Garvey Maceo appeared poised to claim all three points against Central High after racing to a brisk two-goal lead in their Inter-secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA)/Wata Group B quarterfinal clash in May Pen.

However, a resilient Central High team clawed their way back, forcing Garvey Maceo to settle for a 2-2 stalemate and a share of the spoils in a dramatic Clarendon derby on Saturday.

Antwone Wright (36th) and Ean Noel (60th) were responsible for Central High’s comeback after Omarion O’Brian (1st) and Everald Swaby (8th) did the early damage for Garvey Maceo.

With the result, things remain evenly poised in the group as all four teams—Garvey Maceo, Central High, Ocho Rios, and Munro College—are on a point each in their hunt for the top two spots to the semi-finals.

Garvey Maceo’s Head coach Lester Hibbert, expressed disappointment with his team’s inability to hold onto their early lead but acknowledged Central’s resilience.

“It is just a few goals that resulted in the two goals that we conceded that cost us the three points. But apart from that, the boys played brilliantly; we just have to shake this off, regroup, and come again for our next game on Tuesday,” Hibbert said.

The match started with a bang, as poor defending from Central High allowed O’Brian to break the deadlock with a firm finish from just inside the 18-yard box with a mere 15 seconds on the clock.

Just seven minutes later, Swaby doubled the lead with a well-placed left-footed strike from Christopher Mundle’s cross, sending Garvey Maceo’s supporters into a frenzy. With such an explosive start, it looked as though the game might be a lopsided affair, with Garvey Maceo controlling possession and Central struggling to keep up.

But as the first half progressed, Central High settled into their rhythm and began pushing back, eager to avoid an early defeat in this critical quarterfinal contest.

Their persistence paid off in the 36th minute when Wright again got in behind Garvey Maceo’s high defensive line and finished a precision shot beyond custodian Garfield Tomlinson to reignite Central’s hopes.

That goal energized Central, who ended the half with renewed confidence and a more organized defence.

Central maintained their momentum on the resumption and eventually pulled level at the hour mark when Dellan Briscoe placed a pass on a platter for Noel, who finished a firm left-footer that left the Garvey Maceo fans stunned.

Garvey Maceo regained their rhythm and both teams pressed for the winning goal but were unable to make the most of their few half chances and had to settle for a point.

For Central High’s Jermaine Douglas, the draw felt like a victory after a difficult start.

“It was the worst possible start for us; the last thing you can do is concede in the first minute, and we managed to do that, and then we again conceded after that. But I think once we settled we made better decisions in the final third and we probably should have won this game,” Douglas noted.

Attackers Leon Bailey and Shamar Nicholson are back in the Reggae Boyz squad for their Concacaf Nations League quarter-final against defending champions the USA on November 14 and 18.

The Reggae Boyz will first host the Americans at the National Stadium in Kingston on the 14^th before travelling to St. Louis for the return leg at Energizer Park four days later.

Bailey is returning after missing the last two Reggae Boyz squads through injury while Nicholson is back after asking to be left out of the last squad to work on his match sharpness with club Spartak Moscow.

“We’ve had several conversations and really formed a good bond between us,” Reggae Boyz head coach Steve McClaren said about Bailey.

“He was so unlucky to miss the first two camps through injuries but now he’s had two or three weeks after missing the last camp where he’s got his fitness back. He’s playing 90 minutes regularly now. He’s absolutely delighted and can’t wait to come over and be part of the squad,” he added.

McClaren also offered words on Nicholson’s return.

“We kept in touch wit Shamar since the last camp and we fully understood that he wanted to stay at his club and regain his fitness. He hired a personal trainer that’s been working hard with him, He’s been getting more minutes within his club and scoring goals,” he said.

“Speaking to him this week, he’s focused and fitter. He feels ready to contribute to our team so we’re delighted to have him,” he added.

Joining Bailey and Nicholson among the forwards in the squad are Michail Antonio, Kaheim Dixon, Romario Williams, Renaldo Cephas and Demarai Gray.

