The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) has announced that Derek King has been appointed as the Caretaker Coach of the Trinidad and Tobago Men's Senior Team. King will step into the role immediately following the departure of Angus Eve late last month.

King's appointment comes at a crucial time as the team prepares for the upcoming Concacaf Nations League matches in September against Honduras and French Guiana. With his extensive experience and deep understanding of Trinidad and Tobago football, King is well-positioned to lead the team during this transition period, the TTFA said in a statement on Tuesday.

Having served as assistant coach under the outgoing Head Coach Angus Eve, King has been an integral part of the senior team setup. His familiarity with the players and the team's dynamics will be invaluable as he takes on this new responsibility.

In addition to his recent role, King boasts an impressive track record as a coach. As Assistant Coach to Stephen Hart, he helped guide Trinidad and Tobago to successive Gold Cup quarterfinal appearances in 2013 and 2015 and achieved a FIFA ranking of 49th in the world. King first took on the role of Assistant Coach in 2012.

King's coaching prowess is also evident from his leadership of the National Under-20 Men's Team to victory in the 2014 Caribbean Championship, showcasing his ability to guide and develop young talent.

Upon his appointment, King expressed his honor and readiness to lead the national team. "I am honoured to take on this responsibility and lead our national team during this important time," King stated. "Our immediate focus is on the upcoming Nations League matches, and I am confident that with good planning, hard work, and dedication, we can achieve positive results. I look forward to working closely with the players and staff to ensure we get the results and performances we all desire."

The TTFA is confident in King's ability to steer the team towards success in these important matches while the search for a new full-time head coach continues. The association extends its best wishes to Derek King and the Men's Senior Team as they embark on this new chapter.

Arnett Gardens Head coach Xavier Gilbert continues to bask in the glow of his team’s recent CFU Club Shield triumph, which he believes, is not only a testament to their hard work, but also a significant boost for the club and the surrounding community.

In fact, Gilbert pointed out that the Club Shield win –a first for any Jamaican club –also provides a solid platform on which they will seek to build ahead of the upcoming Jamaica Premier League (JPL) and more importantly, the Concacaf Caribbean Cup.

The ‘Junglists’ wrapped up victory courtesy of Rushane Thompson’s all-important 73rd-minute strike against Grenades Football Club of Antigua and Barbuda in Curacao.

“It wasn’t easy, there were a lot of different challenges that we had to navigate during the tournament, but I think we handled ourselves pretty well. There are a lot of things that we have to work on heading into the other tournaments but I am happy with most things,” Gilbert told Sportsmax.TV.

“This victory augurs well for the club and the community. It has been a while since they won anything, so I am happy to bring a silverware to the club and I hope it’s the first of many because the aim is to continue on that vein in the upcoming competitions,” he added.

Reflecting on the knockout tournament in which they played four hard-fought games across nine days, Gilbert said their triumph was highlighted by tactical prowess, coupled with the unwavering hunger and determination of his players.

“I have to lift my hats off to the players, my staff and the medical team for the way they acquitted themselves. Four games in nine days was not easy, but the management staff did their part in putting the necessary things in place to ensure that life was a little easier for us while we were here,” he shared.

“So again, it (Shield win) is a reflection of the dedication of the players, the support of our fans, and the commitment of everyone involved with Arnett Gardens. It is a significant achievement that sets a positive tone in more ways than one. It brings a sense of joy and unity because it’s not just about the players on the field but also about the fans and everyone who supports the team. This triumph is for all of us,” he noted.

Looking ahead to the Jamaica Premier League and the Concacaf Caribbean Cup, Gilbert expressed optimism about their prospects. However, he is well aware that it will require continued hard work and significant improvements to prove competitive, particularly in the Caribbean up.

By virtue of topping the CFU Club Shield, Arnett Gardens will be placed in Group A of the Concacaf Caribbean Cup alongside fellow JPL outfits Cavalier and Mount Pleasant, as well as Haitian club Real Hope and Trinidad and Tobago’s Police FC.

