Fabian Ledgister, Staff Reporter

The fifth match in round two of TVJ's Schools' Challenge Quiz saw top-ranking girls team Wolmer's Girls struggle for a victory over Rusea's High, at 23-17. The Hanover-based Rusea's team surprised the seventh seed Wolmer's Girls with a competitive match that almost saw the underdogs rising to victory.

The first segment was dominated by Rusea's, who nailed all their visual questions, while Wolmer's girls lagged behind. The score at the end of the round saw Rusea's in the lead with seven points, over Wolmer's' Girls score of five.

The speed section was also a disappointment from the girls, as they lacked the cohesion shown in prior matches, losing precious seconds in indecisiveness and miscommunication. They managed to outperform their opponents, as they settled into the third minute, making more passes where necessary, and ending the round in the lead at 18 points. The Rusea's team was not being denied, however, as the impressive knowledge base of team member, Renee Sinclair kept them in the game at 11 points.

The buzzer section saw a strong and 'textbook' effort from Rusea's, as team captain Jermaine Young took charge of his team, ensuring proper communication and where necessary, restraint. With three correct and no incorrect responses, Rusea's had the Wolmer's Girls battling tooth and nail for the win. But the experience of the seeded team shone, as they collected their thoughts, made four correct responses (along with two incorrect ones), and took the match with a score of 23-17.

Despite their loss, Young was pleased with his team's performance. "Not a bad match. The questions were hard, but we were able to manage what we were trained for, and even though we lost, it was not because we didn't try," he nobly said.

The team's coach, Sharon Chambers, was not so optimistic on the match's result, citing disappointment in the results. "We didn't play as well as we could have. I think nerves got the better of us, and I'm a bit disappointed, but we can live with the results," Chambers said.

Despite his girls' lack of lustre this time round, the ever-humble team coach for Wolmer's Girls, Paul Thomas, decided to focus his comments on the commendable performance of their rivals.

"Rusea's team played us, they really played us ... This is a working progress for us, and we play each match as we get them. The good competition shows us that there is room for improvement," said Thomas.

Team member, Renee McDonald, who always makes a 'big' contribution to her team's success, said: "I'm a little disappointed. We played below our usual standard, but lessons have been learnt, and we will endeavour to improve and ensure success in our next match."

TEAM MEMBERS

Rusea's High: Angelo Grant, Andre Campbell, Renee Sinclair and Jermaine Young (team captain).

Wolmer's Girls: Jameika Jackson (team captain), Saunja Murray, Latoya Lumsden, and Renee McDonald.

Next Match: St. Mary High versus Norman Manley High.