“I am extremely satisfied with the performance of both teams and happy we took the decision to play rugby league. This achievement reflects the hard work of the students and coach and one that the school and wider community can be proud of.”
Those were the sentiments expressed by Principal of Maldon High School, Janet Manning, after learning her boys snatched both U16 and U19 honours in the inaugural Jamaica Rugby League Association’s Cornwall County High School Championship on Friday. The Championship, based around the north-west coastal town of Montego bay, attracted four schools in its first year, Maldon High, Herbert Morrison Technical High, Anchovy High and Cornwall College. The Championship, in the westernmost of Jamaica's three counties, was run on a 9-aside format.
U19 - MALDON HIGH 4-0 HERBERT MORRISON
Going into the final game of the day, Herbert Morrison was leading the points standing on 17 points and needed only a draw to take the title. However, Maldon smarting from an earlier 0-16 thrashing at the hands of their opponents came out with a strong defensive mindset and constantly frustrated their bigger and faster opposition with quick line speed and great broken field defensive plays.
Maldon’s aggressive defensive play paid dividends when they recovered a fumbled ball and sent it wide to their impressive flying winger, Kevon Greenfield, who made a scorching 40m run to score the games only try after 4 minutes in the second half. Herbert were brave in their attempt to rescue the game in the last two minutes when their own danger man Donovan Clarke broke down field and sprinted for the try line, however, Maldon’s cover defence got there just in time to effect the tackle and hold on for the win, pushing them to 19pts and securing the title.
Maldon High: Tries: Kevon Greenfield
U16 - MALDON HIGH 4-0 HERBERT MORRISON
Maldon secured the double when their U16s delivered another nail biting performance against Herbert Morrison. Both teams were locked on 16 points going into the final game and each went in search of the win. Herbert Morrison dominated with their bigger and faster players; however, they were unable to convert their dominance into points. Maldon broke the deadlock when 15 year old Chester Chambers scrambled over for the only score of the game, 5 minutes the second half.
Maldon High: Tries: Chester Chambers
Winning coach Damion Smith was elated: “Maldon performed admirably and have shown they have mastered the basics, so I am very happy.”
Meanwhile, Clifton Kellier, head of Pysical Education and Sports at Herbert Morrison was also pleased with his team’s performance and called for more teams in the West, “Our boys did well, they are new to rugby league and the tournaments have helped them to understand the game more. However we need more coaches in the western region to impart it to more schools and get more boys involved.”
The JRLA’s youth program is assisted by UK Sport's International Development assistance programme through support from IDS, the charity serviced and hosted by UK Sport.
Pictured: Maldon High go on the attack.