The St. Kitts-Nevis Observer :: The Federation's Poltically Independent News Source

The semi final encounter planned for yesterday between St.James’ and St.Thomas’ was pushed back indefinitely due to the wet outfield and pitch conditions..

Chief organizer of the league, Curtis Morton has indicated that an announcement of the new date will be made shortly.

Cricket chief to run again

Nevis’ Cricket chief Ronald Powell stated yesterday that he would be willing to continue as the President of the Nevis Crciket Association for at least another year. ‘I am not one to quit when the going gets rough’, Powell declared.

Powell was at the time being interviewed on the popular Choice Radio’s Sports Rap program.

Powell noted that despite certain challenges, his Association has had a tremendous year. He pointed to the fact that all of the tournaments organized by his Association were duly completed, complete with prize giving ceremony and he further noted the success of the Nevis junior teams and even more significantly the Nevis’ senior team’s return to its winning ways , as the team cupped the Leeward Islands T-20 series held earlier in the year.

This has been the team’s first hold of a trophy for quite a number of years.

On the negative side, Powell referred to the current state of the finances of his Associations as ‘low’ and appealed to the corporate citizens on the island to step forward and assist in the development of the game. He also made mention of an allegation brought against three of the island’s senior players and indicated that investigations are still ongoing but assured the listeners that his Association is doing its utmost in order to finally put the matter to rest. He noted that he had received a verbal and a written report from Manager Malcolm Ramsey. but that he had written to the LICA who in turn had made contact with the relevant authorities in St.Maarten where the alledged incident had taken place seeking to get written documentation on the issue.

The St.Maarten authorities had since responded that the Nevis Cricket Association needs to be represented by a ‘Public Defender. Since then Powell noted that he had sought assistance from the Hon Patrice Nisbett, the Attorney General of St.Kitts –Nevis. Hon Nisbett in turn, had written to the St.Maarten authorities requesting documentation on the alledged incident but up to the present time, this has not been forthcoming. Powell noted that until the investigation is complete, the three cricketers in question will be able to play at the local level and also to represent Nevis.

When questioned about the annual general meeting which is yet to be held, Powell indicated that certain circumstances had forced a delay in the calling of the AGM. He however assured the listeners that plans are in place for the AGM to be held within the first or second week of January 2010.

‘When we weigh everythiong, the Nevis Cricket Association has done remarkably well, despite the negatives that occurred during the year.
Powell stated that he had consulted with his family members and close friends and his mind was made up not to quit but to keep on going at the helm of the Association. For at least another year.

Powell further stated that there are exciting times ahead for Nevis cricket: One of the major regional teams may well be playing the Leeward Islands at the ETW Park, come March and there are lots of possibilities coming out of a renewed link between himself and the new President of the St.Kitts Crciket Association which may well result in St.Kitts and Nevis teams playing more matches in the new year and even an umpoire exchange program.

We won because I quit captaincy - Pietersen
ESPNcricinfo staff

Kevin Pietersen is adamant that England's Ashes success in Australia stems back to his ultimatum with Peter Moores, the former coach, at the beginning of 2009 which led to both men losing their jobs. Pietersen's captaincy stint ended after just three Tests when the relationship with Moores fell apart following the tour of India as England were plunged into crisis.

From the wreckage of those days, however, the team have hit new heights including success in the 2009 Ashes, winning the World Twenty20 and now the retention of the urn with an innings-and-157-run thrashing of Australia in Melbourne. Pietersen has now insisted those moments of glory wouldn't have been possible without the stand he took.

"You know what - I have never said this before - I lost the captaincy, I got rid of the captaincy for the good of English cricket, and we would not be here today if I had not done what I did then," Pietersen said. "There is no way in this world that we would have succeeded under that regime and would have won the Ashes again in Australia after 24 years. Andrew Strauss and Andy Flower need all the plaudits for an unbelievable 18 months and an unbelievable preparation for this team, and they are the right leadership for this team

BASKETBALL

Rain has the last word in Basketball tournament.

The second round of matches in the Malcolm Guishard Basketball league were due to nb played at the Grell/Hull—Stevens Netball Complex last evening, but rain had the final word.

The matches have now been rescheduled to Wednesday 5th January starting at six-thirty pm.

Thursday, 30th December

Adrian and Renika take top honours

Even though an official announcement has not been made as regards a
Sportsman and Sportswoman of the year for Nevis, the Nevis Amateur Athletic Association has made the bold move to name its Male and female athletes of the year.

