Shaunae Miller-Uibo will not be defending her 400m title at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest in August. She will also not be running the 200m because she is going to be a mommy!

Only 51 overs were possible as rain played a massive part on day one of the first Test between the West Indies and Zimbabwe at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on Saturday.

On a flat pitch, Windies skipper Kraigg Brathwaite won the toss and chose to bat first.

Brathwaite and opening partner Tagenarine Chanderpaul then both played typical patient knocks to end the day 112-0 after 51 overs when the heavens opened.

In the process, Brathwaite brought up his 29th Test fifty while Chanderpaul, playing in just his third match, brought up his second half century in Tests.

Both batsmen ended the day not out on 55, with Brathwaite’s knock coming off 138 balls and including two fours and Chanderpaul’s coming off 170 balls and including eight boundaries.

Spirited late spells from pacers Akeem Jordan and Keon Harding helped the Barbados Pride set up an interesting final day of play on Saturday against the Guyana Harpy Eagles in their first round West Indies Championship fixture at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium in Antigua.

Friday’s day four started with the Pride’s overnight pair of Shamarh Brooks and Keon Harding adding a further 54 runs to their overnight 105-3 before Harding was dismissed by Veerasammy Permaul for 24 in the 63rd over.

That wicket brought Nicholas Kirton to the crease but he did not last long before getting dismissed by Kevin Sinclair for two in the 66th over.

Brooks and new batsman Shemar Springer took the Pride to lunch without the loss of any more wickets, finishing 166-5 off 67 overs with Brooks on 47 and Springer yet to get off the mark.

Brooks brought up his fifty shortly after lunch but failed to kick on, being dismissed by Permaul for 51 with the score on 178 in the 71st over.

It quickly became 178-7 after Sinclair removed Akeem Jordan for a duck.

The Pride only batted with 10 as captain Shane Dowrich was unable to bat.

Springer made a crucial 35 not out as Chaim Holder (13) and Jair McAllister (2) both fell as the Pride ended their innings 220-9 off 91.2 overs, trailing Guyana by 151 runs.

Veerasammy Permaul finished with 4-53 from 26.2 overs while Kevin Sinclair took 3-65 in his 24 overs.

The beginning of the Harpy Eagles’ second innings was not ideal as Tevin Imlach was dismissed by Jair McAllister for a duck in just the second over with the score on three.

The tight opening spells by McAllister and Jordan paid dividends when Jordan trapped Kemol Savory in front for a duck in the seventh over to leave the Harpy Eagles 4-2.

First innings centurion Matthew Nandu was then joined by captain Leon Johnson and the pair added some respectability to the total with a 38-run partnership before Johnson became Keon Harding’s first victim for 12 in the 17th over.

Next it was Shemar Springer’s turn to get in on the fun, dismissing Anthony Bramble for one to leave the Guyanese reeling at 49-4 in the 20th over.

Kevin Sinclair also failed to significantly trouble the scorers before he became Harding’s second victim, falling for one in the 23rd over.

The 25th over saw wicket number six fall as Nandu was removed by Harding for a 77-ball 16.

Three overs later, Chanderpaul Hemraj went caught behind off the bowling of Akeem Jordan for 15.

Shamar Joseph became Jordan’s third wicket, going for four in the 32nd over to leave the score at 90-8.

The Harpy Eagles ended the day 91-8 off 33 overs with Permaul (11) and Nial Smith (0) at the crease. They have a lead of 242 runs heading into day four.

Scores: Guyana Harpy Eagles 371 off 121.1 overs (Matthew Nandu 126, Kevin Sinclair 43, Veerasammy Permaul 37, Jair McAllister 3-43, Chaim Holder 3-72) and 91-8 off 33 overs (Matthew Nandu 16, Akeem Jordan 3-18, Keon Harding 3-37)

 Barbados Pride 220-9 off 91.2 overs (Sheyne Moseley 65, Shamarh Brooks 51, Shemar Springer 35*, Veerasammy Permaul 4-53, Kevin Sinclair 3-65, Shamar Joseph 2-33)

 

 

 

The Leeward Islands Hurricanes will enter the fourth and final day of their round one West Indies Championship fixture against the Jamaica Scorpions at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua with a 224-run second innings lead with four wickets in hand.

Friday’s day three started with Jamaica batting on 186-6 off 60 overs with Abhijai Mansingh (34) and Gordon Bryan (0) at the crease.

