Crystal's Nakia Nembhard (right) makes a good catch in heavy traffic during Wednesday night's 2009 St James Hart & Sons Senior League mid-season final at the Montego Bay Boys' Club Courts. Crystal won the game 34-31. - photo by Adrian Frater

Western Bureau:

Reigning champions Crystal captured Wednesday night's mid-season finals in the 2009 St James Hart & Sons Senior League when they blunted the challenge of Blazers 34-31 in their much-anticipated showdown, which took place at the Montego Bay Boys' Club Courts.

"I believe we won because we played smarter, made better decisions and force our opponents into making many errors," said Gina Haughton, captain of the Crystal team. "Crystal is a team of veteran players so for us to do well it requires much more than just physical skills."

In the first quarter, the youthful Blazers appeared quite sharp, unsettling Crystal with their slick passing, especially from the versatile centre Fiona Gibbs in mid-court. However, while they managed to establish a comfortable 9-5 lead going into the second quarter, numerous scoring opportunities were wasted.

Over-drive

Crystal started the second quarter looking quite clinical with veterans Gina Haughton (wing defence) and Suzette Virgo (goal defence) using their experience to unsettle the young Blazers. Blazers remained ahead, however, and led 14-11 at half-time.

The third quarter saw Crystal going into overdrive after Blazers switched the hard-working Latoya Ruddock from her customary defensive position into attack, allowing Crystal's 'shooter', Amalia Stewart, extra freedom under the hoop, which she utilised well. Crystal won the quarter 12-6, which gave them a close 23-20 lead going into the final quarter.

The final quarter was a ding-dong affair as both teams threw caution to the wind and went all out in attack. The game got quite physical and contentious at times but never lost either its intensity or excitement. In the end, Crystal managed to win the quarter 11-9, which gave them their 34-31 win and the mid-season title.

Stewart, who finished with 30 goals, emerged the star for Crystal alongside Haughton and Virgo, whose physical presence proved too much for Blazers. Despite their loss, Blazers got good service from Shadian Hemmings, who finished with 25 goals; and Nekeisha Ferron, who got six.

"We tried our best but today was just not our day," said Gibbs, who was the outstanding player for Blazers. "It is not the end of the world, we just have to regroup and get ready for the second round."

The second round will start on Sunday with a triple-header at the Montego Bay Boys' Club Courts. The games are as follows: Starlight Eagles vs Destiny (3:30 p.m.); Twelve Star vs Sting (5 p.m.) and Blazers A vs Pacers Juveniles (6:30 p.m.)