Dragons Extend Perfect Run, Red Sharks Upset Warriors, And Thundercats Take Out Bulls in National Club Championship Round Five

Dragon's Rohan Dwyer in full flight supported by Akeem Kitson

KINGSTON, Jamaica — June 27, 2026 — The Liguanea Dragons continued their unbeaten march through the 2026 Rugby League Jamaica National Club Championship (NCC), while the Duhaney Park Red Sharks handed the JDF Warriors a second defeat of the season and the defending champions St. Catherine Thundercats returned to winning form as Round Five action unfolded at Up Park Camp on Saturday.

The Dragons remain the competition’s only unbeaten side after dismantling the West Kingston Hyenas 52-0 in another commanding display that further reinforced their championship credentials. The victory marked Liguanea’s fifth straight win and saw them extend their lead at the top of the standings, boasting both the competition’s most prolific attack and tightest defence.

Winger Andre Lee was again instrumental, contributing a match-high 20 points through a try and eight goals. Centres Shevaune Campbell and hooker Akeem Kitson each crossed twice, while Tyrell Thomas, Michael Pearson, Hakeem Richards and interchange forward Randy Clarke also added tries as the Dragons controlled the contest from start to finish.

Defensively, Liguanea were equally dominant, keeping the Hyenas scoreless for the full 80 minutes and recording their second shutout of the campaign.

Captain Michael Pearson praised the team’s depth following the victory.

“We had a few regular starters out, so we’re pleased with the attacking output,” Pearson said. “It shows the depth in the squad and that our defensive systems are improving. If we can cut out some of the silly penalties, we’ll keep getting better.”

West Kingston struggled to gain field position throughout and were unable to break down the Dragons’ structured defensive line. Their difficulties were compounded by disciplinary issues, with Ricardo Richards, Andrew Hylton and Theodore Walters all dismissed for unsportsmanlike conduct and now facing potential suspensions.

Hyenas head coach Robert Hawes admitted his side fell well below standards.

“All credit to the Dragons, they were the better team,” Hawes said. “We lacked consistency and discipline, and we paid the price.”

The round’s most competitive fixture saw the Duhaney Park Red Sharks edge the JDF Warriors 22-16 to strengthen their position in the top half of the table, moving to six points and joint second place.

Centre Oniel Williams led the way with two tries, while Adrian Thomas added three goals. Andrew Simpson and Shamoy Stewart also crossed in a disciplined attacking performance that proved just enough to hold off a strong Warriors challenge.

The JDF Warriors remained in contention throughout, with Shezraye Thompson contributing a try and three goals for ten points. Winger Jowayne Forbes also scored, while Shemar Burrell added a goal as the Warriors pushed the Red Sharks deep into the closing stages.

Despite late pressure, Duhaney Park held firm defensively to secure a valuable two points.

Red Sharks coach Jason Gooden praised his team’s resilience.

“It was a great win and a very tough game,” Gooden said. “All 16 players contributed, and our defence was key. The new halves combination of Tajhai Maitland and Shamoy Stewart controlled the game well, and I’m proud of their effort.”

JDF captain Jerome Laird pointed to missed opportunities as the difference.

“We got into good positions but didn’t finish our chances,” Laird said. “We’ll go back, fix the errors, and respond better in our next game.”

In the final match of the round, defending champions St. Catherine Thundercats produced a controlled performance to defeat an improving Washington Boulevard Bulls 34-12 and move into fourth place on the ladder with four points.

Former Bulls player Tyreke Hutchinson led the way with two tries, while Racheed Pencle, Tahj-Jay Lynch, Geovaughnie Witter, Raheem Sweeney and Mark Thomas also crossed in a balanced attacking display. Sweeney added a conversion, with Shevaughn Smith and Dominique Myers also contributing from the boot.

The Bulls showed attacking promise through tries from Reardon Grant and Ajani Palmer, both converted by Derone Plummer, but were unable to consistently contain the structured Thundercats attack.

Winning captain Tahj-Jay Lynch said the focus on intensity paid off.

“We needed the full two points,” Lynch said. “We played with good intensity and kept pressure on them. There are still areas to improve, but overall, it was a solid performance.”

Meanwhile, Bulls head coach Oshane Edie remains optimistic about his developing squad.

“At halftime we were still in the contest,” Edie said. “We’re improving weekly, but we need to reduce individual errors and put together two consistent halves.”

Round Six Competition Update

Rugby League Jamaica (RLJ) has confirmed that, following the passing of national player Kenneth Walker, all six National Club Championship (NCC) clubs met and agreed to share competition points for Round Six fixtures as a gesture of solidarity and respect.

RLJ is encouraging all players, officials, and members of the rugby league community to attend and pay their respects as the sport comes together to honour Walker’s contribution to Jamaican rugby league.

The scheduled Round Six fixtures were:

• Duhaney Park Red Sharks vs West Kingston Hyenas

• Liguanea Dragons vs Washington Boulevard Bulls

• St. Catherine Thundercats vs JDF Warriors