The day did not start well for the Scorpions as Bryan failed to add to his overnight total before being bowled by Rakheem Cornwall, bringing Marquino Mindley to the crease.

Jamaica’s 200 was brought up when Mindley hit Hayden Walsh Jr for a six, shortly before Cornwall completed his 23rd first-class five wicket haul by dismissing Mindley for 19 in the 71st over. The Scorpions were 211-8 at that point.

The ninth wicket fell when Sheeno Berridge removed Akim Fraser for five to leave the Scorpions 225-9 in the 81st over.

The very next over saw Mansingh bring up a well-compiled debut half-century off 171 balls with a boundary off Jeremiah Louis.

The innings eventually came to an end when Mansingh, looking to score quick runs, was dismissed by Berridge for 56 off 176 balls. The Scorpions made 234 in 82.4 overs, trailing the Hurricanes by 26 runs on first innings.

Cornwall was the pick of the Hurricanes bowlers with 5-54 off 28 overs while pacers Sheeno Berridge and Colin Archibald took two wickets each.

With a tricky period to bat before lunch, Hurricanes openers Montcin Hodge and Kieran Powell successfully negotiated the attack from the Jamaican bowlers. They entered the break 12-0 with Powell on eight and Hodge on four.

The post-lunch session saw them continue to bat sensibly, reaching 55 in the 18th over before Hodge fell to Jamie Merchant for 31.

Merchant was at it again just after the drinks break, this time dismissing Powell 28 with the score on 66 in the 22nd over.

Keacy Carty and Kofi James provided a 28-run partnership before James went for 18 off the bowling of Akim Fraser.

Captain Jahmar Hamilton then came and went, bowled by Patrick Harty for nine to leave the score at 109-4 after 35 overs.

The Hurricanes added just one run before entering the tea interval at 110-4 with Carty on 19 and Terrance Ward yet to get off the mark.

Shortly after the resumption, Carty became Harty’s second victim for 26 with the score on 119.

Mansingh then got in on the second innings wickets, dismissing Warde for four to leave the Hurricanes 154-6, leading by 180 runs. Mansingh got his second wicket when he dismissed first innings half centurion Jeremiah Louis for six leaving the Leewards 166-7.

That was the end of the wicket-taking for the day as Rakheem Cornwall and Hayden Walsh Jr fought off the Scorpions bowling to reach 198-7 off 65 overs at stumps, leading by 224 runs. Cornwall brought up his half century, his 16th in first-class cricket, off 56 balls in the 60th over.

Scores: Leeward Islands Hurricanes 260 off 118.3 overs (Jeremiah Louis 78*, Jahmar Hamiton 40, Marquino Mindley 3-29, Abhijai Mansingh 3-47) and 198-7 off 65 overs (Rakheem Cornwall 56*, Montcin Hodge 31, Jamie Merchant 2-27, Abhijai Mansingh 2-30, Patrick Harty 2-56)

Jamaica Scorpions 234 off 82.4 overs (Leroy Lugg 79, Abhijai Mansingh 56, Paul Palmer Jr 47, Rakheem Cornwall 5-54, Sheeno Berridge 2-25, Colin Archibald 2-37).

 

 

An unbeaten half-century from veteran Jason Mohammed helped the Trinidad & Tobago Red Force earn a nervy draw against the Windward Islands Volcanoes in their first round West indies Championship fixture at the St. George’s Cricket Ground in Grenada on Friday.

The Windwards entered day four in a dominant position, finding themselves 397-3 with a huge 325-run lead over the Red Force on first innings with captain Alick Athanaze (49) and Sunil Ambris (42) at the crease.

The pair started the day looking for quick runs and both batsmen brought up their half-centuries before Athanaze went off the bowling of Terrance Hinds for 51. Ambris ended up finishing not out on 55 while Justin Greaves (6) and Tevyn Walcott (6 not out) provided late cameos as the Volcanoes declared on 425-5 off 113.4 overs, leaving the Red Force needing 355 for victory.

With Vikash Mohan once again unable to open the innings, the Red Force went with Jeremy Solozano and fast bowler Uthman Muhammed to open the innings.

The move did not work as Muhammad only lasted six deliveries before he was dismissed by Darius Martin for four.

With the score on 43, the Red Force lost their second wicket when skipper Darren Bravo was bowled by Ryan John for 23 in the 13th over.

