24 ahead of schoolmate Keno Heaves, 2:06:36. Edwin Allen's Jodian Richards, who tried to get away on the final lap before she was caught the Holmwood heavyweights, was third in 2:06.85.

Kingston College's Donahue Williams ran a smart race to clinch the Boys' Under-17 800 metres in 1:53.88 while Manchester High's Natoya Goule grabbed the girls equivalent in 2:08.89. The Vere Technical duo, Teneisha Davis (2:09.25) and Kemisha McGregor (2:13.54) was second and third.

The Carifta Trials ends today with 200 metres, 400 metres, sprint hurdles, and the boys' triple jump and girls' high jump taking centre stage.

Close going in Holmwood-STETHS 'derby'

Observer Reporter
Wednesday, March 15, 2006

Last year's beaten finalists St Elizabeth Technical High (STETHS) were 86-5 in reply to defending champions Holmwood Technical's 105 all out when rain stopped play on day one of their Grace Headley Cup quarter-final game at STETHS yesterday.

Holmwood suffer double blow
published: Wednesday | March 1, 2006

Anthony Foster, Freelance Writer

Holmwood Technical's Class Two athlete Audrea Segree is stretchered off the track after she was spiked in the 4x200m Open at the Gibson Relays at the National Stadium last Saturday. - RICARDO MAKYN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

HOLMWOOD TECHNICAL'S bid for their fourth consecutive Girls' Champs title has been dealt a double blow.

At Saturday's Gibson Relays at the National Stadium, Audrea Segree, one of the team's prized Class Two athletes, was spiked in the 4x200m Open for girls while Class Four athlete Jenieve Russell injured herself while training on the school's compound.

Segree was spiked on the final changeover of the girls' 4x200m open event and Holmwood's head coach, Maurice Wilson, said this was a massive blow.

"This definitely can cost us championships," Wilson said. "This was someone we expected a lot from," he continued.

According to Wilson, a lot of track and field fans may not have known about her, but he reminded persons "that every championships we find an emerging 'star' and we believe she would have been one of them."

Last year, Holmwood surprised many with the talent of Class Four athlete Petra Fanty who won the sprint double.

SEGREE'S PERSONAL BEST TIMES

Speaking of Segree, the coach said, "We expected she would have reached the finals of the Class Two sprints and be a key member of our sprint relay team."

At Central Champs, Holmwood finished a close second behind favourites Edwin Allen, and were fourth at Gibson without Segree.

The 15-year-old Segree has personal best times of 11.8 and 24.8 over the sprints, but Wilson said she has showed signs of improvement every day.

"She has been improving every meet," he said of the girl who just started to compete for the school.

Her participation at Champs is now unsure.

"Even if she comes back for Champs she will not be in the type of shape we would expect," Wilson stated.

He went to explain that they will also suffer in Class Four because Russell damaged her quad muscle at school recently.

"It's a very big blow," Wilson said. "She would definitely stand a chance of winning a medal in the 200m and high jump, and the Champs is going to be so close that we cannot afford to give up points."

Champs start on March 29.

KC, Holmwood, Manchester High sizzle at Gibson
Observer Reporter
Tuesday, February 28, 2006

The Holmwood Technical girls had a thrilling victory in the 4x400, despite being unable to finish the Class 1 4x100m and the 4x200m Open.

On a day filled with great excitement and competition, Kingston College, Holmwood, and Manchester High ruled the track at the 30th annual Gibson Relays last Saturday.

With just a little over a month left before the big championship, it is clear that Kingston College are ready to take their 30th Boys Champs crown.

KC began their winning ways in the Class 1 4x100m where they were extremely impressive making mincemeat of the highly fancied Camperdown High and Holmwood Technical High to finish the race in a new meet record of 40.38 seconds. They came back just two races after to break yet another record in the Class 3 4x100m where they ran 44.03 seconds to finish just ahead of Calabar and St Jago.

Later in the evening, KC won the Class 3 4x200m, just ahead of Calabar and Bridgeport, and the Class 4 4x100m, winning a close race against the Calabar team.

