分类： sports

The Trinidad and Tobago Red Force delivered a commanding performance on November 27th at Queen’s Park Oval, St Clair, securing their place in the 2025/26 CG United Super50 Cup final with a decisive eight-wicket victory over the Leeward Islands Hurricanes. This triumph marks their fourth finals appearance in the past five seasons, setting up a championship clash against traditional rivals Barbados Pride on November 29th at Brian Lara Cricket Academy.

The foundation for victory was laid by an exceptional bowling display from seam bowler Terrance Hinds and spinner Ricky Jaipaul, who claimed three wickets each to restrict the Hurricanes to a modest 214 runs in 49 overs. Hinds made early breakthroughs by dismissing Kofi James (8), Carlon Bowen-Tuckett (5), and clean bowling Mikyle Louis (13) within the first 39 deliveries, leaving the visitors reeling at 31-3.

Despite resistance from Karima Gore (39) and a spirited 71-run knock from Jahmar Hamilton—who famously eliminated T&T from the 2019 semifinal—the Hurricanes’ innings never gained sustained momentum. The Red Force bowling attack maintained consistent pressure, with Joshua James, Jyd Goolie, and Abdul-Raheem Toppin contributing crucial wickets during the final overs.

The chase became a showcase of batting prowess as Tion Webster shattered his tournament slump with a magnificent 83 runs from 117 deliveries. Partnering with returning West Indies player Amir Jangoo, Webster demonstrated exceptional form on his home ground, systematically dismantling the Leeward Islands’ bowling attack. Their 88-run partnership off 141 balls effectively decided the contest.

Though Webster fell with victory in sight, Jangoo remained unbeaten on 72 from 85 balls, accompanied by Jyd Goolie’s rapid 23 not out from 23 deliveries. The Red Force achieved their target with 41 balls to spare, joining Barbados Pride with an unassailable 31 points in the standings.

This final appearance renews one of the region’s most storied rivalries, marking the tenth championship meeting between the teams since the tournament’s inception in 1973. Red Force supporters now anticipate their team potentially securing a record-extending 15th overall title and their seventh victory against Barbados in regional 50-over finals.

In a dramatic turnaround of fortunes, Carapichaima East Secondary’s boys’ football team claimed the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) central zone intercol championship with a commanding 4-0 victory over Chaguanas North Secondary. The match, held at Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva on November 26, marked a stunning reversal for a team that had endured a winless premier division season, losing all 15 of their previous matches.

The championship showdown saw Carapichaima East demonstrate remarkable resilience as they established a decisive 3-0 lead by halftime before adding a fourth goal in the second half. The scoring was distributed among four players: Mikhel Aberdeen, Damarion Boswell, Tarik Langton, and Zion Thompson, whose collective effort secured the comprehensive victory.

This triumph sets the stage for a national intercol quarterfinal clash against east zone champions St Augustine Secondary on December 2. St Augustine earned their place in the next round with a dramatic victory over San Juan North Secondary at Larry Gomes Stadium in Malabar.

While the boys celebrated their championship, Carapichaima East’s girls’ team experienced disappointment in their concurrent intercol final. Holy Faith Convent Couva dominated the match with a decisive 3-0 victory, preventing Carapichaima from achieving a zonal double. Holy Faith now advances to face Five Rivers Secondary, the east zone winners, in the girls’ national intercol quarterfinals on December 1.

Emerging Barbadian fast bowler Johann Layne delivered an impressive performance on the final day of West Indies’ two-day warm-up match against a New Zealand XI at Bert Sutcliffe Oval, Lincoln University. The 22-year-old paceman claimed three wickets for 33 runs, helping restrict the hosts to 264 all out in response to the visitors’ declaration at 346 for five.

The practice encounter concluded in a predictable draw on November 27, but Layne’s post-tea bowling spell particularly stood out, likely earning approval from head coach Daren Sammy and bowling coach Ravi Rampaul. The New Zealand XI faced early trouble at 4-2 after just four overs, losing openers Scott Janett (1) and Jesse Frew (3) to experienced campaigners Kemar Roach (1-55) and Anderson Phillip (1-27).

Layne broke a developing partnership when he dismissed Sam Cassidy for a brisk 28 off 26 deliveries with the score at 45-3. The home team recovered through a substantial 126-run stand between Muhammad Abbas (61) and Cam Paul (91), reaching 144-3 at the tea interval. Following the break, Layne’s double strike in quick succession removed both Abbas and wicketkeeper-batsman Marco Alpe (0), with both caught behind by Tevin Imlach.

