COVENANT Insurance Brokers handily defeated newcomers Kingston Bookshop 126-93 in the first round of the 2024 Winners Corporate Domino League on Friday, making their intentions obvious.

At the outset of the game hosted at 8 Norwood Road in St Andrew both teams fired warning shots, making it an even battle. Kingston Bookshop established an early 3-1 lead but it lasted only a few minutes as Covenant Insurance Brokers regained their stride and took the battle to the visiting team.

The ferocity of the battle was underlined by the match being tied 10 times, with Covenant Insurance Brokers leading 60-57 at the interval.

Covenant Insurance Brokers resumed fire on all four tables, establishing a 14-point lead over Kingston Bookshop at 81-67. Kingston Bookshop, despite multiple table chances, could not keep up with the host team, which stretched its lead to 25 points at 110-85 with 10 minutes remaining in the two-hour game.

Covenant Insurance Brokers cruised to victory with a 33-win margin, occupying pole position (on points difference) with three points, placing them ahead of National Commercial Bank (NCB) in Group A.

NCB had defeated Crystal Network Solutions 119-90 in their group match played at Mystic Sports Bar and Lounge.

Over in Group B, Spectrum Enterprise also got off to winning start when beating Digicel Group 102-100, also on Friday, at Mystic Sports Bar and Lounge. The match between The Bammaz Auto Shop and 876 Entertainment was postponed.

The top two teams on points allotted from each group will advance to the semi-finals. The third- and fourth-place finishers in each group will vie for a consolation prize.

The league continues Friday, March 22 with a full slate of matches.

Crystal Network Solutions welcome Covenant Insurace Brokers at Mystic Sports Bar and Lounge while NCB will entertain Kingston Bookshop at Wellness Centre at 13-15 Phoenix Avenue in Group A action.

In Group B, Bammaz Auto Shop travel to Ocean Boulecard; Waterfront face Digicel Group; and 876 Entertaiment host Spectrum Enterprise at Mystic Sports Bar and Lounge.

All matches are to begin at 6:30 pm.