Cricket

Nevis Masters team Ratified

The good news is that several more players have made themselves available for the Leeward Islands Masters tournament to be held in Antigua next weekend. The organizers have therefore fully ratified the Nevis squad and an impressive twenty-two member line up has been finalized. Now included, is the experience of Merlin Liburd, Juniour Mills, Tony Grant and Colin Mills is back after injury.

The full squad reads:

Wendell Wallace –capt; Frank Monzac-v. capt; Eustace Johnson-Player/Manager; Sterling Marshall; Curtis Morton; Ralph Allen; Sydney Newton; Gerard Charles; Ellison Smithen; Merlin Liburd; Juniour Mills; Tony Grant; Alexis Browne; Charles Hendrickson; Colin Mills; Earl David; Oneil Walters; Teddy Liburd; Charles Morton; Franklyn Daniel; Elroy David and Jaston Liburd.

The Leewards Islands masters tournament will be played from the 11th-13th June in Antigua.

The players named are all kindly asked to report to Grove Park this evening for a very important meeting at 6pm sharp.

CSS Squeezes GSS in close encounter

The first in the three match Ministry of Sports/Surrey Paving cricket series was played yesterday in front of a sizeable crowd at Grove Park. The series is being played between the Gingerland Secondary School (GSS) and the Charlestown Secondary School (CSS).

Prior to the actual cricket match, a very impressive ceremony was held. A surprise package was the rendering of the national anthem, ably led by the captains of the two teams. This ceremony was chaired by well known Kittitian Sports Journalist, Vernon Springer. Springer urged the Government and the Administrators of the game to invest more heavily in the sport of cricket. He highlighted a number of players from Nevis who had made very significant achievements in the game and told the young cricketers that they had people to emulate. Sports Coordinator in the Ministry of Education, Lydia Thompson Claxton, ably represented her Ministry and implored the young cricketers to make good use of all of the opportunities to excel, that are being provided to them.

Nevis’ Cricket chief, Ronald Powell also indicated to the youngsters that there were many opportunities being provided through Cricket and asked them to be disciplined, respectful and responsible. Also addressing the gathering was Director of Sports on Nevis, Lincoln Barry who elaborated on aspects of fair play and sportsmanship. He referred to incidents where he had witnessed players destroying facilities after being given out and told the young cricketers that such behaviour was not to be emulated.

The members of the two teams were then presented with caps specifically designed for each school and they were led to the podium by Ms Hazel Manners and Surrey Paving rep, Ms Jamella Hanley.

At the top of the program, the invocation was delivered by Pastor Stephen Liburd and the vote of thanks and closing remarks were delivered by chief organizer and Sports Coordinator in the Ministry of Social Development, Carl Tuckett.

Due to the late start, the number of overs for the game was reduced from 30 to 25. CSS Captain Duan Webbe won the toss and elected to field first. GSS got to 120 for 8 in their allotted overs with Captain Bervis Burke top scoring with 29; O. Collins run out for an impressive 21; A. Hendrickson not out 14 and Theron Bussue getting 13.

For CSS, Hakeem Harvey bagged 3 for 15, while Cumberbatch, Hanley and S. Shawamba all got 1 wicket each.

CSS was in cruise control on 77 without loss but shortly thereafter lost both openers and then the wheels came off the cart. As the crowd built up in Grove Park, the excited spectators witnessed an unbelievable close finish. At the conclusion of the penultimate over, the 9th wicket went. CSS went into the final over requiring one run for victory from six balls with one wicket remaining. The tension increased as the field closed in and the first two deliveries were dot balls. The CSS players were the ones to celebrate however, as the winning run was secured from the third delivery.

Captain Duan Webbe topscoed with a stroke filled 36 and Xavier Cornelius scored a fluent 33 before he gifted his hand. S. Bussue got 4 wickets; T.Nisbett 2 and A. Williams 1

The second match will be played tomorrow Friday 4th June and is expected to be no less exciting a contest.

Dillon continues to give back to the community

Ailing Nevisian youth Cricketer, Dillon Claxton has once again demonstrated the spirit of giving as he made the students of yet another school extremely happy yesterday.

Dillon’s Father Steve Claxton, and his two siblings who are past students of the Vern ‘N’ Llew Pre School, presented to Headmistress “Teacher Collins” a wide variety of toys to be used by the students of the school.

It is understood that Dillon who is convalescing in Puerto Rico received the many toys from individuals who visited him at the Hospital and brought items for him, without first checking on his age. He therefore had this large set of toys and really had no use for them. He therefore sent them to Nevis to be presented to the school. Earlier in the year, Dillon also presented a set of balls to his beloved school, the Gingerland Secondary School.

Teacher Manners expressed heartfelt thanks to the Claxton family and Teacher Collins explained that the gifts would not only be used for the children’s recreation but some of them would be used as learning tools.

Teacher Collins with Calxton family

Vern 'N' llew students and toys

Teacher Collins and Mr Claxton

Officials and young cricketers

Vernon Springer--chair

Students receive caps

Captains left to right--Duan Webbe -CSS and Bervis Burke GSS

Football

Results of The Opening Games in the SKNFA Division One Play-Offs Competition Played At Warner Park On Wednesday:

First Game

St.Thomas Trinity Strikers 2 vs Parsons United 0
(Half Time 0 -0 )

Kimel Clarke (Parsons, own goal) 18th minute
Lesimba Challengers 85th minute

Yellow Cards
Kendale Liburd (Strikers) 45th minute
Janan Caines (Parsons) 62nd Minute
Jason Jarvis (Strikers) 75th minute

*Officials were Edwin Ible, Alexis Joseph, Graeme Browne & Steadroy Techeira

Second Game

Cayon FC 5 vs Molineaux 1
(Half Time 2 - 1)