St Jago also performed well, winning three gold medals. The Monk Street-based school managed to win the Class 4 4x100m, the Class 2 4x100m (41.66,a new meet record) and the Class 2 4x200m. The star for the night was, however, Yohan Blake, the Carifta double sprint champion in Under 17 last year, who, after receiving the baton at the back of the pack in both the 4x100m and 4x200m in Class 2, blazed the track to anchor his team to victory in both events. Also, the Camperdown Class 1 quartet, which included World Junior bronze medallist Renaldo Rose, ran very well as they held off the challenge of the strong KC team.

On the girls' side, it was Holmwood Tech and Manchester High who shined. Holmwood, however, the favourites for both the Class 1 4x100m and the 4x200m Open, were unable to finish both races due to baton exchange problems and an injury to an athlete respectively. The fumbling of the baton in the Class 1 4x100m by Holmwood left an open field for the gold medal and Vere Tech made no mistakes in capturing it. In the Class 2 4x100m, Edwin Allen reigned supreme and again in the Open 4x200m, with the absence of Holmwood, sped to victory ahead of Vere Tech and St Jago.

Manchester High, though, were to make their presence felt in the Class 3 and Class 4 where they showed great preparation and great heart, especially in the Class 4.

The Holmwood athletes brought the house down with thrilling victories in both the boys and girls 4x400m.

Record-setting Holmwood and Kingston College light up Gibson
published: Monday | February 27, 2006

Anthony Foster, Freelance Writer

Kingston College's Class One 4x100m relay team (centre) powering to victory in a record 40.38 seconds at Saturday's 30th Gibson Relays at the National Stadium. St. George's College (left) were second. - RICARDO MAKYN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

KINGSTON COLLEGE (KC) boys and Holmwood's girls were the most impressive high schools teams at Saturday's 30th staging of the Gibson Relays, held inside the National Stadium.

KC won four relays, two in record time, while Holmwood's girls broke two records in their two wins as six records tumbled in the high schools section.

Holmwood Technical's 4x400m girls' team ran 3:35.68 to erase their own five-year-old mark of 3:37.04, to beat Edwin Allen (3:39.70) and Vere (3:41.37) respectively.

The Christiana-based school's 4x800m team, who included World Junior 400m bronze medallist Sonia Sutherland and CARIFTA Games 4x400m gold Bobbie-Gaye Wilkins, ran a record 8:48.96 to finish ahead of Edwin Allen (8:49.99), which also went under the previous mark of 8:50.02.

Kingston College's Class One sprint relay team ran 40.38 to beat big favourites Camperdown, who failed to finish, and fourth-place Holmwood (41.30) who ran a very poor race. KC's time erased the previous 14-year mark of 40.49 set by Jamaica College in 1992.

RECORD BOOKS

The boys from North Street also placed themselves in the record books for winning the Class Three sprint relay in 44.04 seconds, to beat the 45.35 mark Calabar set last year. They finished ahead of Calabar, 44.50, and Bridgeport, 44.69.

St. Jago's boys Class Two 4x100m team, with CARIFTA Games Under-17 double sprint champion Yohan Blake, ran 41.66 to rewrite the previous mark of 41.70. They beat Calabar, 41.94, and KC, 42.55.

Manchester broke the Class Three 4x100m record with their 46-second flat clocking, beating Edwin Allen ( 47.53) and St. Jago (47.55).

Holmwood's boys won the 4x400m in 3:13.48 over Claude McKay (3:14.57) and KC (3:15.97).

Vere's girls took the Class One sprint relay in 47.31, this ahead of Queen's (48.07) and St. Jago (48.98). Big favourites and dethroned champions Holmwood dropped the baton.

Edwin Allen won the Class Two equivalent in 45.35 over St. Jago (45.70), while Manchester took the Class Four sprint relay in 49.10 over St. Jago 50.08.

In the boys' 4x200m, KC took the Class Four event in 1:37.90 over Calabar, 1:38.28, and Class Three in 1:33.76 over Calabar, 1:33.76, while St. Jago took Class Two (1:28.93) and Camperdown (1:24.93) won in Class One.

