The Liguanea Dragons maintained their perfect start to the 2026 Rugby League Jamaica National Club Championship (NCC) with a commanding 52-0 win over the West Kingston Hyenas in Round Five action at Up Park Camp on Saturday. Andre Lee led the Dragons with 20 points from a try and eight goals, while Shevaune Campbell and Akeem Kitson each scored twice. Tyrell Thomas, Michael Pearson, Hakeem Richards, and Randy Clarke also crossed as the Dragons improved to 5-0 and remained top of the standings.
Captain Michael Pearson praised the team’s depth following the victory. “We had a few regular starters out, so we’re pleased with the attacking output,” Pearson said. “It shows the depth in the squad and that our defensive systems are improving. If we can cut out some of the silly penalties, we’ll keep getting better.” Hyenas head coach Robert Hawes admitted his side were outplayed.
“All credit to the Dragons. We weren’t good enough and need to fix our discipline and execution,” Hawes said. The Duhaney Park Redsharks edged the JDF Warriors 22-16 in a closely contested fixture to move into joint second place. Oniel Williams scored twice for the winners, while Andrew Simpson also crossed, and Adrian Thomas kicked three goals. Shamoy Stewart added two points as Duhaney Park held off a late Warriors push.
JDF responded through Shezraye Thompson (try, three goals) for ten points, with Jowayne Forbes also scoring a try and Shemar Burrell adding a goal. Red Sharks coach Jason Gooden praised his team’s resilience. “It was a great win and a very tough game,” Gooden said. “All 16 players contributed, and our defense was key. We had a new halves combination, and they controlled the game well, and I’m proud of their effort.”
JDF captain Jerome Laird pointed to missed opportunities as the difference. “We got into good positions but didn’t finish our chances,” Laird said. “We’ll go back, fix the errors, and respond for the next game.” Defending champions St. Catherine Thundercats defeated the Washington Boulevard Bulls 34-12 to stay in the top half of the table. Former Bulls man Tyreke Hutchinson scored twice, while Racheed Pencle, Tahj-Jay Lynch, Geovaughnie Witter, Raheem Sweeney and Mark Thomas also crossed.
Sweeney added a goal, with Shevaughn Smith and Dominique Myers also kicking conversions. The Bulls replied through Reardon Grant and Ajani Palmer tries, both converted by Derone Plummer. Winning captain Tahj-Jay Lynch said the focus on intensity paid off. “We needed the full two points,” Lynch said. “We played with good intensity and kept pressure on them. There are still areas to improve, but overall, it was a solid performance.”
Bulls head coach Oshane Edie remains optimistic about his developing squad. “At halftime we were still in the contest, only down 6-14” Edie said. “We can see we are improving weekly, but we need to reduce individual errors and put together two consistent halves to get the first win we are after.”
ROUND SIX UPDATE
Rugby League Jamaica (RLJ) confirmed that, following the passing of national player Kenneth Walker, all six NCC clubs have agreed to share competition points for Round Six fixtures as a mark of respect and solidarity.
RLJ is encouraging the rugby league community to attend and pay tribute.
Scheduled Round Six fixtures were:
- Duhaney Park Red Sharks vs West Kingston Hyenas
- Liguanea Dragons vs Washington Boulevard Bulls
- St. Catherine Thundercats vs JDF Warriors