Kurt Morton 11th minute Natts Francis 20th minute
Alex Nisbett 43rd minute
Tyrone Oloughlin 52nd minute
Daryl Blackman 60th minute
Craig Phillip (Molineaux, own goal) 86th minute

*Curtis Archibald missed from the penalty spot for Cayon in the 90th minute

Yellow Cards
Kurt Morton (Cayon) 18th minute
Quincy Taylor (Molineaux) 18th & 90th minute
Laucha Smithen (Cayon) 36th minute
Tyrone Oloughlin (Cayon) 39th & 85th minute

Red Cards
Tyrone Oloughlin (Cayon) 85th minute
Quincy Taylor (Molineaux) 90th minute

*Officials were Steadroy Douglas, Sherlene Browne, Graeme Browne & Steadroy Techeira

A string of poor results leaves Keith Gumbs Swirijaya floundering in Mid-table

(Alistair Edwards)

The Indonesian Super League, in which Kittitian ace striker Keith Gumbs plies his trade, has proved to be a difficult year for captain Gumbs and his troops. With the 18 teams in the League, Swirijaya is floundering in 8th position as a result of a string of poor results during last month.

It all started out when the cellar place team-Persitara trounced Swirijaya 5-1. That must have shocked their system as those were followed with a home goalless draw against Persija. Swirijaya then failed to take advantage of home field with a second draw (2-2) to against Persisam. That situation got worse when they traveled to Persib the #4 ranked team and lost 1-0.

In the last game reported by the PSSI Swirijaya had opened up a 2-0 lead playing away to Pelita Jaya. With two penalty conversions, one in the 5th minute by Obiora Richad and the other in the 35th minute by Pavel Solomin, all Swirijaya wanted was another goal to seal the game or better yet secure their 2-0 goal lead. That was not to be as 3 goals were scored in the space of 15 minutes to leave Swirijaya down and out. They lost 3-2.

The results left Swirijaya on 48 points while the leader Arema has 73. At this stage on current form it is virtually impossible fro Swirijaya to catch Arema

During that time Gumbs added two goals to his individual tally to push it to 14 and maintain his position in the top 10 strikers albeit in the #10 position.

Swirijaya is scheduled to play on Thursday June 3rd away to PSMP.

Cricket

Nevis Cricket Association releases 2010 Squads

The Nevis Cricket Association late yesterday released the names of players who will make up the squads to try out for selection to the Nevis senior team and the Nevis under 19 team.

President Ronald Powell had high commendation for the work of the selectors who he thought had made some excellent choices. Chairman of the selection panel, Keith ‘Dis and Dat’ Scarborough formally presented the squads to the Cricket chief and these were ratified by the Nevis Crciket Association executive. Both squads will commence trial matches shortly, along with necessary training and exercise.

Under 19 team trial squad

Adelvin Phillip; Wasim Mintos; Chavil Archibald; Devin Dufu; Dymon Parris; Nigel Hanley; Tomothy Cumberbatch; Duan Webbe; Adrain Williams; Alex Williams; Bervis Burke; Akeem Harvey; Rondell Chapman; Ronnie Powell; Clydre Smithen; Shaheed Williams; Zavero Forbes; Xavier Cornelius; Corey Morton; V-jay Harinarine; Duan Phillip and Oshane Williams.

Senior Trial squad

Tonito Willet; Akito Willet; Javier Liburd; Junie Williams, Curtis Morton Jr; Chavil Archibald; Zavero Forbes; Dymon Parris; Jason Campbell; Carlos Adolphus; Kejel Tyson; Andre Browne; Trevier Smithen; Nelson Boland; Ian Byron; Wasim Mintos; Carlon Smithen; Duan Phillip; Adelvin Phillip; Nigel Browne; Daynason Browne; Craig Johnson; Jurnel Turner; Duan Webbe; Jamoy Pemberton; Shaheed Tyson; Oshane Williams and Deollal Oreellal (Boye).

The two recommended captains of the two trial teams are: Tonito Willet and Daynason Browne.

All of the members of both squads are kindly asked to report to Grove Park on Thursday 3rd June for a very important meeting with members of the Nevis Cricket Association at 5pm.

Meanwhile, the first trial match for the Nevis senior team will be played over the two day period Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th June. The match commences on Saturday 5th June at 12.00 noon.

The first trial match for the under 19’s will be finalized at Thursday’s meeting with the Cricket Association.

Female Cricket league matches to commence this week

A meeting with representatives of the female cricket teams on Nevis was held at the Grove Park pavilion on Tuesday 1st June. The meeting was chaired by President of the Nevis Cricket Association, Ronald Powell. Several critical decisions were made as regards the league, with all of the ladies present given an opportunity to raise any issues of concerns on behalf of their various teams.

The following decisions were made:

* The league will commence on Thursday 3rd June with two matches
* Matches will be played on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday nights.
* Matches will commence at 6pm on all days.
* The ladies will receive more incentives this year. These will include: Most disciplined team, most wickets, best wicketkeeper, bowler with the most wickets, batter with the most runs, best fielder and most catches.
* Matches will be of 12 overs duration per innings
* Two bowlers will be allowed the maximum number of three overs and the remaining six overs shared between other bowlers.

