Robert Bailey, Freelance Writer

TIVOLI COMPRESSORS won their second consecutive hold on the Jamaica Netball Association (JNA)/Jamaica Public Service (JPS) President's Trophy with a 41-24 thrashing of May Pen Steam Generators in the final at the Leila Robinson courts on Sunday.

The first half was evenly contested with Tivoli Compressors holding a 18-16 lead at the break. The west Kingston team extended its lead to 10 points at the end of the third period (29-19) before running away with the game in the final stanza.

Tivoli had earlier defeated Port Esquivel 26-22 in the semi-finals while May Pen stopped Alexander Electric Sparks 38-21 in the other semi.

Former national player Cleopatra Grant led the way for Tivoli Compressors with 26 goals from 31 attempts and received good support from Nerissa Gibbs (15 from 15). Marsha Murphy (22 from 29) and Shellena Williams (eight from nine).

Elated coach

Sylvester Campbell, coach of Tivoli Compressors, was elated with his team's performance.

"It's always delightful to win a championship," said Campbell, who is an international umpire.

"We started off a bit slow in the final because we had to play the semi-final on the same day. It was really a good performance by my entire team and I am really happy because the final score reflected that."

Winston Nevers, coach of May Pen Steam Generators, was not a pleased man after the final.

"I am really disappointed with my team's performance," Nevers, who is also the coach of many-time JNA Open league champions Windalco, said. "The team didn't play according to instructions. But I can't take anything away from the Tivoli team because they played well.

"I don't think playing the semi-final and final on the same day affected us because my team had done this before, however, we just didn't play well," he said.