Queen’s Park Rangers holding midfielder Isaac Hayden is part of the squad for the first time since committing his international future to the Reggae Boyz.

“The JFF has been chasing him for quite some time. I’ve had about two or three calls with him since I took the job. He’s desperate to play and he’s at that stage in his career where he needs to kick on and this is one of the ways that he can,” McClaren said.

The former Arsenal and Newcastle United midfielder is expected to provide some stability in the middle of the park, something that the Reggae Boyz have been lacking for some time.

"He will be a welcome addition to our squad in terms of a genuine No.6 who's played at the highest level in that position," McClaren said.

Joining him in the midfield in the are Joel Latibeaudiere, Karoy Anderson, Kasey Palmer and Tyreek Magee.

Regulars Damion Lowe and Ethan Pinnock lead a defensive unit including Richard King, Tayvon Gray, Dexter Lembikisa, Mason Holgate, Di’shon Bernard, Amari’i Bell and Greg Leigh.

Captain Andre Blake, Jahmali Waite and Shaquan Davis are the goalkeepers.

Players missing out on this trip include attacker Norman Campbell and midfielder Bobby Reid whose wife is expecting a child during the international break.

Amanda Pinkney’s pride in representing Jamaica is always clear, but for the goal-attack and her Sunshine Girls teammates, this Fast5 Netball World Series is especially meaningful.

For one, it is the first time many of the players are representing the island on the world stage, and while their chances of making the podium have evaporated after three opening defeats, Pinkney, who was a member of the team that placed fifth at last year’s tournament, believes they have enough quality to end on a high.

Pinkney’s team, which lost 19-39, 15-35, and 25-33 to New Zealand, England, and South Africa in that order on Friday’s opening day, will have Australia and Uganda to contend with in two more fast-paced encounters on Saturday that will demand every ounce of strength and strategy the team has cultivated.

“There’s nothing like the energy of representing Jamaica on a big stage, especially after the long international break. We’ve all worked hard individually to get here, and you can feel the chemistry building. So even though the results didn’t go our way on the first day, we gave it our best,” Pinkney told SportsMax.Tv from the team’s base in Christchurch, New Zealand.

“I always say that my biggest accomplishment is being able to represent Jamaica on the world stage because, in doing so, I can contribute to our team’s successes, like medaling at major tournaments. That is something I hold close to my heart, and I was hoping we could have medalled here; but again, things haven’t gone our way so far, and we will have to give it our all to overcome the challenge in the next two games,” she added.

Although the odds may seem daunting, the young and fairly inexperienced Jamaican side—fielding seven debutants—has shown flashes of their resilience and skill, particularly in their last contest against South Africa, a performance they will aim to build on in the last two games.

Australia are so far unbeaten, while England, South Africa, and New Zealand have won two matches each. Jamaica and Uganda are winless.

“Fast5 challenges us to be sharp, quick, and strategic, and going up against top teams really motivates us to give our best. We’re all driven to not only compete but to showcase our unique Sunshine Girls style,” Pinkney said.

“So now it’s just about executing better than we did in the first three games. That performance against South Africa is a good marker for us to work from, and so if we stay focused and play to our potential, I believe we have a great chance to at least finish with two wins,” she noted.

That said, the 24-year-old, who has tallied 28 goals in the tournament so far, has her sights set on a broader legacy in her career that she said has been shaped by both triumphs and trials.

However, these experiences, for Pinkney, have not only developed her skills but also instilled in her a deep resilience.

“Experiences, whether good or bad, have made me stronger because I view every situation as an opportunity to learn and grow, so I’m still in a good space mentally, and I know my teammates are too,” the bubbly player, who was a part of the historic CAC Games gold medal win last year, shared.

“I want to continue growing as a player and contributing to Jamaica’s success of being identified as a dominant force in netball and also, hopefully, to inspire the next generation of players. So I will take the lessons from this Fast5 tournament and keep pushing myself, improve my game, and aim to make my family and country proud in every tournament we play,” Pinkney ended.