Here is a schedule for the first round of matches:

Thursday 3rd June: Super Rockers v St.Thomas’

Brown Hill v Highlights Int

Saturday 5th June: Alex Stars v St.John’s

Empire v St.James’

Sunday 6th June: St.Thomas’ v Highlights Int

GT United v Super Rockers

Wendell ‘Micey’ Wallace to lead Masters in defense of trophy

As the Nevis Masters prepare for the defense of their trophy, a new captain has been chosen to lead the team in its victory bid in Antigua. At a team meeting last evening at Grove Park, the players unanimously chose Wendell ‘Micey’ Wallace to lead the team this year in the absence of last year’s captain Staurt Williams who is currently on duty with the West Indies A team. Also chosen without a whisper of opposition, was vice captain Frank Monzac. Eustace Johnson was chosen as Manager of the team.

The team is fully aware the task this year will be a very imposing one with lead batsman Stuart Williams absent; key players Winston Sutton and Junior Mills opting out of the tour this year; Colin Archibald Mills injured and the fact that the Antiguans are vowing to gain sweet revenge on home turf. However, the remaining players are determined to bring the trophy back home.

The players are expected to finalize payment for their airline tickets by Friday 4th June and are due to fly out of Nevis on Thursday 10th June for the tournament which will take place between Friday 11th to Sunday 13th June in Antigua.

Among the players included in the squad are:

Wendell Wallace capt; Frank Monzac v.capt; Eustace Johnson-player/manager; Charles Morton; Oneil Walters; Charles ‘yellow’ Hendrickson; Elroy ‘Jimbo’ David; Franklyn ‘Kut’ Daniel; EARL DAVID, Gerard ‘Trini’ Charles; Blair; Sterling Marshall-Heyliger; Sydney Newton; Curtis Morton Sr; Wilson Jaston Liburd; A. Browne and Ralph Allen.

The full squad will be ratified after Friday 4th June 2010.

Surrey paving Sponsors High School Cricket series

Carl Tuckett, Sports Coordinator within the Ministry of Social Development made a presentation of a cap to Coach Morton of the Gingerland Secondary School team which in turn is to be presented to Headmistress Mrs. Dawn Jeffers who was absent. The presentation was made yesterday, on the eve of a series of cricket matches between the two top Secondary Schools on Nevis-Charlestown Secondary ( CSS) and Gingerland Secondary School ( GSS) . The two teams will face off today Wednesday 2nd June at Grove Park in what has been dubbed the “the Ministry of Sports/Surrey paving cricket Series’. The popular company which has been operating on Nevis for a few years now, graciously sealed the sponsorship deal to make the tournament possible.

Captain of the Gingerland School team, Bervis Burke expressed confidence that his team will take care of his Charlestown opponents. “We have a god spinning combination and they don’t play spin too well’, he stated. He was also confident that his team possessed the batting power to overhaul any target set by CSS.

The team members of both schools will each receive a cap with the initials of their school imprinted on the front of it.

Carl Tucket presents cap

GSS team

Benn loses match fee for disobeying Gayle

Cricinfo staff

Sulieman Benn the West Indies left-arm spinner, has been fined his entire match fee from the fourth ODI against South Africa after he was ordered off the field by his captain Chris Gayle. Benn had upset Gayle by failing to follow his instructions, and was told he was no longer required.

"I actually asked him to leave the field," Gayle told reporters after the game. "As a captain, it was a situation like you ask a particular bowler to do it and he said he had never done certain things before. That's why you have practice sessions, to practise. I asked him to simply bowl over the wicket. I don't see why it should be a problem.

"He wasn't up for it and if you're not up for it, why give that particular bowler the ball. I just see it that he [Benn] doesn't want to take part. It was my call to actually ask him to leave and tell him that he is not needed anymore."

"The Management Group of the West Indies team met with Sulieman Benn late on Monday in relation to an on-field incident during the fourth One-Day International against South Africa on Sunday, May 30 at Windsor Park, Dominica. Following the discussion, Benn accepted a fine of 100 percent of his match fee and the matter was closed," a release issued by the West Indies Cricket Board said.

ATHLETICS

Walk for Your Heart

Experienced Fitness guru and Trainer, Masefield Nisbett is organizing a health walk dubbed ‘walk for your heart’.

According to Nisbett the walk which is scheduled for this coming Thursday-June 3rd is geared towards persons who are normally very preoccupied with work and probably do not take the opportunity to go for regular walks. He is therefore advising all those persons who work In Charlestown and areas in close proximity to bring along a change of appropriate clothing on Thursday and join the others in this health walk.

The walkers will assemble in the vicinity of the Gazebos located next to the Cultural Center at 4.15 pm and will commence the walk at about 4.30 pm. They will head left, down the Old Hospital Road; down through Pinneys, over the bypass road, up through Hamilton, then turn right at the roundabout next to the Long Point road. The walkers will then travel the main road right down to the finish point on the Samuel Hunkins drive.

Interested persons can contact the Department of Sports at 469-5521 ext 2137.

Cricket

GSS and CSS Square off in Surrey Paving Series

Two very competitive teams representing the Charlestown Secondary and Gingerland Secondary Schools respectively will square off this coming Wednesday 2nd June at Grove Park. This match will commence another in the continued series of matches generally played between the two schools. When the last series was played two years ago, the Charlestown Secondary School team won in a very competitive contest.

According to Carl Tuckett, Sports Coordinator in the Ministry of Social Development, with special emphasis on Cricket, the boys at both schools are looking forward to the series with great anticipation and although there is tremendous camaraderie between the players, when they get on the greens, there are no holds barred until the game is concluded.

He was also high in praise for the generosity of the well known company operating on Nevis, known as Surrey Paving, which very willingly agreed to sponsor the series and has assisted in other ways to making the series a reality.

The second match in the series will also be played at Grove Park on Friday 4th June. If there is a tie between the two teams after game two, a third match will be arranged to determine the overall winner.