The revelation was made yesterday by Vice President of the Association Mr. Wakeley Daniel.

The Sports woman of the year 2010 is Renika Daniel and according to Daniel she gained the distinction with her outsanding performances for the year. These included:

Victrix Ludorum at CSS Sports

High School championship in St.Kitts—Class champion

Leeward Islands track and field meet in Anguilla—Under fifteen class champion:

1st in the four hundred meters; 1st in the long jump and 2nd in the 200 meters

CUT games—2nd in the four hundred and got a medal in the relays

The male athlete of the year is Adrian Williams, a multi talented athlete who also represents Nevis in Cricket at the youth level. Even though he received a healthy challenge from another outstanding athlete in Kashka Norford, his achievements for the year gave him a distinct advantage.

First time ever in the history of Nevis athletics, securing gold at the Carifta games

CSE Juniors in the Dominican Republic—secured a silver medal

Kastra Norford for his part broke the 19 year old record held by Andy Liburd at CSS and competed well at the High School championships in St.Kitts. He also performed creditably at a regional meet.

Daniel further informed that the NAAA is in the process of making plans to honour the two outstanding athletes at a ceremony to which their parents would also be specially invited.

Renika Daniel

Adrian Williams

Hensley Daniel and Adrian Williams

CRICKET

Leeward Islands Camp on the way

Reports out of Antigua indicate that the Leeward islands camp which will serve to finalize the squad to represent the islands in the upcoming WICB T-20 series, got on the way yesterday.

Information received indicates that the focus for first day was on the assessing the fitness levels of the players and that will continue into today.

The initial release from the Leeward Islands cricket Board, warned the players to get fit prior to journeying to Antigua as players who were found unfit would be sent home.
From all reports a couple of practice games are also planned before the team is finalized.

The WICB T-20 series bowls off on January 10th in Antigua and all of the other participating islands have already finalized their squads.

Carter stars in CT20 warm-up
Windiescricket.com

Bridgetown, Barbados – West Indies A Team batsman Jonathan Carter had an outstanding match as Barbados beat Combined Campuses and Colleges by six wickets in a warm-up for the Caribbean T20.

The 23-year-old Carter grabbed 4-23 with his right-arm medium pace as CCC made 127-9 at the 3Ws Oval on Tuesday. Carter, who was recently picked in a 30-man West Indies squad for next year’s Cricket World Cup, then hit three straight sixes in an unbeaten 42 as the Bajans won with an over to spare.

Carter won Barbados the game in the 18th over. With two overs to go the match was in the balance but the left-hander smashed two sixes off left-arm spinner Kavesh Kantasingh, in an over that cost 18 runs. Opener Dwayne Smith gave the innings a great start with 42 from 38 balls.

Earlier, captain Romel Currency made a run-a-ball 28 at the top of the order to get CCC away to a healthy start while West Indies A Team opener Omar Phillips hammered an unbeaten 31 from 15 balls with two fours and two sixes.

Seamer Carlos Brathwaite, Carter’s cousin, claimed 3-9 while pacer Tino Best took with 2-29 with the new ball. The two teams will play a second warm-up match on Wednesday night at the 3Ws Oval.

Dwayne Bravo backs T&T youngsters
ESPNcricinfo staff

Dwayne Bravo the West Indies allrounder, has said he hopes the absence of himself and hard-hitting batsman Kieron Pollard from the Trinidad & Tobago squad for the 2011 Caribbean T20 event will give young players a chance to take up the mantle for the regional side.

Bravo and Pollard have both opted to play in Australia's Twenty20 Big Bash, which will be played from December 30 to January 5, and will miss their domestic tournament that will be held in Antigua and Barbados from January 10 to 23. Bravo signed for Victoria, while Pollard will play for South Australia.

"The decision not to play for T&T was a tough one, as we remain committed to T&T's cricket," Bravo told CMC Sports. "However, with Pollard and myself not being there, I hope two young players can step up to the plate and make a name for themselves."

Bravo and Pollard are the most experienced players in the T&T squad, and were key in their successful run in 2008 and 2009, when they won the now defunct Stanford 20/20 and then reached the final of the 2009 Champions League Twenty20.

The pair's decision to skip the domestic event had raised concerns over their commitment to West Indies cricket, but Bravo said they had been encouraged by the support from the T&T Cricket Board. "We felt a lot better by the fact that we got the support of the board and we wish T&T all the best in the tournament. I will be following the exploits of the team very closely from Australia and will be in touch with the team giving my support."

