The 19th National Club Championship (NCC) kicked off last Saturday with seven teams vying for rugby league supremacy in Jamaica.

The competing teams in this year’s installment of the top rugby competition in Jamaica see newcomers West Kingston Hyenas joining defending champions Duhaney Park Redsharks, G C Foster Lions, Liguanea Dragons, Spanish Town Vikings, Jamaica Defence Force Warriors and Washington Blvd Bulls.

West Kingston Hyenas were overpowered 34-4 by a slick G C Foster Lions outfit in the championship’s opening game. National player Antonio “The Destroyer” Baker did most of the damage for the Lions with an incredible 16-point haul from four tries. He got support from Stephen Scott with eight points from a try and a goal, while Clive Henry completed the Lion’s scoring with effort. The Hyenas battled gallantly, but only the experienced Ryan Hylton could muster a reply with his team’s lone attempt.

Game two was expected to be a close affair between Washington Blvd Bulls and Spanish Town Vikings. However, the Bulls came away with a comfortable 32-2 victory over their rivals. For the Bulls, Lawrence Drummond top-scored with eight points from four goals. He got good support from Orlando Messado, Shamoy Stewart, Kile Nembhard and Shaquille Pollack, with a go each. Spanish Town’s points came from Captain Raheem Sweeney, who kicked a goal.

In the feature game of the day, defending champions Duhaney Park Redsharks took the field against the Jamaica Defence Force Warriors. But it was a sombre occasion for the Redsharks who have been shaken by the recent sudden passing of teammate and national player Leon Thomas. The Redsharks built a 16-0 lead through bids from Mark Edwards, Jade Harrison and Ryan Grant, who also kicked two goals. However, with 15 minutes remaining, the army men dug deep and executed a blistering comeback through converted endeavours from Shamar Creary, Shaneal Brown and Edgar Herbine. Nickolai Kennedy top-scored for the winners with the three goals for six points.

The championship continues today with G C Foster hosting Liguanea Dragons at 4:00 pm. Meanwhile, there will be a double-header at Duhaney Park Mini Stadium,with the Bulls facing the Hyenas at 2:00 pm and the Redsharks taking on the Vikings at 4:00 pm.