CHRISTIANA, Manchester — It is often said that all victories are sweet.

The energy and effort that go into any competition will always be justified by the usually unrivalled delight one gets when a quest has been conquered.

Holmwood Technical, opened in 1936 and situated in the cool climes of hilly Christiana, is having its moment of sweetness.

In a quiet chat with the Jamaica Observer, Principal Paul Bailey explained that celebrations were warranted after the school dramatically won the 2013 Girls’ Championship title.

“This victory is especially sweet for us in that not many persons gave us a chance of winning. It was really a team effort. We won by only five points, so every point mattered. Many of the girls played a tremendous part in our victory,” he said.

Yesterday, the Observer witnessed an excitement-rich devotion session, characterised by a vibrant party-like atmosphere and punctuated by religious music selections.

There was a short visit from Member of Parliament Audley Shaw, who congratulated the newly crowned ISSA Girls’ Championship winners, but it was decidedly dominated by the almost unbearable effect of blaring vuvuzelas within the confines of the school’s auditorium.

At the end of the devotions, the seemingly impossible took place. The intensity increased!

The occasion for the all-out celebration was special on many fronts. It was their 10th overall Girls’ title, with the lone blemish since 2002, coming when Edwin Allen High triumphed last year.

Added to that astonishing record, the Holmwood unit was not expected to win this year’s Champs. In fact, many athletics pundits heavily stacked their chips in Edwin Allen High’s corner.

So when Bailey sported a wide grin for much of the interview, one could definitely understand.

He could hardly contain his pleasure while lauding the mental toughness of the female contingent of the institution, which owns the fitting motto ‘deeds not words’.

“Going into the final day (of Girls Champs) it looked very difficult. We are happy the girls reacted and dug very, very deep and we came out a winner. They were determined to win and we really admire that fighting spirit… that spirit that says never give up,” said the man, who has been principal at Holmwood since 1996.

Aside from activities on the compound, members of the respective boys and girls teams were allowed to parade through the town in a school bus motorcade.