On the stroke of lunch, John picked up his second wicket, removing Solozano for 22 to leave the Red Force reeling at 55-3 off 16.3 overs.

After the break, the vastly experienced pair of Jason Mohammed and Yannic Cariah carried the score up to 93 in the 38th over before Cariah was dismissed by Kavem Hodge for 12.

Tion Webster, who got 79 in the first innings, joined Mohammed at the crease and the pair batted well to put on 49 before the tea break.  Trinidad & Tobago entered tea 142-4 with Webster on 38 and Mohammed on 31.

The pair resumed their fight after the break, needing a further 213 runs for victory.

Mohammed brought up his fifty off 111 balls in the 52nd over before Webster brought up his half-century off 50 balls in the 53rd over.

With the partnership on the brink of 100, Webster’s stay was brought to an end for 58 by John in the 58th over to leave the Red Force 191-5, needing 163 runs to win.

The volcanoes were able to take the wickets of Amir Jangoo (8) and Terrance Hinds (0) before the match came to an end with the red Force on 225-7 off 83 overs.

Mohammed ended not out on 79 from 201 balls while Khary Pierre ended eight not out.

 

Scores: Windward Islands Volcanoes 243 off 63.1 overs (Tevyn Walcott 87*, Sunil Ambris 55, Bryan Charles 4-46, Terrance Hinds 4-72) & 425-5 off 113.4 overs (Kimani Melius 192, Kavem Hodge 80, Sunil Ambris 55*, Alick Athanaze 51, Bryan Charles 2-92)

Trinidad & Tobago Red Force 315 off 92.1 overs (Amir Jangoo 86, Tion Webster 79, Terrance Hinds 52, Ryan John 5-18, Darius Martin 2-80) and 225-7 off 83 overs (Jason Mohammed 79*, Tion Webster 58, Ryan John 3-27, Kavem Hodge 2-54)

 

After nearly two weeks of preparation in Bulawayo, West Indies interim head coach is eagerly awaiting the first ball of the series on Saturday morning. According to Andre Coley, the preparation has been sufficient, with numerous practice sessions and a dominant display in the three-day warm-up match against the Zimbabwe XI, across town at the Bulawayo Sports Club.

Now the attention switches the “big show” – the first Test against Zimbabwe, and the location moves to the Queens Sports Club, where the two teams will meet.

“We are confident that the areas that we wanted to address and spend some time on, we were able to do so. The facilities have generally been good and offered us enough to get through what we needed to,” Coley said.

He also expressed pleasure at the way the players have been responding to the training, noting that they have been putting in extra work in the nets and on fitness.

Regarding getting ahead and eventually winning the series, he is looking for consistency in all areas.

Wary that Zimbabwe are highly competitive at home, the West Indies will be eager to start the year right, having enjoyed some success in the longest format over the past 18 months and a series in South Africa to follow.

The first Test will begin on Saturday, February 4. First ball is 10am (4am Eastern Caribbean/3am Jamaica).

Squad: Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Jermaine Blackwood (vice-captain), Nkrumah Bonner, Tagnarine Chanderpaul, Roston Chase, Joshua Da Silva, Shannon Gabriel, Jason Holder, Alzarri Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Gudakesh Motie, Raymon Reifer, Kemar Roach, Devon Thomas and Jomel Warrican

Former West Indies Under-19 opener Matthew Nandu struck 126 on debut as the Guyana Harpy Eagles ended day two of their West Indies Championship match against the Barbados Pride at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in a strong position.

The Harpy Eagles started day two on 205-5 with Nandu (70) and Kevin Sinclair (28) at the crease.

The pair added 25 runs to the overnight score before Sinclair was dismissed for 43 in the 85th over, bringing Vice-Captain Veerasammy Permaul to the crease to join Nandu.

The pair continued to fight off the Barbados bowling, reaching 273-6 in the 102nd over when Nandu, who represented the West Indies at the 2022 ICC Under-19 World Cup in the West Indies, brought up his maiden first class 100 off 295 balls.

The partnership reached 90 when Permaul was dismissed by Keon Harding for 37 off 95 balls in the 112th over with the score on 315.

Nandu was next to go in the 118th over, eventually falling for a marathon 126 off 335 balls after putting on a further 39 runs with Shamar Joseph.

Joseph (20) and Nial Smith (9) were the final two to fall as Guyana made an impressive 371 off 121 overs.