St. Jago's girls, with World Youth 100m hurdles silver medallist Natasha Ruddock and World Youth 200m bronze medallist Latoya King, took the girls' 4x200m Open in 1:37.72 ahead of Edwin Allen (1:37.73).

Meanwhile, Asafa Powell and his MVP team broke the men's institution 4x100m record by running 39.18 seconds. Though it was a lot slower than their Western Relays time of 38.78, it was good enough to break the previous mark of 39.24, set by University of Technology (UTech) in 2004.

POWELL SHINES

UTech led MVP on the final leg before Powell blew past the field. UTech ended second in 39.58 ahead of High Performance Training Centre (HPTC) in 40.02.

MVP's women's team of World Championships 100m hurdles bronze medallist Brigitte Foster-Hylton, Olympic sprint relay gold medallist Sherone Simpson, national 400m champion Shericka Williams and Nyoka Cole, also set a new mark in the 4x100m.

They stopped the clock in 43.60, well ahead of G.C. Foster College (47.52) to beat the old mark of 45.43 set by UTech last season.

HPTC, with World Junior 200m record holder Usain Bolt and World Junior 400m bronze medallist Jermaine Gonzales, won the men's mile relay in 3:06.71 ahead of G.C. Foster with national 400m champion Lansford Spence (3:07.18).

National champion Shericka Williams won her pet event, the 400m, in a record 52.17, erasing Olympian Cathy Rattray-Williams' 13-year-old mark of 53.16 seconds.

Simpson won the women's 100m in 11.22 seconds ahead of her teammate Nyoka Cole (11.61), while Carl Barrett (10.32) of G.C. Foster College took the men's 100m.

National representative Peta-Gaye Beckford leapt 6.14m to win the women's long jump over Yanique Levy (6.06m).

Records tumble at Gibson Relays

Everard Owen
Monday, February 27, 2006

Twelve records were accounted for at the 30th renewal of the Gibson Relays at the National Stadium on Saturday. The meet, which was fairly attended, had patrons on the edge at times, especially when the fastest man went down on the track and anchored his MVP sprint relay team to victory in a new time of 39.18 seconds, while the female team was in spanking form clocking 43.60 for their sprint relay.

Kingston College accounted for three records - class one 400m relay and class three in new times of 40.38 and 44.04 respectively, and the class three boys erased the 4x200 record in the heats clocking 1 minute 31.55 and returned to capture the final in 1 minute 33.76.

St Jago High boys had three victories with one in record time - class two 4x100m relay in 41.66. They also won the class four in 47.14 and the class two 4x200 in 1 minute 28.93. Holmwood girls accounted for two - in the 1600m relay in 3 minutes 35.68 and the 4x800 in 8 minutes 48.96.

Their boys took the equivalents in 3 minutes 13.48 and 7 minutes 45.06 respectively. Manchester High class three girls accounted for the only school girl sprint relay record in 46.00, and they also won class 4 in 49.10.

Kingston College won the class four 4x200 in 1 minute 37.90, class three in 1 minute 33.76, and St Jago class two in 1 minute 28.93 and Camperdown claiming class 1 in one minute 24.93.

Other records to go are 110-metre hurdle to Markino Buckley (MVP) in 14.51; the 400m to Shericka Williams in 52.17; the boys' 4x100m to Hydel Prep in 50.97 and the 4x60m to St Catherine Primary in 51.12, and the 4x60m shuttle relay to Our Lady of the Angels in 34.6.

Sherone Simpson (11.22) of the MVP Track Club and Carl Barrett (10.32) of the GC Foster College won the women's and men's 100m open respectively.

Holmwood girls upstage
published: Sunday | February 26, 2006

Anthony Foster, Freelance Writer

WORLD 100 METRES record holder Asafa Powell had to work overtime last night for MVP to win the men's 4x100m relay at the 30th Gibson Relays at the National Stadium.

"I did not really expect to run from behind," Powell said last night after the race. "But I have the confidence in myself and I knew I could do it. So I just went out there and pushed it a little," he said.

