Saint Lucia is poised to usher in a transformative era for its domestic cricket scene with the comprehensive overhaul of the Saint Lucia Cricket High Performance Centre (SLCHPC). Wayne Auguste, President of the Saint Lucia National Cricket Association, has announced that the centre will soon receive advanced technical support, aligning it with international standards. This initiative, launched in partnership with the Government of Saint Lucia in 2023, aims to nurture young talent and provide a clear pathway to professional cricket. Auguste highlighted that the enhanced programme will benefit both current and future participants, mirroring the success of his son, Ackeem Auguste, a rising star in Saint Lucian and West Indies cricket. Speaking at the launch of the National Under-13 tournament, Auguste expressed confidence in the nation’s cricketing talent, stating, ‘Saint Lucia is on fire in terms of the talent that we have.’ He revealed plans to align the SLCHPC’s programme with the West Indies Cricket Board’s standards, ensuring that young athletes receive world-class training. Auguste also called on coaches to prepare for the upcoming changes, emphasizing the need for upskilling to meet the demands of a high-performance environment. With Saint Lucia serving as a key feeder country for West Indies cricket and the potential inclusion of cricket in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Cricket Saint Lucia is charting a strategic course for sustained success.
分类: sports
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Windies lose opening ODI vs Bangladesh by 74 runs
In a commanding display of cricketing prowess, Bangladesh secured a decisive 74-run victory over the West Indies in the opening match of their three-match ODI series on October 18 in Mirpur. Opting to bat first after losing the toss, Bangladesh faced early setbacks as their openers, Soumya Sarkar and Said Hosein, fell cheaply within the first three overs. However, resilient performances from Towhid Hridoy (51), Mahidul Islam Ankon (46), and Najmul Hossain Shanto (32) steadied the innings, with late contributions from Rishad Hossain (26) and skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz (17) pushing the total to 207. The West Indies’ bowling attack, led by Jayden Seales (3/48), Justin Greaves (2/32), and Roston Chase (2/30), showed promise but couldn’t contain the hosts. Chasing 208, the West Indies began strongly with openers Brandon King (44) and Alick Athanaze (27) laying a solid foundation. However, the middle and lower order crumbled under pressure, with Rishad Hossain’s exceptional 6/35 dismantling the visitors. The West Indies were eventually bowled out for a mere 133 in 39 overs. The second ODI is scheduled for October 21, with Bangladesh looking to extend their lead in the series.
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Carter swims to World Cup 50m freestyle bronze
Trinidad and Tobago’s swimming sensation, Dylan Carter, continued his impressive run at the 2025 World Aquatics Swimming World Cup by clinching a bronze medal in the men’s 50-metre freestyle event. The achievement came during the second leg of the competition held in Westmont, Illinois, USA, on October 17. Carter, who had already set the fastest qualifying time of 20.97 seconds in the heats, further improved his performance in the final, clocking 20.89 seconds while swimming from lane four. However, he was narrowly edged out by Canadian swimmers Ilya Kharun and Josh Liendo, who secured gold and silver with times of 20.72 and 20.87 seconds, respectively. Earlier in the heats, Carter had outpaced Kharun with a time of 21.18 seconds. On October 18, Carter advanced to the men’s 50m backstroke medal race after topping his heat with a time of 23.04 seconds, finishing second overall in the qualifying heats. Only Hungary’s Hubert Kos managed to better his time. Carter, who opted out of the men’s 100m freestyle heats on the same day, had previously earned a bronze in the 50m backstroke during the opening leg of the World Cup in Indiana, along with fourth and fifth-place finishes in the 50m freestyle and 50m butterfly events, respectively.
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Barcelona claim La Liga lead with last minute win
In a dramatic turn of events, Barcelona reclaimed the top spot in La Liga on Saturday, thanks to Ronald Araujo’s last-gasp goal in the 93rd minute, securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Girona. The Uruguayan defender, deployed as an emergency striker, delivered the decisive blow, handing Barca a one-point lead over Real Madrid, who face Getafe on Sunday. This crucial win came after two consecutive defeats, offering a much-needed boost for Hansi Flick’s side. Barcelona’s early lead, courtesy of Pedri Gonzalez’s composed finish, was canceled out by Axel Witsel’s spectacular overhead kick. Despite a lackluster performance, Barca’s resilience shone through as Araujo’s late strike snatched all three points. Flick, who made tactical substitutions with an eye on upcoming Champions League and Clasico fixtures, acknowledged the team’s struggles but emphasized the importance of the victory. Girona, despite their spirited display, were left ruing missed opportunities as they suffered their fifth defeat of the season. Elsewhere, Antony’s brace helped Real Betis secure a 2-2 draw against Villarreal, keeping the race for the top spots tightly contested.
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STAMP YOUR CLASS!