Pacer Jair McAllister took 3-43 off 18.1 overs while spinner Chaim Holder took 3-72 off 36 overs.

In reply, Barbados openers Zachary McCaskie and Sheyne Moseley put on 69 before McCaskie was dismissed by Kevin Sinclair in the 24th over for 26.

Jonathan Drakes joined Moseley at the crease but didn’t last long as he became Permaul’s first victim for a duck.

Moseley brought up his fifty off 86 balls in the 29th over.

Moseley and Shamarh Brooks put on a 32-run third wicket partnership to bring the score up to 102 before Moseley went off the bowling of Shamar Joseph for 65.

The Pride ended the day 105-3 with Brooks on 10 and Keon Harding on three. They trail the Harpy Eagles by 266 runs.

Scores: Guyana Harpy Eagles 371 off 121.1 overs (Matthew Nandu 126, Kevin Sinclair 43, Veerasammy Permaul 37, Jair McAllister 3-43, Chaim Holder 3-72) Barbados Pride 105-3 off 39 overs (Sheyne Moseley 65, Zachary McCaskie 26)

 

Two late wickets from Rakheem Cornwall put the Leeward Islands Hurricanes slightly in the driver’s seat in their West Indies Championship fixture against the Jamaica Scorpions after Thursday’s day two at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua.

The Hurricanes started the day on 163-6 with Cornwall on 29 and Jeremiah Louis on 17. Cornwall failed to add to his overnight score when he was dismissed by Abhijai Mansingh in the second over of the day.

Louis then continued on, providing some much-needed stability to the innings, eventually bringing up his fourth first class fifty off 140 balls.

Forced to bat with the tail, Louis became more aggressive, making his next 28 runs off just 31 balls to finish not out on 78, his highest score in first class cricket.

Hayden Walsh Jr (13) and Collin Archibald (17) also formed important partnerships with Louis down the stretch as the Hurricanes were eventually bowled out for 260 in 118-3 overs.

Marquino Mindley, who recently made his Test debut against Australia, led the way with the ball for the Scorpions with 3-29 from 19.3 overs while Mansingh took 3-47 from 20 overs.

In reply, Scorpions openers Leroy Lugg and Kirk McKenzie saw off the new ball well, reaching 60 in the 14th over before McKenzie became Colin Archibald’s first victim for 18.

Aggressive from the outset, Lugg brought up his second first class fifty off just 39 balls in the 15th over with a huge six off Rakheem Cornwall.

One wicket became two very quickly as Archibald removed Jamaica’s number three Romaine Morris for two in the 18th over.

Jamaica lost their third wicket when Cornwall trapped Aldane Thomas in front for four in the 23rd over, bringing Captain Paul Palmer Jr to the crease.

At tea, the Scorpions were 97-3 from 23 overs with Lugg on 73 and Palmer Jr yet to score.

After the resumption, Lugg was able to add only six runs to his total before Hayden Walsh Jr tempted him into a false shot and got his wicket.

Palmer Jr and new batsman Mansingh then added 72 runs for the fifth wicket before the skipper became Cornwall’s second victim, falling for 47 in the 57th over. Cornwall got his second wicket of the over when he bowled Jamie Merchant for a duck to leave the Scorpions 185-6.

The Jamaicans added just one more run before stumps, ending the day on 186-6, trailing the Hurricanes by 74 runs. Mansingh ended the day on 34 while Gordon Bryan is yet to get off the mark.

Scores: Leeward Islands Hurricanes 260 off 118.3 overs (Jeremiah Louis 78*, Jahmar Hamiton 40, Marquino Mindley 3-29, Abhijai Mansingh 3-47) Jamaica Scorpions 186-6 off 60 overs (Leroy Lugg 79, Paul Palmer Jr 47, Abhijai Mansingh 34*, Rakheem Cornwall 3-47, Colin Archibald 2-37).

 

 

 

Former West Indies Under-19 Captain Kimani Melius struck his maiden century in First-class cricket to put the Windward Islands Volcanoes in a strong position against the Trinidad & Tobago Red Force after day three of their West Indies Championship fixture at the St. George’s Stadium in Antigua on Thursday.

The Volcanoes began the day on 62 without loss after 16 overs, trailing the Red Force by 10 runs with Melius on 39 and Jerlani Robinson on 20.

