Atapharoy Bygrave’s lone strike proved enough to secure Waterhouse a third win on the trot and fourth of the Wray and Nephew Jamaica Premier League (JPL) campaign as they edged Harbour View FC 1-0 in a keenly contested encounter at Waterhouse Mini Stadium in Drewsland on Monday.

Bygrave’s 54th minute goal, his fifth of the season, propelled Waterhouse into third position on 12 points, the same as second-placed Portmore United, who boast a slightly better goal difference. Montego Bay United are now in pole position on 13 points.

Harbour View slipped to eight on seven points.

Interestingly, Bygrave, the former Dunbeholden FC and Mount Pleasant FA striker, has accounted for all five goals registered by Waterhouse so far this season, a feat that has left assistant coach Damion Gordon pleased.

“We are pleased; we are overall pleased with the three points. In terms of how we were compact today (Monday) and how we played defensively, it was also a plus for us. But we had some chances that we could have put away the game early, but that’s just how it is sometimes. We asked for the support from the community, and we got that, and you can see that the guys fed off that energy, and I am pretty impressed with our transition, so overall this team is growing and growing as a unit,” Gordon said in a post-game interview.

Despite the wet conditions, both teams were purposeful at the start, as they showed good attacking intent in the early exchanges.

Waterhouse gradually gained the ascendancy with a couple half chances from a melee in the 10th minute, but Harbour View's defenders stood firm at that point.

That started a decent passage of play for Waterhouse, who again breached Harbour View’s defensive line in the 15th minute when Shemar Boothe’s long pass from the middle of the park found an unmarked Shamarie Dallas, but the striker sporting the number 63 jersey failed to bring the ball under control to cause any problems.

Four minutes later, Martin Davis found space deep inside Harbour View’s 18-yard box for a right-footed drive that was easily collected by a well-positioned Romario Palma in goal for the ‘Stars of the East’.

Though Waterhouse were more threatening in the attacking third, it was Harbour View that had the best opportunity of the half to break the deadlock in the 26th minute when Demar Rose dispossessed a defender and went on the break.

However, instead of attempting to beat the advancing Kemar Foster in a one-on-one situation, Rose chose to play a pass across the 18-yard box for David Reid, whose right-footer was deflected over the crossbar. 

Waterhouse again came to life on the resumption and had an early opportunity five minutes in, but Dallas wildly fired his effort high and wide despite having time and space deep in the danger area.

The hosts inevitably found the go-ahead goal on a well-worked transitional play in the 54th minute. It started with goalkeeper Foster finding Leonardo Jibbison, who played a delightful pass in the danger area to Bygrave, who slipped two defenders and drove a left-footer past Palma. 

Harbour View continued to play their game and threatened a response in the 71st when Rose’s weighted cross fell nicely for Luca Kung, whose effort was deflected over.

Still, Waterhouse had the final say and should have doubled their lead, but Palma came up big to deny substitute Andre Fletcher on the break, while Nicholas Hamilton’s attempt on the rebound was charged down by a recovering defender in time added.

Harbour View’s Head coach, Jason Henry, was left disappointed with the loss.

“When you play against teams like Waterhouse and you get chances, you have to find a way to take one and throughout the run of play, Waterhouse got one against the run of play and that’s what hurt us. So it is just painful at times to know that we put the work in to win games and we create the chances and don’t take them,” Henry said.

Matchweek six results

Molynes United 0, Arnett Gardens 3

Humble Lion 0, Montego Bay United 0

Portmore United 2, Chapelton Maroons 1

Vere United 3, Dunbeholden 0

Cavalier 2, Mount Pleasant 2

Tivoli Gardens 1, Racing United 0

Waterhouse 1, Harbour View 0

The historic achievements on the track for Bahamian sprint hurdler Devynne Charlton in the 2024 season need more attention and recognition according to President of the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA), Drumeco Archer.

The 28-year-old broke Susanna Kallur’s 16-year-old 60m hurdles world record of 7.68 when she ran 7.67 to win at the Millrose Games in New York on February 11.

Charlton then broke her own world record with a 7.65 effort to win gold at the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow, Scotland in March, her first major title and a step up from her silver medal at the 2022 World Indoor Championships in Belgrade, Serbia.

“Today, her success and her achievements are still understated,” Archer said on the latest episode of the Out D’ Blocks podcast on the SportsMax TV YouTube channel.

“She is the best 60m hurdler in the world and that’s something that goes into the history books and can never be taken away from her,” Archer added.

