作者： admin

In a thrilling TT Premier Football League (TTPFL) Phase II encounter on December 12, Defence Force FC secured a crucial 2-1 victory against Prisons FC at La Horquetta Recreation Grounds through a dramatic late winner from Sheldon Bateau.

The match began with intense midfield battles before Defence Force broke the deadlock in the 37th minute. Adriel George demonstrated exceptional technical ability by creating space outside the penalty area after receiving a precise pass from Rivaldo Coryat, subsequently unleashing a powerful right-footed strike that found the left corner beyond goalkeeper Jabari Gray’s reach.

Prisons FC responded with determined second-half pressure and eventually found their equalizer in the 75th minute. Weslie John executed a perfectly timed diving header that connected with a low cross, beating Defence Force goalkeeper Isaiah Williams to level the score.

The match appeared destined for a draw until the 83rd minute when Sheldon Bateau rose magnificently to meet a corner kick with a glancing header that directed the ball toward the far post, securing all three points for the defending champions. Despite Prisons’ frantic efforts to find another equalizer in the closing minutes, Defence Force’s defense held firm.

This victory maintains Defence Force’s pursuit of a top-three position with 14 points, trailing third-placed Club Sando by just one point in the tightly contested standings.

In the earlier match at the same venue, San Juan Jabloteh claimed a dramatic 2-1 victory against La Horquetta Rangers through Kaseem Ballantyne’s extra-time winner. The match saw Malachi Webb giving Jabloteh an early lead before Kesean St Rose equalized for Rangers, setting the stage for Ballantyne’s last-gasp heroics.

League action continued through December 13 with matches at Ato Boldon Stadium featuring Eagles FC versus Central FC and AC Port of Spain facing Club Sando. The matchday schedule concludes on December 14 with Point Fortin Civic hosting 1976 Phoenix FC and league leaders Police FC meeting Caledonia AIA at Mahaica Sports Complex.

The West Indies Test cricket team is confronting one of its most devastating periods in recent history, having suffered six defeats in seven matches throughout 2025. This alarming regression has triggered intense scrutiny of leadership decisions and selection policies that appear to be undermining the team’s competitive foundation.

The most recent collapse occurred during the second Test against New Zealand, where the Caribbean squad succumbed to a nine-wicket defeat within three days. This performance exemplifies a dramatic reversal from the team’s promising position just months earlier, when they achieved a historic victory against Australia on foreign soil and demonstrated formidable resistance against India.

Cricket analyst Andre Lawrence identifies ‘chaotic selection policy’ as the primary catalyst for the current crisis. ‘What we’re witnessing is complete selection chaos that has evolved into an outright disaster,’ Lawrence stated. ‘The entire middle order, with the sole exception of Shai Hope, has appeared fundamentally dismal. There exists no stability, no clearly defined roles—just perpetual change.’

The team’s downward spiral coincides precisely with the April appointment of former West Indies captain Darren Sammy as head coach. Sammy replaced Andre Coley, who departed following the landmark Australian victory and a subsequent series draw against Pakistan. Under Sammy’s leadership, the team has endured a 3-0 whitewash against Australia—including a record-low score of 27 in the third Test—plus a 2-0 defeat to India before the recent New Zealand setback.

Lawrence criticizes Sammy’s attempt to implement an aggressive, Bazball-inspired methodology, arguing that the integration of T20 specialists into Test cricket has proven fundamentally misguided. ‘Test cricket demands an entirely different psychological approach and strategic mindset than limited-overs formats,’ Lawrence explained. ‘T20 cricketers are mentally conditioned to perform within eight to ten overs maximum. You cannot transplant that mentality into five-day cricket and anticipate success.’

The analyst further highlighted concerning patterns in specialist position management, noting detrimental changes among openers, middle-order batsmen, and wicketkeepers. Lawrence also questioned the wisdom of granting Sammy comprehensive authority over all formats and selection decisions, given his limited coaching credentials.

Cricket West Indies president Dr. Kishore Shallow has expressed dissatisfaction with team performance but publicly affirmed his support for Sammy during recent radio interviews. Despite this institutional backing, Lawrence emphasizes that accountability remains paramount in international sports. ‘Everybody must answer for their results,’ he asserted. ‘The fact that we’ve experienced thirty years of disappointment does not justify continued failure.’

The timing of this crisis proves particularly concerning as it coincides with the beginning of a new ICC Test cycle. Lawrence warns that discarding established players during their prime could jeopardize the development of emerging talent, potentially condemning West Indies cricket to extended periods of irrelevance unless immediate corrective measures are implemented.