Grove Park is still Grove Park

“Grove Park is still Grove Park”. This point was made lucidly clear by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Social Development, Mr. Alsted Pemberton on the inaugural program “The Social Development Outlook” hosted by Curtis Morton, recently appointed Communications Officer within the Ministry. The program was aired on Choice Radio 105.3 fm on Monday 31st May 2010. Choice radio Manager, Ali Jordan Guilbert has confirmed that the program will be regularly aired on Mondays from 10.00 to 10.30 am and will highlight the personalities and programs within the Ministry.

The Permanent Secretary made the point due to the fact that he has observed many persons already referring to the premier sporting venue as the “Elquemedo Willet Park’. ‘Technically that is incorrect’, he stated. ‘The Park is yet to receive its new name’. He was quick to point out however, that soon the name change will be confirmed as the renaming ceremony is now planned for the 30th June.

Pemberton further informed that the general Public would receive further information as certain specific things are being planned prior to the actual date of the ceremony.

Elquemedo Willet Is the celebrated Nevisian left arm leg spinner who has the distinction of being not only the first Nevisian, but even more significantly, the first Leeward Islander to make it onto the West Indies cricket team.

Gayle sends Benn from the field

Cricinfo staff

Sulieman Benn has riled opponents and match referees in the past, but he has hit a new low after being ordered off the field by his captain Chris Gayle. During West Indies' seven-wicket loss to South Africa in Dominica, Benn upset Gayle so much by failing to follow instructions that he was told he was no longer required.

"I actually asked him to leave the field,' Gayle told reporters after the game.”As a captain, it was a situation like you ask a particular bowler to do it and he said he had never done certain things before. That's why you have practice sessions, to practise. I asked him to simply bowl over the wicket. I don't see why it should be a problem.

"He wasn't up for it and if you're not up for it, why give that particular bowler the ball. I just see it that he [Benn] doesn't want to take part. It was my call to actually ask him to leave and tell him that he is not needed anymore."

Benn's behavioural issues came to a head during the Perth Test in December, when he was suspended for two ODIs following a clash with Mitchell Johnson and Brad Haddin. He had previously been fined and forced to have counseling after what was labeled "insubordinate" behaviour during a West Indies A tour of England in 2002.

His fiery nature has also been on display at club level, when he was fined after an altercation with an opponent while batting for his Barbados club Spartan. It is unclear whether Benn will play any part in the fifth and final ODI against South Africa in Trinidad on Thursday.

Door open for Samuels' comeback - Butts

Cricinfo staff

Chairman of selectors, Clyde Butts, has said that Jamaica batsman Marlon Samuels, who has finished serving his two-year ban, will be considered for West Indies selection if he performs at the domestic level.

"We all know Marlon Samuels can play cricket,' Butts told Trinidad and Tobago Express.”Certainly, for a man who has been out of cricket for two years, you would allow him to play some cricket, develop his game again and get back into form and, of course, he will be available to West Indies then.

"Marlon needs to come out and start playing some cricket, [and] we will probably see that in the regional T20 and the one-day series and who knows. If Marlon certainly shows that he still has it, I think he will be considered."

Football

Young footballers Receive Awards

The outstanding young Footballers on Nevis, who excelled in last year’s Primary School Football competition, received their due rewards on Friday 28th May.

The event which was chaired by chief organizer of the event, Sports coordinator in the Ministry of Education, Mrs. Lydia Thompson-Claxton, was held as part of the morning assembly session at the winning school, the Charlestown Primary School.

Headmaster of the School, Mr. Kevin Barrett was obviously elated at the success of his two school teams which won in both the A and B divisions.

The children sang lively choruses accompanied by the school’s drummers and applauded loudly as the outstanding young stars received their trophies and medals.

The presentations were made by Mrs. Claxton, ably assisted by Ms Jasmine Charles, Coach at the St.Thomas’ Primary School. Most of the top performers from the other schools were also present for the ceremony.

Primary school Football trophies

Lydia Claxton

Section of students at Assembly session

Students receive trophies

Winning team poses with trophy

Monday, May 31st

NETBALL

‘Net Rockers' take historic Beach Netball Winnings

The ‘Net Rockers' team rocked enough nets to secure the available winnings from the historic beach Netball tournament held at the Island Life Beach at Cades Bay. The tournament which was played on Sunday 30 th May, attracted six competing teams and a fair sized and vocal gathering.

The participating teams were: White Angels, Yellow Eagles & Purple Sparrows out of Gingerland, along with Shooting Stars 1 and 2 out of Cotton Ground and the Net Rockers.

The first of its kind novel tournament was initiated by Netball Chief on Nevis, Ms Jeannette Grell Hull who came up with the idea of the tournament in order to create interest prior to the hosting of an upcoming local league. The rules of play were also very innovative, as there was only one pole used and any one of the players was able to shoot, with converted shots from outside of the designated shooting area, resulting in three point scores. The ladies and the few men involved exerted quite a bit of energy for ball control as they tussled for dominance in the sand.

The tournament also attracted three sponsors: The Jamaican Bakery which donated cash prizes and trophies; Carib Brewery which donated cases of a variety of beverages and Courts which donated an undisclosed package. At the end of the sandy encounters ‘Net Rockers emerged convincing champions. Here are the final placements:

Net Rockers-Champions
 
2nd Place  Yellow Eagles
 
3rd Place Shooting Stars (two)
 
4th Place Shooting Stars (one)
 
5th Place Purple Sparrows
 
6th place  White Angels

The overall results of the matches played are:

First Round of Matches
 
Yellow Eagles       10                             Shooting Stars 1      7
Shooting Stars2    11                             White Angels           3
White Angels         4                              Shooting Stars1       22
Net Rockers           22                            Purple Sparrows       10
 
 

Second Round
 
Yellow Eagles    8                                 Net Rockers    28
Purple Sparrows 12                                Shooting Stars2   8
Net Rockers        24                               Shooting Star1     10
Shooting Stars 2                                   Yellow Eagles   30
 
 
Semi Finals
 
Shooting Stars (two)      10                                    Yellow Eagles     14
 
Shooting Star 1     6                                       Shooting Stars (two)  14
Purple Sparrows     18                                     Yellow Eagles 20
 
 
Finals
 
Yellow Eagles 12                                         Net Rockers 28
 

Included in the winner's prizes for ‘Net Rockers' was a cash prize of $200.00; a case of beverages and a trophy. Second placed Yellow Eagles walked away with $100.00; a case of beverages and a trophy, while third place Shooting Stars (two) walked away with $75.00 and a case of beverages.

