Carib Scope

分类： sports

  • Cricket West Indies CEO hails tournament’s importance

    Cricket West Indies CEO hails tournament’s importance

    The highly anticipated CG United Women’s T20 Blaze competition commences Tuesday in St. Vincent with defending champions Guyana set to clash against Windward Islands in the tournament opener. This initial match at Arnos Vale Ground forms part of a competitive triple-header schedule, followed by Jamaica versus Leeward Islands, culminating with a historic rivalry showdown between Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados.

    The round-robin T20 Blaze will exclusively utilize the Arnos Vale venue before attention shifts to the Super50 Cup, which will be hosted across three locations: Sion Hill, Park Hill, and Cumberland. Daily matches will begin at 9:30 a.m., with each squad playing three games to determine the ultimate champion through final rankings. Guyana enters the competition seeking to defend their maiden regional title earned last year through an undefeated campaign that concluded with a dramatic Super Over victory against Jamaica. Meanwhile, Trinidad & Tobago arrives as current Super50 champions after defeating Barbados by seven wickets in the 2025 final.

    Miles Bascombe, Cricket West Indies’ Director of Cricket, emphasized the strategic significance of these tournaments. “These competitions serve as a crucial foundation for an exceptionally demanding year in Caribbean women’s cricket,” Bascombe stated. “The CG United Women’s Super50 Cup and T20 Blaze establish essential competitive benchmarks as we prepare for an intensive international schedule featuring major bilateral series and the ICC T20 World Cup. Robust regional competition remains fundamental to our high-performance pathway, and we anticipate these tournaments will again identify and develop players ready for international success.”

    Following the domestic season, the West Indies Women’s team will embark on a packed international calendar, hosting Sri Lanka for a white-ball series in late February before confronting Australia in a comprehensive all-format series in March. The summer schedule further intensifies with a tri-nation series involving Ireland and Pakistan, building toward the pinnacle event—the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup—for which the regional squad has been undertaking extensive preparation.

    The Barbados squad, led by captain Aaliyah Alleyne, features experienced players including Shakera Selman, Shamilia Connell, and a blend of emerging talent ready to challenge for supremacy.

  • Saint Lucian boxers express gratitude ahead of elite training stint

    Saint Lucian boxers express gratitude ahead of elite training stint

    Two of Saint Lucia’s most promising welterweight boxers, Hervé Charlemagne and Daniel Martin, have departed for an intensive training program at the prestigious CREPS Antilles-Guyane center in Guadeloupe. The specialized sports facility in Les Abymes is renowned for cultivating elite athletic talent through comprehensive development programs that integrate sports education, animation career training, and high-performance support services including medical, nutritional, and psychological conditioning.

    Both athletes have demonstrated exceptional skill at regional competitions, with Martin recently clinching victory at the 2025 OECS Boxing Championships where he played a pivotal role in securing Saint Lucia’s championship retention. Charlemagne previously led his national team to a podium finish at the Caribbean School Boys and Girls Boxing Tournament in Guyana, showcasing his technical prowess and competitive spirit.

    In pre-departure statements, both boxers expressed profound appreciation for the opportunity. “This represents a transformative phase in my boxing career,” Charlemagne noted. “Training at CREPS will immerse me in superior competitive environments and professional discipline. I extend gratitude to the Boxing Association and all supporters of my potential—I am committed to rigorous training and representing Saint Lucia with honor.”

    Martin shared similar enthusiasm for the developmental opportunity: “Such chances are rare and precious. I anticipate substantial learning, skill enhancement, and testing my capabilities against top-tier opponents. This program will refine my techniques and better prepare me for future challenges. Carrying the Saint Lucian flag into this experience fills me with immense pride.”

    The initiative is a strategic component of the Saint Lucia Boxing Association’s (SLBA) broader mandate to provide international exposure and competitive preparation for its athletes. SLBA President David “Shakes” Christopher emphasized the program’s significance: “This immersion represents a crucial investment in the future of Saint Lucian boxing. Hervé and Daniel have demonstrated remarkable commitment, discipline, and potential. Their experience at CREPS will dramatically accelerate their development, and we expect them to return as more disciplined, technically advanced athletes ready to excel at international levels.”