Charlton also had some good results outdoors in the 100m hurdles last season, producing wins at the Racers Grand Prix (12.64) on June 1 and the New York City Grand Prix (12.56) on June 9.

She also had runner-up finishes at the Diamond League meetings in Xiamen (12.49) and Shanghai (12.64) on April 20 and 27, respectively.

Charlton didn’t have the result she wanted at the Olympic Games in August, however, finishing sixth in the final in 12.56.

Archer says, based on his recent conversations with Charlton, she is keen to begin her preparations for the 2025 season

“I have spoken with Devynne recently and she has indicated that, so long that she has fee that can move at the level that she wants to compete at, she will continue to be back so I’m expecting her at full force,” he said.

“Obviously, next year is a very long season and she is looking forward to championing back to the World Championships and doing well,” Archer added.

Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited (SVREL) has issued an apology to its customers and stakeholders following the cancellation of Monday’s Heroes' Day race meet at Caymanas Park. The cancellation came after a series of disruptions stemming from the disqualification of the first-place finisher in Race 2, which caused unrest among some punters at the track.

In a statement, SVREL explained the incident: "On Monday, October 21, 2024, a series of unfortunate events led to the disruption and subsequent cancellation of races at Caymanas Park by the Jamaica Racing Commission Stewards."

The unrest began when the stewards' decision in Race 2 led to the disqualification of the initial winner. Displeased with the result, some punters expressed their dissatisfaction by throwing debris, creating an unsafe environment for patrons, participants, and horses.

"After the announcement of the race results, some punters became agitated and expressed their dissatisfaction in a manner that compromised the safety and security of all present. This included the throwing of debris across the Park, creating an unsafe environment for patrons, participants, and horses alike," the statement continued.

As the situation grew more volatile, trainers began voicing concerns for their safety, leading to the cancellation of subsequent races.

"In light of this development and prioritizing the safety of the horses, horsemen, punters, and all attendees, the stewards made the decision to abandon race 4 and subsequently, the entire race meet for the day," SVREL said.

The company further emphasized that security personnel, supported by the police, were working to manage the situation and prevent any further escalation.

SVREL concluded by offering a formal apology for the inconvenience caused: "Supreme Ventures Racing & Entertainment Limited, the operator of Caymanas Park, extends our sincerest apologies to our valued customers and stakeholders for the inconvenience caused by the abandonment of the race meet."

The company reiterated its commitment to the safety of all involved in the sport, while promising to address the issues that led to the disruption.

West Indies wicketkeeper/batsman Joshua Da Silva has been appointed as captain of the Trinidad & Tobago Red Force for the 2024 edition of the CG United Super50 Cup beginning on October 29.

The 26-year-old replaces previous captain Darren Bravo who has not been selected in a Red Force squad that includes six changes from the team that won the 2023 title.

Amir Jangoo, Jyd Goolie, Bryan Charles, Isaiah Rajah, Anderson Phillip, and Joshua James have all been included.

Nicholas Pooran, Akeal Hosein, Evin Lewis, and Jayden Seales will miss out on most of the tournament due to West Indies duty.

The Red Force open their campaign against the CCC in St. Augustine on October 29.

They also play the Windward Islands (November 1), Leeward Islands (November 3), West Indies Academy (November 7), Guyana (November 9), Jamaica (November 12) and Barbados (November 16) in preliminary round play.

The semifinals are set for November 20 and 21 with the final scheduled for November 23 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba.

T&T Red Force Super50 Squad: Joshua Da Silva (captain), Khary Pierre (vice-captain), Amir Jangoo, Jason Mohammed, Jyd Goolie, Tion Webster, Bryan Charles, Kjorn Ottley, Isaiah Rajah, Terrance Hinds, Anderson Phillip, Yannic Cariah, Mark Deyal, Joshua James.

Olympic gold medalist Hansle Parchment and his coach Fitz Coleman were among the sporting icons honoured at Ceremony of Investiture and Presentation of National Honours and Awards 2024 on October 21, 2024, celebrated as National Heroes Day. The event, held at the National Indoor Sports Centre in Kingston, recognized their exceptional contributions to the world of athletics.

 Parchment, who won the 110m hurdles gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, was conferred with the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander Class. His accolade recognizes his outstanding achievements in track and field, which include an Olympic bronze in 2012, World Championship silver medals in 2015 and 2023, and his Olympic triumph.