“For sure. Winning the CFU Club Shield has given us the confidence and momentum we need. We know what we are capable of, and we are ready to take on the challenges ahead in the Premier League. Our aim is to ensure the players are well prepared to build on this success and continue to perform at a high level,” the tactician stated

“The Concacaf Caribbean Cup will be a different level of competition, and we have to be at our best. Again, we know we have the potential to compete with the best, and we are committed to working hard and improving our game,” Gilbert ended.

Making your debut on the biggest stage in International cricket at home is a dream that every aspiring cricketer has.

On Wednesday, that dream could become reality for Trinidadian off-spinner Bryan Charles.

The 29-year-old is a part of the West Indies squad to face South Africa in three Test matches, with the first beginning on Wednesday at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port-of-Spain.

“It would be an extremely proud moment for me, especially if I am lucky enough to receive my cap at home,” Charles said in an interview with CWI’s John Phillips at the end of a training session on Monday.

Charles’ first call-up to the West Indies test squad comes after 44 First-Class games since his debut against Guyana at Providence in 2015.

In those 44 games, Charles has taken 150 wickets at an average of 26.56 including seven five-wicket hauls and one 10-wicket match haul.

This past West Indies Championship season, Charles led the Trinidad & Tobago Red Force with 31 wickets in seven matches at an average of 17.

“I was obviously pretty elated to hear the news. It was a very proud moment for me. I’ve been waiting for this for a long time,” he said of receiving the call-up before thanking his father for introducing him to the game at a young age.

“Obviously, I’d like to thank my dad. He introduced me to most sports but I stuck with cricket from my younger days and made a career out of it from playing for the national team from Under-13 straight up to the senior team,” he added.

This won’t be Charles’ first time representing the West Indies on the international stage, however, as he represented the West Indies Under-19s at the 2014 ICC Under-19 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

As far as inspirations in international cricket go, Charles singled out Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon, specifically mentioning his fondness of his action.

If given a chance to play on Wednesday, there’s no doubt Charles would love to emulate what Lyon did on test debut against Sri Lanka in 2010 when he dismissed the great Kumar Sangakkara wit the first ball of his career.

Shanice Beckford’s fairly successful debut season with West Coast Fever in the Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) League has not only rekindled her passion for the sport but also strengthened her resolve to continue representing Jamaica on the international stage.

Simply put, Beckford has found a new lease on life in her career.

Prior to joining West Coast Fever, where the professional environment, high level of competition, and team camaraderie were just what she needed to lift her spirit, Beckford toyed with the idea of retirement. This, as the wear and tear of the sport in a career spanning over a decade, coupled with personal and professional challenges, had taken its toll.

That, along with the fact that Beckford was convinced she had accomplished all she set out to, was among reasons why she was ready to walk away from the sport she first fell in love with as a teenager.

“I was seriously considering hanging up my shoes because, at that point, I was struggling to find the motivation to play netball at all levels. I felt like I had reached a point where I couldn't give it anymore,” Beckford shared.

“But I am now feeling more motivated than before after experiencing the game at a new level. Every week in the SSN felt like a grand final and that reignited my passion for the game, so sometimes it just takes a change of scenery and a competitive atmosphere to get back in the right frame of mind because it definitely reminded me of why I fell in love with netball in the first place,” she told Sportsmax.TV from her base in Perth, Australia.

While her task on the star-studded Fever cast was to play a supporting role for compatriot and decorated goal-shooter Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard, Beckford’s agility, sharp shooting, and strategic play were not to be outdone.

In fact, those attributes not only made her a standout player in the league, but the goal-attack quickly became a fan favorite and a key player for the Fever. The Perth-based franchise ended the season in third place as Adelaide Thunderbirds—the team of Jamaicans Shamera Sterling-Humphrey, Latanya Wilson, and Romelda Aiken-George—retained their crown.

