Alpha, Munro rule hockey turf

Keisha Hill, Staff Reporter

"THIS IS the first win of any sporting competition for Alpha this year," said Kirk King, coach of Alpha Academy, following their 1-0 penalty victory over St Andrew High in the girls' final of the Inter-Secondary School Sports Association/Jamaica Hockey Federation Under-14 competition at the Mona Astro Turf on Friday.

The game, locked at 0-0 after regular and extra time, saw Genieve Smith score during the penalty session to lift Alpha.

"The girls have been training since October with the Under-19 and the Under-16 teams. These experiences have taught them a lot and they have improved significantly," King said.

Good team

He stated that Alpha fielded a good team for the competition, but scoring was a problem throughout.

"The win for us is very encouraging. The girls feel a sense of accomplishment because they have been getting the chances to score over the entire year and have had numerous missed opportunities," he said. "This is a welcome win for the team."

In the semi-finals, Alpha defeated St Hugh's 6-1, while St Andrew High eliminated defending champions Papine High 3-1.

Despite the loss, St Andrew High took home the leading goalscorer title as Kamille Griffiths netted 12 goals for the season.

Boys' final

In the boys' final, defending champions Munro held on to their championship title, beating Tivoli Gardens High 2-1.

Leading goalscorer Amin Miller scored twice, increasing his tally this season to 11. Odean Elliot scored the lone goal for Tivoli.

Munro's coach, Fitzroy Rowe, said his boys adapted well as the entire team comprised new players.

"There is a high degree of excitement among them at this time," Rowe said.

In the semi-finals, Munro College defeated Papine High 2-0 and Tivoli Gardens edged Campion College 2-1.