The event's final results were not available at press time and results proved difficult to come by all day, taking almost two hours after an event was completed at Jamaica's premier relay meet to reach the media centre.

At press time, only one record was accounted for with MVP's Markino Buckley's 14.51 seconds run in the men's 110m hurdles. Buckley erased the previous mark of 14.61 seconds set last year to beat Dwight Whebly of Wolmer's (15.26) and Orlando Beckford (15.52). Both top guns in the 4x100m Class One relays, Holmwood girls and Camperdown boys were upstaged. Holmwood girls dropped the baton on the second change-over.

In the boys' 4x100m Class One sprint relay, Kingston College (KC) upstaged fancied Camperdown and Holmwood in an action-packed final. KC also won Class Three while St. Jago took the Class Two and Four events.

ON TOP

In the women's 100m hurdles, which saw only St. Jago's Natasha Ruddock and Immaculate's Kimberly Laing facing the starter, the former came out on top in 14.70 seconds. Laing was timed in 15.01.

The men's 400m hurdles went to MVP's Kaluse Spencer (55.40) over Keith Ramsey of It Dat (57.04).

In the day's first final, former national champion Karen Beautle, leapt a season best 1.86m to win the women's high jump. Natoya Thompson of G.C. Foster (1.65m) and Claudia Calder of Convent of Mercy Alpha (1.65m) finished second and third respectively.

The men's long jump Open went to MVP's Jermaine Jackson, who leapt 7.63m. He defeated UTech's Herbert McGregor (7.61m) and UWI's Tarick Edwards (7.61m).

Jackson returned to finish second in the men's high jump with a leap of 2.08m, beaten by Antigua's James Grayman (2.11m).

Peta-Gaye Beckford of G.C. Foster College leapt 6.14m to win the men's long jump over Yanique Levy of University of West Indies (6.06m) and Keddine Geddes, also of G.C. Foster (6.02m).

Sean Pitter and Marcia James won the men's and women's mile races.

Pitter won the men's section in 4:15.82 ahead of MVP's Andre Drummond (4:22.35) and Kevin Campbell (4:24.79). James topped the female's category in 5:10.83 ahead of Edwin Allen's Jessica McLeod (5:12.89).

Lorenzo Johnson of Camper-down took the men's pole vault after clearing 3.70m. KC's Darren Daley (3.60m) and JC's (3.40m) took the runners-up spots.

Gibson Relays to sizzle
published: Saturday | February 25, 2006

Elton Tucker, Assistant Sport Editor

Holmwood Technical's Omar Brown (left) sprints away from Camperdown's Remaldo Rose on the anchor leg of the boys' Class One4x100m relay at year's Gibson Relays. Holmwood won the event in 40.87 seconds ahead of Camperdown, 41.03. Both athletes and schools are expected to figure prominently inn the event at today's renewal of the relay carnival at the National Stadium. - File

THE BEST of Jamaica's track and field talent from preparatory, primary, high schools, colleges and clubs will be on show at the National Stadium today in the 30th staging of the Gibson Relays.

Billed as the leading relay carnival in the Caribbean, the relays are also expected to attract athletes from Barbados, Antigua and the Cayman Islands.

The eight Championships Relays which have on offer commemorative watches for the winners are the premier events of the meet. The Championship Relays are the Boys Class One, 4x100m, 4x400m open and 4x800m open.

The girls under-19 4x100m, 4x800m open and 4x400m open are also championship events. The remaining two Championships events are the 4x100m and 4x400m for men's institutions.

The meet has taken on greater significance this year as many top local-based athletes will use the carnival as part of their final preparations for the March 15-26 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia.

In terms of quality the meet could be one of the best ever. For the first time a reigning world 100 metres record holder will grace the track during the Gibson Relays. Asafa Powell, who was crowned the world's fastest man with a 9.77 seconds clocking in Athens on July 14 last year, will be the feature attraction.

He runs for the MVP Track Club and will be joined by teammates Michael Frater, the 2005 World Championships 100m silver medallist, Brigitte Foster-Hylton who was third in the 100m hurdles at the same World Championships and 2004 Olympics relay gold medallist Sherone Simpson.

