分类: sports

  • Army go 3rd in TTPFL with midweek win, hunt top spot

    Army go 3rd in TTPFL with midweek win, hunt top spot

    In a dominant midweek display, Defence Force FC solidified their position as serious title contenders in the Trinidad and Tobago Premier Football League (TTPFL) with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Point Fortin Civic on December 17. The match, held at St James Police Barracks, saw the defending champions climb to third place in the standings with 17 points, maintaining their remarkable unbeaten record that stretches back to last season.

    The Army/Coast Guard combination demonstrated their championship pedigree despite an early scare when goalkeeper Isaiah Williams made a crucial save against Mark Ramdeen within the first minute. Defence Force quickly established control with Darius Ollivierra opening the scoring in the 17th minute through a precise header from Kaihim Thomas’s cross. Rivaldo Coryat doubled the advantage in the 29th minute with a composed left-footed volley, showcasing technical excellence after connecting with Adriel George’s delivery.

    Thomas, who entered as an early substitute for injured Elijah Seechan, completed the scoring in the 64th minute with a clinical finish into the far corner following intelligent build-up play from Kathon St Hillaire and Caden Trestrail. The victory allowed Defence Force to leapfrog Prisons FC in the standings, setting up a crucial December 19 matchup against bottom-placed Terminix La Horquetta Rangers where a win could potentially propel them to the league summit.

    In the accompanying double-header fixture, MIC Central FC Reboot secured a 3-1 victory over Caledonia AIA in a hard-fought contest. The teams entered halftime tied at 1-1 after exchanges from Isaiah Lee and Jariel Arthur, but Central asserted dominance in the second half through Daniel David’s lofted finish and veteran defender Jamal Jack’s celebratory goal on his 38th birthday.

    The results intensify the title race with Police FC (19 points) and Club Sando (18 points) currently leading the pack, while Defence Force maintains games in hand that could prove decisive in the coming weeks.

  • St Catherine beat Mona on penalties to win Walker Cup

    St Catherine beat Mona on penalties to win Walker Cup

    In a breathtaking finale to the ISSA Walker Cup, St Catherine High emerged victorious over Mona High in a nail-biting penalty shootout that concluded 4-3. The championship match, held on Friday, culminated in high drama after the teams fought to an electrifying 3-3 draw during regular play, forcing the decisive penalty kicks.

    The victory marks St Catherine’s third Walker Cup triumph within the past six years, adding to their previous championship wins in 2019 and 2021. This latest achievement solidifies their growing legacy in the competition’s recent history.

    The match began with Mona High establishing an early advantage when Devrahj Singh found the net in just the 5th minute. St Catherine responded with determination as Dwight Gentles delivered an impressive first-half performance, scoring twice in the 22nd and 34th minutes to secure a 2-1 lead at halftime.

    Mona High demonstrated remarkable resilience after the break. Joenaldo Payne equalized in the 55th minute, followed immediately by a go-ahead goal from team talisman Sean Leighton just two minutes later, putting Mona ahead 3-2.

    With time running out, St Catherine’s Kevin Grey executed a perfectly placed volley in the 80th minute, tying the game and sending the championship into a penalty shootout. Under immense pressure, St Catherine’s Marlon Jones, Jordan Mathias, Dwight Gentles, and Kadean Young successfully converted their penalties, while Tchane Riley missed the team’s third attempt.

    Mona High saw conversions from Sean Leighton, Savi-K Morton, and Joenaldo Payne, but crucial misses on the third and fourth kicks by Niquan Allen and Nathaniel McCarthy ultimately decided the championship in St Catherine’s favor. This victory represents St Catherine’s third football title, all achieved since the Walker Cup format was restructured in 2018 to exclude the top four Manning Cup teams.

  • Excelsior upset JC to lift first Manning Cup in 21 years

    Excelsior upset JC to lift first Manning Cup in 21 years

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – A historic chapter unfolded at the National Stadium on Friday as Excelsior High School triumphed over Jamaica College with a 2-0 victory to clinch the prestigious ISSA Wata Manning Cup. This monumental win shattered a 21-year championship dry spell for the institution, marking their first title since 2004 and securing their eighth overall Manning Cup victory.

