The inaugural RBC Royal Slam College Basketball tournament officially launched last weekend with a dynamic opening ceremony at the Eastern Regional Indoor Sporting Arena in Tacarigua. This landmark event represents a significant investment in youth sports and education across the region, aiming to elevate school basketball and nurture athletic talent. Organized in collaboration with Next Level Performance (NLP) and the TT Schools Basketball Association (TTSBA), the tournament features seven top college basketball programs competing over four weekends. Key stakeholders, including Garvin Warwick of NLP, Allison Bastian of TTSBA, and Marc Jardine of RBC, attended the ceremony. Jardine emphasized RBC’s commitment to fostering excellence and community development through sports, stating, ‘This tournament is a direct investment in the future leaders and athletes of TT.’ Warwick highlighted the event’s broader mission to showcase top talent and provide collegiate pathways for athletes. The opening day saw thrilling matchups, with St Mary’s College narrowly defeating Presentation 94-91, led by Nkobi Ince’s 33 points, and Fatima College dominating Holy Cross College 118-72, powered by Idriis Martin’s 26 points. The tournament continues with doubleheaders on October 11 and 12.
分类： sports
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Dutch-born Payne ready to rumble with Trinidad and Tobago
Dutch-born right-back Deron Payne is set to make his international debut for Trinidad and Tobago as the team prepares for a pivotal FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifier against Bermuda on October 10. The match, scheduled for 6 PM at the Bermuda National Stadium in Devonshire, marks a significant moment for Payne, who has chosen to represent the country of his father’s birth.
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Yorke: Time for Trinidad and Tobago to deliver
Trinidad and Tobago’s men’s football team, led by coach Dwight Yorke, is gearing up for a crucial match against Bermuda in the final round of Concacaf World Cup qualifying. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the US on the horizon, Yorke is confident his squad is ready to elevate their game and secure a spot in the prestigious tournament. Currently, TT sits third in Group B with one point, trailing Jamaica (six points) and Curacao (four points). The team is eager to claim their first victory and goals in the final round when they face Bermuda on October 10 at the Bermuda National Stadium. Yorke, who assumed the coaching role in November 2024, emphasized the intense competition within the squad and expressed optimism about their progress. ‘This is my squad now,’ he stated, highlighting the team’s growing confidence and cohesion. The 26-man roster includes standout players like captain Kevin Molino, goalkeeper Denzil Smith, and forward Levi Garcia, alongside new additions such as Slovakia-based midfielder Molik Jesse Khan and Dutch-born right-back Deron Payne. Yorke stressed the importance of securing three points against Bermuda, acknowledging the challenges ahead but remaining focused on the immediate task. The team arrived in Bermuda on October 8 after an intense training camp in Miami, where Yorke and his staff worked diligently to prepare the squad for the upcoming matches. With the group stage’s top three teams automatically qualifying for the World Cup, TT is determined to make their mark and advance to the next stage of the competition.
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India batters pummel West Indies on first day of second Test
India’s young batting sensation Yashasvi Jaiswal delivered a masterclass on the opening day of the second Test against the West Indies, propelling his team to a commanding position at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. The left-handed opener remained unbeaten on 173 off 253 balls, guiding India to a formidable total of 318 for two by stumps on October 10. Jaiswal’s innings, studded with 22 boundaries, has put India in a dominant position as they aim to secure the series victory. The West Indies bowlers struggled to make an impact, with only Jomel Warrican managing to claim two wickets. The visitors now face a daunting task to level the series after suffering a heavy defeat in the first Test. Jaiswal’s opening partner, KL Rahul, contributed 38 before being stumped off Warrican’s bowling. Sai Sudharsan, who joined Jaiswal at the crease, played a crucial knock of 87, forming a 193-run partnership for the second wicket. Despite falling short of a century, Sudharsan’s innings further solidified India’s stronghold. Captain Shubman Gill remained unbeaten on 20, ensuring no further loss of wickets before the close of play. The West Indies, who were outplayed in the first Test, will need a remarkable turnaround to challenge India’s dominance in this match.
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‘WE HAVE TO ADAPT’
WILLEMSTAD, Curacao — Jamaica’s national senior men’s football team, the Reggae Boyz, are poised for a pivotal match against Curacao in the final round of the Concacaf World Cup qualifiers. Scheduled for 6:00 pm Jamaica time at the Ergilio Hato Stadium, this top-of-the-table clash in Group B could significantly influence the path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Jamaica currently leads the group with six points, while Curacao trails by two points. A victory for the Reggae Boyz would place them within three points of qualification, whereas a win for Curacao would shift the group dynamics in their favor. Head Coach Steve McClaren acknowledges the importance of this match, emphasizing the need for his team to perform at their peak against a formidable Curacao side. Curacao boasts experienced players like captain Leandro Bacuna and is managed by Dick Advocaat, a seasoned coach with a storied career. McClaren’s squad, bolstered by key players such as captain Andre Blake and Chelsea FC winger Dujuan ‘Whisper’ Richards, is prepared to face the tactical and psychological challenges posed by Curacao. The outcome of this match could set the tone for the remaining qualifiers, with both teams vying for a coveted spot in the 2026 World Cup.