In September, T&T team manager Colin Borde said he believed Bravo and Pollard were both still committed to West Indies cricket, despite their decision not to sign national contracts with the WICB. Bravo's decision not to sign a contract means he does not have to make himself available to play for West Indies all the time and can play in tournaments such as the Big Bash and the IPL. Bravo and Pollard were both given no-objection certificates to play in the Big Bash by the WICB, however they do run the risk of not being selected to play for West Indies in Twenty20 internationals if the board follows up on their rule of participation in regional competitions being mandatory for national selection in the corresponding format of the game.

Bravo pointed out the CT20 was an important tournament for T&T as they had failed to win any trophies in the last year. "I see no reason why T&T cannot go on and win the tournament and make up for the disappointment of the 2010 season. We really did not have a good season and the guys should keep this in mind and got out there and play their hearts out."

Broken finger rules Ricky Ponting out of Sydney Test
Peter English

Ricky Ponting may never play another Test after being withdrawn from next week's Ashes contest in Sydney due to his broken left finger. Ponting's absence creates a raft of issues, including the appointment of Michael Clarke as Australia's 43rd Test captain later this afternoon, and whether he will add to his 152 appearances in a baggy green.

Australia delayed naming their squad for Sydney - Usman Khawaja will be included - after learning Ponting's fracture had deteriorated during the fourth Test at the MCG. That result ensured England retained the Ashes and meant Ponting has failed to win them for a record third time.

"I'm devastated to tell you the truth, it was the news I was dreading," Ponting said after landing in Sydney. "During the game I didn't think I'd done too much more to it."

When asked if he was considering retirement he said: "I'm not thinking about it at all." Ponting, who scored only 113 runs in the first four games, could face surgery on his finger, but is expected to be fit to guide Australia in their push to win a fourth consecutive World Cup. He had an x-ray on the final day of the Melbourne defeat and it showed the fracture had moved during the match.

"He needs to commence treatment immediately to achieve a satisfactory outcome," Alex Kountouris, the team's physiotherapist, said. "The treatment options include surgery or aggressive splinting and immobilisation of the injured finger."

He will see a specialist again over the next day to decide on the best option. "His return to cricket will be based on how quickly the fracture heals and he will hopefully commence training in the later part of the Australian summer," Kountouris said. "He is expected to be fully fit for the World Cup."

Ponting's Test future is less clear as Australia's next five-day engagement is currently scheduled for Sri Lanka in August, although there is a talk of a series against Bangladesh after the World Cup. He is already 36 and Australia have realised during their poor Ashes performance that they have to start rebuilding through young players.

The deputy Clarke will replace Ponting, who took over the captaincy in 2004. However, Clarke has had a poor campaign with the bat as well and there are lingering questions over his suitability to control the team at such a crucial period.

Wilful Skilful” Expands Annual Fundraiser To Include Track And Field

Basseterre, St. Kitts, December 29, 2010 (SKNIS): The “Wilful Skilful” Football Club has announced plans for added activities at its annual Special Olympics “Celebrity” Football Fundraiser.

The event in its 5th consecutive year, seeks to raise finances to assist Special Olympians competing internationally.

President of the “Wilful Skilful” Club, Don “Danga” Farrell said his group is always pleased to assist Special Olympics as they have established themselves as worthy ambassadors for the Federation.

Farrel revealed some of the past favourites who participate in the football match including Deputy Prime Minister Hon Sam Condor, Sugar Bowl, Lloyd Lazar, Mr. Mention, and Smiley among others. He also announced the debut of new comer to the exciting “star-studded” event, Hon Glen “Ghost” Philip, who will compete in a 60 metre dash.

As a special feature this year the Federation’s large local companies such as Horsfords, TDC, Digicel, Breweries, and LIME among others will participate. Other activities such as a 4x1 – 100 metre celebrity sprint are scheduled.

The event scheduled for January 10th at the Silver Jubilee Stadium, Bird Rock is open to the entire general public at no cost. Attendees will however, be invited to give a contribution of their choice to aid the cause.

The event will begin at 4pm and kicks off with the first half of the football game being played, followed by a halftime track exhibition event, then culminate with the second half of the football match. “Danga” said he expects the event which has mushroomed steadily since its inception to continue to grow, and expressed the hope that the new venue, and additional track and field activities, would likely heighten public interest and response.

