分类： sports

The ISSA/Digicel Manning Cup quarterfinals commenced with a series of thrilling encounters on Saturday, dramatically reshaping the standings in both Zone A and Zone B. Stadium East and Winchester Park served as the backdrop for a day defined by resilience, tactical shifts, and decisive goals.

In the opening match at Stadium East, Charlie Smith High orchestrated a remarkable comeback to secure a 2-1 victory over Hydel High. Despite conceding an early goal to Mario Nelson in the 30th minute and subsequently missing a penalty kick, Charlie Smith displayed formidable determination. Their fortunes turned in the 61st minute when an own goal from Hydel’s Damari Bowen leveled the score. The comeback was completed just three minutes later as Neyo Drummond fired home, capitalizing on a penetrating assist from Orlando Grant, who redeemed himself after his earlier penalty miss.

Eugene Williams, the victorious Charlie Smith coach, lauded his team’s character. “We are at a stage of the competition where nothing is going to come easy. Nothing at all,” Williams stated, emphasizing his squad’s ability to overcome adversity. Conversely, Hydel’s coach Alex Thomas lamented his team’s drop in concentration after conceding the equalizer, noting a critical lapse in energy during the second half.

In the day’s feature encounter, Jamaica College (JC) clinched an identical 2-1 win against Excelsior High. JC established an early lead with a 15th-minute goal from Jamoy Dennis. Excelsior’s prolific striker Kimarly Scott responded on the stroke of halftime, netting his 17th goal of the season in the 45+3 minute. The match seemed destined for a draw until the 88th minute, when Duwayne Burger, a former Kingston College player, chested home a precise cross from Jamone Lyle to seal the victory for JC.

The results propelled both Charlie Smith High and Jamaica College to the top of Zone A on matching records.

Meanwhile, in Zone B action, the standings were upended by a significant upset. Vauxhall High delivered a stunning 1-0 victory over Calabar High at Winchester Park. In another match, Eltham High dominated St Andrew Technical High School (STATHS) with a commanding 4-1 victory at the Spanish Town Prison Oval. This decisive win, combined with other results, elevated Eltham to the summit of Zone B on goal difference, setting the stage for a highly competitive conclusion to the quarterfinal stage.

In a spectacular display of dominance, Herbert Morrison Technical achieved an extraordinary 108-2 victory against Muschett High in Thursday’s Under-16 ISSA Rural Area Zone A basketball matchup. The game, held at Herbert Morrison’s home court, marks their second consecutive decisive win following last week’s 94-30 triumph over York Castle High.

The match transformed into a showcase of offensive brilliance as four Herbert Morrison players scored in double digits. Shemar Russell and Michael Johnson jointly led the scoring charge with 22 points each. Russell delivered a remarkable triple-double performance, additionally securing 12 rebounds and 14 steals. Significant contributions came from Antonio Kerr with 14 points and 6 rebounds, and Tyler Linton with 10 points and 11 steals.

Herbert Morrison established overwhelming control from the opening quarter, concluding the first period with a 22-0 advantage. By halftime, the lead had expanded to 45-2, followed by a second-half shutout that produced 63 unanswered points.

Meanwhile, the institution’s Under-19 contest against Ocho Rios High encountered premature termination due to inclement weather. Herbert Morrison maintained a commanding 37-5 lead with approximately five minutes remaining in the first half. Joshua Ferguson had impressed with 15 points, exclusively from three-point shots.

In related tournament action, Munro College secured dual victories against Christiana High in Zone B competitions. Their Under-16 squad orchestrated a 33-17 comeback win, propelled by Sheldon Forrester’s 19-point performance. The Under-19 encounter witnessed Munro overcoming two separate deficits to claim a 33-26 victory, with Keneil Moodie leading scorers at 17 points.

Zone A witnessed York Castle High achieving redemption with a 66-49 Under-19 victory against Ocho Rios High. Christian Andorn’s exceptional 36-point performance, complemented by Chadrick McFarlane’s 23 points, powered a determined comeback after trailing early in the contest.

Jamaica’s national women’s football team delivered a historic performance with an unprecedented 18-0 victory against Dominica in their FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier at Daren Sammy Cricket Stadium in St. Lucia on November 29. Despite setting a new national record that surpassed their previous 14-0 achievement against St. Lucia in 2014, team captain Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw maintains a grounded perspective, emphasizing the need for continued refinement rather than celebration.

The Reggae Girlz demonstrated exceptional offensive prowess with multiple players achieving hat-tricks. Shaw herself contributed three goals during the fourth, 39th, and 43rd minutes, marking her 60th international goal for Jamaica. Teammates Kalyssa Van Zanten and Jody Brown matched this achievement with triple goals of their own, while Deneisha Blackwood, Natasha Thomas, and Shaneil Buckley each secured two goals. Atlanta Primus and Shania Hayles completed the dominant display with additional scores.

Shaw, who recently returned to the squad after a break, highlighted the professional execution but identified areas for enhancement: ‘We scored numerous goals but could have been more clinical. This is something we must develop further.’ The Manchester City striker views her leadership role as both privilege and responsibility, particularly given Jamaica’s pursuit of a third consecutive World Cup appearance.

Beyond athletic aspirations, Shaw recognizes the team’s significance as a source of national pride during challenging times in Jamaica. She emphasized the collective leadership within the squad, noting how veteran players and emerging talents collaboratively elevate performance standards both on and off the field. This shared responsibility framework creates a supportive environment where players mutually encourage and challenge each other toward continuous improvement.

In a remarkable career milestone, esteemed horse trainer Lawrence Freemantle has secured his 300th victory as he approaches retirement. The historic win was achieved on Saturday, November 29, 2025, when Phoenix Risen, ridden by jockey Demar Williams, triumphed in the three-year-old and upward Optional Claiming event. The race, featuring competitors aged six-years-old and upward (non-winners of three), covered four furlongs (800 meters), with Phoenix Risen winning by a decisive length and a half margin.

Freemantle, who began his training career in 2001, described the achievement as “an overwhelming feeling” in exclusive comments to the Jamaica Observer’s Supreme Racing Guide. Despite recent competitive breaks due to limited quality horses, the veteran trainer strategically programmed his return specifically for this milestone.

Reflecting on his journey, Freemantle acknowledged the special significance of both his first winner, King of the Band with jockey Leo Miller, and this 300th victory. When identifying career highlights, he immediately cited Mr Skill as his standout performer – a horse with whom he achieved an exceptional record of 12 wins from 22 starts, progressing from $350,000 claiming level to Overnight Allowance status.

The trainer, who has also handled notable horses including Military Move and Natural Desire, characterized his overall career as “very good” with substantial shares of winnings and strong performances. Though approaching retirement, Freemantle hinted at continued competition, smilingly noting he still has “a few shots left to fire” before concluding his distinguished tenure in horse racing.