The Bahamas have once again been selected to host the 2025 Concacaf Beach Soccer Championship, as they, along with Trinidad and Tobago, will be the Caribbean’s representatives in the tournament, which serves as a qualifier for next year’s FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in the Seychelles.

Scheduled to take place from March 11 to 16, at the Malcolm Park Beach Soccer Facility in Nassau, the competition will begin with an eight-team group stage—two groups of four teams each.

Alongside the Bahamas and Trinidad and Tobago are Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, and the United States.

After round-robin play, the two best teams in each group will progress to the knockout stage, which will be contested as a single-match direct elimination semifinals on March 15. This will be followed by a third-place match and final on March 16, where the region’s Beach Soccer Champion will be crowned.

Additionally, the two finalists will represent the confederation at the 2025 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.
 
The official draw for the 2025 Concacaf Beach Soccer Championship is scheduled for November 26, 2024, with the match schedule to be announced shortly after.

In the previous edition of the Concacaf Beach Soccer Championship, also played in The Bahamas, last year, the United States won its third Concacaf title (2006, 2013, 2023) after defeating Mexico 5-0 in the final. The two North American nations represented the region at the 2024 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in the UAE.

Jamaica’s Sunshine Girls faced a tough opening day at the Fast5 Netball World Series on Friday, as they lost all three of their opening encounters, but will be hoping for better fortunes on Saturday’s final day in Christchurch, New Zealand.

The young, relatively inexperienced Jamaican squad—fielding seven debutants—was visibly affected by the high-stakes atmosphere, showing early jitters and struggling to find their usual rhythm. Their opponents—New Zealand, England, and South Africa—capitalized on the team's early nerves and shaky play to clinch solid 39-19, 35-15, and 33-25 wins.

In their first game against the host nation, New Zealand, Jamaica faltered under the pressure and succumbed to a 20-goal blowout. The Sunshine Girls’ normally steady ball movement and confident shooting were absent as they grappled to find cohesion on the court before Amanda Pinkney eventually scored 13 goals and Simone Gordon, six.

New Zealand, buoyed by their home crowd, put Jamaica on the defensive from start to finish, with Martina Salmon scoring 17 goals, while Maia Wilson and Saviour Tui had 11 goals each.

Jamaica’s next matchup, against England, unfolded similarly as the shooting struggles persisted, and unforced errors cost them valuable scoring opportunities and inevitably resulted in another 20-goal defeat. Pinkney again led the way for the Jamaicans with nine goals, while Shadine Bartley had the other six.

England’s disciplined defence and polished offensive execution widened the gap, as Harriet Jones hit a solid 13 goals from as many attempts, with support from Sophie Egbaran (8 goals), Paige Reed (8 goals), and Sophie Kelly (6 goals).

However, the Jamaicans returned for their final game against South Africa determined and refocused, and it was evident in what was their best showing of the day.

The Sunshine Girls appeared more positive and organized across the court, as they found moments of fluidity in their movement and delivered some confident shots, giving fans a glimpse of the team's potential.

Despite ultimately falling short by eight goals, they had much to smile about as this time it was Bartley that led from the front with 12 goals, supported by Kestina Sturridge (7 goals) and Pinkney (six goals).

South Africa used their experience to good effect, as Zandre Smith scored 18 goals and Kamogelo Maseko had a perfect seven goals from seven attempts. Rolene Streukter, also scored seven goals, with Lefebre Rademan getting the other goal.

With the first day out the way, the Jamaicans will be hoping for better fortunes on the second day as they face reigning champions Australia, who are so far unbeaten in the tournament, and Uganda. However, fatigue could set in as playing fast-paced games involving four six-minute quarters against five of the world’s best teams is by no means easy.

Those games are scheduled for 6:00pm and 10:30pm Jamaica time.

NB: Fast5 action can be seen live on SportsMax and the SportsMax app.

Los Angeles FC advanced to the Western Conference MLS playoff semi-finals after beating the Vancouver Whitecaps 1-0 at the BMO Stadium on Friday. 