  • Defending champions start BFA season with victory

    Defending champions start BFA season with victory

    The 2026 Barbados Football Association Premier League commenced with an electrifying opening night at Wildey Technical Centre, featuring decisive matches that set the tone for the new season. Defending champions Weymouth Wales launched their campaign with a solid 2-0 triumph against newly promoted Bagatelle FC in Sunday’s fixture.

    The match witnessed Wales capitalizing on an opportune own goal from Bagatelle during the first half, followed by veteran striker Armando Lashley—the league’s all-time leading scorer—securing the victory with a precisely executed second-half penalty. Despite the loss, Bagatelle demonstrated promising offensive maneuvers that challenged Wales’ defensive line, offering Coach Norman Forde positive aspects to build upon.

    Weymouth Wales Head Coach Asquith Howell acknowledged the win while emphasizing the need for improvement. “Our performance reflected a team that has just returned to training after an extended break,” Howell stated. “We will undoubtedly elevate our game as the season progresses.”

    The champions fielded a reshaped lineup following the departure of national team captain Andre Applewhaite, who recently signed a professional contract in the United States. New goalkeeper Shaquon Philips started ahead of national custodian Kishmar Primus, while former Deacons FC captain Keon Atkins made his debut as a substitute.

    Howell addressed the integration of new players: “Training ground preparation will be essential for their adaptation. Each player brings distinct qualities—for instance, Atkins won’t need to assume the same workload role he previously held at Deacons.”

    Having achieved domestic dominance throughout the past decade and notable success in the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) competitions last year, Wales has established ambitious objectives for 2026. “We convened this week to outline our targets—retaining the domestic double and advancing further in the CFU Cup to qualify for the Club Championships,” Howell revealed.

    In the evening’s subsequent match, Paradise FC claimed a narrow 1-0 victory over UWI Blackbirds, with Jaron Oughterson scoring a decisive second-half goal against his former team. Despite Paradise creating superior opportunities during the first half, Blackbirds’ goalkeeper K’den Hee Chung delivered several crucial saves to maintain a deadlock until halftime.

    Paradise coach Mario Harte expressed satisfaction with the result while acknowledging developmental needs. “Securing three points remains paramount during this early phase,” Harte commented. “Integrating new players requires time, and competitive matches accelerate that process.”

    Harte highlighted the significant challenge of replacing playmaker Sheran Hoyte, who departed for professional football in Trinidad after outstanding performances in the Prime Minister’s Cup. “Hoyte’s absence creates a substantial void—his knack for scoring crucial goals made him an invaluable asset,” Harte admitted.

    The night’s final match saw Kickstart Rush overcome a one-goal deficit to defeat Brittons Hill United 2-1. Corey Hoyte opened the scoring for Brittons Hill in the 10th minute, before Tekyle Alleyne-Callender converted a 33rd-minute penalty and Liam Luke completed the comeback during first-half stoppage time.

    Kickstart coach Renaldo Gilkes praised his team’s resilience despite missing several key players. “Brittons Hill consistently presents a tough challenge,” Gilkes noted. “Our experienced players provided vital guidance to younger teammates under pressure, demonstrating exceptional character to start the season positively.”

  • Uncapped Quentin Sampson in WI squad for Afghan T20s

    Uncapped Quentin Sampson in WI squad for Afghan T20s

    In a strategic move ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup, Cricket West Indies has announced a 16-member squad for their upcoming three-match series against Afghanistan in the United Arab Emirates from January 19-22. While seven established players including regular captain Shai Hope and former captains Jason Holder and Rovman Powell will be absent due to franchise commitments and rest protocols, the selection introduces exciting new talent alongside returning veterans.

    The squad will be led by opening batsman Brandon King, marking a significant leadership opportunity for the Jamaican right-hander. Most notably, 25-year-old Guyanese powerhouse Quentin Sampson earns his maiden call-up following a spectacular Caribbean Premier League campaign where he amassed 241 runs at an average of 34.42, including two half-centuries for the Guyana Amazon Warriors.