National Director of Special Olympics, Clarice Cotton, said she welcomes every form of assistance and encourages others to come onboard, especially in light of the Committee’s most current goal for the team to travel to Greece for the International Games in June 2011.

Mr. Lloyd Lazar told SKNIS it was important to have the highly successful Special Olympics team participate in international events as it aids in the promotion of St.Kitts and Nevis as a venue on the international scene. He mentioned the teams’ recent signing of an agreement of cooperation with Special Olympics Connecticut, USA as such an example.

Javier out of Leewards team

Javier Liburd, the talented Nevisian opening batsman and vice captain of the successful Leeward islands team which cupped a series victory in the last one day tournament hosted by the WICB, will not feature in the Leeward Islands T 20 squad for the tournament which commences on January 10th.
This was revealed over the weekend when the young cricketer received a response to his letter of request for time off from his employer that he would not be released for the tournament.

Liburd who is currently employed by the prestigious Four Seasons Resort which recently celebrated its grand reopening after a two year closure, is employed in the Sports Department and is one of the persons who is responsible for the busy Tennis program offered by the Resort.

According to information received, It was noted by the Resort that it was a very busy time for the Hotel and the Tennis program at this time has attracted quite a number of guests.

It was also noted that future request for time off for cricket would be given due consideration.

It must be noted that Liburd is still on a three month probation and it is widely believed that sportsmen and women getting time off for National duty is indeed a privilege—not a right.

The other members of the LI squad are already in Antigua participating in a training camp prior to the final selection of the team.

Javier Liburd

England retain the Ashes with innings win
The Bulletin by Brydon Coverdale at the MCG

England have retained the Ashes in Australia for the first time in 24 years, after inflicting one of Australia's heaviest losses, with a margin of an innings and 157 runs on the fourth morning at the MCG. It took less than 90 minutes for England to collect the three wickets they needed for victory, and when Tim Bresnan picked up his fourth wicket, an edge behind from Ben Hilfenhaus, the celebrations began.

Bresnan finished with 4 for 50 and was mobbed by his team-mates when the final wicket fell, and the big collection of England fans at the MCG burst into full voice. It was a wonderful moment for England, who will now aim to turn their 2-1 lead into a series victory at the SCG next week, but as the holders of the Ashes before the tour they have done enough to retain the urn.

For the first time in history, Australia have lost two Tests in a home series by an innings, and the margin was their worst defeat in Australia in 98 years, and their eighth-worst of all time. There was some fight from Brad Haddin and Peter Siddle, who put together an 86-run partnership after the early loss of Mitchell Johnson, but it was only ever a matter of time for England.

During the Haddin-Siddle stand, both men cleared the boundary off Graeme Swann, providing something to cheer for the Australian fans who had turned up despite the certain result. Haddin's half-century came in 86 balls and Siddle posted his highest Test score, before the end came in a rush with Siddle and Hilfenhaus falling in quick succession, and the injured Ryan Harris unable to bat.

Johnson was bowled by Chris Tremlett in the second over of the day for 6 and it seemed like the morning's play would be over in a rush, before Haddin and Siddle came together. It took a while for the next wicket, Siddle (40) caught on the boundary straight down the ground when he slogged Swann, and England knew their goal was almost achieved.

Now, the questions turn to Sydney and what each team can achieve with the Ashes already decided. For England, the goal is obvious - win or draw and ensure they take the Ashes outright, rather than simply retaining them.
England 513 (Trott 168*, Prior 85, Cook 82, Strauss 69, Pietersen 51, Siddle 6-75) beat Australia 98 (Tremlett 4-26, Anderson 4-44) and 258 (Haddin 55*, Watson 54, Bresnan 4-50) by an innings and 157 runs

Ponting fights for his captaincy
Peter English at the MCG

Ricky Ponting knows his case to hold on to the captaincy is not strong, but he is desperate to retain the job and lift Australia from their lowest period since the mid-1980s. Ponting lost the Ashes away in 2005 and 2009 and he has become the country's first leader since Allan Border in 1986-87 not to hold the urn at home.

England celebrated as Ashes winners with their innings victory at the MCG and while the series can still be drawn in Sydney next week, the reality is Australia have lost. Ponting is no certainty to hold on to the leadership after being unable to inspire his team-mates with his batting or captaincy.
"The fact that I've lost those three series is disappointing for me," he said, slightly prematurely. "Hopefully I'm not only remembered as that guy, the guy that lost three Ashes series. There's lots of other great things I've been lucky to be able to be part of as a player throughout my career. This result is not one of my proudest."