In a stunning display of athletic prowess, University of Indianapolis swimmer Zachary Anthony made history at the Invitational Age Group Championships in Balmain, Couva on December 13. The emerging talent demolished a quarter-century-old national record in the 15 and over men’s 800-meter freestyle event, clocking an impressive 8:39.04 at the National Aquatic Centre.

Anthony’s remarkable performance surpassed the previous benchmark of 8:40.64 established by swimming legend George Bovell III back in June 2000. Despite this extraordinary achievement, Anthony’s time only met the CARIFTA B standard of 9:02.27, highlighting the exceptionally high caliber of regional competition.

The championship witnessed multiple standout performances beyond Anthony’s record-breaking swim. Marlins’ Isaiah Alexander secured second place with 9:30.28, nearly a full minute behind Anthony, while Khadeem Brathwaite claimed third with 9:38.05.

Two additional swimmers achieved the prestigious CARIFTA A standards in their respective categories. Eleven-year-old Zahara Anthony of Marlins dominated the 11-12 girls 200m freestyle with a time of 2:17.49, narrowly beating the A standard of 2:17.52. Meanwhile, RWB Aquatics’ Jadon Ramdeen, 14, delivered a commanding performance in the 13-14 boys’ 400m individual medley, finishing in 4:59.00 flat and easily surpassing the 5:02.10 A standard requirement.

The competition also saw nine swimmers achieving CARIFTA B standards across various disciplines. Notable performances included Marlins’ Marena Martinez who secured B standards in both the 13-14 girls 800m free (9:46.46) and 200m free (2:15.67). Tennessee-based sensation Nikoli Blackman earned a B standard in the boys 15 and over 200m freestyle with a winning time of 1:52.95.

The 11-12 boys 200m freestyle event proved particularly competitive with the top four finishers—Xaiden Valentine (2:11.81), Ethan Chu Fook (2:14.23), Khristian Allen (2:14.32), and Nikosi Baptiste (2:18.52)—all achieving B standard times.

Competition continues on December 14 with anticipation building for further exceptional performances from these emerging aquatic talents.

In a dynamic opening to the East-West Corridor Football League, Simeon Road FC showcased strategic prowess with a decisive 3-1 victory over Young Lions at Hasely Crawford Stadium on December 12. The match highlighted a blend of experienced tactics and emerging talent, setting the tone for the competition’s North Zone standings.

Simeon Road FC, under the guidance of former national player Keron “Ball Pest” Cummings, dominated early with two rapid goals. Clevon McFee secured an eighth-minute penalty kick, followed by Jamel Oliver’s clinical finish ten minutes later, exploiting defensive gaps in Young Lions’ lineup. Despite a spirited response from Young Lions’ Venezuelan midfielder Jose Enrique in the 27th minute, Simeon Road FC maintained control. Jamarli Mootoo sealed the victory with a refined second-half goal, earning acclaim from Cummings for his potential.

Meanwhile, Tinto Academy ascended to the North Zone lead uncontested after San Juan/Santa Cruz forfeited their match, resulting in a default 3-0 win. Academy director Hayden Tinto expressed disappointment over the missed gameplay opportunity but acknowledged the strategic advantage gained. Tinto’s squad, featuring talents from the Secondary Schools’ Football League, anticipates fierce competition from rivals like Simeon Road FC.

Both coaches emphasized the league’s community impact, with Cummings describing coaching as a legacy-building endeavor and Young Lions’ coach Brent Perez framing his role as patriotic service. Perez, preparing his youthful team for U20 division entry in 2026, acknowledged the experience gap in the loss but remained optimistic about future matches.

The event underscored the league’s role in nurturing regional football talent while fostering mentorship and national pride.

The RBC Junior Tennis Tournament launched with intense competition at Trinidad’s National Racquet Centre in Tacarigua on December 13, featuring impressive performances from seeded players across multiple age divisions.

In the Boys’ Under-10 category, top-ranked Ryan Chin secured a hard-fought victory against Hugh Hadeed with a dramatic 2-1 result. After claiming the opening set, Chin faced stiff resistance in the second, falling 2-4 before ultimately prevailing in an extended tie-break at 12-10. Third seed Zephaniah Scipio demonstrated remarkable resilience, recovering from an initial set loss to overcome Lucas Young. Scipio dropped the first set 2-4 but mounted a successful comeback, taking the second 4-2 and clinching the match with an 11-9 tie-break triumph.

