Sunday’s Marva Bernard Trophy win on Sunday, August 24 was a sweet victory for Jamaica’s Under-16 netball team but Head Coach Kerry-Ann Brown knows it is just the beginning. As she looks to the Jean Pierre Under-16 Youth Netball tournament next year, Brown is determined to build on the team’s momentum.

Jamaica’s Under-16 netball team won the Marva Bernard Trophy for the first time by defeating Norman Manley High School 39-26 in the final, held at the Lelia Robinson Court.

Kaelyn-Kendra Smith was a standout performer for the young Sunshine Girls, netting 37 goals from 44 attempts. Her teammate, Kheresha Reccoe, also made a significant contribution, scoring two goals from three attempts. For Norman Manley, Tannjah Smith scored 17 goals from 28 attempts, Ruth-Ann Anderson got five goals from nine attempts, and Jonielle Jeshuran scored four goals from four attempts.

The Marva Bernard Trophy is named after the former Netball Jamaica president, who played a crucial role in promoting youth programmes in Jamaica and the region. Bernard has been instrumental in developing netball in Jamaica, and her legacy continues to inspire young players.

“We were using this tournament as preparation for the Caribbean tournament next year. We got two weeks to start training with the ladies before the start of this competition, and I’m pleased with how they’ve adapted to the new tactics and strategies,” Brown told the Jamaica Observer.

As Brown assessed the team’s performance, she noted areas that needed improvement.

“The overall performance was good. Yes, there are areas that we need to work on going into next year’s competition, but overall, it was good. Given that we only had the girls for two weeks before this competition, I’m impressed. I believe that players need time to gel together, which is why I think that if we had more time together, you probably would have seen an even better performance from them,” she explained.

As the team looks to the future, Brown’s confidence was clear.

“We are looking forward to this Caribbean tournament. I know it will be challenging, but I feel like going into this tournament, we will be a cut above the rest, and I am sure we will come out victorious,” she said.

Despite the loss, Wayne Wallace, head coach of Norman Manley, was impressed with his team’s improvement since their previous match-up against the same opponents.

“We played this team on Wednesday, and they beat us by an even wider margin than tonight. But I think the girls did better tonight than they did then.” Wallace attributed the team’s struggles to their current lack of training, noting that the Under-16 team was clearly fitter and better prepared.

However, Wallace felt that his team came out slow, allowing the Under-16 team to build a lead. Although they managed to cut the deficit at times, poor passing and turnovers ultimately hurt their chances.

“Every time we cut down the lead, we would lose the ball due to poor passing, and our game plan would fall apart,” Wallace said.

Netball Jamaica president Karen Rosen Baugh praised the Marva Bernard Trophy tournament, highlighting the competitiveness and excitement of the games. “The tournament was really good. We had a lot of close games,” she said.

Rosen Baugh noted the growth of the tournament, from four teams last year to six teams this year, and expressed optimism about further expansion.

“Next year, we’re hoping to have as many as 16 teams, which we’re going to build out a little bit earlier,” she expalined.

This ambitious plan showcases Netball Jamaica’s commitment to developing the sport and providing opportunities for young players to shine.

The participating teams were Norman Manley, Camperdown, Jose Marti, Denbigh, Mile Gully and the national Under-16 team.

BROWN…the overall performance was good. Yes, there are areas that we need to work on going into next year’s competition, but overall, it was good (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

WALLACE…every time we cut down the lead, we would lose the ball due to poor passing, and our game plan would fall apart (Photo: Naphtali Junior)