Beckford registered 100 goals from 151 attempts, complemented by four intercepts, nine deflections, four rebounds, and 678 Nissan Net Points in 16 games played for the Dan Ryan-coached franchise.

“I believe that my performances exceeded both my coach's and my own expectations. Personally, being in this high-functioning, high-performance environment has greatly contributed to my development and assisted me in unlocking the next level of my game.

“From a team perspective, I feel that my role as a team player, bringing a unique skillset, has been invaluable to our collective efforts and was great to work with. The level of competitiveness in the team ensured that every game felt like a new opportunity to prove myself, so I am very pleased considering it was my debut season,” Beckford noted.

Still, the 29-year-old, like any athlete who aspires to greatness, knows there is much to improve on.

“I've always known that embarking on this new journey would present significant challenges for me. It's an unfamiliar environment and a step up from what I'm used to. Throughout the season, I found it difficult to maintain consistency and awareness, and that resulted in a bit of a rollercoaster ride,” Beckford explained.

She continued: “Nevertheless, I exerted maximum effort in every possible way to persevere and continue working diligently. This experience has taught me the lesson that during trying times, resilient individuals push through, and so I have to stay focused amidst the chaos.

“So I know that there are always areas for me to constantly improve on, and the biggest one for me would be consistency because for any player, continued improvement is crucial. Although I maintained a positive mindset, I am aware of specific areas I need to enhance in order to remain competitive and consistent throughout the season.”

Whether she will be retained by West Coast Fever is left to be seen, but Beckford is optimistic about staying with the club for the foreseeable future.

“The evaluation process is currently underway where the club determines which players will be re-signed, so I am not sure what the outcome will be, but I would love to continue playing in SSN,” Beckford stated.

“If it doesn’t work out, then I will leave knowing I gave it my all and had a wonderful experience, one that I'm grateful for. The league offers unparalleled exposure and experience, and I am confident that I will be better prepared to handle the upcoming season because I’m playing with a renewed sense of purpose and joy,” she added.

By all indications, Beckford’s positive experience with the Fever will certainly spill over on the international stage, as she has committed to the next four-year cycle with the Sunshine Girls with hopes of adding to her three Commonwealth Games medals, three Fast5 medals, and one Netball World Cup medal.

The soft-spoken player’s first assignment will be a home-and-away series against England in November, where she aims to not only display her improved skills and strategies but also a renewed enthusiasm that is contagious.

“Playing in the Super Netball (SSN) league has significantly influenced how I plan to approach the upcoming international games. It has provided me with valuable experience and insights, shaping my mindset and enhancing my performance. The opportunity to compete at such a high level consistently is a great feeling, and I am confident that this experience will greatly contribute to my level of readiness for the England series, should I be chosen to participate,” Beckford stated.

“So I am really looking forward to it, but my goal is to be selected first and then get stuck back into national training because I am committing to the next four-year cycle to focus on playing some great netball and being courageous. I'm also excited to work with a former teammate [Sasher-Gaye Henry], who is now head coach for the Sunshine Girls,” she ended.

West Indies Women ODI and T20I Captain Hayley Matthews has welcomed the return of all-rounder Deandra Dottin to international cricket.

Dottin, who retired from the international game back, reversed her decision last week with the highly anticipated ICC Women’s T20 World Cup on the horizon.

Matthews, currently representing the Welsh Fire in the Women’s Hundred in England, spoke briefly about Dottin’s return in an interview with ESPN Cricinfo last week, highlighting the Trinidadian’s commitment whenever she plays.

“With Deandra, one thing that I can say for sure is that she is someone who, when she steps onto the field, is going to give 100% every single time,” Matthews said.

“That’s something that would be definitely wanted in any team,” she added.

Dottin, 33, has played 143 ODIs and 127 T20Is for the West Indies since her debut against Ireland in June 2008.

She has scored 3727 runs at an average of 30.54 in ODIs with three centuries and 22 fifties and a highest score of 150* against South Africa in January 2022.

