Fabian Ledgister, Staff Reporter

School Challenge Quiz Teams. - ian allen

Manchester High showed why they are one of the stronger teams in the competition after registering an easy win over Dunoon Technical in the 25th match in round one of TVJ's Schools' Challenge Quiz.

With all team members retained from last year, including star pupil Raphael Ajodhiah, Manchester High racked up an impressive final score of 54, shadowing Dunoon's fair attempt of 18 points.

If the match were to be surmised from the first minutes of the match, it would seem Manchester High were in for a fight, as Dunoon displayed focus, communication, and a fair knowledge base. They kept the pace with their fourth-seeded rivals for some time, until Manchester kicked into high gear in the last seconds of the section and ended with a score of 11, ahead of Dunoon's six points.

The speed round belonged to Manchester High, who displayed almost miraculous synergy among team members, even finishing answers for one another.

Raphael's Buzz

Team captain Raphael Ajodhiah, stirred the TVJ studio into a buzz, when he single-handedly clocked 11 points in their second minute. Complimented by the mathematical prowess of fellow teammate Darren Gooden, the Mandeville- based school scored eight more points in their third minute, entering the exciting buzzer segment with 38 points.

Dunoon High played wisely also, quickly passing questions they did not know but in the end could only manage a score of 14 when the section was complete.

The buzzer section revealed Manchester High's impressive confidence in their knowledge base, as they destroyed Dunoon with their correct answers. Their rivals were mostly dormant for the round, but answered correctly three times and once incorrectly, ending with a final score of 18. This, however, was well below Manchester's 54 points.

Despite their considerable loss, team coach for Dunoon Technical, Aldith Douglas, was pleased with the team's performance.

"They played well and it was well tried. They showed confidence and gave of their very best. They could have been intimidated, but they stood firm, I'm proud of them" Douglas said.

Manchester's team captain Raphael Ajodhiah agreed with his competitor's coach, acknowledging the effort of Dunoon Technical.

"It was a good match ... congrats to Dunoon Technical for a well played match," said Raphael.

TEAM MEMBERS

Manchester High: Carson Watson, Ricardo White, Darren Gooden, and Raphael Ajodhiah (team captain).

Dunoon Technical: Hanif Palmer, Shevawn Smith, Shawna-Maire Garcia (team captain), and Kevon Dunkley.

Next match: St. Catherine High versus Maggotty High