The next big event for the Nevis Netball Association is the hosting of a local league which is set to commence on Saturday 19 th June 2010. Meanwhile, a team is presently in training to participate in the OECS under 23 Netball tournament scheduled for St.Vincent from the 1th June 2010.

St James female team

Minister Daniel with Alex Stars

Minister Daniel, Ronald Powell & Cartwright Farrell

Teams ready for inspection

Minister Daniel at bat

Beach Netball action

Jeannette Grell Hull

Section of crowd at Beach Netball

CRICKET

Pennyless All stars Takes yet another trophy

The Pennyless All stars cricket team has done it again! For yet another year, the impressive team has lifted the championship trophy for Cricket supremacy in the first division fixtures on Nevis.

Rain put a damper on what was expected to be a very exciting climax to the league on the weekend, with at least three teams in with a chance for championship honours. However, with all of the matches rained out, each participating team was awarded 4 points and that took the Pennyless All stars to an impregnable 27 points and to top honours in the league. Empire and Highlights Int were both tied in second place with 23 points; Brown Hill was in third with 21 points; Jessups in fourth on 19 points and Pioneers in the cellar position on 17 points.

Female Cricket league Bowls off on Nevis—St.James' takes Six a side trophy

Heavy rains over the weekend had the final say and put an end to plans for the commencement of the Female Cricket league on Nevis, scheduled for the evening of Saturday 29 th May. However, as the sun shone through on Sunday, the organizers kept their fingers crossed and even though some of the teams apparently received late notice, the showers stayed away and the league officially got on the way.

Five of the eight participating teams showed up: Champions St.James', Highlights Int; Alex Stars; Brown Hill and GT United. Missing were: Super Rockers, Empire and St.Thomas'.

An official opening ceremony was held, chaired by Vice President of the Nevis Cricket Association, Mr. Cartwright Farrell. The players stood smartly at attention for the playing of the national anthem and then the opening prayer was delivered by Nurse Mintos-Somersall. The sizeable gathering was then addressed by President of the NCA, Ronald Powell who implored the ladies to continue to be leaders in the sport as he explained that once the ladies were involved, the men appeared to work harder at their game. He also encouraged them to get involved in the hard ball version of the game.

Minister responsible for Sports, the Hon Hensley Daniel took time from his busy schedule to address the gathering. He highlighted his Administration's commitment to sports development on the island and challenged the ladies present to make it to the West Indies team. “Neither the West Indies male team nor its female team is hard to make at this time—you are good enough to get there”, he declared. He was also high in praise for sponsors of the league, Island Tyres and Hardware for their giving even during these critical financial times. On declaring the league officially opened, the Minister stated: “The best team will win!” He later faced the first ball bowled by GT United captain Lenniss, which he stroked upishly to mid off.

An exciting six a side competition then ensued. With only five teams involved, champions St.James had the privilege of a ‘bye'.

In game one, Gt United was easily knocked out by Highlights Int. The Highlights team scored an impressive 31 for 3 from their allotted 3 overs with Omel Matthew scoring 9 and Les Berkley 7. The GT United team could only muster 13 for 4 from 3 overs after getting 8 runs from their first over. Nero top scored with 5.

In game two: Alex Stars created the upset of the evening, when they knocked out the Brown Hill team. Brown Hill scored 19 without loss from 3 overs with C. Saddler not out 8 and Rosie Dunrod not out 6. The Alex Stars went into the final over needing 7 to win and helped by a crucial miss by the wicketkeeper, got four well needed byes to help their total. Alex Stars 20 for 3 from 2.5 overs and qualifying for a finals berth.

In game three, another cliff hanger and probably the most competitive match for the evening, Highlights Int batted first versus St.James' and chalked up 25 for 3 from 3 overs. Curleanne Parris top scored with 13.

It came down to a nail biting finish with the teams level up to the penultimate ball of the 3 rd over but with one run required for victory, St.James' stand in Captain for the evening, Judy Morton, held her nerves and steered the ball gracefully through point and set off like a hare for the winning run. She had played a superlative hand to be 17 not out with her opening partner Angel Leader not out on 4. St.James' 26 for no loss from exactly 3 overs.

In match four—the grand finale, Alex Stars engaged the St.James' team in what turned out to be an anticlimax. The Alex Stars batted first and were restricted to just 18 for 1 from their 3 overs, with extras contributing a healthy 11 runs and Cressy Phillip-Mills top scoring with 5.

St.James cruised home to victory in just 2.1 overs when opening batter Angel Leader unceremoniously pulled a short ball over midwicket for four. St.James' 20 without loss and taking the winner's trophy. Angel Leader was 13 not out and Judy Morton who had led her team superbly was 6 not out at the close.

Meanwhile, the Nevis Crciket Association is now inviting representatives of all of the participating teams to a very important meeting scheduled for Tuesday 1 st July at the Elquemedo Willet Park, commencing at 5pm. At this meeting a schedule of games for the league will be finalized. All teams are urged to be present at this meeting.