In T20Is, Dottin has scored 2697 runs at an average of 25.68 including two centuries and 12 fifties. Her highest score in the format is 112* against South Africa back in 2010. That 38-ball hundred is still the fastest hundred in Women’s T20Is.

As it relates to Dottin’s role when she returns to the line-up, Matthews says she still wants to have some discussions with the team and Dottin herself before she elaborates further.

“I do plan and want to have discussions with her and with the team as well. Obviously, that’s the most important thing for us right now and until I’ve had those conversations I’d prefer not to make any more comments,” she said.

Dottin is set to lead the Trinbago Knight Riders Women in the upcoming Massy Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL).

The West Indies Women’s next fixture will be a T20 World Cup Warm-up match against India on September 28.

Jamaica’s Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard, the towering goal shooter for West Coast Fever, has once again solidified her status as one of the greatest players in Suncorp Super Netball history by winning the prestigious Stacey Marinkovich Medal for the sixth time.

She has now won the award in six of the seven seasons she has been with the Fever, underscoring her dominance and consistent excellence in the league since her return to the Australian domestic scene in 2018. The Jamaican polled 10 of 14 votes to seal the award.

Fowler-Nembhard has been an unstoppable force since joining West Coast Fever, leading the league in goals scored every season and holding the record for the most goals in a single season. Her scoring prowess was on full display this past season as she topped the scoring charts with 813 goals from 846 attempts, in yet another display of extraordinary accuracy and efficiency. Additionally, she amassed the most Nissan Net Points (1571.5), highlighting her overall impact on the court.

Since her debut in the Suncorp Super Netball League, Fowler-Nembhard has redefined what it means to be a dominant goal shooter. She has been named the league’s Player of the Year for five consecutive years from 2018 to 2022, further testament to her unrivaled talent and consistency. In 2023, she claimed her fifth consecutive Stacey Marinkovich Medal, adding to her already impressive list of accolades.

This season, Fowler-Nembhard reached yet another milestone by scoring her 5000th Suncorp Super Netball goal, an achievement that places her in the upper echelons of the sport's history.

It was another masterful display from Jamaican trio Shamera Sterling-Humphrey, Latanya Wilson, and Romelda Aiken-George that ensured Adelaide Thunderbirds retained their Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) League title as they edged Melbourne Vixens 59-57 in extra-time of a pulsating final at a sold-out Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Saturday.

The relentless efforts of dynamic defensive duo Sterling-Humphrey and Wilson, coupled with the shooting prowess of the towering Aiken-George, not only underscored their immense class and quality, but more importantly, spurred the Thunderbirds to back-to-back premiership glory, a feat that only one other club has ever achieved in the SSN era.

Aiken-George, who joined the franchise at the top of the season, was named Finals MVP for her 41 goals from 51 attempts. She was supported by Lauren Frew, who scored a perfect 10 goals from as many attempts, while Georgie Horjus scored seven goals from eight attempts.

Meanwhile, Sophie Garbin scored 22 goals from 24 attempts, and Kiera Austin scored 21 goals from 24 attempts and seven two-goal Supershot efforts from as many attempts.

Romelda Aiken-George was named Finals MVP.

The Thunderbirds, like they have done all season, showed grit and determination, as Sterling-Humphrey and Wilson did what they do best. While they didn't reach their usual heights on the stat sheet, the dynamic duo wore down their Melbourne-based opponent’s attack, which started in red-hot form.

Sterling-Humphrey and Wilson combined for six gains but didn’t have everything their way in the early exchanges, as Austin’s smarts in the circle and Vixens' quick ball movement proved a challenge for the world-class Thunderbirds defenders.

After trailing by five, the Thunderbirds were forced to call a timeout to reset, which worked to some extent as they reduced the deficit to trail by three, 13-16, at the end of the opening quarter.