Ponting is second on Test cricket's run list with 12,362, but he has added only 113 in eight bats in this series, which is more concerning given the damaged state of his side. Australia's squad for the fifth Test will be named on Thursday and the selectors could point to Ponting's broken left pinky if they want to ease him out. Ponting thinks he will be able to play but understands the situation might be taken out of his bruised hands.

"It's out of my control, I can't think too much about it," he said. "I've tried my hardest over the last couple of weeks to try to play well and try to lead the team as well as possible. I've felt I've led the team as well as I can. I haven't performed the way I wanted to perform, but I certainly haven't done it without trying, that's for sure."

Ponting fined as the match slips away
Peter English at the MCG

Ricky Ponting has been fined 40% of his match fee (approx A$5,400) and rebuked by the ICC match referee Ranjan Madugalle after finally cracking under the strain of impending Ashes defeat on the second day in Melbourne. His angry discussions with an ice-cool Aleem Dar, early in the second session, were the day's major flashpoint as he picked a series of arguments with the umpires and Kevin Pietersen after the batsman correctly survived a caught-behind referral.

The umpires reviewed footage at the close of play before filing a report to the ICC, in which Ponting pleaded guilty to a Level 1 offence under article 2.1.3 (h) of the code of conduct, which relates to "arguing or entering into a prolonged discussion with the umpire about his decision. "Ricky's actions as captain of his country were unacceptable," Madugalle said in an ICC statement.

"A captain is expected to set the example and not get involved in a prolonged discussion with the on-field umpires and question their decision. While pleading guilty to the charge, Ricky understood that the discussion went far too long. He apologised for his action and stated that he has nothing but respect for the umpires and his on-field actions were not intended to show disrespect to Aleem Dar or Tony Hill."

Ponting said he didn't intend to be disrespectful. "I entered into discussions with the umpires about the detail of the decision having viewed replays being shown on the big screen," he said in a statement. "I accept the discussion went for too long and I understand the reasons for the dissent charge handed down by the ICC.

"I was simply trying to seek clarification from the umpires regarding how the decision had been made after being referred to the third umpire. However I would be unhappy if anyone thought I was being disrespectful towards the umpires as this wasn't my intention."

Peter Siddle repeatedly refused to comment on the incident when he spoke an hour after stumps while Jonathan Trott, who was batting with Pietersen, insisted he didn't hear anything. Numerous replays and Hotspot graphics showed no inside edge from Pietersen's push off Ryan Harris, but Ponting remained convinced there had been a mistake.

Lara invited to represent T&T in domestic Twenty20s
ESPNcricinfo staff

has been invited by the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board to represent the side in domestic Twenty20 events if he is interested.

"There is only one Brian Lara in this world, and if he is interested in representing T&T at T20 cricket, I am sure the selectors will be more than willing to give him a very serious look," TTCB president Azim Bassarath said. "Brian has done a lot for cricket. He is a hero, a legend and we have to take care of our heroes. I would like him to know that the TTCB stands ready to support him in his future endeavours."

Lara retired from the international game in 2007, but returned to action in October this year when he turned out in the Zimbabwe domestic Twenty20 tournament. He has also expressed an interest is participating in the 2011 edition of the India Premier League, and has been included in the preliminary auction list, at the highest base price of $400,000.

Bassarath hoped Lara would play in the Cricket Festival T20 series starting Tuesday. "I spoke to Brian and offered him an opportunity to play in the T20 invitational," Bassarath said. "However, he flew into Trinidad on Thursday night and said he would be off again on Monday so it will be difficult to take part in the series."

"If I was to give myself a chance to play in the IPL, then I need to start now," he said. "I tried negotiating with Surrey in May and that fell through. I am not going to say that I am ready for the IPL. The option is around the corner, and I have put my name in the hat. But I need to play cricket regularly from now till then to get fit and capable of doing justice to the game and to my form in such a highly competitive league."

BASKETBALL

CG Rebels one win away from retaining championship

Undisputed champions of Basketball on Nevis, CG Rebels, demonstrated once again last evening why they consistently take championship honours on the island.

They shook off an early burst from their challengers PJ’s in the first match of the best of three finals in the Malcolm Guishard Basketball series. The score at the end of the first quarter was 17 to 15 with the champions holding a slender two point lead and with the PJ’s virtually matching them shot for shot. By the end of the first half however, the champion team had increased the lead and would have been breathing at lot easier with the score on 33 to 25-an eight point lead in their favour.

