Third time lucky for Longville

Richard Bryan, Gleaner Writer

If at first you don't succeed, then try, try, try. That is the maxim which underpinned Longville's 35-24 triumph on Sunday over Ricam of Mandeville to win the Juici Patties Clarendon Junior League netball title.

Third time was the charm for the netball team, which is based in the Longville Park housing scheme, just off the Salt River Road near Free Town, as they had been in the last three junior finals.

In 2008, they lost out to Tollgate and last year to Holmwood Technical B. However, Sunday's final was theirs to lose, having chalked up seven straight victories to finish unbeaten throughout the preliminary round. However, the two had never met as Ricam failed to show for their previous engagement.

From the moment they sank the first hoop, their lead was never challenged in Sunday's final as they romped to a victory that also won them qualification to next season's Senior League.

always confident

Ann Henry, player-coach and a former top player with Jamalco, said they were always confident but sensed the win meant new challenges.

"Our girls have been playing well, so we knew this year would be ours. Things will have to change though as to step up to the Senior League, we are going to have to get a coach and a manager to sort out the finance part."

She hopes members of the community will offer financial support. The team is one she feels will grow with time, as it fields a number of talented young players. Among its major players are Calise Campbell of St Andrew High, captain-goal attack Tashena Bloomfield, who also represents Jamaica Broilers; Sheil Owen, recent graudate of St Catherine High, and goal shooter Taneil 'Kimmmie' Roberts, formerly of St Jago High, and Andrea Brown, who represents Correctional Services in the JNA league.