    Head coach Daren Sammy emphasized the series’ importance for World Cup preparations, stating: ‘Competitive matches in subcontinental conditions provide ideal preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup. This series offers a valuable platform to assess players who missed significant playing time late in 2025 while integrating those stepping into crucial roles before final tournament selection.’

    The selection also marks the return of explosive opener Evin Lewis and fast bowler Shamar Joseph, both recovering from extended injury layoffs. The squad features a blend of experience and emerging talent, including left-handed batsmen Alick Athanaze and Shimron Hetmyer, top-order batsman Keacy Carty, left-arm spinner Khary Pierre, and pace bowlers Matthew Forde and Jayden Seales.

    The West Indies team departed the Caribbean on January 14 and will arrive in the UAE on January 16 for intensive preparation ahead of the series. The final World Cup squad will be announced preceding the Men in Maroon’s subsequent T20 series against South Africa beginning January 27.

  • CWI’s Bascombe: We’ve reached out to Pooran for T20 W/Cup

    CWI’s Bascombe: We’ve reached out to Pooran for T20 W/Cup

    Cricket West Indies (CWI) faces significant challenges in assembling their optimal squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup after failed attempts to persuade Nicholas Pooran to reverse his international retirement decision. According to Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe, the organization has exhausted all diplomatic channels to recruit the 29-year-old batting sensation without success.

    Pooran, who stunned the cricketing world with his sudden retirement announcement in June, has remained committed to his decision despite CWI’s persistent overtures. The left-handed wicketkeeper-batsman has been actively participating in various global T20 franchises since stepping away from international cricket.

    Bascombe confirmed that communication attempts were made with full awareness that Pooran understood the World Cup implications when he initially retired. ‘We probed and we saw that he mentioned not too long ago that he was quite happy to stick to his decision,’ Bascombe stated during his WESN TV appearance on Saturday.

    The recruitment difficulties extend beyond player personnel. CWI has also approached legendary West Indies cricketers Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard, and Andre Russell regarding potential roles within the team’s management structure for the tournament. However, scheduling conflicts with the Indian Premier League (IPL) have emerged as a major obstacle, as the World Cup directly transitions into the lucrative franchise tournament.

    Bascombe explained the logistical challenges: ‘Anyone who would come on board as part of our team management would pretty much have to sacrifice a lot of time away. The feedback we’ve received indicates they would need to spend extended periods away from home, covering both the World Cup and subsequent IPL commitments.’

    The West Indies selectors are now compelled to finalize their World Cup squad following the conclusion of their three-match T20I series against Afghanistan later this month, potentially without one of their most dynamic T20 talents.

  • HEAD-TURNERS

    HEAD-TURNERS

    A poignant narrative of full-circle moments and transnational talent acquisition unfolded at the STETHS Sports Complex in Santa Cruz last weekend. Thirteen years after attending a football showcase as a hopeful player, Alex Smith returned to Jamaica as a recruiter for West Virginia’s Concord University, now seeking to identify the next generation of talent. He was joined by Kris Bertsch, head coach of NCAA Division 1 program Lindenwood University, among 25 American coaches scouting at the ISSA football showcase.

    The event featured strategically designed matches to maximize evaluation opportunities. Saturday’s proceedings included games between all-urban and all-rural selections, with one match dedicated to academically high-achieving players and another featuring top performers from the daCosta and Manning Cup competitions. At the request of the American delegation, matches were played in three 35-minute periods, concluding with a 20-minute scrimmage for coaches to reassess players who had caught their attention.

    For Smith, the recruitment mission carries profound personal significance. Having transitioned from Anchovy High to Cornwall College before pursuing his American college career, he understands the transformative power of these opportunities firsthand. “It not just changed my life, it changed the life of my family,” Smith told the Jamaica Observer. His recruitment strategy specifically targets wingers with the natural speed and aggression synonymous with Jamaican football, while emphasizing that academic performance remains equally crucial for successful matriculation into the US college system.

    Bertsch’s Lindenwood program boasts established connections with Jamaican talent, having previously developed standout players like Akeem Priestly and Brian White. He praised the local organization for effectively identifying appropriate candidates beforehand, noting that while his program represents the NCAA Division 1 level, talented players often progress through various divisional tiers before reaching peak competitive environments.

