UWI Pelicans Celebrate Winning 2025 Intercol 13s Championship

The University of the West Indies are still celebrating capturing the 2024-2025 Intercollegiate 13s Championship. It marks only the second time in 15 years the institution has grabbed the coveted crown, having only won before in the inaugural Championship in 2011. This year’s Championship marked the first time 13-a-side rugby league has returned to Intercol since the abrupt cancellation of the 2020 season due to the Covid pandemic.

UWI’s win came at the expense of Mountain View based institute, Excelsior Community College, who were seeking their second 13s crown as well, winning previously in 2015.

This year’s final was played on March 22 and UWI dominated from start to finish, craving out a solid 40-12 win. For the winners, Donate Purcell was outstanding with 16 points from 4 tries, Aaron Manaseh contributed 10 points from 5 goals, Akeem Kitson 8 points from 2 tries and Lawrence Carter rounded out the scoring with a try.

UWI’s coach Andrew Dixon is still beaming from his team’s victory, “The victory was more than just winning a title, it was about pride, hunger, hard work, sacrifices and the belief the team had. We gave our all throughout the season and it was good to prove hard work pays off. Last year EXED got the better of us in the 9s Championship, this time, we came fully prepared. Our half back paring of David Williams and Akeem Kitson executed the team plan well and forwards Dontae Purcell and Lawrence Carter efficiently dominated the middle. Special thanks to our hydration supplier Gatorade who helped to fuel our success.”