Dragons Maintain Championship Pace as Thundercats Secure Big Win in Round Eight
KINGSTON, Jamaica — July 18, 2026 — The St. Catherine Thundercats produced a commanding attacking display, while the Liguanea Dragons survived a late challenge from the Duhaney Park Red Sharks as Round Eight of the 2026 Rugby League Jamaica National Club Championship (NCC) unfolded at the Cedar Grove Sports Complex on Saturday.
Thundercats Dominate Hyenas
Fullback Racheed Pencle led the scoring with a try and three goals, while Tyreke Hutchinson crossed twice. Jaiden Blake, Linval Green, Damoy Palmer, Tahj-Jay Lynch, and Dominique Myers also crossed the try line, with Brandon Barrett adding a conversion.
West Kingston’s only points came through hooker Anthony Allen, who scored a try, while prop Errick Groves added the conversion.
Thundercats captain coach Tahj-Jay Lynch praised his side’s intensity throughout the contest.
“We spoke before the game about setting the standard from the opening whistle, and I thought the players responded brilliantly. Our attack was clinical, but I was equally pleased with our defensive effort. It’s an important two points, but we know there’s still work to do.”
Hyenas head coach Robert Hawes admitted his team was second best.
“Full credit to St. Catherine—they were outstanding. We made too many errors and couldn’t build any momentum. The effort was there, but we have to be more disciplined and execute better if we’re going to compete with the top teams.”
Dragons Hold Off Red Sharks in Round’s Feature Match
Despite missing regular play makers Adrian Hall and Michael Pearson, competition leaders Liguanea Dragons maintained their unbeaten record with a hard-fought 18-16 victory over the Duhaney Park Red Sharks in the match of the round.
In a fiercely contested encounter between two of the competition’s top sides, the Dragons showed composure under pressure to withstand a spirited late fightback from the Red Sharks and secure their seventh victory of the season.
Fullback Demario Sappleton, hooker Akeem Kitson, and second-rower Hakeem Richards each crossed for tries, while Andre Lee added two conversions and Shevaune Campbell kicked a crucial penalty goal.
The Red Sharks responded through tries from Alex Williamson, Oniel Williams, Joseph Shae, and Shaqueil Pollack, with Adrian Thomas converting two of the four tries. Despite threatening to snatch victory in the closing stages, Duhaney Park were denied by the Dragons’ resolute defence.
The result extended Liguanea’s lead at the top of the National Club Championship standings to 15 points. Meanwhile, the Red Sharks slipped to third place on nine points after the JDF Warriors were awarded a 30-0 victory over the Washington Boulevard Bulls, who forfeited due to insufficient player numbers. The Warriors moved into second place on points difference, boasting a +103 differential compared with the Red Sharks’ +100.
Liguanea head coach Donovan Jackson credited his team’s composure in a high-pressure contest.
“We knew it was going to be a tough battle against a quality Redsharks side. The players stayed composed when the momentum shifted and found a way to get the job done. Good teams know how to win close games, and that’s exactly what we did today.”
Red Sharks head coach Jason Gooden took positives despite the narrow defeat.
JDF Awarded Points Over Bulls
The scheduled Round Eight fixture between the JDF Warriors and Washington Boulevard Bulls was awarded to the Warriors after the Bulls forfeited due to insufficient player numbers.
In accordance with National Club Championship competition regulations, the JDF Warriors received a 30-0 victory and the full two competition points.
JDF head coach Roydell Reid acknowledged the unusual circumstances.
“Obviously we’d rather earn the points on the field, but we’ll take the result and remain focused on preparing for the final rounds of the season.”
Washington Boulevard Bulls head coach Oshane Edie expressed disappointment over the forfeiture.
“It’s unfortunate we couldn’t fulfil the fixture. The effects of at least ten players defecting or being poached by other clubs since last year has finally caught up with us. We picked up some injuries last week and unfortunately that compromised us for this round, but we hope to regroup for next week.”
