By Phil Caplan, Date: 26/9/13
DUHANEY PARK RED SHARKS 28 VAUXHALL VULTURES 23 – Red Stripe Football Field, Kingston
A terrific score from Nathan Campbell and late try saving tackle by Robert Rodney saw Duhaney Park Red Sharks secure a 28-23 victory over defending champions Vauxhall Vultures in a thrilling JRLA National Club Championship Grand Final.
The Red Sharks started out brightly but could not capitalise, a strong run from Vultures full back Everton Richards leading to Mohenjo Thompson kicking a penalty to give the holders an early lead.
Three minutes later, Sharks were again guilty of holding down and Thompson punished them with two more points and added a field goal.
Duhaney Park finally got on the scoreboard when speedster Fabion Turner darted over in the tenth minute after picking up a loose pass.
In a nip-and-tuck encounter, Vauxhall replied with a try from bustling second rower Jahdeek Clarke but Sharks dominated the remainder of the half and posted three tries courtesy of Campbell, Rodney and Andre Reid to lead 16-9 at the break.
Vauxhall dominated the opening exchanges of the second period, winger Andrew Hylton crossing to narrow the gap to three points.
Jermaine Pinnock replied with a converted try for the Sharks but Vauxhall hit back with two quickfire touchdowns to Richards and Hylton to claim a narrow 23-22 lead.
Duhaney Park regained their composure and scored against the run of play when Campbell burst through several tackles and raced 40 meters for his second try between the posts, goaled by Kemoy White, ten minutes from time.
In a desperate finish, Vauxhall should have scored in the 75th minute when Kemar Gray went over the try line however he failed to see winger Rodney who dislodged the ball.
That play sealed the Championship for Duhaney Park who claimed their second title in three years.
DUHANEY PARK RED SHARKS 28
Tries: Jermaine Pinnock, Fabion Turner, Robert Rodney, Andre Reid, Nathan Campbell 2
Goals: Kemoy Whyte 2
VAUXHALL VULTURES 23
Tries: Everton Richards, Andrew Hylton 2, Jahdeek Clarke
Goals: Mohenjo Thompson 3
Field Goal 1