The intense battle continued right down to the final whistle but the experienced CG Rebels’ combination eventually won through with a final score line of seventy-two to sixty –three.

For the CG Rebels, Jennerson France scored twenty-four points; eight rebs; six assts; Royden Browne 17 points; 10 rebs; Kirt Herbert 19 points; four rebs; 5 assts; Donford Wilkinson 12 rebs;

For the PJ”S, Ev Webbe 21 points; 9 rebs; 3 assts; Vance Allen 18 points; 10 rebs; 3 assts; Junior Thomas 11 points; 1 reb; 2 assts.

In the first match of the evening, CG Massives and Ghetto Starz faced off for third spot honours. CG Massives came through as winners with a score line of forty-five to thirty-nine.

For the CG Massives, Dwayne Warner scored 18 points; 2 assts; Uwing Jones 11 points; 5 rebs; Kirthney Esdaille six points; 13 rebs; 11 assts.
For Ghetto Starz Trevor Arthurton scored 12 points; 2 rebs; 1asst; Matthew Harding 8 points; 12 rebs; 2 assts; Jeffrey Lewis 9 points; 2 rebs; 3 assts.
The second round of matches will be played this coming Thursday evening---30th December when CG Massives takes on Ghetto Starz at six-thirty pm and CG Rebels will engage PJ’s immediately after.

Game three will only be necessary if one or both of the losing teams pull off a victory on Thursday night.

CG Rebels at half time

PJ's at half time

On the court action

CYCLING

Leading Air Carrier Sponsors Nevis Triathlon

Winair, the leading Caribbean Airline whom will be celebrating 50 years of operations within the Caribbean, and as the top regional air carrier will be sponsoring the Nevis Triathlon in 2011.

Renamed as the TriStar111 Nevis International Triathlon, the St Kitts & Nevis Triathlon Federations flagship event is now in its 9th year, after forming a partnership with the Monaco based event management company Star Productions. With Winair on board as a sponsor the event organizers are looking forward to the attendance of many of the region’s top long distance triathletes, who will benefit from the discounted flights on offer to competitors.

Winair’s Marketing and Sales VP Claudio Buncamper commented “With the celebration of our 50 years of service to the Caribbean Islands and Nevis being one of the Islands served with daily flights, Winair takes great pride in being one of the major sponsors to this great event. Winair sees this event as a major boost to Nevis and the Caribbean and as corporate citizens; we will continue to support this and other sporting events”. The TriStar111 event on Nevis will herald the arrival of the TriStar brand to this hemisphere for the very first time, featuring a number of top international athletes and sporting ambassadors, in keeping with the high standard of sport tourism product that this partnership symbolizes.

The week of activities begins with the annual channel swim, now titled the StarMile2.5 Nevis~St Kitts Cross Channel Swim, plus a number of other activities including an expo and a charity 5km fun run.

The StarMile2.5 Nevis~St Kitts Cross Channel Swim (4km open ocean swim) March 27th

TriStar11.1 (try-a-tri) April 1st – 100mtr Swim, 10km Bike, 1km Run
TriStar33.3 April 2nd – 300mtr Swim, 30km Bike (1 lap Nevis) 3km Run.
TriStar111 April 2nd – 1km Swim, 100km Bike (3 laps Nevis) 10km Run

FOOTBALL

Upper Bath defeats Lower Bath in Annual thriller

The huge crowd presence was lacking, but there was no easing of the intensity of the annual grudge match between Upper Bath and Lower Bath. Both teams constantly boast that they have the best players who represent the current Caribbean Cable Bath United Football team and on an annual basis the grudge match is played to determine the real champions of Bath Village Football.

Coach Alex Claxton who recently returned from the USA has been working overtime with the team to create some sense of resurgence in the club as they look forward to a great year on the local Football scene. So far, he has gotten the team to be more focussed even though they did not make it into the finals of the legends cup but more than that he has improved their off the field decorum and the team not only serenaded throughout Nevis singing Christmas carols as a fund raiser but even sang at the Bath Village Christmas tree lighting program.

The grudge match which was played on the evening of Saturday 25th December and as per usual featured not only Bath Village local players but also some of their overseas based players who had returned for the Christmas season.

At the end of the very intense, exciting, high scoring game, the final score line was: Upper Bath six goals to Lower Bath’s four.

