分类： sports

Hillview College continued their impressive streak in the 2025 Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) First Citizens Boys’ ‘Big 5’ playoff, securing a commanding 3-0 victory over Mucurapo West Secondary on November 1. The match, held at Mucurapo West’s school grounds, showcased Hillview’s tactical prowess and determination to maintain their flawless record in the tournament. With two consecutive wins and a staggering +10 goal difference, Hillview is now a strong contender for promotion to the SSFL premier division in 2026. The game was a clash of contrasting styles, with Hillview’s patient passing game overpowering Mucurapo’s more direct approach. Mucurapo struggled to create significant chances, with their best opportunity coming in the fifth minute when striker Amenhotep Harper missed a shot over the bar. Hillview, on the other hand, dominated possession and tested Mucurapo’s goalkeeper Kenwyn Williams repeatedly. The breakthrough came in the 52nd minute when 15-year-old substitute Darnell Walcott volleyed in a close-range shot. Walcott’s stellar performance continued as he scored two more goals, sealing the victory and earning the Man of the Match award. Despite the loss, Mucurapo remains in second place, having won their opening game against Palo Seco Secondary. The tournament’s next matches are set for November 5, with Presentation College Chaguanas hosting Mucurapo and Palo Seco facing Speyside Secondary.

The 2025 Secondary Schools Volleyball League (SSVL) north zone competition witnessed intense battles for bronze medals on October 30 at Aranguez North Secondary. Holy Name Convent Port of Spain and St Joseph’s Convent Port of Spain (SJCPoS) were among the standout performers, securing podium finishes across multiple divisions. In the Under-17 category, SJCPoS claimed bronze with a dominant performance, defeating Holy Name in straight sets (25-11, 25-12). However, Holy Name’s Under-15 team showcased resilience, overcoming Maple Leaf International School in a thrilling three-set match. After losing the first set 25-17, Holy Name bounced back to win the next two sets 26-15 and 15-11, securing the bronze medal. In the open division, Maple Leaf avenged their younger team’s loss by defeating Holy Name in straight sets (25-20, 25-22). The north zone finals, initially scheduled for October 31, were postponed due to widespread hysteria as parents withdrew their children from school early. This followed an order for military personnel to report to their bases by 6 pm, leading to early closures of schools and businesses in the capital. The rescheduled finals will see the International School of Port of Spain (ISPS) face SJCPoS in both the Under-15 and open divisions, while ISPS will compete against Maple Leaf in the Under-17 final.

Guyanese left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie has been excluded from the West Indies’ 15-man squad for the upcoming five-match T20 series against New Zealand, scheduled from November 5-12. The decision, announced by Cricket West Indies (CWI) on November 2, stems from Motie’s recent dip in form, attributed to technical issues with his bowling action. Despite this setback, the 30-year-old spinner remains a key part of West Indies’ long-term plans, particularly with the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka on the horizon. Motie will now collaborate with specialists from the Royal Sports Group, owners of the South African franchise Paarl Royals, as he prepares to compete in the SA20 tournament starting December 26. CWI emphasized that this move is crucial for Motie to regain his peak performance. Since his T20 debut in 2021, Motie has played 85 matches across formats, taking 36 T20 wickets at an economy of 7.96. His recent performances, including a solitary over in the T20 series against Bangladesh, where he conceded 11 runs, have been underwhelming. In the preceding ODI series against Bangladesh, Motie managed four wickets at an economy of 5.79, but the West Indies lost the series 2-1. The West Indies squad will also miss injured left-arm pacers Jediah Blades and Ramon Simmonds, while Guyanese quick Shamar Joseph remains sidelined. The team, led by wicket-keeper/batsman Shai Hope, includes notable names like Roston Chase, Jason Holder, and Rovman Powell. Trinidadian spinners Akeal Hosein and Khary Pierre are expected to lead the spin-bowling department in Motie’s absence, with allrounders Matthew Forde and Shamar Springer bolstering the pace attack. Romario Shepherd, who recently won the Player of the Series award in the T20 sweep over Bangladesh, will spearhead the pace lineup. The West Indies camp will also benefit from the addition of clinical psychologist Krisnan Hurdle, who joins as a mental skills and performance coach. CWI director of cricket Miles Bascombe highlighted the importance of mental strength in elite cricket, stating that Hurdle’s appointment reflects the board’s commitment to developing well-rounded players. The T20 series against New Zealand begins on November 5 at Eden Park in Auckland, with matches also scheduled in Nelson and Dunedin.

Club Sando, under the guidance of coach Angus-Eve, continued their impressive start to the 2025/26 TT Premier Football League with a decisive 2-0 triumph over Caledonia at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva on November 1. This victory propelled Sando to the top of the league standings, level on points with Miscellaneous Police FC, though trailing slightly in goal difference. Veteran defender Elton John opened the scoring in the first half, while forward Keron Cornwall sealed the win with a clinical finish in the second half. The match also marked the return of winger Real Gill, who made a notable appearance as a second-half substitute. Despite Caledonia’s early attempts, including a missed opportunity by Jariel Arthur in the 13th minute, Sando’s defense remained resolute, with goalkeeper Teshorne Ragoo rarely tested. The win temporarily placed Sando in second place, pending the outcome of Prisons FC’s match against 1976 FC Phoenix. In another thrilling encounter, Defence Force was held to a 2-2 draw by FC Eagles, thanks to a last-minute goal by Dominic Douglas, ensuring Eagles secured their first point of the season.

The Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premier division is heating up as St Benedict’s College, currently leading with 33 points, prepares for a pivotal match against Naparima College on November 3. The clash, rescheduled to take place at Naparima’s home ground in San Fernando, could see Benedict’s edge closer to clinching the 2025 title. A victory would propel them to 36 points, a tally that would be unassailable for their closest rivals, Presentation College San Fernando (31 points), Naparima (28 points), and reigning champions Fatima College (29 points).

Naparima, despite a recent slump after a strong start to the season, still has a mathematical chance to challenge for the title. A win would elevate them to 31 points with two games remaining, keeping their hopes alive. Meanwhile, Signal Hill Secondary, currently tenth with 15 points, could theoretically reach a maximum of 39 points if they win all their remaining eight matches, though their campaign has been marred by numerous postponements due to travel issues.

In other fixtures, St Anthony’s College, known as the ‘Westmoorings Tigers,’ will face Malick Secondary in Westmoorings, while Trinity College Moka takes on Scarborough Secondary in Moka. Signal Hill’s packed schedule includes matches against San Juan North Secondary, St Mary’s College, Queen’s Royal College, and St Augustine Secondary in the coming days.

The standings reflect a tightly contested season, with St Benedict’s leading the pack, followed by Presentation College, Fatima, and Naparima. The final weeks of the league promise high drama as teams vie for supremacy in one of Trinidad and Tobago’s most prestigious school football competitions.