A dramatic Sunday in the Jamaica Premier League saw a major shift in the standings, headlined by Racing United’s stunning 4-1 victory over the defending champions, Cavalier SC, at Stadium East. Striker Nickyle Ellis emerged as the hero of the match, netting two first-half goals to set the pace for a decisive win. His early strike in the 3rd minute was followed by another in first-half stoppage time, sending his team into the break with a commanding 2-0 lead. Cavalier’s challenges mounted when Jerome McCleary received a second yellow card in the 61st minute, reducing them to 10 men for the second consecutive match. Although Romarion Thomas managed a consolation goal for Cavalier in the 77th minute, substitutes Dean Andre Thomas (85′) and Tajay Grant (87′) sealed the emphatic victory for a resurgent Racing United. In parallel action, the league’s top spot was thrown into contention as front-runners Portmore United suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Mount Pleasant FA, courtesy of a first-half brace from Warner Brown. This result snapped Portmore’s eight-game unbeaten streak and tightened the race at the summit of the table. Other Sunday fixtures concluded with two goalless draws, as Harbour View FC and Molynes United shared the points, as did Chapelton Maroons and Dunbeholden FC.
分类： sports
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Zachary Anthony sets new nat’l 800m free record
In a stunning display of athletic prowess, University of Indianapolis swimmer Zachary Anthony made history at the Invitational Age Group Championships in Balmain, Couva on December 13. The emerging talent demolished a quarter-century-old national record in the 15 and over men’s 800-meter freestyle event, clocking an impressive 8:39.04 at the National Aquatic Centre.
Anthony’s remarkable performance surpassed the previous benchmark of 8:40.64 established by swimming legend George Bovell III back in June 2000. Despite this extraordinary achievement, Anthony’s time only met the CARIFTA B standard of 9:02.27, highlighting the exceptionally high caliber of regional competition.
The championship witnessed multiple standout performances beyond Anthony’s record-breaking swim. Marlins’ Isaiah Alexander secured second place with 9:30.28, nearly a full minute behind Anthony, while Khadeem Brathwaite claimed third with 9:38.05.
Two additional swimmers achieved the prestigious CARIFTA A standards in their respective categories. Eleven-year-old Zahara Anthony of Marlins dominated the 11-12 girls 200m freestyle with a time of 2:17.49, narrowly beating the A standard of 2:17.52. Meanwhile, RWB Aquatics’ Jadon Ramdeen, 14, delivered a commanding performance in the 13-14 boys’ 400m individual medley, finishing in 4:59.00 flat and easily surpassing the 5:02.10 A standard requirement.
The competition also saw nine swimmers achieving CARIFTA B standards across various disciplines. Notable performances included Marlins’ Marena Martinez who secured B standards in both the 13-14 girls 800m free (9:46.46) and 200m free (2:15.67). Tennessee-based sensation Nikoli Blackman earned a B standard in the boys 15 and over 200m freestyle with a winning time of 1:52.95.
The 11-12 boys 200m freestyle event proved particularly competitive with the top four finishers—Xaiden Valentine (2:11.81), Ethan Chu Fook (2:14.23), Khristian Allen (2:14.32), and Nikosi Baptiste (2:18.52)—all achieving B standard times.
Competition continues on December 14 with anticipation building for further exceptional performances from these emerging aquatic talents.
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Ex-cricketer Andre Lawrence : Windies sink deeper into crisis
The West Indies Test cricket team is confronting one of its most devastating periods in recent history, having suffered six defeats in seven matches throughout 2025. This alarming regression has triggered intense scrutiny of leadership decisions and selection policies that appear to be undermining the team’s competitive foundation.
The most recent collapse occurred during the second Test against New Zealand, where the Caribbean squad succumbed to a nine-wicket defeat within three days. This performance exemplifies a dramatic reversal from the team’s promising position just months earlier, when they achieved a historic victory against Australia on foreign soil and demonstrated formidable resistance against India.