RECORDS UNDER THREAT

The best from High Performance Training Centre (HPTC), led by world junior 200m record holder Usain Bolt and Jermaine Gonzales, the man rated as the best local-based 400m runner, will also be in action in the 4x400m.

The MVP Club is expected to sizzle in the 4x100m and the national record of 38.20 seconds could come under serious threat.

"MVP have three-quarters of the national team and one would expect them to dominate the 4x100m relay," HPTC coach, the legendary Glen Mills said earlier this week about a quartet which ran 38.87 at the recent Milo Western Relays.

Despite the seeming invincibility of the Stephen Francis-coached MVP, Maurice Wilson, coach of G.C. Foster College, said his team is coming to run.

"We are going to be competitive and will try to run faster than we did last year, although we are not as strong as MVP on paper," Wilson said.

A battle royal is expected among MVP, G.C. Foster and HPTC in the 4x400m. With Gonzales and Bolt in their squad HPTC appear to have the edge, but Powell, if he runs, could tilt the balance in favour of MVP.

At the Western Relays MVP led home G.C. Foster and HPTC.

The high school events will be dominated by Holmwood Technical. Holmwood Technical High will be seeking an unprecedented sweep of all six Championship relays.

The Maurice Wilson-coached girls are so strong they should have little difficulty in sweeping aside the opposition on all three relays. Their stiffest test could come in the 4x400m where Edwin Allen High have always done well.

Holmwood, however, will be well tested in the boys' events.

The Class One sprint relay will be worth going miles to see. The Edward Hector-coached Holmwood boys who won last year will be severely tested by Camperdown and Kingston College.

Camperdown are red-hot and with World Junior bronze medallist Remaldo Rose in their squad will be hard to beat.

"We expect a good competitive race," Camperdown's coach Jermaine Shand said in mid-week. "Holmwood are doing well and KC have a good team."

PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVANTAGE

KC and Wolmer's will be strong in the 4x400m although Holmwood with Kerone Robinson, Romel Lewis, Mickel Downer and Stafford McFarlane will be the team to beat. KC hold the psychological advantage after clocking a season's best 3:15.56 to beat Holmwood (3:16.19) and Mannings (3:16.70) at the Western Relays.

The lower classes in the high school, prep and primary events should be far more competitive and the honours will be shared.

In the high school boys events Calabar, KC, Wolmer's and Jamaica College will be among the winners. In the lower classes for girls Edwin Allen High, St. Jago, Manchester High, Immaculate High, Vere Technical and St. Andrew High are all expected to do very well. Action starts at 9:30 a.m.

Holmwood's girls to turn on the power in 4x400m

Members of the Holmwood 4x400m team. From left, Sonita Sutherland, Bobby-Gaye Wilkins, Schillonie Calvert and Anastasia Le-Roy. - JUNIOR DOWIE

THE ALL-POWERFUL Holmwood Technical girls aggregation will be racing against the clock in another event at the 30th Gibson Relays. This time it's the girls' 4x400m open. Barring injury or a dropped baton it's all over bar the shouting in the Guardian Life-sponsored 4x400m.

No schoolgirl team in Jamaica, can test this Maurice Wilson-coached quartet.

"If the right team runs (Schillonie Calvert, Anastasia Le-Roy, Bobbie-Gaye Wilkins and Sonita Sutherland) and barring any mishaps, no team should beat us," Wilson said.

Wilson said other teams like Vere with Shaunetta Stewart, and Edwin Allen with Sherene Pinnock have very good 400m runners but he added: "You need at least three solid athletes to challenge 3:34."

"Once my athletes are healthy and I run the right team, then you will have to run faster than 3:34 to beat us, because we have already ran 3:33 and on that team was a 55-second leg."

At the Western Relays, the girls were only beaten on time by MVP's women.

The MVP team included World Championship hurdles bronze medallist Brigitte Foster-Hylton, national 400m champion Shericka Williams, Olympic 4x100m gold medallist Sherone Simpson and Marcia Wollery.