Robinson added a further three runs to his overnight score before he was dismissed by Khary Pierre in the 19th over, bringing Kavem Hodge to the crease to join Melius.

The pair put the Red Force bowling to the sword with the 22-year-old Melius bringing up his fifty off 73 balls in the 27th over.

Hodge brought up his 14th first class fifty off 116 balls in the 52nd over. The very next ball saw Melius bring up his hundred off 138 balls.

The 69th over saw Melius bring up his 150 off 190 balls, before, nine overs later, Hodge was finally dismissed by Bryan Charles for a 195-ball 80 ending a 209-run second wicket partnership between the pair.

At tea, The Windwards were 282-2, leading the Red Force by 211 runs with Melius unbeaten on 169 and Captain Alick Athanaze on one.

Melius and Athanaze put on a further 43 runs after tea before Melius was finally dismissed LBW by Charles for 192 in the 96th over. His knock came off 269 deliveries and included 18 fours and three sixes.

The Volcanoes ended the day 397-3, leading by 325 runs with Athanaze (49) and Sunil Ambris (42) at the crease.

Scores: Windward Islands Volcanoes 243 off 63.1 overs (Tevyn Walcott 87*, Sunil Ambris 55, Bryan Charles 4-46, Terrance Hinds 4-72) & 397-3 off 108 overs (Kimani Melius 192, Kavem Hodge 80, Alick Athanaze 49*, Sunil Ambris 42*, Bryan Charles 2-92)

Trinidad & Tobago Red Force 315 off 92.1 overs (Amir Jangoo 86, Tion Webster 79, Terrance Hinds 52, Ryan John 5-18, Darius Martin 2-80)

 

Head coach Merron Gordon and his staff have selected the 20-man squad which will represent Jamaica at the Concacaf U17 Men’s Championship in Guatemala from February 11-26.

He also named four reserves who will continue to train with the team as changes can be made in case of injury, as late as match day minus one.

Gordon’s assistant coaches will be Andrew Peart and Vassel Reynolds while Andrew Sewell will serve as goalkeeping coach.

The rest of the staff reads: Ronald Watson (Kit Man), Wendell Downswell (Technical Director), Lamar Morgan (Physical Trainer), Dr. Edmund Regis (Team Doctor), Remawn Thomas (Team Manager), Alvin Green (Masseur), Tajay Bailey (Physiotherapist), Baron Watson (HOD).

The delegation departs on February 9.

The squad is as follows: Taywayne Lynch (Mount Pleasant Academy), Joshua Grant (Inter Miami FC), Ahir Dixon (Mount Pleasant Academy), Alexavier Gooden (Cavalier SC), Malik Robinson (Unattached), Nashon Bolt (Unattached), Ronaldo Barrett (Cavalier SC), Adrian Reid (Cavalier SC), Malachi Molina (FC Dallas Academy), Brandon Bent (Inter Miami FC Academy), Ja-son White (Unattached), Jordan Mantagal (South Florida Academy), Everald Swaby (Unattached), Jahmani Bell (Phoenix Academy), Dusting Cohen (Vere United FC), Orane Watson (Harbour View FC), Nicholas Simmonds (Richmond United Academy), Adrian Mahoney (Toronto FC Academy), Ashton Gordon (Atlanta United Academy), Dyllan John (Phoenix Academy).

Reserves: Odane Wilberforce (Mount Pleasant Academy), Samir Bloise (FC Prime), Ryan Heron (Orlando City FC), Che-Daniel Gardner (Unattached).

The match between Windward Islands Volcanoes and Trinidad and Tobago Red Force is interestingly poised at the end of day two of their West Indies Championship match at St George’s on Wednesday.

At stumps, the Windwards batting a second time are 62-0, just 12 runs behind after Trinidad and Tobago scored 315 in their first innings in reply to the Volcanoes 243.

Tevyn Walcott top-scored with 87.

Trinidad and Tobago owed their first innings lead to late order 50s from Amir Jangoo, who top scored with 86, Tion Webster’s 79 and Terrance Hinds’ 52.

The trio managed to rescue their side from 82-5 in the 41st over. However, Webster and Jangoo put on 138 for the sixth wicket, which was followed by a 78 run stand between Hinds and Jangoo, which established a lead.

Ryan John was the chief wicket-taker with the impressive figures of 5-18.

At stumps, Kimani Melius is unbeaten on 39 and Jerlani Robinson on 20.