His longtime coach, Fitz Coleman, was also recognized for his invaluable contributions to the sport. Coleman was awarded the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer Class for his role in Parchment’s success and his broader impact on Jamaica’s track and field development. Coleman, who once headed the IAAF High-Performance Centre, played a crucial role in shaping the career of sprint legend Usain Bolt and many other athletes.

 Joining Coleman on the distinguished list of honorees was Paul Francis, head coach at the MVP Track Club. Francis, celebrated for his contributions to athletics, was also awarded the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer.

The world of football was also represented among the honorees, with Wendell Downswell, Technical Director of the Jamaica Football Federation, being awarded the Order of Distinction Officer Class for his long-standing contribution to Jamaican football. Downswell has been instrumental in the development of national teams, both as a former player and as a manager of various youth teams over the decades.

 Dr. Paul Wright, a prominent figure in sports medicine, was conferred with the Order of Distinction Officer Class as well, in recognition of his services to the field of medicine and his work in developing the Jamaica Association of Sports Medicine.

 This year’s National Honours and Awards celebrated the enduring contributions of these individuals to Jamaica’s sporting success and their continued influence in shaping future generations of athletes.

Players from seven teams have been included in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 Team of the Tournament.

Champions New Zealand and runners-up South Africa are represented by three players apiece (including the 12th player) while stars from England, India, the West Indies, Bangladesh and Australia are also selected.

Amelia Kerr, who picked up Player of the Match in the final as well as the Player of the Tournament trophy, is a natural inclusion following a superb campaign with bat and ball.

The 24-year-old took 15 wickets – the most by any player at a single ICC Women’s T20 World Cup – and scored 135 runs, top-scoring with 43 in the final to help the White Ferns lift the trophy for the first time.

She is joined in the squad by teammates Rosemary Mair, who took 10 wickets at 11.70 including three in the final, and Eden Carson, listed as 12th in this team after nine wickets of her own.

South Africa’s opening pair finished as the two highest run-scorers in the competition and both Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits are selected.

Wolvaardt was remarkably consistent, with four scores of 40 or above including a best of 59 not out in the opener against West Indies helping her to a tournament-high tally of 223 at 44.60. The 25-year-old, who is named as captain of the Team of the Tournament, struck at 113.19 across her six innings.

Her opening partner Brits also contributed valuable runs throughout the competition, making 187 in total with a best of 57 not out, as the pair played an integral role for South Africa in the powerplay.

Danni Wyatt-Hodge joins them in the top order after scoring 151 runs in four innings. She top-scored with 41 in England’s opening victory against Bangladesh before important knocks of 43 and 51 not out in wins over South Africa and Scotland respectively.

No South African had reached double figures for wickets in a single ICC Women’s T20 World Cup before but Nonkululeko Mlaba changed that with a string of impressive displays in the UAE.

She entered the wickets column in all six matches she played in, taking four for 29 against West Indies and three for 12 against Scotland, while Mlaba also earned the key scalp of Tahlia McGrath in South Africa’s semi-final win over Australia and two wickets in the final.

Bangladesh skipper Nigar Sultana takes the gloves following an impressive competition. She led her side to their first ICC Women’s T20 World Cup victory for 10 years against Scotland and impressed with the bat against both West Indies (39) and South Africa (32 not out).

She is joined in the middle order by Harmanpreet Kaur, who ended the tournament with a remarkable average of 150 after being dismissed just once in four innings. The India star made unbeaten half-centuries against both Sri Lanka and Australia.

Megan Schutt is also selected following a history-making competition which saw her become the highest wicket-taker in ICC Women’s T20 World Cup history.

The Australian took her tally to 48 with eight victims in 2024, including three for three against New Zealand, and went at just 4.07 runs per over across the tournament.

West Indies pair Deandra Dottin and Afy Fletcher complete the line-up. Dottin, who came out of retirement to feature in the competition, made 120 runs and took five wickets. She also struck nine sixes, six more than the next highest by an individual player.

Leg-spinner Fletcher is included after taking 10 wickets at 11.50, including three apiece against England and Scotland. The 37-year-old also took two scalps against both Bangladesh and New Zealand.

ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 – Team of the Tournament

Laura Wolvaardt (capt)
Tazmin Brits
Danni Wyatt-Hodge
Amelia Kerr
Harmanpreet Kaur
Deandra Dottin
Nigar Sultana (wk)
Afy Fletcher
Rosemary Mair
Megan Schutt
Nonkululeko Mlaba
12th player - Eden Carson

Mt Pleasant Academy staged a dramatic late comeback to secure a 2-2 draw with defending champions Cavalier SC, as the Jamaica Premier League resumed on Sunday. Cavalier had looked set for a comfortable victory after taking a commanding 2-0 lead, but Mt Pleasant struck twice in the final stages to snatch a share of the points.