MVP clocked 3:32.14 ahead of Holmwood (3:33.28), Vere (3:41.77) and Edwin Allen (3:43.61).

Vere finished second to Holmwood but their coach Dwayne Jarrett made it clear that Gibson Relays is not his focus this season.

"Gibson is not one of my priorities, so I am not trying to make a statement at Gibson, it's all about what we going to do when it comes to Girls Championships.

Boys' 4x400m will be hot

BY ANTHONY FOSTER, Freelance Writer

THE BOYS' 4X400M at tomorrow's 30th staging of the Gibson Relays should be the hottest, closest of all the races down for the day at the National Stadium.

Four schools, Kingston College, Holmwood Technical, Manning's, and Claude McKay all have a shot at closing off the day in style.

At the Western Relays, held two weekends ago in Montego Bay, Kingston College ran the fastest time this season, 3:15.56 to beat Holmwood (3:16.19), Manning's (3:16.70) and Claude McKay (3:18.75) in the time-final event.

Andre Wellington, Leford Green, Cawayne Jervis, and Oshane Braham who combined to blaze the track and win easily at the Douglas Forrest Meet, held at the National Stadium East Complex on January 14, should be the ones to lead KC's fight tomorrow.

KC's coach Lennox Graham said Holmwood are the team to beat.

"I think Holmwood have a team that ran 3:10 with last year, our fastest time is 3:15, which we ran this season.

"It's going to be a very close contest, but I am the KC coach and I back my team to win," he said.

However, he promised that whatever happens tomorrow the North Street-based school will win the event at Boys' Champs.
Holmwood's coach Edward Hector, said his chances are as good as any, or even better than the other teams.

GOOD CHANCE

"I think I stand a good chance. The youngsters just have to live up to expectations," he said.

The youngsters he spoke of are Melvin Wello, Kerone Robinson, Mickel Downer, Stafford McFarlane, Romel Lewis and Baugh McKenzie.

Claude McKay's coach Milton Sergeant, said his team is ready to take the Interactive Voice Solutions-sponsored event.

"Base on what I had observe (at Western Relays), I think we stand a good chance," Sergeant said.

"I think I have the team to win, but I'm expecting a tough challenge from Holmwood, KC, and Wolmer's.

In Montego Bay, Claude McKay used Kaheil Kelly, Gawain Grey, Marvin Gayle and Omar Johnson, but Sergeant said his guys were not challenged in their heat of the time-final event.

Sergeant said he will also have Lenford Adams and Daniel Roberts to choose from come tomorrow.

Manning's could also pose some problems for the top two as with Phillips Smith, Jermaine Graham, Favian Blagrove, Omaine Campbell, Darrion Bent and Jermaine Stewart to choose from, they expect to at least make the medal podium.

Manning's coach Courtney Hughes said his boys are in with a very good chance.

"The boys are willing to run what it requires to win the title. They need it. We have been dreaming of winning this title for the past three years."

To run or not

BY ANTHONY FOSTER, Freelance Writer

Holmwood's Vanessa Boyd collects the baton from Bobby-Gaye Wilkins. - FILE

HOLMWOOD TECHNICAL COACH Maurice Wilson believes the Manchester school holds the key for the girls' RBTT 4x800m event at Saturday's 30th Gibson Relays.

However, Wilson, who has guided Holmwood to three successive Girls' Champs titles over the past three years, said he is yet to decide whether his girls will enter the event.

Wilson said it won't be challenging for Holmwood's girls.

"There is nothing to prove in the girls' 4x800m," Wilson told STAR Sports yesterday.

"We have won it over the last four or five years." "I (we) can't lose," he added. "If I (we) run the event, I do not expect to lose based on the athletes I have."

Running at the Western Relays two weeks ago, Holmwood, with Bobbie-Gaye Wilkins, Susan Hall, Kenia Heaven and Vanessa Boyd, ran 8:47.26 to beat Edwin Allen (8:50.30) and Vere (9:02.93). St. Jago wasn't present.