 
Nevisian Kieran Powell Included in Sagicor WICB High Performance Centre Squad

  A new phase of cricket in the West Indies will be unveiled on Monday with the start of the Sagicor West Indies Cricket Board High Performance Centre. The Centre will be based at the 3Ws Oval at the Cave Hill Campus of the University of the West Indies in Barbados and is geared towards refining the skills and charting the way forward in the development of 15 of the best young cricketers in the region.

President of the West Indies Cricket Board, Dr Julian Hunte, outlined the details behind the Sagicor West Indies Cricket HPC.

“This is a very significant step forward in the future development of cricket in the Caribbean. As everyone if fully aware, West Indies cricket has faced several challenges and we are taking steps to ensure that were harness and nurture the talent that we see in this cricket-loving region. We have assembled an excellent group of young men to form part of the future of West Indies cricket and I want to wish then all the best,” he said.

“Gone are the days when you could dominate world sport on talent alone, so we know that in order to compete with the other teams on the world stage, we have to look closely at the development of our young players, and provide them with the skills and equip them with the tools to do the job. This is what we aim to do at the Sagicor West Indies Cricket HPC.”

The first groups of 15 young cricketers were selected from players across the regions, who were nominated by their local cricket board.  They are: Shamarh Brooks, Jason Holder, Shane Dowrich (Barbados), Kyle Corbin, Kevin McClean (Combined Campuses & Colleges), Brandon Bess, Ravindra Chandrika, Veerasammy Permaul (Guyana), Nkrumah Bonner, Andre Creary (Jamaica), Kieran Powell, Devon Thomas (Leeward Islands), Shannon Gabriel (Trinidad and Tobago) Keron Cottoy, Delorn Johnson (Windward Islands).

The Head Coach and Director for the Sagicor West Indies Cricket HPC is Toby Radford. As a cricketer, he represented Middlesex for several seasons in the English County Cricket Championship and after retiring from the game, distinguished himself as the head of the Academy at the Middlesex County Cricket Club. He was also Head Coach at Middlesex when they won the domestic Twenty20 Tournament and a National Coach with the England and Wales Cricket Board.

Radford said it is an honour to work with the emerging players in Caribbean.

WICB CEO Ernest Hilaire indiavted in a recent interview that the players will undergo thre months of intense work which would involve improvement in their basic cricketing skills and also theoretical work which would involve certain aspects of evaluating themselves using computer graphic. They will then be sent on a tour and towards the end of the year, will be released to their various territories for participation in the WICB regional tournament. In year two, the format will be very much the same after which the players would be hopefully better prepared to represent the West Indies senior team.

Cricinfo

It really shouldn't have got so close. South Africa appeared to have the match in the bag while Hashim Amla was at the crease and for a while after too, but somehow found a way to press the pressure button and take the game to the final ball. Some inept West Indian fielding towards the end, and lack of intensity in pushing for an unlikely win, let them down and it was left to AB de Villiers to steer the more deserving team home.

The required run rate soared to 8.60 at the end of the 45th over, when South Africa had to take the mandatory batting Power play. Two missed chances in the outfield gave South Africa a breather and it came down to the final over, when the visitors needed a more manageable three. The scores were level after the first two balls, but Dwayne Bravo tightened the noose in the next three. De Villiers pushed the third to mid-on, shouldered arms outside off to the fourth expecting it to be a wide before failing to dig out a yorker. The infield was packed and the din around the ground increased with the expectation of a great escape. de Villiers squirted the last ball to Darren Sammy at short midwicket, who ought to have effected an easy run-out but failed to gather the ball and fluffed a throw at the stumps.

FOOTBALL

Result Of The Second Game In the SKNFA Digicel Best Of Three Finals Played At Warner Park Stadium On Saturday:

TDC Newtown United 4                                   vs                         St. Peters FC 1
                                                             (Half Time 2 - 1)

Orlando "AcK" Mitchum 26th minute                                               KirKland Harris 1st minute
Ian "Rumpy" Lake 31st minute
Jason Isaac 77th minute
Zevon Archibald 80th minute


                                                           Yellow Cards
                               Kiethroy Saddler (Newtown) 18th & 90th minute
                               Alexis Saddler (Newtown) 26th minute
                               Jerome Richards (St.Peters) 66th minute
                                Rondell Brookes (St.Peters) 72nd Minute
                               Jason Tsaac (Newtown) two cards in the 85th minute
                               Delroy Barzey (St.Peters) 89th minute

                                     
                                                          Red Cards
                                   Jason Isaac (Newtown) 85th minute
                                   Shashi Isaac (Newtow) 87th minute
                                   kiethroy Saddler (Newtown) 90th minute

*Officials were James Matthew, Ike Inniss, Lloyd Rouse & Steadroy Techeira
*Match Commissioner was Troy Mills
*TDC Newtown United are the 2009 - 2010 SKNFA Digicel Premier Division League Champions

FIFA World Cup 2010 – Star-studded opening ceremony lined up!

Come June, and it's  gonna be a gala time for all the football lovers. FIFA World Cup 2010 is all set to begin from 11th June 2010 in South Africa. 32 nations would take part in the premier international football tournament which would continue for a month till 11th July 2010.

However, just a day before the actual tournament kicks off, there will be a glittery night full of superstars. It would be the opening ceremony of 2010 World Cup at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg.

The FIFA World Cup Kick-off Celebration Concert would start at 8PM local time. The gala event would feature big names like Black Eyed Peas, Alicia Keys, Shakira, Amadou & Mariam, Angelique Kidjo, BLK JKS, John Legend, Juanes, Parlotones, Tinariwen, Vieux Farka Touré and Vusi Mahlasela .

