BB Coke High school, led by national players Nassandra Miller and Yiana Wilson, won the 2024 Rugby League Jamaica Girls 13-a-side Championship on Wednesday at The Cedar Grove Academy. Playing in a round robin format, the St Elizabeth school secured wins over Norman Manley High and The Cedar Grove Academy to secure the coveted title.
The champions defeated Norman Manley 16-10 in their first game, with tries from Miller, Wilson, Talesha Russell, and Rickayla Rochester. For Norman Manley, tries came from national player Yashemer Briggs and Doniehsa Clarke, with Brittany Briggs kicking a goal. BB Coke then dominated Cedar Grove 18-0 in their second match. Rochester led with 6 points from a try and goal, whilst Russell, Miller, and Tanya Mckence each bagged a try. Norman Manley finished second with a 14-8 win over Cedar Grove. Their tries from Shereece Jemison (2) and Yashemer, whilst Brittany kicked a goal. Cedar Grove’s two tries came from Evanne Parchment and Zade Harris.
Winning coach Kamar Findlay is ecstatic for the win, “It’s a morale booster and we are excited! The entire team fired on all cylinders and it a big moment for girls’ rugby league with all teams fielding 13 players, it shows the growth of the program in the institutions.”
Meanwhile, in boys’ quarterfinals U16 action, Calabar High defeated St Georges College 18-4 to progress to the final.
For the winners, Chadwick Brown, Timari Johnson, and Jahzeel Francis each scored a try, whilst Shamar Walker kicked two goals. Meanwhile, for St Georges, Allando Williams replied with a try.
Kingston College had a bye in the quarterfinals and will face Calabar, whilst Cedar Grove progressed after Kingston High failed to show. Cedar Grove awaits next Thursday’s final quarterfinals when Campion College hosts BB Coke. The Semis will be contested on April 12 and the finals on April 18, venues to be announced.
In U14 action, Calabar overpowered Cedar Grove 26-4 and drew 10-10 with BB Coke. In their second match, BB Coke also dominated Cedar Grove 28-8. The schools face off again in round two on Friday April 12, before the top two meet in the finals on April 18.