RAYMOND GRAHAM, Star Writer

THE MICO University College captured their first Intercol netball title when they gave a dazzling performance at G.C. Foster College on Thursday to demolish defending champions University of West Indies 42-25 to capture the title.

Both teams, which included several members who represented Jamaica in England at the recent Fastnet competition, came into the game unbeaten. Two days earlier, the Conrad-coached UWI, led by brilliant plays from Nadine Bryan and Mylsha Kelly, coasted to a convincing semi-final win over G.C. Foster. Mico, based on their impressive win over UWI 'B' earlier, were given a bye to the final.

The Annette Daley-coached Mico, with national Fastnet players Vangalee Williams, Patricia McCalla and Vanessa Walker, were eager to avenge last year's defeat, despite top defender Kimone Tulloch not being available for the game. Both teams started the game shakily, making several early turnovers, but it was the defending champions who led 7-5 after the first quarter.

It was a different affair in the second quarter, and cheered on by their large set of travelling supporters, a clinical Mico took control. In attack, wing attack Walker, along with centre McCalla and impressive goal attack Kereisa Kesna, were unstoppable and the defending champions could not cope with Mico's slick passing. Bryan, who started at wing attack and was eventually switched to goal attack, could not produce her semi-final heroics, as Mico raced to an impressive 21-10 half-time, with UWI added only three goals to their tally.

In a bid to get back on even terms, Parkes made several changes to his team as Bryan was moved to goal attack. That did not stop Mico from controlling the game as Kesna continued to be elusive, playing majestically for Mico, as they stretched their lead to 20, leading 35-15 at the end of the third quarter.

Despite having their best show in the final quarter, where they outscored Mico 10-5, it was too late for the defending champions. Kesna, with 25 goals from 30 attempts, and goal shooter Sharna Carradice, with 17 from 19, top-scored for Mico, while Shadian Hemmings top-scored for UWI, with 13 from 25.

Winning coach Annette Daley, who is also the assistant national coach, was elated with her team's first success at that level.

"This is redemption for the young ladies as they came very close last year. We were determined to win this one, as three members of the team were playing for the final time and they deserved to hold the trophy before they leave," said Daley.