    The match’s turning point arrived in the 57th minute when Kimarley Scott expertly found the back of the net, breaking the deadlock and sending Excelsior supporters into a frenzy. As the clock ticked into stoppage time following the regulation 90 minutes, Kivann Salmon delivered the decisive blow, cementing the victory and ensuring the trophy’s return to Excelsior.

    This victory represents a monumental resurgence for an Excelsior program that had endured more than two decades without claiming the championship. In stark contrast, the outcome delivered profound disappointment for a formidable Jamaica College squad. Entering the final as undefeated seasonal favorites, JC suffered their first and only defeat of the campaign in the most crucial match of the year, dashing their championship aspirations.

  • Trinidad and Tobago Under-17s eliminated in Jewels tournament

    Trinidad and Tobago Under-17s eliminated in Jewels tournament

    Trinidad and Tobago’s Under-17 women’s football team faced tournament elimination following a 2-1 defeat against Jamaica in the DecembHER Football – Jewels of the Caribbean competition on December 17. The critical match at Sangre Grande Recreational Ground witnessed dramatic developments including a red card and power outage that impacted gameplay dynamics.

    Jamaica established an early advantage in the 22nd minute when Ricquanna Richards capitalized on a rebound after Trinidadian goalkeeper Zofia Richards initially blocked a sharp-angled attempt. The Caribbean rivals maintained intense pressure until Nikita Gosine equalized for Trinidad and Tobago via a powerfully converted penalty kick in the 32nd minute.

    The match’s momentum shifted decisively during first-half stoppage time when Trinidadian defender Gyasi Lewis received a straight red card for a professional foul, reducing the squad to ten players for the entire second period. Despite numerical disadvantage, Trinidad and Tobago demonstrated resilient defensive organization until Beth Miller’s 56th-minute breakthrough secured Jamaica’s victory. Miller exhibited exceptional technical control to navigate a long aerial pass before finishing from close range after her initial shot was parried.

    An unexpected power interruption temporarily suspended play in the 63rd minute, adding another layer of disruption to Trinidad and Tobago’s comeback efforts. The defeat follows Trinidad’s 4-0 opening loss to United States-based club Indy Premier SC, confirming their elimination from final contention.

    In related tournament action, Jamaica’s Under-20 squad drew 2-2 with Indy Premier SC at Hasely Crawford Stadium on December 18, with both teams accumulating four points in group standings. Trinidad and Tobago’s Under-20 team was scheduled to conclude group stage proceedings against a Trinidad Women’s League Football selection following press deadlines.

  • Makeda Bain claims three RBC Junior tennis titles

    Makeda Bain claims three RBC Junior tennis titles

    The 2025 RBC Junior Tennis Tournament concluded in spectacular fashion at Trinidad’s National Racquet Centre in Tacarigua on December 18, with emerging stars Makeda Bain and Christopher Khan delivering exceptional performances across multiple age categories.

    Christopher Khan demonstrated remarkable mental fortitude in the boys’ Under-16 singles final against top-seeded Josiah Hills. After dropping the first set 3-6, Khan mounted a impressive comeback to claim the second set 6-4, forcing a decisive third set. The thrilling contest reached its climax with Khan securing an 11-9 victory in the final set tiebreak. Khan’s triumph extended to the Under-18 category where he received a walkover victory as Hills was unable to compete in the scheduled final.

    Makeda Bain mirrored Khan’s success with her own double championship achievement. In the girls’ Under-16 final, Bain overcame a determined challenge from Cyra Ramcharan, prevailing with identical 6-4 set scores. Her Under-18 final appearance against Madison Khan showcased Bain’s competitive resilience as she recovered from a first-set deficit (5-7) to dominate the subsequent sets 6-2, 6-1.

    Bain completed her tournament supremacy by capturing the senior girls’ doubles title alongside Madison Khan, defeating the sister pairing of Cyra and Suri Ramcharan with a commanding 6-0, 6-2 victory.

    The tournament featured numerous other notable performances across various age divisions. Augustus Wiley claimed the division two senior boys’ singles title against Nathan Agarwal (5-3, 4-2), while Zayden Sagramsingh emerged victorious in a tightly contested boys’ 10-and-Under final against Ryan Chin (2-4, 4-2, 10-5).

    In girls’ competition, Samiyah Mohammed captured the 14-and-Under singles championship after a three-set battle with Suri Ramcharan (6-4, 1-6, 10-8), while Soraya Ali triumphed in division two senior girls’ singles against Daniella Sambrano (5-4, 4-2).