Over at North Sound, Guyana Harpy Eagles were 205-5 at stumps on the opening day of their match against the Barbados Pride thanks to an unbeaten 70 from Matthew Nandu.

Akeem Jordan has so far taken 2-34 while Chiam Holder has snared 2-36.

Meanwhile, the Leeward Islands Hurricanes were in a spot of bother against Jamaica at Coolidge Cricket Ground. At stumps they were 163-6.

Jahmar Hamilton is the top scorer so far but the dangerous Rahkeem Cornwall is not out on 28 and Jeremiah Lewis, 17.

Abhijai Mansingh has taken 2-27 for the Scorpions.

 

 

 

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced a 15-member West Indies Women squad for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa starting on February 11.

The squad sees the inclusion of three West Indies Under 19 Rising Stars players who recently competed in the first ever ICC Women’s U19 World Cup. They are Zaida James, Trishan Holder and Djenaba Joseph.

Shemaine Campbelle, the wicketkeeper/batter has been named as vice-captain. Experienced all-rounder Stafanie Taylor has been named in the squad subject to a final fitness assessment.

“The selectors have opted for a blend of youth and experience for the upcoming T20 World Cup,” said Chief Selector Ann Browne-John.

“Four senior players who have been out through injury have returned – Stafanie Taylor, Shakera Selman, Chinelle Henry and Chedean Nation.

“We continue the developmental pathway to grow women’s cricket in the region, hence we feel the time is right to include three of the Under 19 Rising Stars in the squad.”

Browne-John added that James, Joseph and Holder have been making great progress.

“Zaida brings both left-hand batting and left-arm orthodox bowling, both of which the team has been missing in recent time,” Browne-John said.

“Djenaba is a batting all-rounder and Trishan, a powerful striker and wicketkeeping option. They have all proven that they can hold their own at this level. We believe the 15 players consist of a good all-round mix and we expect them to be able to compete in this World Cup.”

The West Indies squad features six players, Hayley Matthews, Shemaine Campbelle, Stafanie Taylor, Shamilia Connell, Shakera Selman and Afy Fletcher who became World Champions in 2016.

West Indies have been drawn in Group 2 alongside England, India, Pakistan and Ireland and will travel to Cape Town on Friday, February 3, ahead of the start of the tournament, which will begin on Friday, February 10, with hosts South Africa taking on Sri Lanka.

Newlands, Cape Town; Boland Park, Paarl and St. George’s Park, Gqeberha are the host venues for the tournament with both Semi-Finals and the Final being played in Cape Town on February 26.

 FULL SQUAD:  Hayley Matthews ​ (Captain), Shemaine Campbelle (Vice Captain), Aaliyah Alleyne, Shamilia Connell, Afy Fletcher, Shabika Gajnabi, Chinelle Henry, Trishan Holder, Zaida James, Djenaba Joseph, Chedean Nation, Karishma Ramharack, Shakera Selman, Stafanie Taylor and Rashada Williams.

T20 World Cup Match schedule

Monday, 13 February: West Indies vs England, Boland Park, Paarl, 3pm (9am Eastern Caribbean/8am Jamaica)

Wednesday, 15 February: West Indies vs India, Newlands, Cape Town, 3pm (9am Eastern Caribbean/8am Jamaica)

Friday, 17 February: West Indies vs Ireland, Newlands, Cape Town,7pm (1pm Eastern Caribbean/12noon Jamaica)

Sunday, 19 February: West Indies vs Pakistan, Boland Park, Paarl, 3pm (9am Eastern Caribbean/8am Jamaica)

 

 

Jamaica’s youngest Olympic gold medalist Briana Williams has awarded scholarships to three Excelsior High School student-athletes valued at JMD$210,000.

Williams, who moved to Jamaica to train last year, is already dedicated to giving back to the community.

Following a Christmas treat that the 20-year-old Olympic champion staged for children in Montego Bay environs last December, Williams will now provide $70,000 each in scholarships to Shakira Rhoden, Shelly-Ann Taylor and Janelia Williams.

Rhoden and Taylor are members of Excelsior’s reigning Anthrick Corporate Area Development Meet 4x100m relay team.

Kayla Harris, who was also a member of that team, awarded her scholarship to teammate Janelia Williams.

Janelia Williams is an ISSA/Grace Kennedy Boys and Girls Athletics Championships (Champs) silver medalist in the 200m.

