分类： sports

KINGSTON, Jamaica—In a significant development for Caribbean athletics, Jamaican track and field expert David Riley has secured a prestigious appointment to the World Athletics Coaches’ Commission. The Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) officially confirmed this elevation on Monday, marking a milestone for the nation’s sporting representation on the global stage.

Riley, who serves as head coach at Excelsior High School while holding dual roles as World Athletics Global Calendar Liaison and deputy chairman of the Competitions Commission at JAAA, underwent an extensive vetting procedure before his nomination. The JAAA release emphasized that his selection directly recognizes his exceptional work in athletics coaching, educational programs for coaches, and athlete development initiatives spanning both national and international contexts.

This appointment carries substantial implications for Jamaica’s role in international sports governance. Riley’s position will enable direct Jamaican input into the formulation of global coaching policies, the establishment of international standards, and the creation of athlete development frameworks. The move signals growing Caribbean influence within World Athletics’ decision-making processes.

JAAA President Garth Gayle celebrated the appointment as a moment of national pride, stating: ‘Coach Riley’s placement on this commission reflects the extraordinary respect that Jamaican coaching professionals command worldwide. It validates the exceptional expertise within our coaching community and guarantees that Jamaica’s distinctive viewpoints and proven methodologies will actively inform the future trajectory of global athlete development and coaching excellence.’

In a Premier League spectacle characterized by offensive brilliance and defensive frailty, Manchester United were held to a dramatic 4-4 draw by a resilient Bournemouth side at Old Trafford on Monday. The result saw United miss a crucial opportunity to climb into fifth place in the league standings, as they repeatedly surrendered hard-earned advantages in a match that delivered eight goals.

The contest began favorably for the hosts, with Amad Diallo capitalizing on a Djordje Petrovic error to nod into an unguarded net in the 13th minute. Despite United’s commanding attacking display, their defensive vulnerabilities were exposed just before halftime. Antoine Semenyo overpowered Luke Shaw to equalize, only for Casemiro to restore United’s lead in first-half stoppage time with a header that Petrovic should have saved.

The second half commenced with a stunning Bournemouth blitz. Evanilson needed just 37 seconds to slot home his first goal since August, before Marcus Tavernier’s expertly drilled free-kick completed a rapid turnaround, putting the visitors ahead 3-2.

United demonstrated characteristic resilience in response. Captain Bruno Fernandes unleashed a magnificent free-kick into the top corner, and Matheus Cunha then swept home to put United back in front at 4-3. However, the lead proved temporary once more. With six minutes remaining, Eli Junior Kroupi delivered a fine finish to secure a deserved share of the points for the Cherries. Bournemouth nearly snatched a sensational victory in stoppage time, but substitute David Brooks was twice denied by superb saves from United goalkeeper Senne Lammens.

Post-match, United manager Ruben Amorim expressed frustration at more dropped points at home, though he acknowledged a superior performance compared to recent outings. The result leaves United sixth on goal difference, while Bournemouth move up to 13th, ending a seven-game winless streak.

The stage is set for thrilling quarterfinal clashes in the ISSA Walker Cup on Monday, featuring historic rivalries and underdog ambitions. Defending champions Mona High commence proceedings at Waterhouse Stadium with a 2:00 pm encounter against Hydel High, followed by the marquee matchup between nine-time champions Kingston College and archrivals Calabar High at 4:15 pm.

Simultaneously at Ashenheim Stadium, Vauxhall High—the sole remaining contender never to have secured the trophy—faces two-time winners St. Catherine High at 2:00 pm. The day’s fixtures conclude with Charlie Smith High, also two-time champions, confronting four-time holders Tivoli Gardens High at 4:15 pm.

Mona High enters the contest with significant psychological advantage following Hydel’s devastating 0-5 defeat to Jamaica College on Saturday. The defending champions additionally draw motivation from the hospitalization of their football program head, Craig Butler, potentially overwhelming opponents grappling with physical and mental recovery.

The Kingston College versus Calabar confrontation transcends ordinary competition, carrying the weight of recent history. Their last encounter ended 2-2, eliminating KC from the Manning Cup—a result that KC coach Vassell Reynolds acknowledges as motivation for redemption. Calabar’s coach Jeremy Miller anticipates intensified rivalry dynamics, noting: “We expect KC to seek revenge for their Manning Cup exit. We must overcome our own disappointment to pursue seasonal redemption with this trophy.”

