DENBIGH, Clarendon — According to Coach Christine Bartley, this is not Denbigh High’s first time winning the ISSA all-island junior league netball title. But it’s been so long since they’ve won it she can hardly remember their last success.

The central Clarendon girls, the three-time defending rural area champions, bested urban area counterparts Gaynstead High 31-24 last Friday at the Juici Patty Complex in Clarendon Park to win the Under-16 play-off.

This was their third consecutive attempt at the title, after losing on the previous two occasions to The Queen’s School.

Bartley believes this triumph will now add further weight to Denbigh’s credential as a netball powerhouse.

“It’s really a good feeling to win both trophies this year,” said Bartley. “I think 2002 might have been the last time we won it, so you can just imagine how special this one is.”

“It’s history,” she continued, “and it’s branding Denbigh High even more as a netball school.”

Reflecting on the school’s overall performance this season, Bartley said indiscipline is the main reason the senior team has not won a title in the past three seasons.

They were upstaged at the semi-final stage this term by Titchfield High, who were eventually beaten in the final by Holmwood Technical.

“The juniors are more disciplined. They follow instructions more,” she told the

Jamaica Observer. “The seniors are very good tactically, but when you are undisciplined it tends to cost you in the game that matters most, especially when you are playing against good oppositions.”