Trinidad and Tobago’s Below-16 netball group etched their names into regional sporting historical past on Saturday, capping off an undefeated marketing campaign with a commanding 34-20 victory over St. Lucia to say the coveted Jean Pierre Caribbean Youth Netball Championship on the Wildey Gymnasium in Bridgetown, Barbados.
Their closing triumph topped per week of utter dominance, because the purple, white, and black-clad kids swept apart all opposition to convey the title again residence—after lacking out within the earlier version.
Beginning quick, ending robust
The ultimate showdown in opposition to St. Lucia started with an electrical burst of vitality. Barely 10 seconds into the competition, goal-shooter Tenicia Goodridge opened the scoring, setting the tone for what can be an assertive T&T efficiency. A minute and forty seconds later, goal-attack Shian Lewis added one other, and Goodridge swiftly made it 3–0, capitalizing on St. Lucia’s squandered early possession.
Although the St. Lucians fought again defensively—managing blocks and turnovers to path simply 8–6 after the primary quarter—T&T started to stretch their benefit within the second. At halftime, the scoreboard learn 18–13 in favor of the Trinidadians, who emerged from the break with renewed willpower.
By the top of the third quarter, the margin had widened to twenty-eight–14, and there was no turning again. With seamless teamwork and relentless strain, T&T coasted to a 14-goal win to seal the championship.
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An unbeaten journey of precision and fervour
The Makayla Grant-led squad accomplished the six-day event with an unblemished file. Their march to the title included emphatic wins over Grenada (30–19), Antigua and Barbuda (24–6), Dominica (44–13), and a crucial 38–22 conquer defending champions and hosts Barbados on Friday.
Their unbeaten streak not solely introduced silverware but in addition particular person accolades. Goodridge and Lewis led the cost in securing the Crew Capturing Title, registering 128 objectives—greater than another nation within the competitors. Barbados adopted with 120, with St. Lucia narrowly behind on 119.
Power in unity
T&T defender Aneisha Hyles captured the spirit of the group’s success in a heartfelt post-match reflection.
“That was the plan. We went on the market and executed that plan. The group was nervous initially however we got here collectively and refocused,” she mentioned. “Our coaches relaxed us and instructed us to not fear. They have been motivated from the bench and in addition our supporters. We now have no phrases proper now.”
Certainly, the composure from the sidelines and the roar of encouragement from the stands helped metal the younger group for the title push.
Honoring a legacy
The event carries a particular significance, named in honor of Jean Pierre, the legendary T&T netball captain who, in 1979, led her nation to a shared World Championship title with Australia and New Zealand on residence soil in Port of Spain. This newest triumph provides one other proud chapter to that wealthy legacy.
The victory was particularly candy after T&T completed a disappointing fourth within the 2023 version in Dominica. Now, only a 12 months later, they stand proudly on the summit as soon as extra.
Barbados edged Grenada 30–26 within the closing match of the event to safe second place.