Additional Under-10 victories saw James Rostant achieve a decisive 4-1, 5-3 win against Collin Chan, while Liam Gaston-Johnston delivered a flawless performance with a double 4-0 victory over Christopher Craig.

The Boys’ Under-18 division witnessed commanding displays from seeded competitors. Second seed Christopher Khan dominated Javed Dowlat with an emphatic 6-1, 6-0 straight-sets victory. Similarly, third seed Jovan Garibana showcased his prowess with an identical 6-1, 6-0 win against Jaiden Gormandy. Oliver Harrigan engaged in a three-set thriller against Jacob Jacelon, ultimately securing victory with scores of 6-2, 1-6, 12-10.

Girls’ Under-14 matches featured several standout performances. Keyah Roberts demonstrated superior technique with a 6-2, 6-1 win against Jadia-Marie Highly, while Anaya Roberts claimed victory over Destine’E Antoine at 6-1, 6-3. Annabelle Stanislaus delivered a perfect performance with a double 6-0 victory against Reena Dougdeen, and Teijha Wellington triumphed over Laurielle Williams 6-0, 6-3.

Tournament action continues on December 14 with additional matches across all divisions.

Trinidad and Tobago’s emerging swimming sensation Liam Carrington has delivered an extraordinary performance at the prestigious Speedo Winter Junior Swim Championships in Indianapolis, securing an impressive collection of five medals between December 10-13. The young athlete, representing the Bolles School Sharks, demonstrated exceptional versatility and competitive excellence throughout the four-day competition.

Carrington’s most remarkable achievement came in the men’s 200-meter freestyle event, where he captured gold with a dominant performance clocking 1:32.88 in the A final. This standout victory highlighted his individual prowess and technical mastery in the pool.

The talented swimmer commenced his medal campaign with a bronze in the 200m medley relay, collaborating with teammates Krish Jain, George Dovellos, and Lucas Young to achieve a time of 1:27.29. Later that same day, Carrington contributed significantly to Bolles’ gold medal victory in the 800m freestyle relay, partnering with Dovellos, Camp Hartman, and Noah Stotler to record a winning time of 6:26.74. His remarkable 1:33.80 split time emerged as the fastest individual performance in the entire event.

Carrington’s success continued on December 11 when he secured another gold medal as part of the triumphant 400m medley relay team, joining forces with Jain, Prakhanthi Rai, and Dovellos to finish in 3:09.79. Additionally, he demonstrated his consistency by placing fourth in the highly competitive 200m individual medley A final with a time of 1:44.52.

On December 12, the Trinidad and Tobago athlete expanded his medal collection with a silver in the 200m freestyle relay, as the Bolles quartet completed the event in 1:20.02. With events remaining including the 100m freestyle and 200m backstroke, Carrington positioned himself to potentially augment his already impressive medal tally as the championships progressed.

Trinidad and Tobago has long demonstrated exceptional prowess across diverse domains including music, arts, and athletics, producing world-renowned competitors like Ato Boldon, Russel Latapy, and Keshorn Walcott. Despite this rich talent reservoir, the nation has historically lacked robust support infrastructures to nurture emerging sports professionals. Addressing this critical gap, Beyond the Game officially launched on November 22nd as a development-focused NGO operating primarily in Point Fortin and Cedros.

Co-founders Khari Denoon and Dominic Kalpoo established the organization to bridge institutional divides between promising athletes and essential resources. Unlike conventional sports agencies, Beyond the Game operates without contractual obligations or commercial representation, focusing instead on creating ecosystems where young talents can thrive. The initiative provides structured guidance, connects participants with clubs, educational institutions, healthcare professionals, and facilitates exposure to scouts and sponsors.

Denoon emphasized the program’s comprehensive approach, addressing systemic challenges including inadequate mentoring, financial constraints, injury prevention, and life skills development. The organization currently supports multiple disciplines including football, track and field, netball, swimming, volleyball, basketball, tennis, table tennis, paralympic sports, and combat sports.

Funding is secured through private sector partnerships and donor contributions, ensuring zero participation costs for athletes. The launch event at South West Regional Indoor Sporting Arena featured interactive sessions with financial institutions, medical professionals, lawyers, sports therapists, and accomplished athletes, with Point Fortin MP Ernesto Kesar in attendance.

The organization is now implementing grassroots outreach through schools, community groups, and digital platforms to enroll young athletes, with ambitions to expand regionally beyond its current operational zones.