JDF hit top form in Business House Volleyball

Keisha Hill, Staff Reporter

The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) who earlier last week withdrew from the Reggae Jammin 2008 Business House Volleyball League returned to the competition at the weekend and according to coach Gatasheu Bonner were back with a vengeance.

The Army Brigade, who were 2-0 winners over National Water Commission (NWC) and the Bank of Jamaica (BOJ), respectively, in their opening matches had withdrawn from the competition because of operational duties.

Bonner stated that after much negotiations they were allowed to re-enter the competition but with a few conditions.

"The JDF hierarchy reconsidered the move and a decision was taken to re-enter the team. However, based on the situation, we have had to cut our volleyball training considerably," Bonner said.

In Sunday's showdown, the JDF edged NWC 2-1 following a 21-5, 19-21, 21-6 win. They were also successful in securing further points as Jamalco were no-shows for their game.

"The re-entry of the team has definitely lifted the morale of the players. When the team withdrew from the competition, the players were a bit down. Now, the spirit of the team has been lifted and we are looking forward to the rest of the competition," he said.

In other games, Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts had outstanding victories with a 2-1 win over the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) in the male division. Having lost the first set 20-21, Edna Manley stormed back to take the remaining sets 21-17, 21-20.

Edna Manley were also 2-1 winners over BOJ. George Douglas was instrumental in his team's 21-16, 20-21, 21-16 win.

The third game in the division saw new entrants American Equipment Company (AMECO) going up against BOJ. The occasion proved a bit too much for AMECO who went down 2-0 following a 5-21, 13-21 loss.

However, AMECO performed better in their second match, despite going down 21-11, 21-20 to JUTC. In the mixed division, NWC had a 2-0 victory upset over JUTC.

Points Standings:

Mixed teams: JDF 6, NWC 4, BOJ 3, JUTC 2, Jamalco 1, Edna Manley 0.

Male teams: Edna Manley 9, JUTC 7, JDF 6, BOJ 5, NWC 2, AMECO 2.