Maldon High sweep Cornwall County Rugby League

BY PAUL BURROWES Observer writer

Monday, January 30, 2012

Maldon High School made away with both the Under-19 and Under-16 titles of the inaugural Cornwall County Rugby League High Schools Championships which ended on Friday.

Kevon Greenfield spearheaded Maldon High's 4-0 win over hard Herbert Morrison High in the final of the Under-19, while Chester Chambers ensured that the Maroon Town-based school also registered a 4-0 victory in the Under-16 category, also against Herbert Morrison High.

"I am extremely satisfied with the performance of both teams and happy we took the decision to play rugby league," said principal of Maldon High, Janet Manning.

"This achievement reflects the hard work of the students and coach and one that the school and wider community can be proud of," she added.

Four schools took part in championships, including Anchovy High and Cornwall College, in a nine-a-side format.

With 17 points and needing only a draw to take the Under-19 crown, Herbert Morrison were favoured to sail home especially after thrashing their counterparts 16-0 earlier. But Maldon High flaunted their defensive strategy which frustrated their opponents and they were buoyed by quick line speed and telling broken field plays.

Maldon's aggressive defence worked wonders and when they recovered a fumble and steered it wide to flying winger Kevin Greenfield, he rushed 40 metres to score the match's only try after four minutes in the second half.

Herbert Morrison High boldly attempted a revival in the last two minutes when dangerman Donovan Clarke broke down the field and dashed for a try, but Maldon High's cover defence, in the nick of time, effected a tackle to hold on for the win with 19 points.

In the Under-16 contest, menacing Maldon High young guns pulled off a thriller when both teams entered the final match with 16 points apiece.

Herbert Morrison High dominated possession with bigger and faster players, but failed to convert their chances.

Willing to show them the way was Maldon High's 15-year-old Chester Chambers, who scrambled over in-goal for the only score of the game five minutes into the second half.

Winning coach Damion Smith was very pleased. "Maldon performed admirably and have shown they have mastered the basics, so I am very happy," he said.

Head of physical education and sports at Maldon High, Clifton Kellier, was also delighted, urging more teams from western Jamaica to participate: "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 Jamaica Rugby League Association's youth programme is being funded by UK Sport's International Development.

The Surrey County Rugby League High Schools Championships will get under way on February 6, with teams from Kingston College, St George's College, Campion College, Spanish Town High, Calabar High, Greater Portmore High, Edith Dalton James High, and St Catherine High participating.