JDF Warriors Upset Defending Champions as 2026 National Club Championship Gets Underway

JDF's Jowayne "Machine" Forbes

KINGSTON, Jamaica – May 31, 2026 – The 2026 Rugby League Jamaica National Club Championship (NCC) got underway on Saturday, with Duhaney Park Red Sharks, JDF Warriors and Liguanea Dragons all securing opening-round victories at the Mona Bowl.

The headline result of the day came in the second match, where the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) Warriors defeated defending champions St. Catherine Thundercats 40-28 in a high-scoring encounter.

JDF's attack was led by powerful forwards Jowayne Forbes and Shamarr Cueary, who each scored two tries, while Shezraye Thompson added a try and two goals. Courtney Dennis, Shemar Burrell, Najea Thompson and Demar Williams also crossed the line as the Warriors made an early statement in their bid for championship honours.

The Thundercats remained within striking distance throughout the contest, with Matthew Craig scoring twice and Geovaughnie Witter, Tajah Wilson, and twin brothers Shavaughn and Shevaughn Smith all registering tries. However, the defending champions were unable to contain the Warriors' attacking intensity and were handed an opening-round defeat.

In the day's final fixture, the Liguanea Dragons produced the most dominant performance of the round, recording a comprehensive 44-0 victory over a youthful Washington Boulevard Bulls outfit.

The Dragons ran in nine tries, with Shevaune Campbell and Romario Bartley each scoring twice. Demario Sappleton, Maliq Morris, Adrian Hall, Alexander Grant, and former Bulls players Hakeem Richards and David Williams also crossed the stripe, while captain Michael Pearson added two conversions.

Despite the convincing scoreline, Pearson believes there is still room for improvement.

"I think we came out well in the game, but there are some things to work on, particularly our adaptability to the renewed focus on fundamentals such as the play-the-ball. There were plenty of positives, especially our defensive effort. We laid an excellent platform through the middle and our backs consistently carried the ball to help the forwards. Overall, I'm very pleased with our first outing," he said.

Earlier in the opening match of the season, last year's runners-up, Duhaney Park Red Sharks, secured a 34-18 victory over the West Kingston Hyenas.

Centre Andrew Simpson led the way with two tries, while Shaqueil Pollack, Chevaughn Bailey, Luke O'Neil, Daniel Morrison and Andre McFarlane also got on the scoresheet. The Hyenas responded through interchange player Kemo Mitchell, who crossed twice, but the Red Sharks' strong first-half performance ultimately proved decisive.

Red Sharks head coach Jason Gooden was pleased with his team's opening result but acknowledged areas that will require attention moving forward.

"It was a game of two halves. In the first 40 minutes I was very pleased, especially considering some unexpected changes we had to make. The squad responded well and we gained control of the match. In the second half, we allowed the Hyenas back into the contest and credit must go to them for that. When we play direct and do the hard work, we create plenty of opportunities in attack. When we move away from that, it becomes more difficult. It's early in the season, so it's good to identify these areas now and make adjustments as the campaign progresses," said Gooden.

Hyenas head coach Robert Hawes remained encouraged despite the defeat.

"There are definitely positives to take from the game. We have several young players in the squad and they stepped up well, particularly in the second half. Defensively, we need to improve our tackling and line speed, and we also have to complete our sets more consistently. Those are areas we will continue to work on, but I was pleased with the effort and resilience the players showed," Hawes said.

The competition continues next Saturday at Cedar Grove Academy in Gregory Park, St. Catherine. Defending champions St. Catherine Thundercats will look to rebound against the Duhaney Park Red Sharks at 1:00 p.m., followed by the Washington Boulevard Bulls taking on the West Kingston Hyenas at 2:25 p.m. The day's feature match will see the JDF Warriors face the Liguanea Dragons at 4:30 p.m. in a clash between two opening-round winners.