After a tense first-half that saw just one shot on target, Mateusz Bogusz's 62nd minute strike settled the best-of-three series to set up a tie with the Seattle Sounders. 

A cagey opening to proceedings saw clear-cut chances hard to come by, as visiting striker Brian White saw his effort comfortably gathered by Hugo Lloris in the 27th minute. 

But the decisive moment came just after the hour-mark when Andres Cubas' poor header was collected by Bogusz, with the Pole then firing a left-footed effort into the far corner. 

Vancouver, however, improved after going a goal down and thought they had drawn themselves level through Tristan Blackmon, but his 74th minute header was ruled out for offside.

The visitors continued to push to try and send the game to penalties, but LAFC were able to hold on to seal their progression to the semi-finals for the third consecutive season. 

Data Debrief: Bogusz keeps the double alive

In a game that lacked quality from both sides in the final third, LAFC's Bogusz proved to be the difference, netting his 20th goal of the season in all competitions on Friday. 

The Pole also registered a team-high expected goals (xG) tally of 0.21, while also completing the joint-most successful dribbles (three) along with Lewis O'Brien. 

The Whitecaps, meanwhile, have still managed to win just once in their 13 all-time away matches against LAFC (D4 L8), though this one may be their most heartbreaking. 

Former champions Kingston College produced a five-star performance to open the Inter-secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA)/Digicel Manning Cup quarterfinal round in commanding fashion as they blanked Tivoli High 5-0, while reigning champions Mona High and Jamaica College played out a 1-1 stalemate in the Group A double-header at Stadium East on Friday.

A brace from Damaine Smith (3rd and 19th) and one each from Matrim Martin (32nd), Kamaul Patterson (45+3) and Deshawn Byfield (51st) got the job done for Kingston College in the lopsided feature contest.

Meanwhile in the curtain-raiser, Sean Leighton’s 35th-minute strike for Mona High was cancelled out by Jamaica College’s captain Dyllan John, who converted a 65th-minute penalty to secure his team a share of the spoils.

With the result, Kingston College took command of the group on three points, while Jamaica College and Mona trail with a point each. Tivoli will have to play catch up from the foot of the four-team standing.

Kingston College were always favoured to take three points off Tivoli High, and they did so with consummate ease in what was a showcase of their offensive prowess and defensive strength as they overwhelmed the opponents from start to finish.

The famed purples wasted little time to break the deadlock as Smith got on the end of a weighted pass and easily fired past Daniel Bailey in goal for Tivoli High.

Their precise passing and tactical awareness kept Tivoli on the back foot, and it was another of those passes from the back that sent Smith on his way to complete his brace with another simple finish.

That brace set the tone for what would be a long and arduous game for Tivoli High, who soon found themselves 3-0 down when Shareef Ricketts’ weighted corner kick picked out Martin at the far post and the Guyanese made no mistakes from goalmouth.

Struggling to find any answer to the waves of attacks that Kingston College unleashed, the West Kingston team were left visibly demoralized as another weighted freekick from Ricketts eluded defenders and Patterson capitalised at the far post to make it 4-0 at the break.

The second half saw no reprieve for Tivoli High, as Kingston College continued to drive forward with confidence and added to their tally six minutes in when Byfield fired home after Smith’s effort burst through the hands of the hapless Bailey.

Tivoli High tried to play their game when Kingston College eased up a bit, but their offensive efforts were always easily thwarted by the North Street-based team’s backline long before they posed any real threat.

Kingston College’s Head coach, Vassell Reynolds, praised his players for their discipline and focus.

“We really wanted to get three points today because that put us in good stead to push on for the remainder of this round, and I thought the boys responded well and did pretty well. So I am pretty satisfied with our conversion rate and the overall performance,” Vassell said in a post-game interview.

Tivoli’s assistant coach, Lance DaCosta, believes a lapse in concentration resulted in the loss but backed his team to bounce back against Mona and Jamaica College.

“I think we struggled defensively; we made too many errors, and they cost us. At this stage we should be more mature and more focused, but we just have to motivate them and try to win our next two games to advance,” he said.

