File Photo: Miguel Lawes (Red Sharks) vs Lawrence Drummond (Bulls). Photo by Lync Crooks.
The 2023 National Club Championship Grand Finals (NCC) will once more be contested between Duhaney Park Redsharks and Washington Blvd Bulls after both registered wins over Liguaea Dragons and West Kingston Hyenas in semi-final action on Saturday at the UWI Mona Bowl. The showdown will be a repeat of the 2022 Finals.
The occasion mark Bulls second Grand Finals appearance, whilst Duhaney Park will be comfortable in their 7th consecutive Finals and 15th overall in 17 seasons.
In the first Semi-Final, the Oshane Eddie coached Bulls battled their way to hard fought 43-32 a win over West Kingston Hyenas. Bulls came out firing on all cylinders, racing to a 26-6 lead at half time. However, the Hyenas came roaring back in the final 40 minutes and almost pulled off the upset, however, the winners held firm in the final 5 minutes.
Edie commented, “I’m really pleased with the effort of the players and staff make it to our second Grand Finals, and I must commend the Hyenas for a well-played game, they finished really strong.”
Hyenas Head Coach Robert Hawes said, " I see a lot of growth in my team. We started slow in the semis and it costs us, it's a learning process, but definitely we are progressing, its our second consecutive semis and I am proud of the team. It's a good look for our community and schools. Well played Bulls and we hope for an even better 2024 season. Rugby League keeps imrproving in Jamaica and we are proud to be part of it".
Bulls Scorers: Tries: Howayne Mattis (2), Ronaldeni Fraser (2), Oshane Edie, Hakeem Richards, Shaneal Brown, Chevaun Smith. Goals: Shamoy Stewart (4), Edie. Drop Goal: Edie
Hyenas: Andrew Hylton (2), Neville Lynch, Raul Thomas, Omar Jones, Kamarine Williams. Goals: Damar McKoy, Hylton (2)
In the second Semi-Final, Duhaney Park came out convincing 56-4 win over the Dragons. The defending Champs scored at regular intervals and consistently snuffed the Dragons scoring opportunities, especially in the first 20 minutes. By halftime, the defending champs were in full ascendancy built a 26-6 lead. Red Sharks center Ryan Grant led all scorers with 22 points.
Coach Roy Calvert said, I must praise the team's defensive resolve. The Dragons threw a lot at us early, especially around the ruck area. We were on the ropes for a bit in the early exchanges, but the boys hung in there and kept turning up for each other. To be able to limit them to one try is awesome and I am proud.
Dragons Head Coach Donovan Jackson said, "The Red Sharks showed their quality and got a well deserved win. We will take a few lessons from this defeat and return stronger. It was a great season."
Red Sharks Scorers: Tries: Ryan Grant (2), Kenneth Walker (2), Akeem Murray, Javion Bryan, Tahjai Maitland, Chevaugn Bailey. Goals: Grant (7), Bryan
Dragons: Tries: Adrian Hall. Goal: Michael Pearson
The Grand Finals and 3rd Place is scheduled for Sunday September 31 at the Mona Bowl. The Red Sharks have beaten the Bulls twice in the round robin stages and are firm favourites for another hold on the title.