For Upper Bath, Winston Perry scored a hat trick; Carlylse Clarke scored 2 and Lower Bath for good measure, contributed an own goal.

Lower Bath for their part, had contributions from the following players: Davidson Jarvis; Raymond Smith; Daitroy Chiverton and Carlos Chapman.

The Lower Bath men are already vowing to avenge their loss and a rematch is being planned a date to be announced shortly.

CRICKET

Masters league to be completed this week

Chief organizer of the Masters Cricket league, Curtis Morton, has announced that a definite effort will be made to attempt to complete the Masters Parish league this week.

According to Morton, the plan is to have the rain interrupted semi finals between St.James’ and St.Thomas’ played on Wednesday 30th December, followed by the finals on Thursday 31st December between the winner of that match and the already qualified St.Paul’s.

The league has been badly affected by rain so far and the cricketers will be holding their breaths and hoping that fair weather will prevail for the next few days.

Once completed, the prize giving ceremony will be held on Thursday 31st December, immediately after the grand finals.

Under Fifteen’s hold simulation Match

National Coach Staurt Williams has been really busy with the under fifteen cricketers. He indicated recently that his intention is to keep the youngsters in training and match ready so that by the time their tournament is held next year, they would be match ready and fit.

On Thursday 23rd December he organized a simulation match for the youngsters at the Ramsbury grounds. The results from the match read:
Batting team: 198 for six:

Saeed Williams batted superbly for eighty-six; Kamil Wilkin got 27 and Philo Wallace 19.

For the bowlers: Theron Bussue 2 for fourteen; Kenon Browne 5 overs for seven runs—no wickets but bowled superbly. Colin Archibald 9-35-1.

Push under-13 cricket in Windies – administrator
By Stabroek editor

One regional manager wants a more youthful look for West Indies cricket come the New Year.

Barbadian sports administrator Adrian Donovan believes that the regional board is desperately suffering from the lack of a structured under-13 programme and is calling for the amendment to the current West Indies junior set-up as early as 2011.

Barbados’ long-serving manager to the under-13 cricket squad made the comments following his team’s recent tour of Trinidad and Tobago for the annual Malcolm Marshall/Inshan Ali series.

“It is a given fact that one cannot start building a house from the kitchen or the patio,” said Donovan in an interview with SUNSPORT.

“At present our structure starts from the under-15 level and goes up but this is a little too late in the area of development. At this age we find that boys have already picked up bad habits, and after the under-13 level if they are not pushed they tend to drift off to other activities.

“Sometimes they stop playing sports altogether unless they are encouraged,” he added.

Under the current setup, there isn’t even a regional competition at the under-13 level, with the CLICO West Indies under-15 tournament in Easter serving as the youngest age-group cricket competition in the Caribbean.

However, St Kitts has hosted an invitational age-group tournament at that level for the last 14 years, where Barbados have won seven of the last eight summer festivals.

But this is without some of the “big-name” territories like Jamaica and Guyana, both of whom only play softball cricket at the primary school level.
“Each affiliate member of the WICB should be mandated to have an under-13 programme which would lead to an annual regional competition,” said Donovan of the proposed structure.

“We must do this because kids at this age are easily distracted; they usually follow their friends and we are in an age now where we are competing against technology. Many prefer to remain at home behind the computer, share a laptop with a friend or to go to functions and play PS3s.

“Every year we in the West Indies are losing many of our young promising cricketers.”

And they in turn are missing a chance to represent their region from a young age, reasons Donovan, who believes that a select Under-13 squad would defeat any other from the major cricketing nations.

“Sometimes the opportunity only knocks once,” said Donovan while playfully naming this 16-man team.

“It is really unfair that when we select a possible 16 of the past season that they will be denied an opportunity to wear West Indies colours.”

In Donovan’s “mock” selection, Barbados captain and opener Lee Gaskin would lead the side with fellow Bajans Akil Greenidge, Camarie Boyce and Dominic Drakes.

The seasoned manager has likened Nevisian pacer Colin Archibald to legend Curtly Ambrose, while saying that Stuart Williams’ son Saeed is one of the most compact he has seen at that level.

Adrian Donovan

T&T disappointed at not hosting Tests
ESPNcricinfo staff

The chief of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Association has expressed disappointment at the Queen's Park Oval in Port of Spain not being allotted any Test matches for 2011. West Indies host India and Pakistan in back-to-back home series between April and July 2011 but the Queen's Park Oval, a regular five-day venue, will not be staging any of the five Tests during that period.