The middle-order collapse continued as Paul’s excellent knock ended at 91 when he offered a simple return catch to off-spinner Roston Chase (1-40). Left-arm spinners Kavem Hodge (2-32) and vice-captain Jomel Warrican (2-45) then combined to claim the final four wickets, bowling the New Zealand XI out 82 runs short of the Caribbean side’s total.

Despite the encouraging performance, concerns emerged regarding allrounder Justin Greaves, who required assistance leaving the field after pulling up injured during his fourth over. The West Indies will begin their three-match Test series against New Zealand on November 1 at Hagley Oval, Christchurch.

The San Fernando City Month celebrations will reach their grand finale on November 30 with the Ian Atherly Cycling Meet, set to take place at Skinner Park. The event, which kicks off at 4 pm, will be held on the cycling track named in honor of the former San Fernando mayor and celebrated cyclist, Ian Atherly. This one-day, day-night meet will feature a mix of sprint and endurance races, with 49 events contested by clubs from across Trinidad and Tobago. Atherly, who won a bronze medal in the match sprint at the 1974 Commonwealth Games, emphasized that this juniors and open cycling meet is a fitting tribute to the sport’s rich history in southern Trinidad. He also revealed that he postponed the first anniversary of Ian Atherly Day (September 7) to commemorate it at this event. Since retiring from competitive cycling over two decades ago, Atherly has remained a passionate advocate for the sport’s development. The meet will include categories ranging from youth development (Under-7 to Under-11) to elite and masters, with races for both male and female cyclists. The evening will conclude with a 30-lap invitational race featuring participants from juniors to masters. Atherly acknowledged the support of personal friends who sponsored the event and highlighted that several races will honor San Fernando’s cycling legends, including Pyo Lyons and the late Ronnie Ragoonanan. Additionally, a vintage car display will be held in the car park, starting at 4 pm. Admission to the event is free, as Atherly aims to inspire the younger generation to embrace cycling. The meet marks the end of San Fernando City Month’s sports-focused celebrations, which also included the Premier Sports Club’s Football Tournament, Sando Run 5k, the Mayor’s Charity Golf Tournament, and the King of D Bois stickfighting event on November 28.

In a thrilling finale at the Larry Gomes Stadium on November 26, St Augustine Secondary ended a ten-year drought by clinching the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) boys’ East Zone intercol title with a dramatic 2-1 victory over San Juan North Secondary. The match, which seemed destined for a penalty shootout, took a decisive turn in the dying moments of stoppage time. San Juan defender Mathyyas Charles’ costly error near the penalty area allowed St Augustine’s star midfielder Giovanni Hospedales to capitalize. Hospedales, who had already scored earlier, skillfully maneuvered along the byline and netted the winning goal with a precise right-footed shot that ricocheted off the post and goalkeeper Elijah Lawrence before crossing the line. The victory sparked wild celebrations among the St Augustine players and coaching staff. Earlier in the match, San Juan had taken the lead through Jaheem Danclar in the 31st minute, but Hospedales equalized in the 47th minute. Despite being reduced to ten men after Michael Charles’ red card in the 73rd minute, St Augustine held firm, with goalkeeper Tyrese Henry making a crucial save moments after the winning goal. The triumph marked St Augustine’s first East Zone title since 2015, when veteran coach Michael Grayson led them to glory. Grayson, now an assistant coach, and head coach Tacuma Jones celebrated the hard-fought victory in a challenging season for the team. In the girls’ final, Five Rivers secured a 1-0 win over San Juan, with Hackeemar Goodridge’s 18th-minute strike proving decisive.

Darren Sammy, the former West Indies cricket captain, has sparked controversy with his recent comments dismissing critics of the regional cricket team. In a heated statement, Sammy remarked, ‘People who don’t know an iota of cricket are criticising us.’ While Sammy is known for his passion, his sweeping dismissal of public opinion has been labeled as not only misplaced but also deeply insulting. Critics argue that Sammy has overlooked a fundamental truth: West Indies cricket was built not just by legendary players but also by generations of devoted fans across the Caribbean. From farmers in St Vincent to schoolboys in Laventille, every supporter has a vested interest in the team’s success. The right to critique a team’s performance, especially during repeated failures, is not contingent on personal cricketing expertise. Representing the West Indies is about embodying pride, culture, and resilience. When the team consistently underperforms, it’s natural for fans, who contribute through viewership, merchandise, and unwavering support, to demand better. Critics are not attempting to coach the players but are highlighting issues like lack of hunger, weak leadership, and a growing disconnect between the team and its supporters. The West Indies cricket team has not only been losing matches but also the hearts of its fans. Instead of reflecting on these concerns, Sammy’s response appears defensive, shielding mediocrity rather than addressing the root problems. The call is clear: rather than silencing the fans, the team should engage with them, listen to their concerns, and work towards rebuilding what’s broken.