Earlier in what was one of the season’s most anticipated clashes, Mona forced the initiative and camped out in Jamaica College’s quarters in the early exchanges. They took a few cracks at target, which tested Taywane Lynch, but the Jamaica College custodian proved equal to the task on each occasion.

Jamaica College eventually found their footing in attack and thought they had the go-ahead goal in the 28th when Giovanni Taylor fired home from close range, but it was controversially called back for an offside.

Mona eventually grabbed the ascendancy when Leighton finished his fifth goal of the season with aplomb after Robino Gordon’s effort was saved to make it 1-0 at the break.

However, Jamaica College pulled level five minutes past the hour mark when John fired home from the 12-yard spot after being awarded a controversial penalty.

Friday’s results

Mona 1, Jamaica College 1

Kingston College 5, Tivoli High 0

St Catherine 3, Campion College 0

Hydel vs Excelsior (Postponed)

Kieran Powell scored his sixth List A hundred to lead the Combined Campuses and Colleges to their first win of the 2024 CG United Super50 Cup, a two-wicket victory over the Barbados Pride at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy on Friday.

Powell hit 102 off just 87 balls including 10 fours and three sixes to lead the CCC in a successful chase of 265, reaching 267-8 with five overs in hand.

The Nevisian former West Indies batsman was supported well by Shaqkere Parris who hit 44 while Jonathan Drakes and captain Shamarh Brooks also had a lot to do with the successful chase with 35 and 33, respectively.

Chemar Holder bowled with good pace on his way to 3-58 from his 10 overs while Jomel Warrican took 2-57 from his 10 overs.

Earlier, the Pride posted 264-7 from their 50 overs after losing the toss.

Kevin Wickham led the way with 65 while Zachary McCaskie and Leniko Boucher also got fifties with 53 and 52, respectively.

Akeem Jordan took 3-49 from 10 overs while Romario Greaves sook 2-47 from his full quota of overs.

Full Scores:

Barbados Pride 264-7 off 50 overs (Kevin Wickham 65, Zachary McCaskie 53, Leniko Boucher 52, Kemar Smith 32*, Akeem Jordan 3-49, Romario Greaves 2-47)

Combined Campuses and Colleges 267-8 off 45 overs (Kieran Powell 102, Shaqkere Parris 44, Jonathan Drakes 35, Shamarh Brooks 33, Chemar Holder 3-58, Jomel Warrican 2-57).

West Indies T20 captain Rovman Powell called the unavailability of pacer Alzarri Joseph a big loss on the eve of the first of five T20 Internationals against England at the Kensington Oval in Barbados.

Joseph was suspended by Cricket West Indies for two games after abruptly leaving the field during the series-deciding third ODI between the West Indies and England at the same venue on Wednesday which the hosts won by eight wickets to claim a 2-1 series win.

“It’s a definite loss for us,” Powell said in a pre-match press conference on Friday.

“He’s the spearhead of our attack and one of our more experienced bowlers but, having said that, we have capable replacements. When you look on the bench strength, I think guys that are waiting in the wings are good also. It’s an opportunity for somebody to step up and be counted,” he added.

The West Indian T20 side are coming off a disappointing series loss to Sri Lanka and will be looking to bounce back against opponents they have become very familiar with over the years, especially on their home turf.

“Every time England comes to the Caribbean it’s a big rivalry. England is one of the best teams in the world so it definitely brings out the best in us from a T20 perspective,” Powell said.

“I think we’ve been playing some good T20 cricket so this series provides an opportunity for us to continue to do that,” he added.

Another added thought in the mind of players in the format this time of year is the looming IPL player auction.

With the amount of cricket played throughout the year, however, Powell doesn’t see how anyone’s performance in these five games will determine whether or not they are picked up during the auction on November 24 and 25.

Instead, Powell wants his team to focus on the task at hand.