    The doubles competitions concluded with Nirav Dougdeen and Josiah Hills claiming the senior boys’ title after a hard-fought match against Oliver Harragin and Christopher Khan (6-7, 6-4, 11-9).

  • More chances to shine: US-based coaches praise SSFL Cobmine

    More chances to shine: US-based coaches praise SSFL Cobmine

    Trinidad’s emerging football stars showcased their skills to international college coaches during the three-day 2025 Football Combine and Showcase held at TTDF Reserve Grounds in Macqueripe from December 12-14. The collaborative event, organized by the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL), Next Level Performance TT (NLP), and youth development program Pro Series, drew praise from American college scouts who witnessed exceptional talent among both male and female participants.

    Junior Galvan, assistant coach of Butler Community College’s women’s program, and Grace Houchin, assistant coach for both men’s and women’s programs at Murray State College, were among the international observers assessing approximately 80 young athletes. They were joined by former Trinidad and Tobago national team player Leslie “Tiger” Fitzpatrick, now head of Pro Player Pathway at New York Red Bulls Academy, who provided professional evaluation of the prospects.

    The combine revealed several standout performers across gender divisions. Among female participants, defender Kaitlyn Darwent and attacking midfielder Orielle captured attention on the opening day, with Ty’Kaiya Dennis, Zyesha Potts, and St Joseph’s Convent Port of Spain duo Scarlett Cole and Daneelyah Salandy maintaining strong performances throughout the event. The male contingent featured impressive displays from Fatima College’s Seth Hadeed and Phillip Nelson, St Anthony’s College representatives Jaeden Bobb and Adriel Faure, Joshua Miguel from St Mary’s College, Queen’s Royal College’s Jalano Straker, and St Benedict’s College playmaker Josiah Ochoa.

    NLP celebrated the third edition of the combine as a resounding success, noting representation from athletes across all zones of Trinidad and Tobago, including members of current under-20 and under-17 national teams. Visiting coaches expressed particular admiration for both the technical quality and cultural environment, with many indicating eagerness to return for future recruitment opportunities.

    Coach Galvan emphasized the significance of cultural background in player development, stating, “The culture plays a massive role in the kid’s talent, but also the person. I met amazing kids with great people skills willing to be coachable and that’s a testament to their families.” Coach Houchin added, “The NLP Combine was an amazing opportunity for not only myself as a coach to experience first-hand the amazing young talent of TT, but also for the players to showcase themselves.”

    The organization clarified that the combine represents merely the beginning of recruitment possibilities, as their digital platform continues to provide exposure for all participants. Through the Next Level Performance TT App, athletes maintain connectivity with coaches from National Junior College Athletic Association, National College Athletic Association, and National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics programs, ensuring ongoing scouting opportunities beyond the live event.

  • Defence Force aim to go third in Trinidad and Tobago Premier Football League

    Defence Force aim to go third in Trinidad and Tobago Premier Football League

    The Trinidad and Tobago Premier Football League (TTPFL) continues its intense December schedule with defending champions Defence Force aiming to maintain their winning momentum against bottom-placed Terminix La Horquetta Rangers. The highly anticipated clash will serve as the evening fixture of a December 19 double-header at La Horquetta Recreation Grounds, commencing at 8 pm.

    Defence Force enters the match following a crucial 2-1 victory over third-ranked Prisons in their previous outing. The army unit demonstrated tactical precision with goals from playmaker Adriel George and defender Sheldon Bateau securing three valuable points. This result elevated Defence Force to 14 points from six matches, positioning them within striking distance of league leaders.

    A triumph against Rangers would propel Defence Force to 17 points, narrowing the gap to just two points behind frontrunners Miscellaneous Police FC. The championship race remains exceptionally tight, with Police, Club Sando, and Prisons all scheduled to play their subsequent matches on December 20.

    Meanwhile, Terminix La Horquetta Rangers confront the encounter from a precarious position, languishing in 11th place with merely four points from seven fixtures. Their recent 2-1 defeat to San Juan Jabloteh extended their disappointing run, making this match critical for reversing their fortunes.

    The evening’s opening match at 6 pm will feature San Juan Jabloteh against Central FC, setting the stage for the weekend’s football action. The competition intensifies further on December 20 when the top two teams, Police and Club Sando, clash at St James Police Barracks in what promises to be a championship-defining encounter.