The opening ceremony is to be produced by Control Room in collaboration with Vevo which would provide exclusive streaming service available to all in the website www.worldcup.vevo.com. Vevo is the leading portal for streaming music and has a joint collaboration with Google majors record.

Interestingly, Vevo's website will be the only place on the internet where the international music concert will be available for live streaming.

2010 FIFA World Cup will be the 19th FIFA World Cup. It is the first time that the tournament would be hosted by South Africa which outbid Morocco and Egypt in an all-African bidding process.

By Carter Daly

Just in case you found yourself worrying about it in the wee hours of the night, you can rest assured knowing that the Argentines will be allowed to have sex during the World Cup. Whew. Although Maradona is running this ship, just don't think this means the Argentina camp is going to turn into one big weird swingers party. Goal.com claims :

The Argentina World Cup squad, which includes the likes of Lionel Messi and Carlos Tevez, has received the green light to have sex with regular partners during the World Cup as long as it is on non-match days.

Argentine team doctor Donato Villami, speaking on Argentina radio station Radio Del Plata, said: "The players will be able to have sex during the World Cup in South Africa, but with regular partners and without champagne or other drinks."

OK, so, let's go over this. The players can only have sex on non-match days, presumably to preserve fitness and recovery, and can't just go man-slutting it up all over Africa. They can have sex with regular partners, but are, under no circumstances, allowed to have sex with champagne or any other beverages. Why someone would try to have sex with a bottle of champagne is beyond me, but clearly the team doc felt the need to make that clear. Whatever floats your boat.

"Sex is part of everybody's social life and it's not a problem in itself. Problems arise with the excesses: all the extras, a non-regular partner or in hours reserved for rest."

All the miniature Leo Messi groupies hoping to catch some sexy Lego action in South Africa now need to find other ways to spend their time. Clearly Ronaldinho wouldn't fit in this Argentina set-up with his all-night sex and PlayStation 2 escapades .

Cycling

FOUNTAIN CLASSIC 2010

Oualie Beach was a hive of activity as the 4 th annual Winfes kicked off in a big way on the beachside, at the same time the members of TNCTC gathered on the roadside to compete in the 2 nd annual ‘Fountain Classic' road bike race. This course for this event is one of the most challenging, as the long course route took the riders from Oualie towards town up the ‘Claw' bypass road around the roundabout, back up Pump road, heading towards and then up Jessups Hill, over the top of Barnes Ghaut, down through Cotton Ground and finishing with a climb up to the Village of Fountain. The shorter course had the rider miss out Jessups but take the hill close to St Thomas church, coming round into Cotton Ground and again finishing in Fountain, a distance of 18kms the long course being 23kms.

It was clear that without any mishaps the fight for 1 st place was going to be between Reggie and James, as they are in full training mode in preparation for the upcoming OECS Cycling Championships, and come down to the wire it did, but once again Reggie beat out James for the top spot. However, this was not to be the sole point of drama in the race, as the up and coming young cyclist put on their own show of skill and determination. First mention has to go to Triffon Simmons who has shown remarkable progress in his first race season, and starting to nap at the heels of dynamic young gun Assim Chapman, unfortunately it was not going to be Assim's day as he flatted out on the Jessups Hill climb, this left the field clear for Triffon to take his first win as a junior Elite rider.

Sasha Lloyd showed some fierce determination over the long course as the only junior Elite female, despite being left behind on the ‘Claw' by the Elite males she fought back, catching and passing Winston, her dad Matt and then Greg to finish 1 st junior female and a great 5 th overall. Sasha is in preparation to make her debut as a young triathlete when she travels to compete in the ‘Boardwalk Triathlon' in SXM next week, we wish her all the best.

Competing in and winning the Short Course category overall was 12 yr old Cadet rider Kurtis Huggins, who along with Sasha provided the best sprint finish of the day, despite being in different categories they fought tooth and claw to the line, a wonderful display of heart and stamina after the long climb. Special mention also to newcomers Duryan Cozier and Kriston Liburd taking second/third overall in the short course, and 1 st and 2 nd Junior Male, not forgetting Gordon ‘Doc' Avery as he romped home unchallenged in the masters division, keep it up Doc!!

Short course – Cadet  MALE

Kurtis Huggins – 1st place  

Short course – Juniors  MALE

Duryn  Cozier– 1st place

Kriston Liburd – 2nd place

Short Course Cadet FEMALE

Jessica Amory – 1st place

Adjua Lloyd – 2nd place

Short course – Masters

Gordon Avery – 1st place

Long course –Junior  FEMALE

Sasha Lloyd- 1st place

Long Course Junior Male

Trifon Simmons – 1st place

Long course – Elite Male

Reggie Douglas - 1st place

James Weekes – 2nd place

Alex Isles - 3rd place

Greg Phillip – 4th

Matt Lloyd – 5th

Winston Crooke – 6th

Next event on the TNCTC calendar is an individual time trial of 20kms on Sat 29th at 10.00 am, please contact 469 9682 for any further details or see the website www.neviscycleclub.com

Friday, 28th May 2010

CRICKET

Eight Teams confirmed for Female League

As the 2010 female cricket league on Nevis gets set to bowl off tomorrow night—Saturday 29 th May, some eight teams have confirmed participation for this year.

The eight teams are:  Champions St.James, Highlights Int, St.Thomas', GT Int (the Guyanese), Alex Stars (Nurses), Brown Hill, Empire and Super Rockers (Rawlins).

Interestingly, Empire, Nurses and Super Rockers are all teams which participated in similar league events initiated in the early 90's.

