UWI, GC Foster to battle for Intercol netball title

New champions will be crowned in the in Intercol Senior and Intermediate netball leagues this Saturday as GC Foster College and the University of West Indies dominated their respective semi-finals at The Mico University College on Tuesday to book their places in the championship decider.

Defending champions, Mico, who have ruled supreme in Intercol netball over the past nine years, were twice beaten on their own court by GC Foster College as their run at the top came to a crashing end.

In intermediate ‘A’ action, GC Foster College ‘B’ easily got the better of Mico ‘B’ 30-19 while UWI ‘B’ edged Moneague Teachers’ College 30-19.

Among the Seniors, GC Foster edged Mico ‘A’ 48-47, and UWI, who were leading UTech 40-7 at half time, were awarded the match as UTech did not have enough players to continue after the break due to injuries to several players.

Tense fight

In Tuesday’s Senior feature, the new-look Mico ‘A’ team, which was hoping to turn the tables on their opponents after losing to them earlier in the season, their first loss in five years, did not concede their crown without a fight as fans were treated to an epic battle with both teams going toe-to-toe until the end.

Mico led 11-9 after the first quarter, but both teams went to the half-time break level at 21 apiece.

Powered by their large home support, Mico took control of the third quarter, as they outscored their opponents 16-10 to take a 37-31 lead going into the final stanza. They increased their advantage midway the final quarter as they went up 45-37 and looked like they were going to pull away for a win. However, the GC Foster College ladies kept their composure and forced Mico into several turnovers.

With the scores tied at 47-47, Mico got a chance to take the lead but turned over their centre pass, as GC Foster College took advantage to score in the final five seconds for the win.

The finals are scheduled for GC Foster College this Saturday, with Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College taking on Church Teachers’ College in the Intermediate ‘B’ finale at 1:30pm. UWI ‘B’ will take on GC Foster ‘B’ in the Intermediate final at 2:30pm while both institutions will also meet in the Senior final at 3:30pm.

The third and fourth place playoff will take place today at the University of the West indies. Moneague Teachers’ College will first battle Mico ‘B’ at 2:00pm before Mico ‘A’ play UTech at 3:00pm in the Senior game.