Identifying Vere, Edwin Allen and St. Jago as good teams, Wilson said should Holmwood stay away, Vere should win.

"I think Vere have the athletes to do the job if we do not run," he said.

COMPETITIVE

Vere's coach, Dwayne Jarrett, agreed with Wilson.

"The 4x800m team has not been running the way we expect them to," Jarrett said.

"Based on the calibre of athletes we have, they're just not living up to expectations but as soon as we get it right, we are going to be competitive," he added.

Vere's team comprises Kendra Minott, Petrona Layne, Stacey-Ann Bell and Teneisha Davis.

However, Edwin Allen's coach, Michael Dyke, believes Holmwood or no Holmwood, the table will be turned this weekend.

"I definitely think I can win it," Dyke said."I think the team is better prepared than the Western Relays. We are ready," he added.

As they look to turn the table, Edwin Allen will be banking on Sherene Pinnock, Jessica McLeod, Jodian Richards and Nikita Tracey for a win.

Holmwood through to Cup semis published: Thursday | February 23, 2006 DEFENDING CHAMPIONS Holmwood, led by centuries from Ziggy Levy and Marlon Johnson, booked their place in the semi-finals of the Grace Headley Cup with an easy 160-run victory over Manchester at Holmwood on Tuesday. Johnson, 140 (21x4, 5x6, 156 balls) and Levy, 127 not out (12x4, 6x6, 143 balls) added 170 for the second wicket, which set up Holmwood's 294 for two declared. In reply, Manchester were bowled out for 132. West Indies Under-19 player Andre McCarthy took 4-37 and Oshane Jones 2-17. Elsewhere, many-time champions STETHS were held to their third straight draw in the second round. Leaders Mannings made 195 with Dwayne Kerr getting a top score of 41 against Jason Dawes who ended with four wickets. STETHS were well on their way for victory at 191 for five but, with less than three overs to bowl and 10 runs to get, the umpires pulled stumps. Hard-hitting batsman Damion Ebanks was on 48. Nicoy Samuels had earlier made 69. At Appleton, Godfrey Stewart, 118, beat Lacovia, 75, by 43 runs; Knockalva, 64, lost to William Knibb, 66 for two, at Bounty Hall and Old Harbour High, 218-8 dec., beat Oracabessa High, 110, at Port Esquivel.

Holmwood and Vere retain titles
published: Thursday | February 23, 2006

Anthony Foster, Freelance Writer

VERE GIRLS and Holmwood boys retained their respective titles at yesterday's South Central Athletics Championships held at Kirkvine Sports Club in Manchester.

Vere finished on 382 points, 38 more than rivals Holmwood (344). They were followed by Edwin Allen (319), Manchester (303) and Christiana (43).

In the boys' section, which had not been finalised at press time, Holmwood (186) held an unassailable 59-point edge over Edwin Allen (127) with Glenmuir (87) third.

Meanwhile, Vere's coach, Dwayne Jarrett, who had earlier declared his team wasn't going to win, said he was happy with the performance of his side.

"I am satisfied with some of the performances but at the same time it has also showed me that a lot of work is still to be done going into Championships (Girls Champs)," Jarrett said.

Edward Hector, coach of Holmwood, said his boys performed to expectations.

"I am feeling elated at this moment that we took home the championships another year," Hector said.

DOUBLE WINNER

Holmwood's Salcia Slack was a double winner on yesterday's final day. Slack won the Class Two long jump with a leap of 5.42 metres and the discus with a throw of 37.25.

Holmwood's Mickel Downer won the boys' Class One 200m in 21.3, May Day's Sheldon Williams (22.4) took Class Two and Porus' Odain Clarke (23.6) won Class Three.

In the girls' 200m, Schillonie Calvert of Holmwood (23.6) took Class One, Kaycea Jones of Edwin Allen (23.9) won in Class Two, Denesha Morris of Manchester (24.4) took Class Three and Vere's Deandre Whitewhorne (24.8) claimed Class Four honours.