The league commences tomorrow evening at 7pm with a brief opening ceremony which would be immediately followed by a six a side competition between the teams.  This is expected to be truly a crowd pleaser as it will be in a knockout format of three overs per innings.  According to Nevis' Cricket chief Ronald Powell, each registered team will only be able to field one competing team.  As the team progresses in the competition, they can change players as required.  A loss means that the team has been knocked out.

The actual league matches will commence the following evening, Sunday 30 th May at 6.30 pm with two exciting matches.

The Alex Stars (Nurses) will come into what may well be a fiery baptism when they engage the champion team St.James' in match one.  The Nurses can however take comfort in the fact, that it is the team that plays the best cricket on the night, will emerge victorious.

In game two which will commence at the conclusion of the first game, Empire will take on GT United (The Guyanese).  Empire on paper has an impressive looking team and has in its line up the experienced Patsy Hanley and Sherilyn Liburd who were both a part of the St.George's make up last year.  The GT team however, has been improving nicely under new coach Donovan Matthew and this may well be an intriguing contest.

Adults will pay $5.00 and children $2.00 for the action on the league game night but on the opening night, they will only be required to pay $2.00 for adults and $1.00 for children.

This year's league recently received significant sponsorship compliments of Island Tyres and Hardware.

Weekend Matches In the St.Kitts Cricket Association Limited Overs League: 

On Saturday - Second Division

At Conaree
Police2 vs ECCB
Umpires: Rudolph Wattley & Joseph Greene

At Molineaux
Haynes Smith vs Masters
Umpires: Moolchand Mangra  & Cornelius Sam

At Cayon
Young Guns vs St.Pauls
Umpires: Abraham Richardson & Carlton Browne

*Matches start at 1pm and are of 35 overs a side


On Sunday - First Division

At Conaree
Len Harris Cricket Academy vs Newtown
Umpires: Rudolph Wattley & Lester Shoy


At Molineau
Molineaux vs Police I
Umpires: Moolchand Mangra & Steadroy Techeira


At Cayon
Sandy Point vs Cayon
Umpires: Abraham Richardon & Wycliffe Mitcham

*Matches start at 10am and are 50 over a side

Resurgent Jonathan Trott puts England in control

CRICINFO

Despite being only nine months ago memories of Jonathan Trott's stunning Ashes debut had begun to fade and he started this season with ground to make up so made the ideal start with an unbeaten 175, his second Test century, as the hosts reached 362 for 4 on the opening day at Lord's. He shared a second-wicket stand of 181 with Andrew Strauss, who returned to the international fold with a confident 83, and after Bangladesh struck back either side of tea Trott was accompanied by a compact Eoin Morgan until the close.

With the result of the series seemingly

England 362 for 4 (Trott 175*, Morgan 40*) v Bangladesh

Basketball

HITTERS GOES FOR FIRST WIN OF THE SEASON THIS WEEKEND AGAINST DEFENDING CHAMPIONS

RAMS Hitters has not had a very good start to the 2010 LIME SKABA League season.  The team ended the 2009 campaign losing their last 2 games to the champions Horsfords Ghetto Roots in a one-sided finals series which saw the Newtown based Ghetto Roots winning their 7 th SKABA title in a relatively comfortable clean sweep over the multi-time champions Hitters. The 20101 season thus far has not improved the fortunes of Hitters as they began the season with a 30 point drubbing to the Antigua Defense Force Warriors in a rain shortened game. Now in week 6 of the season Hitters finds themselves still searching for their first victory. A position the winningest team in basketball has never found themselves in at the start to any season. The team has lost all of their matches through the first 6 weeks of the season including a tough loss to the improved Cotton Ground Rebels and a near double digit loss to the former champions St.Pauls Tuff Knots. If that was not enough their all star guard and best defensive player Ansel Revan was suspended for 2 years after an altercation involving a referee. The absence of a key  player like Revan would make things a little more difficult for the Hitters who will now be keenly anticipating the return of college players Marvin Davis and Jerran Morris to improve their fortunes.

Hitters will be going for their first win of the season this weekend as they face defending champions and arch-rivals the Horsfords Ghetto Roots. Over the last 4 season the match-up between the two teams have always been the most exciting and anticipated games . Ghetto Roots has had the better of the Hitters over the last few seasons but that has not diminished the anticipation of the match-up which always brings out the best in the players on both teams. Hitters will be meeting a slightly wounded Ghetto Roots who are just coming off a surprise loss to the league leading Cotton Ground Rebels. The rebels got the better of the defending champions as the Ghetto Roots started the game with just the minimum 5 players. This proved to be detrimental to the Ghetto Roots as the Rebels were able to win the game to extend their win streak to 5. Hitters will have to play an exceptional game to avoid losing yet again . However the team is still easily one of the most feared and talented team in the league and Sundays match-up will as usual be exciting .

The key to a Hitters victory would be the play of Shawn “Shabba” Forbes. Forbes has not been having his usual dominant play over the hitters first few games. In order to beat Ghetto Roots Forbes will have to return to his usual self and dominate the frontcourt. Marlon “Jah Loive” Powell and Sylvester “Buzz” Whyte are also key if Hitters are to get their first win. Both players will have to step up. Ghetto Roots will have to get good production from SKABA MVP Rymal Browne, Carlos Monzac, Troy Wattley and the exciting Levi “By-By” Fyfeild as well as the defensive work of Quincy Taylor, Asim Jenkins and Lyle Duggins , to be assured of a victory.

A victory for the Ghetto Roots is critical as they prepare for their participation in the St.Maarten Caribbean Club Basketball Championship. Ghetto Roots will be representing the federation at the prestigious regional tournament.

Hitter vs Ghetto Roots will start immediately following game 1 on Sunday which feature St.Pauls and CAYON.  Games start at 6pm.