 The athletes came to Williams’ attention when she read a published interview following the team’s victory at the Anthrick Development Meet in 2022.

In it, they indicated that the multiple Carifta Games gold medalist was a role model.

 When Williams read the article, as well as saw an Instagram post with the athletes, she was thrilled,

“I was so honoured when I read the article in the newspaper stating that I inspire these girls. I wanted to meet them, but leave more than inspirational words. I wanted to support their academic journey,” Briana said.

The scholarship was made possible through Briana’s sponsor GraceKennedy Limited and will be disbursed to the school to cover the cost of books, tuition and other necessities for the 2023 academic year.

 The Briana Williams scholarship will now be an annual offer to aid student-athletes in their academic and sporting pursuits.

"I am committed to giving back to athletes in Jamaica because I know what it's like. It's not easy being a student-athlete.” She shared.

"My sponsor GraceKennedy and I will make this an annual scholarship to deserving student athletes who showcase their athletic talents and are also having good grades."

She encouraged over 100 members of the Excelsior High track team who were present at the ceremony to remain committed to the sport.

"We are committed to helping the next generation in this sport and I want to encourage you to work hard and don't let anybody quell your dreams,” she said.

"Put in the work, listen to your teachers, your coaches and rewrite your goals and recite them every day and don't give up.”

 In 2020, Williams provided 25 tablets to student-athletes forced to attend classes from home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

She also donated furniture and school supplies to educator Stacey-Ann Donaldson who has a reading and homework centre in Rose Gardens, Kingston.

Williams ran the first leg of Jamaica’s gold-medal winning 4x100m effort at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (held in 2021). She also won silver as a member of Jamaica’s 4x100m relay team at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene, Oregon. 

Tevyn Walcott scored an unbeaten 87 while Bryan Charles and Terrance Hinds took four wickets each as the Windward Islands Volcanoes and the Trinidad & Tobago Red Force played out an even first day of the opening CWI 2023 West Indies Championship fixture at the St. George’s Stadium in Grenada.

The Red Force won the toss and chose to bowl first on a sunny first day. Their decision was rewarded early as Terrance Hinds removed former West Indies Under-19 Captain Kimani Melius for just four in the third over.

Hinds got his second victim just two overs later, removing Kavem Hodge caught behind for a duck.

Captain Alick Athanaze then joined Jerlani Robinson at the crease and the pair put on 28 runs before Robinson was dismissed by Tion Webster for a patient 14 off 40 balls.

This brought the experienced Sunil Ambris to the crease and he and Athanaze put on 54 for the fourth wicket before Athanaze was dismissed just after lunch for 40.

Barbadian all-rounder Justin Greaves was next in but went quickly for five to leave the Volcanoes reeling at 113-5, bringing Walcott to the middle to join Ambris.

Ambris, who has played six Tests and 16 ODIs for the West Indies, reached 55, his 15th First-class fifty, before falling at the hands of Hinds to leave the Windwards 130-6.

Walcott and Ryan John then combined to fight off the Red Force bowling, putting on 98 for the seventh wicket before their resistance was ended when John was dismissed caught behind off the bowling of Bryan Charles for 36.

The score quickly became 229-8 when Charles dismissed Kenneth Dember for a duck, taking his 100th First-class wicket.

Walcott provided some late hitting before Preston McSween and Darius Martin were both dismissed without troubling the scorers.

In the end, the Volcanoes were bowled out for 243 with Walcott finishing not out on 87, his third first-class fifty and highest score.

Bryan Charles led the way with the ball, taking 4-46 from 17.1 overs while Terrance Hinds took 4-72 off 13 overs.

With Red Force debutant Vikash Mohan unable to open due to injury, Khary Pierre joined regular opener Jeremy Solozano at the top of the order.

The move didn’t work as pacer Darius Martin dismissed Pierre for a duck in the second over.

Captain Darren Bravo and Solozano ensured that the Red Force went into the end of the day with no further wickets lost, ending 50-1 off 21 overs, trailing by 193 runs.

Scores: Windward Islands Volcanoes: 243 all out in 63.1 overs (Tevyn Walcott 87*, Sunil Ambris 55, Terrance Hinds 4-72, Bryan Charles 4-46) Trinidad & Tobago Red Force: 50-1 (Darren Bravo 32*, Jeremy Solozano 18*)

© 2024 SportsMaxTV All Rights Reserved.