Last year’s champions, Jamaica Defense Force (JDF) took the second place; Circus Circle claimed the third spot and Sharpe’s Rebels retained their fourth position.
Kishawn Smith of Circus Circle walked away with the ‘Young Player of the Year’ award while Nicholas Beach of Raiders United was named ‘Most Valuable Player and ‘Leading Goal-scorer’ of the league, after scoring 13 goals. Kingsley Morris, coach of Raiders United, was awarded the ‘Coach of the Year’ award. Circus Circle was awarded the ‘Most Disciplined Team’ while Raiders United copped the Best Defensive Team trophy.
Michael Fennell, President, Jamaica Olympic Association and guest speaker at the presentation ceremony, said it was an honour to be associated with the re-emergence of men’s field hockey in Jamaica, especially with the recent international series wins over the Dominican Republic. He also lauded Guardian Life for coming on board at this critical time to assist in “making a dream a reality.� Mr. Fennell also warned that without hard continuous work, success would be limited, and warned that there is no place for complacency.
Guardian Life’s Corporate Communications Manager, Annette Atkinson, endorsed her company’s sponsorship of the men’s field hockey league by stating that “Guardian Life is committed to national development and we stand proud to support any effort that will ensure the development of our young people so that ultimately the black, gold and green will be boldly displayed on the international scene.�
Richard Shaw, President of Raiders United and manager of the national men’s team noted that the completion of a successful league coupled with the recent success of the national team in the Dominican Republic, marks the reemergence of field hockey in Jamaica. “It’s very rarely that we receive continuous sponsorship for the sport and we are indeed pleased of the interest that Guardian Life continues to show.�
