Carib Scope

分类： sports

  • Defence Force, Jabloteh seal important TTPFL wins

    Defence Force, Jabloteh seal important TTPFL wins

    In a thrilling TT Premier Football League (TTPFL) Phase II encounter on December 12, Defence Force FC secured a crucial 2-1 victory against Prisons FC at La Horquetta Recreation Grounds through a dramatic late winner from Sheldon Bateau.

    The match began with intense midfield battles before Defence Force broke the deadlock in the 37th minute. Adriel George demonstrated exceptional technical ability by creating space outside the penalty area after receiving a precise pass from Rivaldo Coryat, subsequently unleashing a powerful right-footed strike that found the left corner beyond goalkeeper Jabari Gray’s reach.

    Prisons FC responded with determined second-half pressure and eventually found their equalizer in the 75th minute. Weslie John executed a perfectly timed diving header that connected with a low cross, beating Defence Force goalkeeper Isaiah Williams to level the score.

    The match appeared destined for a draw until the 83rd minute when Sheldon Bateau rose magnificently to meet a corner kick with a glancing header that directed the ball toward the far post, securing all three points for the defending champions. Despite Prisons’ frantic efforts to find another equalizer in the closing minutes, Defence Force’s defense held firm.

    This victory maintains Defence Force’s pursuit of a top-three position with 14 points, trailing third-placed Club Sando by just one point in the tightly contested standings.

    In the earlier match at the same venue, San Juan Jabloteh claimed a dramatic 2-1 victory against La Horquetta Rangers through Kaseem Ballantyne’s extra-time winner. The match saw Malachi Webb giving Jabloteh an early lead before Kesean St Rose equalized for Rangers, setting the stage for Ballantyne’s last-gasp heroics.

    League action continued through December 13 with matches at Ato Boldon Stadium featuring Eagles FC versus Central FC and AC Port of Spain facing Club Sando. The matchday schedule concludes on December 14 with Point Fortin Civic hosting 1976 Phoenix FC and league leaders Police FC meeting Caledonia AIA at Mahaica Sports Complex.

  • Mona Prep dominate to retain JISA Under-12 netball crown

    Mona Prep dominate to retain JISA Under-12 netball crown

    Mona Preparatory School has cemented its legacy as a youth sports powerhouse by achieving an extraordinary three-peat victory at the Jamaica Independent Schools Association (JISA) Under-12 Netball Championship. The triumphant squad secured their latest title with a commanding 14-4 victory against Emmanuel Christian Academy in the championship finals held December 11 at the Leila Robinson Court within the National Stadium complex.

    The championship-winning roster featured exceptional performances from Victoria Alexander, Malia Brown, Emma Chuck, Zyla Demetrius, Cariel Gibson, Arianna Gordon, Amira McDonald, Tamoi Nelson, Gabrielle Phinn, Zuri Sang-Prescott, Amira Serinash, Kiara Shirley, Skylar Smith, and Nyla White. Their decisive win earned them the prestigious Region 1 overall championship title.

    This victory culminates a remarkable season characterized by technical excellence and outstanding discipline. Throughout the 2025 competitive season, Mona Prep maintained an unblemished record in official matches while accumulating multiple honors including JISA Under-12 Netball Rally Champions, Zone 4 Winners, and Competition Winners trophies.

    The team’s statistical dominance proved equally impressive, scoring 152 goals while conceding merely 27 throughout the season. Their defensive prowess reached near-perfection during the netball rally tournament, where they allowed just one goal against while scoring 25.

    Their sole setback occurred outside official competition in an invitational match against the Cayman Islands Under-16 national development team—a valuable experience that provided high-level competitive exposure.

    JISA President Tamar McKenzie emphasized the significance of maintaining athletic programs following Hurricane Melissa’s late October impact. “Sport plays a critical role in restoring normalcy, building resilience, and supporting the emotional well-being of our students after disruption,” McKenzie stated. “I commend all schools for their commitment to completing the season and extend congratulations to Mona Preparatory School on an outstanding and well-earned championship.”

  • Cindy Rose wins 800m at US college meet

    Cindy Rose wins 800m at US college meet

    Jamaican track and field talent continues to make waves in the US collegiate circuit as several athletes delivered standout performances across multiple indoor meets this weekend.

    Cindy Rose, formerly of Holmwood Technical and now competing for Indian Hills Community College, secured her first collegiate victory by dominating the women’s 800m at the Iowa State University Holiday Invitational. The 2025 Carifta Games silver medalist clocked an impressive 2:16.84, currently the leading time in the National Junior College Athletics Association (NJCAA) indoor season. This triumph follows her third-place finish in the 1000m (3:02.01) at the Washburn Alumni Invite just one week prior.

    Rose’s Indian Hills teammates equally demonstrated their athletic prowess. Hector Benjamin, an ex-Jamaica College sprinter, achieved second overall in the men’s 60m with a swift 6.83 seconds before claiming another silver in the 200m with a time of 21.70 seconds. Meanwhile, Jaquan Coke, previously of Kingston College, set a personal best of 2:26.43 in the men’s 1,000m to secure second place, significantly improving upon his previous mark of 2:27.98. Kemmario Bygrave, another Jamaica College alumnus, placed sixth in the competitive men’s 800m with a time of 1:51.41.

    At the University of Iowa’s Jimmy Grant Invitational, former Edwin Allen High runner Leanna Lewis continued the trend of strong Jamaican performances by capturing second place in the women’s 600m with a time of 1:30.23 while representing Iowa.

    Adding to the throwing events highlights, David Beadle of Hastings College, who previously attended Cornwall College, commenced his final eligible season at the UNK Pre-Holiday Classic. Beadle placed fourth in the men’s weight throw with a heave of 15.62 meters and registered 11.97 meters in the shot put competition.

  • Heavyweights Sts Peter and Paul, Lannaman’s clash in Henriques Cup final

    Heavyweights Sts Peter and Paul, Lannaman’s clash in Henriques Cup final

    A highly anticipated showdown for juvenile football supremacy is set to unfold as Sts Peter and Paul Preparatory square off against Lannaman’s in the Jamaica Independent Schools Association National Under-12 Henriques Cup final. The championship match, scheduled for 10:30 AM at Sts Peter and Paul Preparatory grounds, represents a quest for redemption for both squads seeking their first silverware of the season.

    Lannaman’s enters the final carrying the weight of last year’s disappointing finals defeat, determined to reclaim their championship pedigree after several trophy-less seasons across both knockout and league competitions. Their journey to the final was secured through a hard-fought 2-0 semi-final victory over Hillel Academy, with both goals materializing during extra time in a tense encounter.

    Opponents Sts Peter and Paul, current defending league champions, battled through their own semi-final challenge, edging Liberty Academy 1-0 in a match marred by disciplinary issues that resulted in red cards for one Liberty player and an assistant coach.

    Lannaman’s Head Coach Haron ‘German’ Martin expressed profound pride in his team’s resilience and quality following their semi-final performance. ‘After the heartbreak of last year’s final defeat, our focus has been unwavering—return to the championship match and complete the mission by lifting the trophy,’ Martin stated. He particularly praised the development pipeline at Lannaman’s, noting ‘While we’ve seen players move on, our program continually produces talented replacements who have performed exceptionally.’

    For Sts Peter and Paul, this final presents an opportunity to avenge last season’s semi-final elimination at the hands of Lannaman’s. Head Coach Kemar Edwards emphasized his team’s dominant form throughout the season, highlighting their unblemished record and remarkable defensive solidity having conceded just one goal. ‘The memory of penalty shootout defeat last year fuels our motivation. We possess a strong, albeit young, squad that deserves this victory after an outstanding campaign,’ Edwards commented, expressing confidence in his team’s preparedness for the title decider.

    Prior to the main event, Hillel Academy and Liberty Academy will contest the third-place playoff at 9:00 AM, setting the stage for a day of youthful football excellence at the preparatory level.

  • STS Nickerie naar Georgetown voor internationaal scholenvoetbal

    STS Nickerie naar Georgetown voor internationaal scholenvoetbal

    The Surinamese Technical School (STS) from Nickerie district has commenced its journey to Guyana as Suriname’s official representative at the prestigious KFC Goodwill School Football Tournament 2025. This international U18 competition, scheduled from December 14-21 in Georgetown, marks the third consecutive year of Surinamese participation in the regional sporting event.

    Strategic selection positioned STS Nickerie as the national delegate due to both their athletic merit and geographical significance. The team earned this distinguished opportunity by securing the district championship title in Nickerie, which shares a border with host nation Guyana. Organized by the Petra Organization, the tournament stands as one of the Caribbean’s most respected scholastic football competitions.

    The Surinamese squad, comprising 19 players under 18 years old, will compete against elite youth teams from multiple nations including Guyana, Jamaica, Brazil, and the Bahamas. Under the guidance of head coach Michel Dors and assistant coach Razack Lorenzo, the students aim to demonstrate their athletic prowess on an international platform.

    This initiative has been orchestrated by the Foundation School Sports Federation Suriname, an operational branch of the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports (JOS). The participation aligns with Suriname’s national policy to enhance youth sports development through international exposure, providing young athletes with competitive opportunities that foster both personal growth and national pride.

  • Ecuador and Dom Rep send votes to PL sports poll

    Ecuador and Dom Rep send votes to PL sports poll

    Prensa Latina’s esteemed annual sports survey has garnered significant participation from media organizations across Latin America, with the submission deadline set for December 22. The prestigious poll has already attracted entries from nearly 50 national and international media outlets representing multiple countries including Ecuador, Dominican Republic, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Panama, Mexico, Uruguay, and Venezuela.

    Ecuadorian javelin world champion Juleisy Angulo has emerged as a notable contender, receiving four votes from Radio Pichincha’s endorsement. Her performance places her third in the women’s category, trailing behind Cuban triple jumper Leyanis Pérez who leads with 30 votes, and Mexican athlete Andrea Becerra who holds second place with five votes.

    Dominican media outlet Vanguardia del Pueblo has highlighted several national athletes in their submissions. Sprinter Marileidy Paulino has garnered two votes, while Major League Baseball star Vladimir Guerrero and the baseball team Águilas Cibaeñas have received their inaugural votes in the poll.

    This year’s edition carries special historical significance as it honors two legendary figures in Latin American sports history. The poll is dedicated to commemorate the 100th birthday anniversary of Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro, recognized as the architect of Cuba’s sports movement, and the fifth death anniversary of Argentine soccer icon Diego Armando Maradona, who won the Sports Poll in 1986 following his World Cup triumph.

    The Prensa Latina Sports Poll maintains a rich tradition dating back to 1964 when Cuban sprinter Enrique Figuerola became its first recipient. The awards have evolved significantly over decades, with the Best Team of the Year category introduced in 1980 and gender-separated voting implemented in 1988 to ensure equitable recognition for male and female athletes.

  • New Zealand wrap up three-day victory over Windies

    New Zealand wrap up three-day victory over Windies

    New Zealand secured a commanding nine-wicket triumph against the West Indies on Friday’s third day of the second Test at Basin Reserve, propelled by fast bowler Jacob Duffy’s spectacular second-innings performance. The visitors collapsed to a meager 128 runs in their second innings—marking their sixth-lowest Test total against New Zealand—after trailing by 73 runs from the first innings.

    Duffy achieved his second consecutive five-wicket haul in the series, finishing with impressive figures of 5-38, while Michael Rae contributed significantly with 3-45. The West Indies, resuming at 32-2, initially showed resilience through overnight batsmen Brandon King and Kavem Hodge. However, a disastrous run-out of King triggered a catastrophic batting collapse. King was caught short of his crease following a miscommunication with Hodge and an accurate throw from Michael Bracewell.

    The dismissal sparked a rapid unraveling of the West Indies’ lineup. Shai Hope fell five balls later, offering a simple return catch to Rae. Captain Roston Chase continued his poor form, gloving a sharp delivery from Duffy to the wicketkeeper after scoring just two runs. Hodge’s departure for a team-high 35—caught brilliantly by substitute fielder Will Young—effectively ended the contest at 88-6.

    Though Justin Greaves (25) and Tevin Imlach provided brief resistance, Duffy’s post-lunch breakthrough, dismissing Greaves lbw via review, swiftly curtailed their efforts. Imlach fell soon after, caught at second slip off Duffy’s bowling. The tailenders offered little resistance, with Rae clean bowling Jayden Seales and Duffy claiming the final wicket of Ojay Shields.

    Chasing a modest target of 56 runs, New Zealand suffered an early setback with captain Tom Latham falling for nine to Anderson Phillip. However, Devon Conway’s explosive unbeaten 28 off 22 balls (including six boundaries) and Kane Williamson’s composed 16 not out guided the hosts to victory in just ten overs, securing a 1-0 series lead after the first Test ended in a draw.

  • St. Kitts And Nevis Beach Volleyball Pairs Compete At Crucial NORCECA Circuit Stop In Juan Dolio – SKN PULSE

    St. Kitts And Nevis Beach Volleyball Pairs Compete At Crucial NORCECA Circuit Stop In Juan Dolio – SKN PULSE

    JUAN DOLIO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – The Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis is being represented by two formidable beach volleyball duos at the conclusive 2025 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Circuit event, hosted in Juan Dolio through December 14. This tournament marks the eleventh and final stop of the regional circuit, carrying substantial implications for international qualifications.

    On the women’s side, the pairing of Shanicia Dyer and Shajunae Gumbs confronts intense competition in Pool B, squaring off against teams from Venezuela and Puerto Rico. Despite the formidable opposition, the duo maintains an optimistic outlook and strategic determination to progress beyond the preliminary rounds.

    The men’s team featuring Zendai Richards and Julian Bristol has been placed in Pool A, where they will challenge squads from the host nation Dominican Republic, Belize, and Martinique. Demonstrating consistent improvement throughout the past half-year, the pair has established quarterfinal advancement as their minimum objective.

    This gathering features 14 women’s and 16 men’s teams representing nations across North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. The Juan Dolio stop distinguishes itself by awarding double points toward NORCECA continental rankings and contributing significantly to FIVB World Ranking calculations. Additionally, the tournament provides a vital qualification pathway for the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games, scheduled to take place in Santo Domingo.

    Both St. Kitts and Nevis teams have expressed resolute commitment to advancing beyond pool play into the knockout stages, recognizing this event as a pivotal opportunity to elevate their international standing in beach volleyball.

  • Windies battered in three days

    Windies battered in three days

    WELLINGTON – New Zealand secured a commanding nine-wicket triumph against the West Indies within three days at Basin Reserve on December 12, propelled by fast bowler Jacob Duffy’s spectacular second consecutive five-wicket haul. The visitors’ batting lineup crumbled under pressure, dismissed for a meager 128 runs in their second innings—marking their sixth-lowest Test score against New Zealand.

    The West Indies, resuming Day 3 at 32/2, initially showed resilience with overnight batters Brandon King and Kavem Hodge building a steady partnership. However, a disastrous run-out of King triggered a catastrophic collapse. Hodge’s indecision led to King being caught short of his crease by a precise throw from Michael Bracewell, swiftly followed by Shai Hope’s dismissal off Michael Rae’s simple return catch.

    Duffy’s relentless attack dismantled the middle order, including skipper Roston Chase, who fell for just 2 runs. Hodge’s top-score of 35 ended abruptly with a stunning catch by substitute fielder Will Young. Despite a brief resistance from Justin Greaves (25) and Tevin Imlach, Duffy’s post-lunch breakthroughs sealed the Windies’ fate. Rae complemented Duffy’s 5/38 with 3/45, wrapping up the innings swiftly.

    Chasing a trivial target of 56, New Zealand lost Tom Latham early but effortlessly reached 57/1 in just ten overs. Devon Conway’s explosive 28* (22 balls) and Kane Williamson’s composed 16* secured an unassailable 1-0 series lead, with the first Test having ended in a draw.

    **Summarized Scores**:
    West Indies: 205 & 128 (Hodge 35; Duffy 5/38, Rae 3/45)
    New Zealand: 278/9 decl. & 57/1 (Conway 28*, Williamson 16*; Phillip 1/17)
    *Result: New Zealand won by 9 wickets*

  • ‘THEY’RE COMMITTED!’

    ‘THEY’RE COMMITTED!’

    West Indies cricketer Rovman Powell has voiced a sobering assessment of the team’s current standing in Test cricket, describing the format as being in a battle for its very survival. Despite a dismal recent record, the Jamaican international insists a committed core of players remains dedicated to reversing the team’s fortunes.

    The statement comes as the West Indies team concludes 2025 with a deeply disappointing performance sheet. The side is poised to finish the year with a losing record following a winless streak in their ongoing three-match Test series against New Zealand. After a hard-fought draw in the first match of the ICC World Test Championship, the team suffered a crushing defeat in the second Test, losing by nine wickets within just three days.

    This year’s statistics paint a stark picture: seven losses in nine Test matches, including series defeats to cricketing powerhouses Australia and India. The team’s solitary victory in 2025 dates back to January, achieved in the second Test during their tour of Pakistan.

    In response to this prolonged period of underperformance, the regional governing body, Cricket West Indies, convened a series of high-level meetings. These included an extraordinary session that brought together legendary former players Sir Clive Lloyd and Brian Lara to help address the team’s persistent struggles.

    Though Powell himself, 32, has never earned a Test cap despite 13 first-class appearances between 2015 and 2020, he boasts extensive experience as a white-ball specialist with over 150 combined ODI and T20 appearances for the West Indies. He maintains a firm belief in the potential of his red-ball counterparts to achieve greater competitiveness on the international stage.

    Addressing media in India, Powell highlighted the financial realities complicating the situation. He acknowledged the significant monetary constraints within the Test cricket cycle but emphasized the determination of the players. ‘There are guys who are committed, there are guys who are trying their best,’ he stated. ‘As much as we have played bad in the past, when we get it right, it looks as beautiful as any other team.’

    Powell, currently featuring for the Dubai Capitals in the UAE’s IL T20 league, also addressed long-standing criticism regarding player commitment. Critics have often questioned the dedication of West Indian cricketers due to their widespread participation in lucrative global T20 franchises.

    He countered this perspective, arguing it overlooks the crucial financial considerations for athletes from the region. ‘There is love for the sport, but the sport is also now a business. You use it as a viable means to take care of your family,’ Powell explained. He pointed out that T20 leagues provide a critical opportunity for Caribbean players to lift their families out of poverty and secure a better quality of life—a financial incentive that the West Indies cricket board simply cannot match.

    Despite the pull of franchise cricket, Powell sees value in the relationships built there. He noted that these experiences foster lifelong friendships and connections with players from diverse backgrounds, which last well beyond a playing career.

    In a positive personal development, Powell has been retained by the Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) draft. He is slated to fill the vacancy left by fellow Jamaican Andre Russell, who has transitioned into a coaching role with the franchise as a power coach.

    Expressing his enthusiasm for the opportunity, Powell remarked, ‘It’s very good for such a big franchise to put some faith in me. It’s something that I’ve always wanted.’ He anticipates a smooth integration into the squad, citing the strong West Indian presence there, including Sunil Narine, Russell, and Dwayne Bravo. ‘I should feel at home,’ he added, ‘and hopefully given the opportunity, I’ll do well.’