    Both coaches expressed considerable admiration for the talent displayed despite challenging conditions. Bertsch particularly noted players’ resilience during rain-affected matches on deteriorating surfaces, acknowledging the difficulty of performing alongside unfamiliar teammates in showcase environments. The event not only highlighted Jamaica’s continued production of exceptional football talent but also underscored the growing institutional pathways connecting Caribbean athletic promise with American educational opportunities.

  • JC impress with dominant display at season’s first track meet

    JC impress with dominant display at season’s first track meet

    Jamaica College’s track and field squad has emphatically opened their season with a commanding performance at the Purewater/R. Danny Williams/JC Meet, delivering a strong statement about their championship aspirations. Competing at Ashenheim Stadium in St. Andrew over the weekend, the Dark Blues showcased exceptional depth and talent across multiple events, signaling their determination to reclaim the boys’ athletics title in April.

    Head coach Duane Johnson expressed considerable satisfaction with his team’s balanced and powerful showing, describing the performances as ‘fantastic all around.’ The team demonstrated remarkable improvement from last year’s third-place finish, with standout achievements including record-breaking throws and jumps. Michael-Andre Edwards emerged as a double winner in Class One long jump (7.20m) and triple jump (15.58m), while Joseph Salmon set a new discus record with a throw of 66.32m.

    The squad’s enhanced coaching staff, now featuring former Calabar sprint specialist Corey Bennett and ex-world 400m champion Bertland Cameron from St. Jago High, appears to be making an immediate impact. The team displayed particular strength in middle distance events, with Samuel Creary winning the Class One 800m (1:52.56) and Rickardo Lee delivering an upset victory over Kingston College’s Julius Itubo in the Class Three 800m (2:02.94).

    Additional event victories came from Nasir D’Aguilar (Class Two discus), Isaac Reid (pole vault), Tariq Creary (Class Three 400m), Kai Kelly (Class Two 100m), and Jaidi James (high jump). Despite the impressive start, Johnson maintains a measured perspective, noting that with two months remaining until the championship meet, the team will continue refining their performance to peak at the right moment.

  • Army reclaim TTPFL lead with another win over Jabloteh

    Army reclaim TTPFL lead with another win over Jabloteh

    In a decisive display of championship form, Defence Force FC reclaimed top position in the TT Premier Football League with a commanding 3-1 victory over San Juan Jabloteh during a January 11 double-header at Ato Boldon Stadium. The defending champions demonstrated strategic superiority with second-half goals from Sheldon Bateau, Tyrese Bailey, and captain Kevin Molino, solidifying their dominance with 29 points and a game in hand over closest rivals.

    The match unfolded as a tactical chess match in the first half before exploding into offensive action after halftime. Central defender Bateau broke the deadlock in the 47th minute with his second seasonal goal, followed by Bailey’s clinical finish eight minutes later. Former Defence Force standout Isaiah ‘Bongo’ Leacock temporarily revived Jabloteh’s hopes with a 58th-minute response, but Molino sealed the victory with a 77th-minute strike that demonstrated the Army/Coast Guard combination’s relentless pressure.

    This victory marks Defence Force’s second consecutive 3-1 triumph against Jabloteh this month, highlighting their consistent performance against lower-table opposition. The result sees Jabloteh remain in eighth position with 12 points, while Club Sando ascends to second place (27 points) following their 6-0 demolition of bottom-placed 1976 FC Phoenix. Miscellaneous Police FC slipped to third (26 points) after an entertaining 2-2 draw with Terminix La Horquetta Rangers.

    In parallel developments, AC Port of Spain climbed to fifth position with a 3-1 victory over MIC Central FC, while Prison FC maintained fourth place through Kyron Williams’ brace against Point Fortin Civic. The league witnessed administrative drama as Eagles FC forfeited their match against Caledonia AIA due to kit violation regulations, resulting in a default 3-0 victory for Caledonia.

    The TTPFL action continues January 16 with a La Horquetta double-header featuring Eagles versus Jabloteh and Police facing Prisons, setting the stage for further shifts in the competitive landscape of Trinidad and Tobago’s premier football competition.