Cricket analyst Andre Lawrence identifies ‘chaotic selection policy’ as the primary catalyst for the current crisis. ‘What we’re witnessing is complete selection chaos that has evolved into an outright disaster,’ Lawrence stated. ‘The entire middle order, with the sole exception of Shai Hope, has appeared fundamentally dismal. There exists no stability, no clearly defined roles—just perpetual change.’
The team’s downward spiral coincides precisely with the April appointment of former West Indies captain Darren Sammy as head coach. Sammy replaced Andre Coley, who departed following the landmark Australian victory and a subsequent series draw against Pakistan. Under Sammy’s leadership, the team has endured a 3-0 whitewash against Australia—including a record-low score of 27 in the third Test—plus a 2-0 defeat to India before the recent New Zealand setback.
Lawrence criticizes Sammy’s attempt to implement an aggressive, Bazball-inspired methodology, arguing that the integration of T20 specialists into Test cricket has proven fundamentally misguided. ‘Test cricket demands an entirely different psychological approach and strategic mindset than limited-overs formats,’ Lawrence explained. ‘T20 cricketers are mentally conditioned to perform within eight to ten overs maximum. You cannot transplant that mentality into five-day cricket and anticipate success.’
The analyst further highlighted concerning patterns in specialist position management, noting detrimental changes among openers, middle-order batsmen, and wicketkeepers. Lawrence also questioned the wisdom of granting Sammy comprehensive authority over all formats and selection decisions, given his limited coaching credentials.
Cricket West Indies president Dr. Kishore Shallow has expressed dissatisfaction with team performance but publicly affirmed his support for Sammy during recent radio interviews. Despite this institutional backing, Lawrence emphasizes that accountability remains paramount in international sports. ‘Everybody must answer for their results,’ he asserted. ‘The fact that we’ve experienced thirty years of disappointment does not justify continued failure.’
The timing of this crisis proves particularly concerning as it coincides with the beginning of a new ICC Test cycle. Lawrence warns that discarding established players during their prime could jeopardize the development of emerging talent, potentially condemning West Indies cricket to extended periods of irrelevance unless immediate corrective measures are implemented.
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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.
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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.”
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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.
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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.
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Zachary Anthony sets new national 800m free record
In a stunning display of athletic prowess, University of Indianapolis swimmer Zachary Anthony made waves at the Invitational Age Group Championships by demolishing a quarter-century-old national record. The historic moment unfolded on December 13 at Balmain’s National Aquatic Centre in Couva, where Anthony dominated the men’s 800-meter freestyle event for swimmers aged 15 and over.
Anthony’s remarkable performance clocked in at 8 minutes and 39.04 seconds, decisively surpassing the previous record of 8:40.64 set by swimming legend George Bovell III in June 2000. This extraordinary achievement places Anthony among Trinidad and Tobago’s elite swimmers, though his time surprisingly only met the CARIFTA B standard of 9:02.27 rather than the more stringent A qualification.
The competition saw Marlins’ Isaiah Alexander securing second place with 9:30.28, nearly a full minute behind Anthony, while teammate Khadeem Brathwaite captured third at 9:38.05.
Beyond Anthony’s headline-grabbing feat, the championships witnessed multiple swimmers achieving CARIFTA qualification standards. Eleven-year-old Zahara Anthony of Marlins delivered an impressive performance in the 11-12 girls 200m freestyle, clocking 2:17.49 to meet the CARIFTA A standard of 2:17.52. Meanwhile, 14-year-old Jadon Ramdeen of RWB Aquatics demonstrated exceptional skill in the 13-14 boys’ 400m individual medley, winning with a time of 4:59.00 that comfortably exceeded the CARIFTA A requirement of 5:02.10.
The event proved particularly fruitful for emerging talent, with nine additional swimmers achieving CARIFTA B standards across various disciplines. Notable performances included Marlins’ Marena Martinez securing dual B standards in the 13-14 girls 800m free (9:46.46) and 200m free (2:15.67), along with Tennessee-based sensation Nikoli Blackman earning a B standard in the boys 15+ 200m freestyle with a winning time of 1:52.95.