“A lot of scouting has already been done. I don’t think five games would actually change the decisions of where IPL teams will go. It’s just for us from an individual standpoint to focus on what we can contribute to our team and leave the rest to whatever,” he said.

With the ODI team just winning their series, Powell was asked about whether or not there is pressure for the T20 side to do the same.

“There is always pressure, especially playing at home against such a good opponent,” he said.

“Fortunately for us as a T20 team, we’ve been managing that pressure pretty well, so far,” he added.

The first T20I bowls off tomorrow at 3:00pm JA time/4:00pm ECT.

Jahmar Hamilton, Rakheem Cornwall and Hayden Walsh Jr all played starring roles to lead the Leeward Islands Hurricanes to a comprehensive 84-run win over the Winward Islands Volcanoes in their CG United Super50 Cup game at the Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Ground in St. Augustine on Friday.

The Hurricanes, after winning the toss and batting first, recovered from being 68-6 after 23 overs to post 180 all out off 48.4 overs, a respectable total in the end.

Hamilton, who came to the crease at 23-2 in the ninth over, carried his bat though the innings on the way to a career-best 96* off 128 balls including just five fours and two sixes.

To put into context how crucial Hamilton’s knock was, Jewel Andrew was the next highest scorer for the Hurricanes with 17.

Kavem Hodge starred with the ball for the Volcanoes with 4-26 from his 10 overs while Darel Cyrus was good in support with 2-33 from his 10 overs.

It was then the turn of the Leewards spin twins to take over proceedings as captain Rakheem Cornwall and Hayden Walsh Jr combined to take all ten wickets as the Windwards were bundled out for 96 in just 21 overs.

Cornwall led the way with 6-26 off nine overs while Walsh Jr took 4-20 off six overs as the Hurricanes moved to 38 points from five matches to sit at the top of the points table, one point ahead of the Trinidad & Tobago Red Force and six ahead of the Barbados Pride who were doing battle with the Combined Campuses and Colleges at the time of publishing.

Alick Athanaze was the only Volcanoes batting to pass 30 with his 34.

Full Scores:

Leeward Islands Volcanoes 180 off 48.4 overs (Jahmar Hamilton 96*, Kavem Hodge 4-26, Darel Cyrus 2-33)

Windward Islands Volcanoes 96 off 21 overs (Alick Athanaze 33, Rakheem Cornwall 6-26, Hayden Walsh Jr 4-20).

October 14 was supposed to be a day for fans of Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz to show their support for the side during their Concacaf Nations League game against Honduras at the National Stadium in Kingston.

After witnessing a tame 0-0 draw, fans were content but that feeling soon switched to anger when a number of fans noticed that their cars had been broken into during the game.

A number of videos showcasing the extensive damage circulated on social media over the next several days, prompting many people to question the security arrangements at the Stadium.

The Reggae Boyz are set to host defending Concacaf Nations League champions USA in the first leg of their quarter-final at the same venue on Saturday so the obvious question is: what is being done to prevent this from happening again?

General Secretary of the Jamaica Football Federation, Dennis Chung, has assured fans that measures are indeed being put in place to prevent a repeat of that unfortunate incident.

“Independence Park Limited (IPL), the JFF and the Police have met and they are designating some places where police will protect the vehicles,” Chung said on a zoom call on Monday.

“Our intelligence was that the disruption of the vehicles was a direct sabotage so we’re going to designate certain places and we’re going to tell the public where it is safe to park,” he added.

A potential defense for Chung would’ve been that the break-ins occurred in a lot near the Stadium and not on the actual compound, meaning that technically, the JFF or IPL wouldn’t be responsible.

He rejected this notion, highlighting the responsibility for fans safety when attending a JFF event such as a Reggae Boyz fixture.

“It wasn’t on the stadium compound but we will ensure that there are places outside of the stadium compound where police will be designated to protect because it’s our event and, even if you park on the road, we think it’s our responsibility still to ensure that people feel safe when they get there,” he said.

Chung went on to add that the JFF has also tried to ensure the smooth flow of traffic to and from the stadium before and after games through discussions with the head of traffic.