分类: sports

  • Tivoli rally to hold Mt Pleasant

    Tivoli rally to hold Mt Pleasant

    In a rescheduled Jamaica Premier League encounter on Wednesday, Tivoli Gardens mounted a determined comeback to secure a 1-1 draw against Mount Pleasant FA at the Edward Seaga Sports Complex in Kingston. The result represents a significant setback for Mount Pleasant’s title aspirations, denying them crucial points in the league standings.

    The match commenced with Mount Pleasant, under the guidance of coach Theodore Whitmore, seizing an early advantage. Jahshaun Anglin successfully converted a penalty in the 9th minute, marking his second goal of the current campaign and placing his team in a commanding position early on.

    Despite sustained pressure, Tivoli Gardens demonstrated resilience. Their persistence was ultimately rewarded in the 72nd minute when Alton Lewis found the net, registering his third seasonal goal and ensuring a share of the points for his side. This equalizer dramatically shifted the momentum and solidified a hard-fought draw.

    The outcome leaves Mount Pleasant stranded on 46 points, still trailing leaders Montego Bay United by a significant five-point margin. Tivoli Gardens, meanwhile, remain in 10th position with 30 points. The league continues its schedule with two additional rescheduled fixtures set for Thursday: Portmore United will face Waterhouse FC at Ferdie Neita Park, while defending champions Cavalier SC are slated to compete against Molynes United at Stadium East.

  • Mt Pleasant look to cut JPL deficit

    Mt Pleasant look to cut JPL deficit

    The Jamaica Premier League enters a decisive phase with three rescheduled matches poised to dramatically reshape the standings ahead of the final weekend. All eyes focus on the Edward Seaga Sports Complex where second-placed Mount Pleasant FA aims to narrow the gap to league leaders Montego Bay United to just three points with a victory against struggling Tivoli Gardens in today’s 3:30 pm encounter.

    Mount Pleasant, currently tied on 45 points with third-placed Racing United but trailing Montego Bay United by six points, carries a formidable nine-game unbeaten streak against their west Kingston opponents. However, the St Ann-based squad faces offensive concerns, having scored two or more goals in only three of their last fourteen matches. With key striker Warner Brown battling fitness issues, the scoring burden has fallen primarily on Raheem Edwards (12 goals) and Daniel Green (5 goals).

    The matchup presents a classic contrast: Mount Pleasant’s title aspirations versus Tivoli Gardens’ desperate fight against relegation. Tivoli has managed just one victory in their previous nine outings, plummeting to 10th position while conceding nine goals in their last four matches alone.

    Thursday’s double-header features equally compelling contests. At Ferdie Neita Park, fourth-placed Portmore United hosts surging Waterhouse FC, who arrive with just one loss in their last ten games. Simultaneously, defending champions Cavalier SC welcome bottom-dwelling Molynes United to Stadium East, buoyed by a confidence-boosting 1-0 victory over Racing United last Sunday.

    These rescheduled fixtures will complete the second round ahead of the weekend’s final matches, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the Jamaican top-flight season.

  • First ISSA Rural Area junior finalists to be decided today

    First ISSA Rural Area junior finalists to be decided today

    The inaugural semifinals of the ISSA Rural Area Burger King Under-14 and Mighty Malt Under-16 football competitions commence this afternoon at the St Elizabeth Technical Sports Complex in Santa Cruz. This critical stage of the tournament features a double-header that will determine the first finalists.

    Cornwall College enters both matches with undefeated records on the line. Their Under-14 squad faces Garvey Maceo in the 2:00 pm opener, while their Under-16 team clashes with Rusea’s High in the 4:00 pm fixture. All matches are play-to-finish encounters, with victors advancing directly to next week’s championship finals.

    The second set of semifinals is scheduled for Thursday at Glenmuir High School, featuring William Knibb Memorial against Belair High in the Under-14 category and Clarendon College versus Glenmuir High in the Under-16 division.

    Cornwall College’s remarkable season includes just one draw each for both teams, occurring simultaneously during the quarter-finals. The Under-14 team secured a 1-1 draw against defending champions Glenmuir High, while the Under-16 squad battled to a 2-2 stalemate with Munro College. Both teams demonstrated resilience by winning their subsequent two matches to top their respective zones.