With Matilda Garrett, Sterling-Humphrey, and Wilson quiet at that point, Thunderbirds Head coach Tania Obst was forced to make some changes.

Jamaica's Wilson (second left) and Sterling-Humphrey (second right) celebrate with teammates.

Wilson was moved into goal defence, Tayla Williams into wing defence and skipper Hannah Petty was injected into centre to steady the ship.

And it worked.

From there, the Thunderbirds forced the Vixens into a number of errors to claw back the margin, outscoring their opponents 15-12 as they went into the half-time interval 28-28.

Sterling-Humphrey worked herself into the game in the second half, with Wilson by her side, wearing Austin like a glove down the court.

At the other end, Simone McKinnis handed Emily Mannix the job of quelling Aiken-George, but it proved futile given the height miss-match as the Thunderbirds took a one-goal lead at 42-41 to end the third quarter. 

As anticipated, the Thunderbirds, spurred by the electric home crowd, rattled the Vixens in the final quarter and raced to a six-goal lead at one point.

Kiera Austin was the standout Vixens performer.

However, Austin, who enjoyed superb form on the night, cut the deficit with her hot hand from the Supershot range.

In fact, a late turnover from Laura Scherian gave the Melbourne team a sniff of victory with less than two minutes to go, but Sophie Garbin missed a crucial Supershot in the dying moments and so it took extra time to decide a winner.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced the squad for the upcoming home Test series against South Africa, set to take place from August 7 to 19, 2024. The series will feature two Test matches, with the first being held at the Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad and Tobago and the second at the National Stadium in Guyana.

Key changes in the squad include the dropping of out of form batsman Kirk McKenzie and the resting of vice-captain Alzarri Joseph. Kemar Roach, who was injured during the recent series against England, returns to bolster the bowling attack. Additionally, Keacy Carty and Tevin Imlach has been called up to strengthen the batting lineup.

The squad, captained by Kraigg Brathwaite with Joshua Da Silva as vice-captain, includes Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Bryan Charles, Justin Greaves, Jason Holder, Kavem Hodge, Tevin Imlach, Shamar Joseph, Mikyle Louis, Gudakesh Motie, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, and Jomel Warrican. This combination reflects a balanced mix of experienced players and promising young talents, strategically selected to maximize performance in Trinidad and Guyana.

CWI Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, expressed confidence in the squad's ability to deliver strong performances against South Africa. "The selection process for this squad was led by our Head Coach, Andre Coley, pending the implementation of our new selection process, which will be rolled out in the coming days and articulated publicly shortly. This squad reflects a thorough evaluation of players' recent performances and suitability for the conditions we anticipate. We are confident that this team is well-balanced and capable of competing at the highest level," Bascombe said.

Head Coach Coley emphasized the strategic selection of a balanced mix of experience and youth to maximize performance in Trinidad and Guyana. He explained the decision to rest Alzarri Joseph, citing his recent heavy workload and the need for recuperation to ensure peak performance. "Kevin Sinclair is presently recovering from an injury," Coley added.

The full schedule for the series is as follows:

Test Series:

1st Test: August 7-11, 2024, Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad and Tobago

2nd Test: August 15-18, 2024, National Stadium, Guyana

T20I Series:

1st T20I: August 23, 2024, Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad and Tobago

2nd T20I: August 25, 2024, Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad and Tobago

3rd T20I: August 27, 2024, Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad and Tobago

Barbadian all-rounder Shamar Springer was the star of day two of the four-day warm-up match between the West Indies Championship XI and South Africa at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba on Thursday.

The 26-year-old former West Indies Under-19 star hit 131, his maiden first-class hundred, to propel the West Indians to a formidable 397 all out in their first innings.

The Championship XI started day two 245-6 off 82 overs with Springer and Joshua Bishop at the crease on 45 and 6, respectively.

The pair batted excellently, putting on a partnership of 107 for the seventh wicket before Bishop fell for a 78-ball 50 off the bowling of Dane Piedt.