    Additional fixtures include Prisons Service versus AC Port of Spain at the barracks, while December 21 will see action shift to Mahaica Sporting Complex where FC Phoenix face Eagles FC and Caledonia AIA challenge Point Fortin Civic.

    The current league standings reveal Police FC maintaining top position with 19 points, closely pursued by Club Sando with 18 points. The relegation battle sees Eagles FC anchored at the bottom with a single point from seven matches, highlighting the league’s competitive dichotomy.

  • TITANS COLLIDE!

    TITANS COLLIDE!

    The National Stadium prepares for an epic confrontation as Jamaica College (JC) and Excelsior High face off in the ISSA Manning Cup final, determining the ultimate champion of urban schoolboy football. This championship match represents not just athletic competition but a clash of institutional legacies and aspirations.

    Symbolically, the final embodies a mythological battle between JC’s Griffin—a legendary creature combining lion’s body with eagle’s head and wings—and Excelsior’s conventional eagle. While mythology might favor the hybrid beast, victory will ultimately be decided on the pitch through skill, strategy, and determination.

    Jamaica College, established in 1795, stands as the tournament’s most decorated institution with 28 Manning Cup titles. Their quest for a record-extending 29th championship traces back to the competition’s 1914 inception. Historical records indicate JC’s early dominance, having secured the Sydney Olivier Inter Scholastic Challenge Trophy in 1909, 1910, and 1913 before the Manning Cup era began.

    The current JC squad represents a footballing juggernaut, characterized by exceptional balance and coordination. Key players including Jabarie Howell (considered among schoolboy football’s elite), Donald Stewart (a defensive stalwart following his father’s legacy), and Devonte Allen form what appears an impregnable unit. Despite earlier second-round inconsistencies with draws against Mona High and Eltham High, JC demonstrated overwhelming dominance in knockout stages with decisive victories over Charlie Smith High (4-0), Hydel High (5-0), and St Andrew Technical (4-0).

    Head Coach Raymond ‘Stampy’ Watson emphasizes psychological preparedness: ‘We’re not thinking about the opponents. Let them think about us… We just believe in what we are doing.’ Watson acknowledges their previous 2-1 quarter-final victory against Excelsior holds no significance in the final context: ‘This is now where something is on the line… We know what they can do.’

    Excelsior High seeks to break a 21-year championship drought, pursuing their eighth Manning Cup since first winning in 1953. Under Head Coach Keon Broderick, the Mountain View Avenue institution reaches its first final in 19 years. Their squad features talented players hardened by recent disappointments—including losses in the 2024 Walker Cup and Under-16 finals—creating a determined group craving redemption.

    Offensive prowess centers around prolific scorer Kimarly Scott (19 goals), supported by Terrence Williams, Damarly Williams, and Kivann Salmon. Coach Broderick emphasizes strategic flexibility: ‘It’s for us to be very flexible within the game… We want to capitalize on goalscoring opportunities and limit JC’s chances.’

    The anticipated final promises compelling individual duels and tactical sophistication, representing one of the most eagerly awaited schoolboy football championships in recent memory. While Jamaica College enters as statistical favorite, Excelsior’s hunger and preparation could produce a historic upset when the whistle blows at the National Stadium.

  • 2025 MG HS High quality stuff

    2025 MG HS High quality stuff

    The automotive landscape has witnessed a significant shift as legendary sports car manufacturers embrace the SUV segment, a transition now met with widespread acceptance rather than skepticism. This evolution demonstrates that engineering prowess can indeed transcend vehicle categories, often yielding exceptional results or, at the very least, elevating SUVs beyond conventional standards. The 2025 MG HS firmly establishes itself in this transformative movement.

    EXTERIOR DESIGN
    MG’s design language translates effectively into the HS model, presenting a distinctive yet conservative aesthetic. The front fascia features an unmistakably large grille complemented by sleek LED daytime running lights, creating an immediate brand association. While the overall profile maintains cleaner lines than the bold front presentation, the cohesive design achieves a modern appearance that respects MG’s heritage without excessive flamboyance.