    Garvey Maceo, having finished second to William Knibb on goal difference alone in their quarter-final group, aims to return to championship glory after previously securing consecutive titles. Meanwhile, Rusea’s High’s Under-16 team seeks redemption for their junior squad’s twin 3-1 defeats against Cornwall College in both the second round and quarter-finals. The Hanover-based institution accumulated four points in the quarter-finals with one win, one draw, and one loss, maintaining an even goal difference of three scored and three conceded.

  • Man City falter as Premier League leaders Arsenal go seven points clear

    Man City falter as Premier League leaders Arsenal go seven points clear

    In a dramatic midweek Premier League showdown, the championship landscape underwent a significant transformation as Arsenal capitalized on Manchester City’s surprising stumble. The Gunners secured a narrow but crucial 1-0 victory against Brighton while City was held to a 2-2 draw by relegation-battling Nottingham Forest.

    Arsenal’s triumph at Amex Stadium was anchored by Bukayo Saka’s milestone performance. Marking his 300th appearance for the club, the English international broke through in the ninth minute with a deflected strike that ultimately decided the contest. Despite Brighton controlling possession and creating more opportunities, Mikel Arteta’s squad demonstrated defensive resilience to preserve their clean sheet and claim all three points.

    Meanwhile at City Ground, Pep Guardiola’s side experienced unexpected difficulties against a determined Forest outfit. The reigning champions twice established leads through January acquisition Antoine Semenyo and Spanish midfielder Rodri, but each time surrendered their advantage. Forest’s equalizers came through Morgan Gibbs-White’s inventive backheel finish and Elliot Anderson’s precisely placed effort in the 76th minute, ultimately depriving City of critical points.

    The results create a seven-point gap between the top two sides, though City maintains a game in hand. The teams are scheduled for a direct confrontation at Etihad Stadium on April 19th, which could potentially determine the title’s destination.

    In other Premier League action, Chelsea’s João Pedro delivered a spectacular hat-trick performance against Aston Villa, orchestrating a 4-1 comeback victory that propelled the Blues into fifth position. The result intensifies the competition for Champions League qualification, with the top five English clubs now likely to secure berths in next season’s premier European competition due to the nation’s strong coefficient ranking.

    The relegation battle similarly tightened as West Ham defeated Fulham 1-0, drawing level on points with Forest at 28, though Forest maintains superior goal difference. Both clubs now sit just one point behind Tottenham Hotspur, who have a game in hand against Crystal Palace.

  • Mexico Women thrash Saint Lucia in Concacaf qualifier

    Mexico Women thrash Saint Lucia in Concacaf qualifier

    The Mexican Women’s National Team delivered a formidable performance on Monday, securing an emphatic7-0 victory against Saint Lucia in a CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying match held at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground. The encounter demonstrated Mexico’s offensive dominance from the initial whistle, placing the host nation under immediate defensive pressure despite the support of a local crowd.

    Mexico’s scoring initiative commenced in the 18th minute with Rebeca Bernal expertly heading the ball into the net from a corner kick. The lead was swiftly extended by veteran striker Charlyn Corral, who found the target with a precise right-footed finish, establishing a 2-0 advantage by halftime.

    The second half saw an escalation in Mexico’s relentless attack. An own goal by Saint Lucia’s Ellaisa Marquis in the 52nd minute further compounded the home side’s challenges. Corral secured her brace—marking her ninth goal in the 2026 qualifying campaign—in the 64th minute, highlighting her clinical form.

    Additional goals followed in quick succession: Alexia Delgado unleashed a powerful strike from outside the box in the 69th minute, Nicolette Hernandez added a sixth in the 87th, and Diana Ordonez capitalized on a loose ball during stoppage time to finalize the commanding 7-0 result.

    Despite the lopsided scoreline, Saint Lucian goalkeeper Renala Francis received commendation for a series of exceptional saves that prevented a more severe outcome. Head coach Francis McDonald acknowledged in a post-match press conference that the tactical approach was centered on defensive containment and damage limitation against a superior offensive opponent.

    Saint Lucia, positioned second from bottom in the group standings, will seek to regroup before their upcoming fixture against Saint Vincent and the Grenadines on April 19.

