Manchester Spurs crowned Elite League champions after unbeaten season
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Manchester Spurs completed a flawless season in dominant fashion on Sunday, dethroning defending champions Kingston Hummingbirds 72-47 to capture the 2026 Red Stripe Flavours Netball Jamaica Elite League title at the National Indoor Sport Centre.
The victory capped an unbeaten campaign for the Spurs, who controlled the championship final from the opening whistle and never looked back.
After taking a 17-14 lead at the end of the first quarter, Manchester widened the gap to 37-24 by half-time before maintaining their intensity in the second half to secure a commanding 25-point victory and complete one of the most impressive title-winning seasons in Elite League history.
Kingston Hummingbirds, who entered the final as defending champions, were unable to find a response to Manchester’s relentless attack and disciplined defensive effort as the Spurs celebrated a deserved championship triumph.
Earlier in the day, St Ann Orchids claimed third place after edging St Catherine Racers 74-71 in an entertaining overtime contest. The teams were deadlocked at 58-58 at the end of regulation before the Orchids held their composure during the extra period to secure the final podium spot.
Netball Jamaica President Karen Baugh hailed the quality of competition throughout the season and said the Elite League continues to play a vital role in the development of the country’s top players.
Manchester Spurs’ disciplined performance throughout the championship final capped a perfect season and secured one of the most commanding title victories in recent Elite League competition.
“This season once again demonstrated the high standard of competition within the Elite League and its importance as a pathway for player development. Congratulations to Manchester Spurs on an outstanding performance this season and to all four finalists for showcasing the talent, competitiveness and future of Jamaican netball. We remain committed to expanding the league and creating even more opportunities for athletes to develop at the elite level,” Baugh said.
Red Stripe Flavours Brand Manager Arnaldo Martin also praised the newly crowned champions, saying their unbeaten title run highlighted the continued growth of the competition.
“Manchester Spurs’ achievement is a fitting conclusion to another outstanding Elite League season. We congratulate the players, coaches and officials whose dedication continues to raise the standard of Jamaican netball. We’re proud to support a competition that gives athletes the opportunity to perform, compete and inspire the next generation of players,” Martin said.
The 2026 campaign marked the third consecutive year of Red Stripe Flavours’ title sponsorship of the Netball Jamaica Elite League, underscoring the brand’s continued investment in Jamaican netball and the development of elite athletes across the island.