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Patience Hill stay perfect, surge into Tobago T10 Windball semis
The Tobago T10 Community Windball Championship witnessed thrilling quarterfinal clashes on October 5 at Parade Grounds in Bacolet, Tobago, with Patience Hill Mumbai emerging as the standout team. Continuing their flawless run, Patience Hill secured a resounding 79-run victory over Buccoo United, advancing to the semifinals in style. The team’s top-order batsmen delivered a masterclass, propelling them to an imposing total of 160 for nine. Opener Ancil Nedd set the tone with a quickfire 25 off 11 balls, while Daveon Shangie (78 off 25) and Olando James (45 off 14) combined for a crucial 91-run partnership. Despite losing partners regularly, Shangie’s explosive innings, featuring five fours and eight sixes, ensured a dominant score. Buccoo United struggled in reply, managing only 81 for seven, with Elton Cruickshank (3 for 18) and Alana Smith (2 for 14) leading Patience Hill’s bowling attack. In other matches, Kabs Solutions Roxborough Gunners overpowered Betsys Hope Scrape Up, posting 133 for three and restricting their opponents to 62 for nine. Jahron Alfred’s 61 off 22 balls, including eight sixes, was the highlight. Meanwhile, Jade Monkey Belle Garden Cuzins and Goodwood Knight Riders also secured semifinal berths, with Shane Ali’s unbeaten 46 and Keron McPherson’s all-round performance (57 not out and 2 for 13) proving decisive.
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Steve McClaren makes six changes to ReggaeBoyz starting team against Curacao
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican national football team, known as the ReggaeBoyz, has announced significant changes to their starting lineup ahead of their decisive World Cup qualifier against Curacao. The match, scheduled for Friday at the Ergilio Hato Stadium, is part of the Concacaf Group B campaign. Head coach Steve McClaren, who previously fielded an unchanged squad in victories over Bermuda and Trinidad and Tobago last month, has opted for a reshuffled team to face second-placed Curacao, who trail Jamaica by two points in the group standings. Key changes include the return of Andre Blake as goalkeeper, replacing Jahmali Waite, and the inclusion of Ethan Pinnock, Amari’i Bell, and Dexter Lembikisa in the defensive line. Midfielder Bobby Reid and debutant Ian Fray have also been named in the starting eleven. McClaren has retained the attacking trio of Bailey Cadamarteri, Tyreece Campbell, and Renaldo Cephas, while Richard King and Jonathon Russell return to the defense and midfield, respectively. Notably absent from the lineup are Damion Lowe, who captained the team in the previous two matches, along with Greg Leigh, Kasey Palmer, and Issac Hayden.
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Disciplinary actions taken by JRC stewards
The Jamaica Racing Commission has issued disciplinary measures following recent inquiries conducted at their offices in Portmore, St Catherine, on October 7, 2025. The actions stem from incidents during races held on October 4, 2025. Jockey Jemar Jackson, who rode Dimetry P in the first race, received a one-race suspension for excessive use of the whip. This penalty will be enforced starting October 18, 2025. Meanwhile, Jockey Shane Richardson, who rode Midnight Runner in the ninth race, had his explanation accepted regarding intimidation and interference caused to Prince Roy near the 400-metre mark. The Commission’s decision underscores its commitment to maintaining fair play and integrity in horse racing.
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Trevor Johnson’s triumphant return to the saddle
On Sunday, October 5, 2025, the Jamaican horse racing community witnessed a heartwarming comeback as veteran jockey Trevor Johnson returned to the track after a five-year absence. Johnson, who had been sidelined due to a debilitating health condition, made a triumphant return by steering Yorkist to a commanding victory in the fourth race of a 10-race card. Yorkist, owned by Mark Perry and trained by Colin Ferguson, clinched the maiden condition race for native-bred four-year-olds and upward, covering 5 furlongs (1,000m) in an impressive 1:03.2, winning by a staggering 8 ¼ lengths. Johnson’s victory was not just a testament to his skill but also a celebration of his resilience and determination. Reflecting on his journey, Johnson expressed profound gratitude to Perry and Ferguson for their unwavering support during his health struggles. He revealed that Perry had even financed his medical expenses, including an X-ray, which played a crucial role in his recovery. Johnson’s win underscored the deep bonds of trust and loyalty within Jamaica’s racing fraternity, marking a significant milestone in his career and inspiring many in the sport.
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Jamaica trail Curacao at half time
In a tense World Cup qualification match held at the Ergilio Hato Stadium in Willemstad, Curacao, the Jamaican national football team, known as the ReggaeBoyz, found themselves trailing 1-0 at halftime against Curacao. The decisive moment came in the 14th minute when Livano Comenencia of Curacao unleashed a powerful shot from outside the penalty area, successfully bypassing Jamaican goalkeeper Andre Blake. This marked the first goal conceded by Jamaica in their third game of the Concacaf final round. Despite several attempts by Renaldo Cephas and Tyreece Campbell to equalize, Jamaica failed to level the score. Head coach Steve McClaren had implemented significant changes to the starting lineup, making six alterations from the team that secured victories against Bermuda and Trinidad and Tobago in the initial matches of the round.