 Cavalier opened the scoring in the 11th minute when Christopher Shaw converted from the penalty spot. Jalmaro Calvin added to their advantage in the 34th minute, giving the champions a solid lead heading into halftime. However, Mt Pleasant Academy fought back late, with Kimoni Travolta scoring in the 84th minute and Tevin Shaw netting the equalizer three minutes into stoppage time, completing a thrilling comeback.

 Elsewhere, Warner Brown stole the spotlight with a brace as Arnett Gardens registered their second win of the season, defeating Molynes FC 3-0. Brown opened the scoring in the ninth minute, and Kimani Arbourine doubled Arnett’s lead in the 22nd. Brown added his second and Arnett’s third goal in the 47th minute, sealing the victory and lifting spirits in the ‘junglists’ camp.

 Portmore United edged Chapelton Maroons 2-1, courtesy of a brace from Junior Grizzle, while Vere Phoenix blanked Dunbeholden FC 3-0, with Alex Gayle scoring and Romarion Thomas netting twice.

 Despite these results, Montego Bay United remains top of the table on 13 points, just one point ahead of Portmore United and two points ahead of Cavalier SC, keeping the race for the top spot tight in the early stages of the season.

New Zealand won their maiden Women's T20 World Cup title, seeing off South Africa with a 32-run victory in the final on Sunday.

They came into the tournament as underdogs on the back of a torrid losing streak, but held strong for a comprehensive win to claim a surprise crown.

Suzie Bates got New Zealand off to a strong start with her knock of 32, but it was Amelia Kerr's vital contribution of 43 that spurred them through the innings, despite a slight lull in the middle stages.

Brooke Halliday (38), who had a 57-run partnership with Kerr, ensured the White Ferns finished solidly against a wasteful South Africa bowling performance, as they racked up 158-5.

However, Kerr shone again in the field, finishing with 3-24, while Rosemary Mair also took 3-25 in an impressive display.

The Proteas dominated in the powerplay, as Laura Wolvaardt (33) and Jasmin Brits (17) combined for 51 on the first wicket, but they started to stumble shortly after Kerr ended the former's stand.

Only Chloe Tryon (14) and Annerie Dercksen (10) hit double figures after the top order, and the wickets toppled as New Zealand claimed an emotional victory.

Data Debrief: Taking the crown

New Zealand were on a 10-match losing streak coming into the World Cup, but have lost just once during the tournament - a blip against Australia in their second match.

History was also not on their side in T20 World Cup finals, with the team losing successive show-piece games in 2009 and 2010.

However, they put in an admirable performance on Sunday, with Kerr's three wickets at the Dubai International Stadium seeing her finish as the tournament's leading wicket taker.

It was yet more heartbreak for South Africa, though, as they lost their second consecutive final, with the country's wait for a global cricket title continuing. 

Sri Lanka defeated the West Indies by five wickets via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method in the first ODI at Pallekele on Sunday, marking their third consecutive victory after winning the last two T20 Internationals to clinch the series 2-1.

Chasing a DLS-adjusted target of 232 in 37 overs, Sri Lanka’s pursuit was powered by a crucial 137-run partnership between Nishan Madushka and Charith Asalanka. The pair's half-centuries laid the foundation for Sri Lanka’s victory, which came with 31 balls to spare. Their century stand came in just 88 balls, as they took full advantage of the wayward West Indies bowling.

Madushka and Asalanka were ruthless in their approach, capitalizing on poor deliveries, with only Gudakesh Motie providing any resistance. Motie was the pick of the West Indies bowlers with 3-47, while Alzarri Joseph chipped in with 2-39. However, their efforts were not enough to stifle Sri Lanka’s charge, as they raced to 200 in just 27.3 overs, making victory inevitable.

After Asalanka’s departure, Janith Liyanage and Kamindu Mendis put on an unbroken 47-run partnership to secure the win. Liyanage remained unbeaten on 18, while Mendis finished on 30 not out.

Earlier in the day, the West Indies had been frustrated by rain, which halted their innings at 185 for 4 after 38.3 overs. Sherfane Rutherford had mounted a counter-attack, scoring an unbeaten 74, while Roston Chase contributed 33 not out in an 85-run fifth-wicket stand. Their partnership came off 78 deliveries and provided a much-needed boost after Sri Lanka’s spinners had dominated the early proceedings.