Holmwood's pair of Sonita Sutherland (2:10.10) and Susan Hall (2:17.90) won the girls' Class One and Three 800m respectively while Vere's Taneisha Davis (2:15.70) won Class Two.

Vere's Kimoya Harriott (11.92m) beat her teammate, Keniesha Throughsingh (11.09m), in the girls' shot put open, while Lanmour Bell (32.14) took the boys' Class Two discus.

Edwin Allen's Lotaya Nation took the girls' Class One discus with a throw of 48.19.

GREAT PERFORMANCES

Meanwhile, coaches of Edwin Allen and Holmwood girls said they, too, were happy with the performances of their teams.

Holmwood's Maurice Wilson said: "Right now I am feeling extremely confident.

"My main concern is to keep them injury-free, but at this point in time I am feeling very confident but there are other teams doing great like Vere Technical, Edwin Allen and Manchester.

Edwin Allen's Dyke is also confident.

"I am pretty comfortable, based on the performances so far and what I was expecting. I think I am pretty satisfied, and ready for the championships," Dyke said.

Holness of Manchester, who also used the meet to look at his athletes, said it was a good championships.

Holmwood cruise to victory in Headley Cup opener

Mandeville, Manchester - Defending all-island champions Holmwood Technical High marked the historic launch of the Grace Kennedy group's sponsorship of rural school boy Headley Cup cricket with a satisfying 10-wicket win over Albert Town High at the Kirkvine Sports Club, yesterday.

First, leg spinner Oshane Jones took 5-12 from 7.2 overs and off-spinner Ziggy levy 3-19 from 10 overs to dismiss Albert Town for 54 - Kirk Fisher topscoring with 20.

The Holmwood openers, Marlon Johnson 31 not out and Jeffrey Scott 22 not out, then cruised to victory, reaching 58-0.

Earlier, the two teams were joined by colleague cricketers from Mile Gully High, Edwin Allen High, Bellefield High and Oracabessa High in witnessing a short opening ceremony during which the GraceKennedy Financial Services Division - First Global Financial Services, First Global Bank, Allied Insurance Brokers and Jamaica International Insurance Broker - was formally acknowledged as sponsors of high school cricket islandwide.

Paul Mitchell, Financial Director of Jamaica International Insurance Company (JIIC) said after years of sponsoring the urban Grace Shield with "considerable success" the financial services division was "proud to be associated with the Headley Cup" which has been "the incubator of talented players who have gone on to represent both Jamaica and the West Indies".

Other speakers, Paul Bailey, principal of Holmwood, which swept the Headley Cup and the all-island Spaulding Cup last year, as well Lt Col Errol Johnson, chairman of the Grace/Headley Cup competition and Clement Radcliffe, president of the Inter-Secondary Schools Association (ISSA) which runs high schools sport, heaped praise on GraceKennedy for extending their sponsorship.

Grace Kennedy's sponsorship of both the urban and urban competitions will be worth $8 million, reaching 73 high schools participating in the rural Headley Cup and 31 in the Grace Shield. The rural schools are split into 12 zones from A to L with the two teams from each zone moving on by a process of elimination to semi-finals and final in April.

Round one and two are single-innings games played over one day. The third round and semi-finals will be two-day, two-innings games, while the final will be two innings over three days.

Today's Headley Cup schedule: Cornwall vs Cambridge, William Knibb vs Herbert Morrison Muschette vs St James High in Zone A.

Zone C: Godfrey Stewart vs Maude McLeod, Little London vs Merlene Ottey.

Zone F: Manchester vs Bellefield, Balaclava vs Mile Gully, DeCarteret vs Cross Keys.

Zone I: Bustamante vs Kemps Hill, Vere vs Tacius Golding, Old Harbour vs Porus.

Zone K: Oracabessa vs St Mary High, Iona vs Tacky, Annotto Bay vs Brimmer Vale.

Zone L: Seaforth vs Yallas, Fair Prospect vs Happy Grove, Titchfield vs St Thomas.

Today's Corporate Area Grace Shield schedule: KC vs St George's, Waterford vs Norman Manley, St Catherine vs Wolmer's in Group A.