Midfielder Isaac Hayden has emphasized the importance of adopting a champion mindset as Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz aim to secure their spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The national senior men’s team is just two games away from ending a nearly 30-year World Cup drought, following a commanding 4-0 victory over Bermuda in the final round of the Concacaf World Cup Qualifier on Tuesday. This win propelled them back to the top of Group B with nine points, while Curacao slipped to second place with eight points after a 1-1 draw against Trinidad and Tobago, who remain in third with five points. Jamaica’s current standing, which guarantees their place in next summer’s tournament, has brought relief to players and fans alike, especially after their 0-2 loss to Curacao on October 10. With crucial matches against Trinidad and Curacao scheduled for November, Hayden stressed the need for confidence and determination. Reflecting on the loss to Curacao, he admitted the team’s mindset was disappointing but emphasized the importance of approaching the upcoming games with the belief that they are the best team in the Caribbean. Hayden’s return to the lineup against Bermuda, after missing the Curacao match due to suspension, was pivotal to the team’s success and earned praise from Head Coach Steve McClaren. Hayden, who plays a defensive role, expressed no concern about receiving less recognition than attacking players, stating his primary focus is on maintaining balance between defense and attack. A victory against Trinidad on November 13 would put Jamaica in a strong position to qualify, needing only to avoid defeat against Curacao on November 18. Hayden highlighted the significance of celebrating qualification in Kingston, acknowledging the passionate support of the fans. He also aims to maintain his form with Queens Park Rangers in the English Championship to stay sharp for Jamaica’s decisive fixtures, emphasizing the importance of club football as the foundation for international success.
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Is That A Fact favoured in ‘Big Sub’ Memorial race
The stage is set for an electrifying showdown in this afternoon’s $1.25-million Errol “Big Sub” Subratie Memorial Trophy, where Is That A Fact is widely regarded as the horse to beat. Despite an eight-race losing streak, his stellar performances in higher classes and recent strong workouts have solidified his status as a formidable contender. His impressive 2½-length second-place finish behind Legacy Isle in the None Such Sprint on September 6 remains a testament to his potential. Now, the question on everyone’s mind is whether he can reclaim his winning form.
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Montego Bay to stage inaugural Jamaica Cup tennis tournament
Montego Bay, Jamaica, is gearing up to become the epicenter of international tennis as it hosts the first-ever Jamaica Cup from November 13 to 16, 2025. This landmark event, set against the picturesque backdrop of Half Moon, will bring together a stellar lineup of professional players, collegiate athletes, and local talent for a four-day extravaganza that promises to redefine the tennis experience.
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Strikers crowned champs in 50-Over trial tourney
In a commanding display of cricketing prowess, the Soca Strikers clinched the Senior 50-Over trials final with a resounding nine-wicket victory over the Cocrico Warriors. The match, held at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba on October 17, saw the Strikers dismantle their opponents in a low-scoring affair. The Warriors, after winning the toss and choosing to bat first, were bowled out for a meager 89 runs in just 17.3 overs. Terrance Hinds, the Strikers’ fast bowler, was the standout performer, claiming four wickets for 29 runs. His aggressive spell, supported by Abdul-Raheem Toppin (2/32), Shaaron Lewis (1/10), and Damion Joachim (1/11), left the Warriors reeling at 51/6 after 11 overs. Only Joshua James (17), Navin Bidaisee (16), and Crystian Thurton (15) managed to reach double figures for the Warriors. In response, the Strikers’ top order made light work of the target. Opener Nicholas Sookdeosingh led the charge with a fearless 51 off 48 balls, including eight fours and one six. Cephas Cooper provided steady support with an unbeaten 30, while Leonardo Julien contributed five not out. The Strikers reached the target of 90 in just 15.2 overs, losing only one wicket. Terrance Hinds was named Man-of-the-Match for his pivotal role in the victory, while Abdul Raheem Toppin was awarded Player of the Tournament for his consistent performances throughout the trials.
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Top teams look for separation in SSFL
The Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premiership is reaching a pivotal stage as the top four teams gear up for their round 11 matches on October 18, each aiming to secure three crucial points in their quest for the 2025 title. League leaders Naparima College, boasting an unbeaten record with 24 points, face a challenging encounter against fifth-placed Queen’s Royal College (QRC) at QRC’s home ground. Naparima, fresh off a dominant 4-1 victory over reigning champions Fatima College, are determined to maintain their flawless run and continue their defensive prowess, having conceded only two goals this season. Meanwhile, QRC, with 16 points, has struggled recently, suffering back-to-back 2-1 defeats to Fatima and Trinity Moka, and will need to regroup to challenge the league leaders. Second-placed Fatima College (22 points) seeks to rebound from their mid-week loss as they host Signal Hill Secondary, while third-ranked Presentation College San Fernando (21 points) faces a tough test against St Anthony’s College. Fourth-placed St Benedict’s College (18 points) also has a challenging fixture against San Juan North, who are coming off a 4-0 victory. Other matches in round 11 include St Mary’s College versus Trinity Moka, St Augustine Secondary against Scarborough Secondary, and Malick’s clash with Arima North. With the standings tightly contested, every match could prove decisive in the race for the championship.
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Windies Under-19 men to play seven Youth ODIs versus England
The West Indies men’s Under-19 cricket team is set to clash with their English counterparts in a high-stakes seven-match Youth One-Day International (ODI) series from November 16 to December 1 at the Grenada National Stadium in St George’s. This announcement, made by Cricket West Indies (CWI) on October 16, comes on the back of the Windies’ thrilling 4-3 series victory over Sri Lanka’s Under-19 team last month. The series is a pivotal part of the West Indies’ preparation for the International Cricket Council Men’s Under-19 World Cup, scheduled for January 2026. Originally planned for St Vincent and the Grenadines, the venue was shifted to Grenada due to scheduling conflicts with the National Sports Council. CWI director of cricket Miles Bascombe emphasized the importance of the series, stating that it aligns with the regional body’s strategy to expose young players to high-quality competition. ‘The recent win against Sri Lanka has already boosted the team’s confidence, and this series against England will further hone their skills and match awareness,’ Bascombe remarked. Both teams will arrive in Grenada on November 8, with three days of training and a warm-up match against a Grenada Under-25 select XI on November 12. All matches will commence at 9 am.