  • SLBF Select 12 crowned champions of KFC Invitational

    SLBF Select 12 crowned champions of KFC Invitational

    The SLBF Select 12 emerged victorious in the Saint Lucia Basketball Federation’s KFC Pre-Season Invitational after a dramatic Sunday night finale that culminated in a three-way tiebreak scenario. The round-robin tournament, held at Beausejour Indoor Facility from February 27 to March 1, featured intense competition among four teams: Soufriere Kings, Bonne Terre Blazzers, SLBF Select 12, and the invited 767 Sports Club Dominica.

    Following the completion of all fixtures, an unprecedented tie occurred with three teams—Soufriere Kings, 767 Sports Club Dominica, and SLBF Select 12—each finishing with identical records of three wins and one loss. According to FIBA tie-breaking regulations, the championship was awarded to SLBF Select 12 based on superior point differential. The all-star squad, composed of elite players selected from various National League teams, claimed the preseason trophy ahead of the visiting Dominican team and local contenders.

    Tournament organizers celebrated the high-caliber basketball displayed throughout the event. Saint Lucia Basketball Federation President Glen Guiste remarked, ‘If this is a prelude to the regular season, there’s some good basketball to look forward to,’ indicating promising prospects for the upcoming season commencing March 7.

    Dunstan ‘Maggie’ Peters, coach of the visiting 767 Sports Club Dominica Allstars, expressed pride in his team’s competitive intensity despite falling short of the title. In an exclusive interview with St. Lucia Times, Peters noted the elevated competition level compared to previous years: ‘The way it happened is exactly how I expected, and I wanted it to be tougher than the two other years. The tournament is growing and that’s what we want.’ His ‘Bouyon Ballers’ suffered their first preseason defeat after two years of undefeated performances, signaling the development of regional basketball competitiveness.

  • Govt starts Bushy Park track project

    Govt starts Bushy Park track project

    The Barbadian government has officially commenced construction on a new 400-meter athletic track at Bushy Park in St. Philip, marking a significant expansion of the nation’s sports infrastructure. Sports Minister Charles Griffith announced the groundbreaking initiative, framing it as a strategic complement to ongoing developments at the National Stadium and Wildey Gymnasium.

    Minister Griffith emphasized the government’s comprehensive commitment to building top-tier athletic facilities, revealing that approximately $19 million has been allocated specifically for these new tracks. This funding is separate from planned investments in two Olympic-size swimming pools. The Bushy Park track, along with another planned for Trents in St. James, will alleviate training pressure on the Usain Bolt Complex while providing elite training grounds for Barbadian athletes.

    The development forms part of a broader national strategy to prepare athletes for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and beyond. All facilities will be constructed to exacting international specifications, ensuring compliance with global athletic standards. Minister Griffith articulated ambitions to attract regional and international teams for training camps, creating potential revenue streams similar to off-season training models in North America.

    Beyond track and field, future plans include developing a 250-meter international cycling velodrome, BMX track, and Olympic pools at Bushy Park. The minister also highlighted accessibility improvements, noting that the National Sports Council has begun retrofitting all pavilions to accommodate athletes with disabilities, with aspirations for strong Paralympic representation.

    Minister Griffith concluded by stressing the need for coaching quality to match facility upgrades, asserting that world-class athletes require world-class coaching and officiating. The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Permanent Secretary Joy Adamson, NSC Chairman Mac Fingall, Acting Director Emerson Bascombe, and architects Henry Taylor Associates.

  • Ellerslie Interhouse: Gooding reigns again

    Ellerslie Interhouse: Gooding reigns again

    In a spectacular display of athletic dominance, Gooding House achieved an unprecedented fourth consecutive championship title at Ellerslie Secondary School’s annual interhouse sports competition. The event, held at the prestigious Usain Bolt Complex, witnessed Gooding House accumulate a commanding total of 755 points to secure their historic victory.

    The fiercely contested competition saw Trotman House claim second position with 720 points, demonstrating strong competitive spirit throughout the events. Straughn House captured third place with 628 points, narrowly edging out Brathwaite House who finished fourth with 625 points in what proved to be a closely fought battle for podium positions.

    This rescheduled athletic meet served as a crucial preparatory event for elite school athletes, occurring just before the upcoming Dasani Shakira Shorey Field Event Championship. The prestigious championship is scheduled to take place from March 4 to 6 at Harrison College, where competitors will have the opportunity to showcase their talents on an even larger stage.