Historical context heightens stakes: Calabar last lifted the Walker Cup in 2007, while KC’s most recent triumph occurred in 2016. Meanwhile, St. Catherine High leverages their 2018 format-change advantage that propelled previous victories in 2019 and 2021 against a Vauxhall squad pursuing their inaugural title at this level.

The Charlie Smith-Tivoli Gardens matchup introduces fatigue variables, with Charlie Smith recovering from a physically draining 0-1 defeat to Excelsior on Saturday. Their capacity to regenerate against a well-rested Tivoli squad—idle since Wednesday—could determine this contest’s outcome.

Established in 1961 to honor HN “Chicken” Walker, devoted former general secretary and treasurer of ISSA, the Walker Cup adopted its current “best losers” format in 2018, permitting teams eliminated from later Manning Cup rounds to compete while excluding semifinalists.

The ISSA Walker Cup quarterfinals concluded on Monday with thrilling matches that set the stage for an electrifying semifinal round. Defending champions Mona High secured their progression despite extraordinary adversity, playing the majority of their match against Hydel High with only ten men after Devrahj Singh received a first-half red card for dangerous play.

Mona’s victory (3-2) was characterized by resilience and strategic execution. Joenaldo Payne initiated the scoring in the fourth minute with a precise header from a corner kick. Despite being reduced to ten players, Mona demonstrated remarkable composure. Substitute Franklyn Mitchum reclaimed the lead in the 71st minute, followed swiftly by Sean Leighton’s clinical finish in the 74th minute, establishing a 3-1 advantage. Hydel mounted a late surge with Ackeem Ewan’s 77th-minute goal, creating tense final moments, but Mona’s defense held firm to secure advancement.

In parallel action, nine-time champions Kingston College (KC) edged past fierce rivals Calabar High 2-1 in a match filled with historical significance. This victory carried added meaning as it provided a measure of redemption following Calabar’s elimination of KC from the Manning Cup competition. Defender Rohan Brown headed KC into an early lead in the eighth minute, though Calabar’s Payton Larmond equalized just six minutes later. The decisive moment came in the 16th minute when Shareef Ricketts secured the winning goal, maintaining KC’s pursuit of a record-extending tenth Walker Cup title.

Other quarterfinal results saw St Catherine High deliver an offensive masterclass in their 5-2 victory over Vauxhall High, while Charlie Smith High demonstrated overwhelming dominance with a 6-1 triumph against Tivoli High.

The semifinal pairings are now confirmed: Mona High will face Charlie Smith High on Wednesday at 2:00 PM, followed by Kingston College versus St Catherine High at 4:15 PM. Both matches will be hosted at Jamaica College’s Ashenheim Stadium, promising high-stakes football as these teams compete for a place in the prestigious Walker Cup final.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a remarkable turnaround of fortunes, Spanish Town Police FC secured their inaugural Jamaica Premier League victory on Monday with a dramatic 2-1 triumph against former champions Waterhouse FC. The match, held at the newly renovated Anthony Spaulding Complex, marked a historic breakthrough for the team after enduring eleven consecutive winless matches this season.

The victory came as a particularly sweet redemption for Spanish Town Police FC, who had suffered devastating back-to-back losses conceding fifteen goals prior to this match. Despite being last season’s JFF Championships winners, the team had struggled immensely in their Premier League campaign until this breakthrough performance.

Diamond Clarke broke the deadlock in the 74th minute with an extraordinary long-range strike from outside the penalty area, expertly placing the ball beyond goalkeeper Akeem Bernard into the far corner. Waterhouse FC responded with Colorado Murray’s equalizer in the 85th minute, showcasing technical precision with a left-footed finish inside the box. However, Jordan Elliston delivered the decisive blow during added time, capitalizing on a rapid counterattack to secure the historic victory from close range.

In the evening’s second fixture, Montego Bay United reclaimed the league leadership with a 1-0 away victory against Arnett Gardens, courtesy of Okeemo Jones’ 81st-minute goal. This result propelled Montego Bay United to 26 points, establishing a two-point advantage over second-place Portmore United in the tightly contested standings.

Despite their monumental victory, Spanish Town Police FC remain at the bottom of the table with five points, while Waterhouse FC’s struggles continue with their third consecutive defeat and sixth straight winless match, leaving them in ninth position.