Saturday September 18, 2010 remains a historic one when the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona Pelicans defeated the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech) Knights in the “Clash of the Titans” held at the Mona Bowl for Sporting Excellence. It was a day filled with fun, frolic, athletes and excitement. The day’s event consisted of five sports namely: Netball, volleyball, cricket, football and basketball along with a masquerade.  As was promised to sponsors, supporters and athletes the day was an exceptional one as it brought bragging rights, showed professionalism in sports and overall was a competitive arena. The crowd was massive superseding the expectations of the organizers and sponsors of the event. Throughout all of this there were no direct white wash of any team but a 4-1 demolition of the Knights by the Pelicans was just short of that. White wash or no white wash commendations are in order for both teams since the Knights competitively fought with all their stones, guns, ammunitions and reserves in every single match coming out victorious in 20/20 Cricket bowling out UWI for 74 while making 75 for 9 wickets with only 2 balls to spare so. Unfortunately or fortunately that was the last time the Knights fought their way to victory because from then on the Pelicans flew with Pride by winnings in 24–20 in netball 54 – 51 in basketball while taking volleyball 2 sets to 1 and a come from behind 3-2 in football with Anthony Grant scoring a hatrick.

So dominant were the Pelicans that even without winning all 5 competitions all 5 MVP’s were chosen from amongst them to cap off a day where even the unofficial dance competition was won by a Pelican, Stevonne Nugent. For the respective sections, Shane Brooks was voted MVP for taking a hat trick in a losing cause for the Pelican cricket team, while Keenan Taite shot 24 points to come out top of the basketballers. For the netball team Goal Defender Malysha Kelly got the nod ahead of everyone else, Zalika Paul was at her devastating best and Anthony Grant’s hatrick capped off the honour role for MVPs.

Whether one wore blue or yellow or the infamous red and white on Saturday the enthusiasm of the supporters and organizers was very vivid. The organizing committee was thrilled with the support. Both Director of Sports Mr. Dalton Myers and Assistant Sports Coordinator Rashid Hall agreed that the masses superseded their expectations and indeed their work did not go unsupported. In addition the supporters felt that this championship was a great one as it brought friendly rivalry while establishing a good relationship with both institutions.

The on the ground security was also exceptional with no major incidents and with only a few minor challenges from supporters and unauthorized vendors  campus security held on to their end of the bargain and kept the place safe, secured and on par for the entire championship. Furthermore the sponsors ensured that they were quite visible and accessible at the tent village or city. Students and supporters actively tried to obtain the prizes and surprises that the sponsors had to offer so there were those who sang, dance, or merely answered questions just to be in the winnings. The sponsors were not left to fend for themselves as the vibrant, talented and entertaining KiKi along with music from various selectors stared the ship to deck as two finalists from the  Magnum King and Queen competition rocked the supporters with their favorite tunes from the competition or otherwise.

Overall September 18, 2010 was a successful day with the coordinators of the event looking forward to next year staging but rather bigger and better with more sporting activities, massive promotions, careful planning, enthusiastic supporters, and committed sponsors at the University of Technology, Jamaica.

Shanice Tomlinson and Sasha-Gaye Fraser

UWI Sports Department Writers