Wanindu Hasaranga was the standout bowler for Sri Lanka, taking 2-18, while Jeffrey Vandersay and Charith Asalanka claimed a wicket apiece. Despite the interruption caused by rain, Sri Lanka’s spinners laid the groundwork for a comfortable chase, leaving the West Indies unable to capitalize on the toss and their decision to bat first.

With this five-wicket win, Sri Lanka takes an early lead in the three-match ODI series, continuing their momentum from the T20s.

In a thrilling climax to the Junior Cup All-Island Football Finals, Hillel Academy captured their first-ever national title in spectacular fashion, defeating Lannaman’s Prep in a nail-biting penalty shootout at the Constant Spring Football Field on Saturday, October 19. The intense day of football saw the island’s top primary and preparatory schools battle for supremacy, but it was Hillel's grit and determination that ultimately secured their place in history, in what will be remembered as one of the most exciting finishes to the competition.

After three weeks of fierce regional contests, 12 of Jamaica’s finest school teams arrived at the final showdown, each vying for the coveted Junior Cup title. Throughout the day, fans were treated to 19 action-packed matches, filled with skillful plays, heart-stopping moments, and the indomitable spirit of Jamaica’s young footballers.

The semi-final stage was a true test of resilience, with Lannaman’s Prep edging Liberty Prep 1-0 to secure their spot in the final, while Hillel Academy overcame a strong Port Antonio Primary team with a hard-fought 2-1 victory. This set the stage for a thrilling final between two determined teams, each hungry for the championship.

In the final, Nugent Walker gave Hillel Academy an early lead, sending the Hillel supporters into a frenzy. However, Devoron Dixon of Lannaman’s Prep quickly responded, equalizing with a brilliant goal that brought the match to a 1-1 tie. Both teams battled fiercely, but neither could break the deadlock in regular time, pushing the match to the ultimate test—penalty kicks.

With the championship hanging in the balance, Hillel Academy held their nerve during the penalty shootout, sealing a dramatic victory that crowned them Junior Cup champions for the first time. The triumph was met with joyous celebrations from the Hillel players, coaches, and supporters, who had waited years for this historic moment.

Reflecting on the success of the tournament, Paula Pinnock, managing director of FYI Consultancy Group and the driving force behind the Junior Cup, expressed her pride in the event. “This tournament has been an extraordinary showcase of youth football talent and sportsmanship. In its third year, the Junior Cup has grown in both scale and prestige, and we are incredibly proud of the level of competition we’ve seen,” Pinnock said. “With the success of this year’s tournament, we are excited to add another spectacular championship to the calendar of youth football events, giving more young athletes the opportunity to shine on the national stage.”

The Junior Cup All-Island Finals not only celebrated the competitive spirit of Jamaica’s young footballers but also reinforced the importance of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. As Hillel Academy basks in the glory of their hard-fought victory, the tournament’s success signals a bright future for youth football development in Jamaica, setting the stage for the next generation of football stars to emerge.

Los Angeles FC beat their cross-city rivals, the LA Galaxy, to top spot in the Western Conference on the final day of the MLS regular season, while D.C. United were pipped to a playoff place by Atlanta United.

The Galaxy simply needed to avoid defeat to take the West's number one seed, with LAFC coming from behind to beat the San Jose Earthquakes 3-1.

Having gone behind to an Ezequiel Ponce strike away at the Houston Dynamo, the Galaxy drew level six minutes into second-half stoppage time as MLS Newcomer of the Year favourite Gabriel Pec converted from the penalty spot.

However, former Galaxy defender Daniel Steres headed into the top-left corner 11 minutes into stoppage time to hand LAFC their third conference title, and their second in three seasons.

Elsewhere, there was heartbreak for Troy Lesesne's D.C. side as a 3-0 defeat at home to Charlotte FC saw them slip out of the wild-card places in the Eastern Conference.

That result opened the door to Atlanta, who upset Orlando City with a 2-1 road win to move ahead of D.C. on goal difference and join Montreal in the wild-card round.

Josef Martinez joined Caden Clark on the scoresheet as Montreal beat already-qualified New York City 2-0 at Stade Saputo to finish eighth.

Those results meant the Philadelphia Union missed the postseason for the first time since 2017, as they squandered a 1-0 lead in a 2-1 home loss to FC Cincinnati to finish 12th.