The 11-12 boys 200m freestyle emerged as one of the most competitive events, with the top four finishers—Xaiden Valentine (2:11.81), Ethan Chu Fook (2:14.23), Khristian Allen (2:14.32), and Nikosi Baptiste (2:18.52)—all achieving B standard times. Competition resumed on December 14 with expectations of further record-breaking performances.
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Portmore United host Mount Pleasant FA as JPL resumes
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Premier League (JPL) resumes today with four pivotal matches headlined by a top-tier clash between league leaders Portmore United and Caribbean Cup champions Mount Pleasant FA at Ferdie Neita Park.
Portmore United ascended to the summit after a mid-week victory against Waterhouse FC, displacing Montego Bay United from the top position. Their opponents, Mount Pleasant FA, arrive with soaring confidence following their most dominant performance of the season—a decisive 5-0 triumph over Tivoli Gardens.
In other fixtures, defending champions Cavalier SC seek redemption after suffering an unexpected defeat to Molynes United as they welcome Racing United to Stadium East. Simultaneously, Harbour View will host Molynes United, while Dunbeholden FC faces Chapelton Maroons in a critical bottom-table encounter.
Portmore United enters the match in exceptional form, having secured victories in both games since the league resumed after Hurricane Melissa. They anticipate a formidable challenge from three-time finalists Mount Pleasant FA, whose recent offensive explosion suggests a potential turnaround in their seasonal trajectory.
Historical data indicates tightly contested matches between these sides, with neither team ever scoring more than two goals in their previous meetings. Both clubs have demonstrated defensive solidity this season—Portmore has conceded merely seven goals across 11 matches, while Mount Pleasant has allowed only six in seven outings.
Although Mount Pleasant claimed two victories in last season’s three encounters, Portmore secured the third round matchup and aims to extend their winning momentum. Mount Pleasant’s offensive duo Daniel Green and Warner Brown—both scoring braces in their previous match—pose significant threats, while Portmore counters with five players who have each netted two goals this season.
Cavalier SC, currently fourth with 16 points, can draw level with third-placed Racing United with a victory. Harbour View appears revitalized under new coach Vassell Reynolds, earning four points from their last two matches while scoring nine goals. Meanwhile, the Dunbeholden FC versus Chapelton Maroons fixture features two teams narrowly above the relegation zone, both desperate for points amid offensive struggles.
Today’s full schedule:
• Dunbeholden FC vs Chapelton Maroons (3:00pm, Dunbeholden)
• Harbour View vs Molynes United (3:00pm, Harbour View)
• Portmore United vs Mount Pleasant FA (3:00pm, Ferdie Neita Park)
• Cavalier SC vs Racing United (4:30pm, Stadium East) -
Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw nets 100th goal for Man City
MANCHESTER, United Kingdom — Jamaican striker Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw delivered a legendary performance on Sunday, netting four spectacular goals in Manchester City’s dominant 6-1 victory over Aston Villa. This remarkable achievement not only secured her team a decisive six-point advantage in the Women’s Super League standings but also marked a historic personal milestone as she scored her 100th goal for the club.
The match will be remembered as Shaw’s masterpiece, with BBC Sport reporting she was ‘easily the best player on the pitch.’ Her opening strike represented the landmark 100th goal, making her the first Manchester City women’s player to reach this extraordinary benchmark during the club’s professional era. Demonstrating relentless offensive prowess, Shaw proceeded to add three more goals to complete her quadruple feat.
The victory was further bolstered by contributions from Vivianne Miedema and Aoba Fujino, who each added a goal to complete the commanding scoreline. Shaw’s incredible scoring ratio now stands at 103 goals in just 120 appearances for Manchester City, a statistic described as ‘astonishing’ by match commentators.
Following the match, Manchester City’s official social media channels celebrated their star player with a post captioned ‘She did that!’ accompanied by recognition as player of the match. This decisive victory positions Manchester City firmly ahead of defending WSL champions Chelsea as the season progresses, establishing them as clear title contenders.