    INTERIOR EXPERIENCE
    The cabin continues the exterior’s cohesive design philosophy with a modern, spacious environment that offers generous rear passenger accommodation and trunk capacity. Practical storage solutions abound throughout the interior. Technology integration strikes an ideal balance between innovation and usability, featuring dual 12.9-inch screens without overwhelming occupants. Most convenience features remain accessible through intuitive infotainment menus, while critical functions retain physical controls for immediate access. The interface operates seamlessly with razor-sharp graphics, complemented by high-quality switchgear.

    Connectivity options include wireless capability and four strategically placed USB ports. The audio system delivers authentic sound reproduction regardless of input source. Interior quality surpasses segment expectations with soft-touch materials at key contact points, enhanced by contrast stitching and refined accent elements that elevate the cabin beyond many class competitors.

    DRIVING DYNAMICS
    MG’s engineering expertise manifests clearly in the driving experience. Urban navigation proves exceptionally smooth, with the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine delivering 170 horsepower to the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that avoids typical CVT drawbacks. Low-speed operation leverages a fat torque curve for seamless shifts while achieving fuel efficiency exceeding 30mpg.

    The MG Pilot driver assistance suite enhances safety and comfort with features including full-range automatic cruise control capable of operating down to 0 km/h—particularly valuable in heavy traffic conditions. For enthusiastic drivers, deep throttle application unlocks additional power reserves, while a dedicated SPORT transmission mode enables faster shifts and extended gear retention.

    Chassis tuning demonstrates particular brilliance for varied road conditions, striking an ideal balance between sportiness and comfort. The suspension system outperforms many premium models, exhibiting remarkable compliance across Jamaica’s diverse road surfaces—from unpaved stretches to cratered sections and smooth highways. This engineering achievement maintains impeccable body control while preserving passenger comfort, inspiring confidence across all driving scenarios.

    CONCLUSION
    Though the substantial leather-wrapped steering wheel suggests performance intentions, the MG HS makes no pretenses as a sports car. Instead, it excels as a comfortable, practical, and efficient daily driver capable of handling urban commutes and long-distance journeys with equal competence. The harmonious integration of suspension, power delivery, and braking systems enables confident navigation of smaller roads at pace.

    While not designed primarily for high-speed enjoyment, the HS proves fully capable when necessity demands rapid progress—such as navigating returning country traffic—though drivers should advise passengers before increasing pace. With a starting price below six million dollars, the 2025 MG HS delivers exceptional value that significantly exceeds expectations in the competitive compact SUV segment.

  • ‘Warrior Chief’ reigns

    ‘Warrior Chief’ reigns

    Caymanas Park witnessed an electrifying display of horsemanship on Saturday, December 13, 2025, as Jamaican racing icons Dane Nelson and Raddesh Roman delivered a monumental showdown in the Ahwhofah Trophy. The Overnight Allowance contest, spanning six furlongs, culminated in a breathtaking photo finish that saw Nelson aboard Atlantic Convoy prevail over Roman on Zulu Warrior by the narrowest of margins.

    The race evolved into a strategic masterclass, with the veteran jockey’s patience ultimately trumping raw power. Nelson expertly guided Atlantic Convoy, a horse returning to winning form after a year-long drought, through a fierce stretch battle that also included Miniature Man ridden by Abigail Able. The victory marked a triumphant return for both horse and jockey, showcasing Nelson’s unparalleled racecraft.

    In post-race comments to The Supreme Racing Guide, Nelson reflected on the significance of his victory. ‘Atlantic Convoy took a year to win back a race… I won on him last year and then came back to win again this year,’ Nelson remarked, suggesting a special connection with the thoroughbred. The four-time local champion was quick to acknowledge his opponent’s exceptional talent, stating, ‘This race showed that this kid [Raddesh Roman] can ride. He is very powerful and a very good rider.’

    Despite evident disappointment, Roman displayed remarkable sportsmanship in defeat. ‘He gave a very good ride,’ Roman conceded regarding Nelson’s performance. ‘As you know, Dane Nelson is one of the best riders in Jamaica.’ The current champion added philosophical perspective: ‘I lost the race but I don’t lose anything in defeat because I think I did my very best. Somebody had to win the race and Dane just got the better of me.’

    The celebration saw trainer Kibbeisha Litte and Nelson’s wife Christina joining connections in commemorating the emotional victory, captured in photographs by Garfield Robinson. Roman’s comments also hinted at the changing landscape of Jamaican racing, noting Nelson’s Canadian citizenship would likely mean more part-time appearances in local competitions, making such legendary matchups increasingly rare treasures.