Kemar Roach (6) and Bryan Charles (0) fell not son after before Springer became the last man to go, also off the bowling of Piedt in the 118^th over.

Springer’s innings lasted 212 balls and included 16 fours and three sixes.

Piedt finished with 3-41 off 16.3 overs while pacer Kagiso Rabada took 3-47 from his nine overs.

At stumps, South Africa reached 172-2 off 52 overs, trailing the Championship XI by 225 runs.

Opener Aiden Markram made 82 before retiring hurt while captain Temba Bavuma and David Bedingham were the not out batsmen at the crease at the end of the day’s play on 36* and 35*, respectively.

Anderson Phillip and Nial Smith have split the two wickets.

Full Scores:

West Indies Championship XI 397 all out off 117.3 overs (Shamar Springer 131, Jeremy Solozano 111, Joshua Bishop 50, Dane Piedt 3-41, Kagiso Rabada 3-47, Keshav Maharaj 2-82)

South Africa 172-2 off 52 overs (Aiden Markram 82 retired hurt, Temba Bavuma 36*, David Bedingham 35*)

Security Forces FC are the 2024 SKNFA Division 1 Champions after drawing 1-1 against Molineux FC on Friday July 26, 2024 at the National Bank Group of Companies Technical Center in St. Peters.

Dion Dolphin gave Security Forces an early lead in the 3^rd minute of the match, but Ronald Williams ensured Molineux were not going down without a fight with a 88^th minute goal.

Still, the result was enough to give Security Forces the Division 1 title, with 42 points at the top of the table. Coach of Security Forces Iroy Jeffers lauded his players for the accomplishment. He recalled taking over the team halfway into the season with an unbeaten record, and his experience in guiding them to the title. 

“It was a difficult decision to make but after talking to my daughter, she gave me the go ahead to challenge myself. I went (to training) for the first time and saw the players. They are respectful, loving willing to learn, which is the most important thing and everything (took off),” Jeffers said. 

Despite winning the title and earning a place in the National Bank Group of Companies Premier League for next season, Jeffers said it will not be easy and they will have to work exceptionally hard.

“In the premier level, its better players, better coaches, better referees. You have to be hungry and learn as quickly as possible,” Jeffers surmised. 

Meanwhile, Keith King, the goalkeeping coach for the team, spoke about the work and effort in improving the Security Forces defense ahead of the season. Security Forces conceded only 15 goals all season, less than all the teams in Division 1.

“One thing we tried to focus on is improving defensively. People say goals win championships and if you don’t give up goals, you technically can’t lose. We try to install in the players how important it is to keep the ball out of the back of the net, how important it is to work with each other as a defensive unit and make sure the opponent has a hard task getting past the defensive line,” King disclosed.

Security Forces still has one more match to go before ending the season, which will be played this Tuesday at the Technical Center.

On the centennial birthday of Sir Frank Mortimer Maglinne Worrell, Cricket West Indies (CWI) President Dr. Kishore Shallow paid a heartfelt tribute to the legendary cricketer, highlighting his transformative impact on both the sport and the Caribbean community.

"Today, we stand at the intersection of history and aspiration, commemorating the centennial birthday of Sir Frank Mortimer Maglinne Worrell," Dr. Shallow began. "This moment invites us to reflect deeply on a man whose impact extends far beyond the boundaries of cricket, touching the very essence of Caribbean identity and resilience."

Sir Frank Worrell's historic appointment in 1960 as the first black captain of the West Indies team for an entire series marked a turning point not only in cricket but also in the fight against racial prejudice. Dr. Shallow underscored how Worrell's leadership symbolized hope and change, unifying the Caribbean with a spirit of dignity, pride, and excellence. "Worrell’s appointment was a bold declaration that cricket in the West Indies would no longer be shackled by the chains of racial prejudice," Dr. Shallow emphasized.

