Kwesi Mugisa, Staff Reporter

PROMOTED ARNETT Gardens began life in the top flight of women's football on a positive note when they held many-time champions Harbour View to a 1-1 draw in the opening round of the Sherwin Williams Premier League at the Tony Spaulding Sports Complex on Sunday.

Sharika Duncan blasted home from close range to put the Stars of the East, who dominated the early proceedings, in the lead in the 30th minute. However, Arnett struck right back and levelled the score through Chavel Martin seven minutes later.

Disappointed coach

"You can't allow these teams that have so much community support to hang around in the game. They will get more confident as the game goes on, and that is what happened today," said Harbour View coach Vin Blaine. "We got our chances and should have put the game away in the first half. But we were selfish, didn't finish well and I'm very disappointed."

A rugged defensive display in the second half by the 'Junglists' reduced Harbour View's opportunities at goal significantly, but it took the heroics of goalkeeper Nickeisha Thomas to prevent a late winner for the visitors.

The keeper had to be alert as she hurled herself at a well-struck shot from Georgette White in the 80th minute.

'Solid start'

At the other end, Arnett could also have stolen the game but a tame shot from Martin, after collecting a cross from Kaydian Townsend, did little to trouble Harbour View custodian Teleshia Campbell.

"This was a very good result for us. We are coming from the A League so it's a solid start," said Arnett coach Mark Authurs. "We have a couple of thing to work on, in terms of strengthening our team, but I think we will be able to put together a competitive season."

Other results

In other games, goals from Venecia Reid (35th), Rochelle Bryan (65th) and Sherie Marrow (85th) led Portmore to a 3-0 win over Barbican at the Racing Playing field.

Reno were the day's other winner as they came from behind to clip Waterhouse 3-2 at Frome.

Karla Daniels put the home team ahead in the 26th minute, but Teshian Thomas levelled the score in the 39th and Kerona Williams gave the Drewsland team the lead in the 60th minute.

Late goals from Tashana Campbell (88th) and Shanise Thorpe (90th) saw the home team secure all three points.

In the A League, Olympic Gardens beat Seaview Gardens 4-1, while Trelawny Women and Meadhaven United played their way to a 1-1 draw at the Elliston Wakeland Centre.

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