DOUBLE WINNERS: Edwin Allen's triumphant Junior and Senior netball teams pose with their trophies after victory in their respective divisions in the UGI/ISSA All-Island schoolgirl finals at the Leila Robinson Courts yesterday. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

EDWIN Allen High were crowned all-island schoolgirl netball champions after defeating Dunoon Technical and Wolmer's Girls in the Senior and Junior finals of the UGI-sponsored leagues at the Leila Robinson Courts, yesterday.

The Clarendon girls, who were winning the national double for the second time, defeated many-time champions Dunoon, 30-26, to claim their fourth Senior title.

The Juniors, in an equally top-class display, earned themselves a third lien on the trophy.

"First of all I want to thank God for helping us realise our dream," said winning coach, Minneth Reynolds.

NEW HEIGHTS: Edwin Allen High School goal-attack, Tanisha Campbell (right), wins an aerial battle against Dunoon Technical goalkeeper, Melissa Hunter (left), during their UGI/ISSA All-Island Schoolgirl Netball Senior Final at the Leila Robinson Courts yesterday. Goal-defence, Tanisha Lamont, looks on. Rural area champions, Edwin Allen won 30-26 to clinch the double for the Clarendon school. Their junior team earlier scored a hard-fought 21-19 win over Corporate Area Junior champs, Wolmer's Girls. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

"We set out at the start of the season to play quality netball and to know that all that hard work has paid off is truly a great feeling," she said, after romping the Senior title.

"The girls were determined not to come to Kingston and lose and I knew they had it in them to pull it off," she added.

The Senior League final -- which pitted two teams that have been in outstanding form all season in their respective competitions -- lived up to expectations, with Edwin Allen showing true resolve to post a come-from-behind win.

In an efficient first-half display Dunoon, whose name is synonymous with high school netball, in quest of their 17th crown, dominated possession.

After scoring the opening basket, they kept the pressure and after trading baskets, held a 14-12 lead at the half. However, this lead was shortlived.

Edwin Allen, who came out blazing in the second half, eventually overtook their opponent.

They initially managed to tie the scores at 14-14, forcing Dunoon into numerous turnovers, then took the lead for the first time at 16-15.

This spurred Dunoon into action and at 18-17, they regained the lead, much to the joy of their vocal supporters, which included a large contingent from beaten Junior League finalists, Wolmer's Girls.

However not to be outdone, Edwin Allen launched a comeback of their own and after taking pole position for the second time, showed character, thus ensuring their journey back to Clarendon was a memorable one.

Leading the way for the new champions were goal-shoot Sophia Martin, who netted 11 goals from 13 attempts, and goal-attack Tanisha Campbell, who notched 19 from 29.

For Dunoon, Sophia Grant sank 18 of 21 tries and Linette Henry, eight from 14.

Clive Lloyd, coach of Dunoon, thought Edwin Allen were the better team physically, but said his girls, who are all expected back next year, fought gallantly.

"We made a spirited try, but I will not take anything from Edwin Allen, they played better than us, especially towards the end. I felt the stronger team would have won and Edwin Allen showed strength," he conceded.

In the Junior League final, Wolmer's, despite a heroic charge towards the end, could not withstand the efficiency of the rural champions.

After sizing up their opponents, Edwin Allen quickly took charge and at half-time held a 13-8 lead. This was maintained to the end.

It was the second straight year that a school from the rural area was taking the coveted double, as last year Denbigh High triumphed over Dunoon and Holy Childhood High, respectively.

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