"We will have three matches between West Indies and India and these matches are sure to be sold out come June next year," Azim Bassarath said. "However, I have noticed that there are no Test matches for us in 2011 and this leaves us concerned. I understand that one of the legacies of the 2007 Cricket World Cup in the Caribbean is that more venues cropped up and the board would like to please everybody.

"However, we in T&T need to have Test matches here so that our young and developing players can get a taste of the best form of the game."

Instead, the island of Dominica will be hosting its first Test match during the India series, while Sabina Park in Jamaica and the Kensington Oval in Barbados are the two other venues. Bassarath hoped the completion of the Brian Lara Cricket Stadium in Trinidad and Tobago would enhance the chances of the country hosting more Tests. "I am not bashing the WICB for the situation but what I am saying is that we have to come up with strategies to get more cricket in T&T," he said.

"The Queen's Park Oval is a great venue and would continue to host matches but if we can add the Brian Lara Stadium to that, and of course the stadium is owned by government so the rental will be less, we can be in a better position to bargain for matches."

With just two minutes remaining however, the exciting Kirkland Harris received a long pass and as he outran the defensive players, ‘Pas’ came out of his goal to take him on man to man. Harris hooked the hapless goal keeper and made no mistake as he pummelled the ball into the back of the empty goal. Four goals to three! The Highlights fans could no longer contain themselves. Words of advice rang across the ET Willet Park, as Stoney Grove desperately tried to equalize and Highlights tried to ensure that they held on to the lead.

As Referee Virgo blew the final whistle, the Highlights bench and fan club raced towards the players in celebration.

Highlights, the 2010 Legend’s cup champions winning over Slybo Stoney Grove Strikers four goals to three—what a match!

Summary of the game:

Sl Horsfords highlights four goals:

Rovan Wigley—sixty-eight minute
Kareem Mitchum—penalty—78th minute
Kirkland Harris 78th and 88th minute

Slybo Stoney Grove Strikers—3 goals:
Errol ‘Marley’ Newton—7th minute
Tonito Willet 55th and 59th minute

Sheldon ‘Dapper’ Lawrence who was not playing, immediately went to shake hands with the winners but in a post match interview indicated that he was not very happy with the officiating in the game. He however warned that his team will bounce back in the regular season.

Ras Iroy for the Highlights team noted that his team’s ‘never say die’ attitude brought them through. He admitted that with the score on 3 goals to nil, it looked all over for his team but was warm in his praise for the men for their spectacular come from behind victory.

President of the NFA, Colin Walwyn was on hand to congratulate the winners and noted that the trophies did not arrive as planned for the presentation on that night but indicated that this will be done at the start of the regular season, early in the New Year.

The Footballers will now enjoy a break for the Christmas season and hopefully return refreshed to thrill the fans some more for 2011.

Highlights and Stone Grove in action

A quiet Highlights bench with the score 3 goals to nil

The popular Linesman was under serious pressure

Linesman

One Highlights player goes down

Ras Iroy and President Colin Walwyn

Highlights in celebratory mood

Highlights-winners

CRICKET

Ponting set to play after batting well

Ricky Ponting is almost certain to take his place in the Boxing Day Test after batting without any obvious discomfort in the nets at the MCG. Ponting faced a bowling machine, throw downs, and then a group of young net bowlers as he aimed to prove that he can lead Australia on Sunday, despite breaking the little finger on his left hand during the victory in Perth.

It will be a different challenge facing the likes of James Anderson and Chris Tremlett, but Ponting had little trouble against the net bowlers, pulling and driving without hindrance. Usman Khawaja, the New South Wales batsman, was at training on Thursday but is not likely to be required, although Ponting's finger has not healed enough for him to field in the cordon during the Test.

"He said it felt pretty good after facing some balls on the machines and facing the bowlers," the vice-captain Michael Clarke said. "We're all hopeful and confident. Unless they cut his finger off, it's going to be really hard to leave Punter out. He's going to have to wait until tomorrow to see how it pulls up after having a bat today. But he's pretty happy with how things went today.

"Ricky definitely won't field in slips. He'll probably field at mid-off or mid-on. As long as you're pretty close to seeing the line which the bowlers are bowling, it's probably better for the bowlers that Punt's there to be able to talk to them as well. He has fielded there plenty of times in one-day cricket so I don't think it makes much difference."