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Following their inability to defend the Concacaf Caribbean Cup title, Cavalier FC’s Assistant Coach David Lalor has expressed the team’s determination to secure a spot in the Wray & Nephew Jamaica Premier League (JPL) final. This would pave the way for a swift return to the regional stage. The reigning back-to-back JPL champions secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Tivoli Gardens on Sunday at the Edward Seaga Sports Complex, marking their first clean sheet in six games this season. Christopher Ainsworth’s stunning free kick in the 76th minute and Jamilhio Rigters’ stoppage-time strike sealed the win. Lalor highlighted the team’s improved defensive performance and their focus on climbing the league standings. Despite their recent Caribbean Cup disappointment, where they exited at the group stage, Cavalier remains committed to reclaiming their dominance. Lalor emphasized the club’s broader goal of player development and securing opportunities for players to gain exposure. Meanwhile, Tivoli Gardens continues to struggle, with just one win in seven games this season. Head Coach Jerome Waite stressed the need for discipline and organization among his players. The team also faces emotional challenges following the resignation of long-time president Ann-Marie “Dawn” Heron. Waite remains hopeful that the players can overcome these setbacks and regain their form.

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) — Bernard Julien, the celebrated all-rounder and a pivotal member of the West Indies team that clinched the inaugural 1975 Men’s Cricket World Cup, passed away on Saturday night in Trinidad. He was 75 years old. A family member confirmed his death in Valsayn, located in the north-western region of Trinidad. Sir Clive Lloyd, the iconic West Indies captain, paid tribute to Julien, describing him as an indispensable asset to the 1975 World Cup-winning squad. Lloyd emphasized Julien’s unwavering commitment, stating, “He always gave you ‘over 100 per cent’. He never shirked his duties, and I could always rely on him with bat and ball. He gave his all every time…what a fine cricketer.” Lloyd also recalled Julien’s popularity and respect among teammates and fans alike, highlighting a memorable Test match victory at Lord’s where Julien spent hours signing autographs. Julien, a left-arm seam bowler and a stylish right-handed batsman, made his first-class debut at 18 and his Test debut for the West Indies at 23 during the 1973 tour of England. He quickly made an impact with a century at Lord’s, scoring 121 off 127 balls and forming a record partnership with Garfield Sobers. During the 1975 World Cup, Julien delivered standout performances, including a Man-of-the-Match display against Sri Lanka with figures of 4-20 and a crucial 4-27 against New Zealand in the semi-finals. Although he went wicket-less in the final, his unbeaten 26 played a key role in the West Indies’ 17-run victory over Australia.

Manchester City’s star striker Erling Haaland has attributed his phenomenal start to the season to the calming influence of his baby son, following his decisive goal in Sunday’s 1-0 victory over Brentford. Haaland’s ninth-minute strike, a testament to his predatory instincts, propelled City to fifth place in the Premier League standings. The Norwegian forward has now scored in nine consecutive appearances for both club and country, marking the longest scoring streak of his career. With 12 goals in nine matches across all competitions this season and six more for Norway, Haaland’s form has been nothing short of sensational. Tottenham remains the only team to have kept him off the scoresheet this campaign. Haaland, 25, believes he is in peak physical and mental condition, a state he credits to the birth of his first child in December. “I have never felt better than I do now. It’s about preparation, both physically and mentally. Having a kid has helped me disconnect from football and relax more,” he said. Haaland’s 18th goal of the season leaves Anfield as the only Premier League ground where he is yet to score. Reflecting on his goal against Brentford, Haaland ranked it among his best for City, praising his ability to evade defenders and convert Josko Gvardiol’s long pass with a clinical finish. “This goal is top for me because of the whole situation. It was a tough game, but we prepared well,” he added. Since joining City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022, Haaland has amassed an astonishing 94 Premier League goals in just 104 appearances. His performance against Brentford, despite their defensive tactics, has reportedly intensified interest from Barcelona President Joan Laporta, who views Haaland as a top transfer target. However, Haaland remains focused on helping City close the gap on league leaders Arsenal, who are three points ahead. “It’s not easy to break down a low block, but winning feels even better,” Haaland concluded. In other Premier League results, Aston Villa defeated Burnley 2-1, Everton edged Crystal Palace 2-1, Newcastle triumphed 2-0 over Nottingham Forest, and Wolves drew 1-1 with Brighton.

West Indies cricket legend Chris Gayle has voiced serious concerns about the future of the Caribbean team, warning that without strategic reforms, their struggles will persist. The Windies have faced mounting criticism following a series of poor performances, including a humiliating 27 all out against Australia in July and becoming the first team to lose a T20 series to Nepal. These setbacks have intensified scrutiny on Cricket West Indies (CWI), the region’s governing body, which held an emergency meeting in August to address the crisis. Attendees included former captains Brian Lara and Clive Lloyd, who discussed potential solutions to revive the team’s fortunes. Gayle, a two-time T20 World Cup winner with nearly 500 international appearances, attributed the team’s decline to inadequate infrastructure and poor player management. He emphasized that countries like India, England, and Australia thrive due to their robust cricket development systems, which the Caribbean lacks. Despite the challenges, Gayle remains committed to supporting West Indies cricket, expressing unwavering passion for the team. Following the emergency meeting, CWI announced plans for immediate and long-term reforms, including a mentorship program connecting former players with emerging talent. Gayle’s insights underscore the urgent need for systemic changes to restore the Windies’ former glory.

Jockey Raddesh Roman, affectionately known as ‘Sneaky Fox,’ delivered a spectacular performance at Caymanas Park on Sunday, securing his 100th victory of the season. Riding He Stands Alone in the fifth race, Roman showcased his exceptional skills in a Restricted Allowance V contest, which featured native-bred and imported five-year-olds and older horses. The race, held over a straight five-furlong (1000m) course, saw He Stands Alone, trained by Gary Crawford, clinch victory by a half-length ahead of Storm Boy and Jet Ski Girl, with a final time of 1:04.0.

Roman’s journey to this milestone began earlier in the day, where he secured his 99th win aboard Tigeramedat in the third race, setting the stage for his historic achievement. He continued his dominance by guiding Bootylicious to victory in the prestigious Nigel B Nunes Memorial Cup, a $1.25-million Division 1 sprint. Bootylicious, trained by Peter-John Parsard, finished three lengths clear with an impressive time of 59.3 seconds.

In Division 2 of the Nigel B Nunes Memorial Cup, Get A Pepsi, trained by Robert Pearson and ridden by Richard Henry, claimed victory by 2¼ lengths in 58.3 seconds. With these remarkable performances, Roman solidified his status as one of the season’s top jockeys. Racing enthusiasts can look forward to more thrilling action as the season continues this Saturday.