Under Worrell’s captaincy, the West Indies team became a beacon of possibility and a source of collective pride. His ability to unite players from diverse backgrounds into a cohesive and formidable unit demonstrated that unity is the Caribbean’s greatest strength. "Sir Frank's tenure as captain was more than a chapter in a cricketing saga; it was a pivotal moment in our region's social and cultural renaissance," Dr. Shallow noted.

Reflecting on the current state of West Indies cricket, Dr. Shallow called for introspection and purposeful collaboration. He acknowledged that recent performances have not met the expectations of West Indian fans, and emphasized the need for transformation and innovation within the sport. "Our commitment to transformation in pursuit of excellence must be evident. We must embrace innovation and creativity to strengthen our cricket systems, including coaching and selections," he said.

Education, according to Dr. Shallow, is crucial for the future of West Indies cricket. He urged young cricketers to learn about the rich history of the Caribbean and the significance of cricket, emphasizing that the legacy of legends like Sir Frank Worrell must inspire future generations. "The legacy of legends like Sir Frank must be shared in all forms possible to inspire future generations," he asserted.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Shallow celebrated Sir Frank Worrell’s enduring legacy as a guiding light for the Caribbean. "Sir Frank Worrell’s legacy is a testament to what can be achieved when we dare to dream and work together," he said. "As we celebrate his life and contributions, let us recommit ourselves to the principles he stood for—unity, excellence, and an unwavering pursuit of progress. His story is our story, and as we move forward, let us carry his spirit with us, striving to build a future worthy of his legacy."

Barbados Under-19s added the CWI Rising Stars Men’s Under-19 50-over title to their 2-Day championship crown with a six-wicket win over the Leeward Islands at the Cumberland Playing Field on Tuesday.

The Leewards were bundled out for just 105 in 39.4 overs after winning the toss and choosing to take first strike.

Isra-el Morton made 20* to lead the way for the Leewards while Devanand Singh (19) and captain Jewel Andrew (17) also got starts.

Off-spinner Saurav Worrell was the main man in the Bajan attack with 4-28 from his 10 overs and was well supported by Zishan Motara’s 2-17 off 10 overs.

Barbados then used just over half of their allotted overs to successfully reach 110-4 and secure the title.

West Indies Under-19 representative Joshua Dorne led the way with 40 while wicket-keeper Joshua Morris made 30 against 2-31 off five overs from pacer Michael Palmer.

In Tuesday’s other round five games, Jamaica defeated Trinidad & Tobago by 65 runs at Arnos Vale while Guyana defeated the Windward Islands by five wickets at Park Hill.

The Jamaica Football Federation has appointed Stephen McClaren as the Head coach of the senior Reggae Boyz with a two-year contract aimed at securing qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

JFF president Michael Ricketts expressed great optimism about the appointment.

“We are truly elated to announce the appointment of Mr. McClaren as Head Coach of the Reggae Boyz. We are confident we made the right decision, and we are looking forward to him guiding our nation towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” Ricketts said.

McClaren also expressed great excitement of taking charge of the Reggae Boyz.

“I am extremely proud and excited to take up the position of Head coach for The Jamaica Men’s National Team. I had no hesitation in accepting a position that is ideally suited to me at this stage of my career,” McClaren noted.

“Prior to returning to Manchester United for a second spell, I spent time at FIFA as a Technical Advisor on their Global Eco Analysis project. Jamaica was one of the teams I worked with and I quickly came to realize the potential the country possessed. In the years since, that potential has grown significantly and there is every reason to believe that with continued hard work and development a bright future lies ahead,” he added.

McClaren's coaching career includes significant achievements with Manchester United, the England National team, and clubs like Middlesbrough F.C. and FC Twente.

The Reggae Boyz will commence their campaign in the 2024/2025 edition of the CONCACAF Nations League on September 6 against Cuba at the National Stadium.

This Nations League cycle will also serve as a qualifier for the 2025 edition of the CONCACAF Gold Cup. Further details about McClaren's first press conference will be announced later.