  • Dennery, Anse La Raye set for U15 girls football final

    Dennery, Anse La Raye set for U15 girls football final

    An unexpected championship showdown is set for Saturday, January 17th at the SLFA Technical Centre in Grande Riviere, Dennery, as underdog Dennery and tournament favorites Anse La Raye advanced through dramatic semifinal matches in the Saint Lucia Football Association’s Under-15 Girls Championship.

    In a remarkable display of determination, the Dennery squad achieved a stunning 2-0 victory over Desruisseaux despite playing with only ten players for the entire match. The breakthrough came in the 14th minute when an unfortunate own goal from Desruisseaux’s Paisley Mc Fairlane put Dennery ahead. Trudy Joseph secured the impressive win with a clinical second strike in the 25th minute, demonstrating exceptional composure against the numerical disadvantage.

    Dennery’s head coach Ruphinia Joseph praised her team’s extraordinary resilience, stating, ‘Facing this challenge with reduced numbers required tremendous mental strength. These players have internalized that nothing is impossible when you maintain focus and determination. Their performance today proves their championship mentality.’

    Coach Joseph expressed overwhelming confidence in her squad’s potential, adding, ‘These exceptionally talented athletes represent the future of national football. Our rigorous training regimen and winning mentality have prepared us thoroughly for the final challenge.’

    The second semifinal delivered equal drama as Anse La Raye and Soufriere battled through regulation time without scoring. The deadlock continued until penalty kicks, where Anse La Raye emerged victorious with a 3-2 shootout triumph. This marked the second consecutive draw between these teams, following their 1-1 group stage encounter.

    Anse La Raye coach Jovette Wilson acknowledged areas for improvement despite the victory: ‘Our defensive organization requires refinement before the final. Having previously defeated Dennery in tournament play, we understand the tactical approach needed for success. Our focus now turns to addressing defensive vulnerabilities while maintaining our offensive threat.’

    The tournament concludes next weekend with Desruisseaux facing Soufriere in the third-place playoff before the championship final between these two contrasting teams—Dennery’s inspirational underdog story versus Anse La Raye’s established tournament pedigree.

  • Mean Green win behind another Nestor double-double

    Mean Green win behind another Nestor double-double

    In a landmark achievement for the program, the University of North Texas women’s basketball team secured its first-ever victory at Tulane’s Avron B. Fogelman Arena with a hard-fought 59-53 win on Saturday, January 10. The historic triumph was spearheaded by a dominant performance from Saint Lucian transfer Megan Nestor, who continued her remarkable season with another double-double.

    Nestor, a 6-foot-4 center from Canaries, Saint Lucia, delivered her fourth consecutive double-figure scoring game and her eighth double-double of the season. Demonstrating exceptional efficiency, she reached double digits in points for the tenth time in sixteen games this season while taking just five shots from the field. Complementing her scoring, Nestor hauled in ten or more rebounds for the ninth time this term, securing her third straight double-double. She also contributed two assists and two steals to the winning effort.

    The former Saint Lucia national netball player continues to lead the American Athletic Conference in rebounds per game, averaging an impressive 11.9. Entering the contest, she held the unique distinction of being the only player in all of NCAA Division I basketball with at least 100 defensive rebounds and over 70 offensive rebounds, underscoring her prowess on both ends of the court.

    While Nestor provided the consistent interior presence, guards Chania Price and Aysia Proctor supplied crucial offensive firepower. Price erupted for a career-high 15 points, while Proctor added 12 points, all in a first half that saw UNT build a commanding 40-25 lead. The second half evolved into a defensive struggle, with North Texas managing only 19 points after the break. Tulane mounted several charges at the start of the third and fourth quarters, twice narrowing the deficit to single digits, but staunch defense from the Mean Green preserved the historic victory.

    Head coach Jason Burton highlighted the team’s strong start as a critical factor. “We reflected on last year, and it was the opposite, where we started slow and had to fight our way back,” Burton stated. “I loved how we came out in the first half… but we found a way to win.” The victory marked a significant milestone for a program that had previously gone 0-5 in games played at Tulane’s arena.