    The victory solidifies Gooding House’s legacy as the most successful house in recent Ellerslie Secondary sports history, setting a new benchmark for excellence in school athletics. Their consistent performance across multiple sporting disciplines demonstrates the house’s comprehensive athletic program and dedicated coaching staff.

  • Brittons Hill fightback to stun Wotton

    Brittons Hill fightback to stun Wotton

    In a stunning display of resilience, Brittons Hill United clawed back from a deficit to secure a 3-2 victory against a determined Wotton side during Sunday’s BFA Premier League triple-header at the Wildey Technical Centre. The match’s defining performance came from St Vincent and the Grenadines international Kirtney Franklin, whose hat-trick single-handedly overturned Wotton’s lead and propelled his team to a crucial three points.

    The encounter began with Franklin establishing an early advantage for Brittons Hill in the 10th minute. However, Wotton responded with commanding authority as Khalil Vanderpool-Nurse delivered a rapid brace, equalizing in the 34th minute and seizing the lead just three minutes later. Wotton’s dominance persisted throughout the first half, leaving last season’s runners-up visibly struggling.

    Following several tactical substitutions in the second period, the match reached its critical turning point in the 79th minute when Franklin netted his second goal, restoring parity. With four minutes remaining in regulation time, the 20-year-old sensation completed his spectacular hat-trick, unleashing an emotional celebration that involved discarding his shirt in triumphant exhilaration.

    Brittons Hill’s interim coach Fabian Wharton acknowledged the challenging nature of the victory, stating: ‘Realistically, we performed in patches tonight. Sometimes we complicate matters unnecessarily. When we implemented our characteristic passing game, our quality became evident.’ Wharton particularly emphasized Franklin’s exceptional abilities, noting: ‘He represents class from Saint Vincent. His national team experience at just 20 years old should prompt Barbados to reevaluate our developmental approach.’

    In other Sunday fixtures, defending champions Weymouth Wales demonstrated resurgent form with a comprehensive 4-1 victory over UWI Blackbirds in torrential conditions. Keon Atkins initiated the scoring within the opening minute before adding another in the ninth minute, with Romario Harewood and Marioi Williams completing the dominant performance.

    The day’s opening match witnessed Kickstart Rush surrendering valuable points in a 1-1 draw against St. Andrew Lions, complicating their aspirations for league leadership. League action continues Tuesday with pivotal encounters including Ellerton facing Paradise in a table-top clash.

  • Building next generation of female cricketers

    Building next generation of female cricketers

    In a landmark initiative for Caribbean sports, Grenada has officially inaugurated its first-ever Girls’ Cricket Development Programme through a collaborative partnership between the Grenada Cricket Association (GCA), Grenada Electricity Services Ltd. (Grenlec), and Cricket West Indies. This structured development pathway represents a transformative investment in women’s athletics, specifically designed to provide consistent coaching, competitive exposure, and mentorship for young female cricketers at the school level.

    GCA President Norman Gilbert emphasized the strategic importance of the programme, stating, ‘This inaugural activity is going to play a significant part in the development of women’s cricket in Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. For the very first time, we have a programme exclusively dedicated to women’s development.’

    The initiative has garnered strong institutional support, with Dwain Gill, High Performance Manager for Cricket West Indies, highlighting the essential role of corporate partnerships in sports development. ‘Collaboration between corporate and sporting organisations is fundamental to expanding access and ensuring programmes are delivered with quality and consistency. We need more corporate citizens to step forward and support women’s cricket—your investment creates tangible impact.’

    The programme launched with participation from over 150 girls from primary and secondary schools across Grenada’s tri-island state. They were greeted by cricketing ambassadors including Women’s Team West Indies member Afy Fletcher and former player Junior Murray, alongside other Caribbean cricket legends who came to show their support.

    Fletcher inspired participants with a powerful message: ‘This programme transcends cricket. It’s about building strong, confident young women for Grenada. Dream big. Train hard. Support each other. Your journey begins right here.’

    The partners also acknowledged the crucial contributions of Grenada’s ministries of Sport and Education, participating schools, programme administrators, coaches, and parents in ensuring the initiative supports both athletic excellence and personal development. Through this comprehensive approach, the programme is positioned to significantly advance the quality and popularity of women’s cricket in the region.