While the Caribbean islands continue to experience mix fortunes at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games, Trinidad and Tobago seems poised to add a fifth gold medal to their tally when they square off against Mexico in the men’s hockey final on Thursday in El Salvador.

The twin island republic, which currently sits 10th on the standings with 11 medals –four gold, three silver and four bronze –saw its men’s hockey better Barbados 8-2 in semi-final action on Wednesday to book their spot in the coveted gold medal encounter.

Teague Marcano led Trinidad and Tobago’s charge with a hat-trick, while Tariq Marcano and Anthony Vieira both had a brace and Joel Daniel had the other. James Gooden and Ayube Che Warner, got the consolation goals for Barbados.

By virtue of that defeat, Barbados will face Cuba for the bronze medal, with Jamaica and Dominican Republic set to do battle in the fifth-place playoff, while Guyana will lock horns with El Salvador in the seventh-place game.

Earlier, Barbados moved up to 13th on the medal table, after adding another bronze to its tally, courtesy of the women’s hockey team’s 4-2 penalty win over Dominican Republic, after they initially played out a 2-2 stalemate in regulation time.

Ayana Wilson and D’Jamilia Edwards were the scorers for Barbados, as Ana Williams and Cecilia Oflaherti got on the score sheet for Dominican Republic.

Barbados’s seven medals so far include one gold, one silver and five bronze, with Dominican Republic in seventh position, has 12 gold, 26 silver and 41 bronze in their 79-medal tally.

The women’s gold medal game between Cuba and Mexico was also decided on penalty with the Mexicans snaring the top medal with a 3-2 scoreline, after they played to a 1-1 stalemate in regulation time.

Mexico who are currently atop the medal table with 273 medals, 116 gold, 84 silver and 73 bronze, got their goal from Sofia Perez, while Cuba, who sit third with 138 medals -54 gold, 38 silver and 46 bronze –got their goal courtesy of Sunaylis Nikle.

Jamaica’s women also edged Trinidad and Tobago 2-1 on penalty in the fifth-place game, which initially ended 1-1. Kaitlyn Olton gave Trinidad and Tobago the lead before Shana-kay Tullonge placed the Jamaicans back on level terms.

Meanwhile, Puerto Rico bettered Bermuda 4-2 in the seventh-place game.

Colombia (182), Venezuela (116) and Puerto Rico (73) are positioned behind Mexico and Cuba as the top five nations on the medal standings. Bahamas (four), St Lucia (two) and Guyana (one) currently sit 15th, 16th and 17th respectively, while Jamaica with five silver and four bronze, occupy 19th position.

In badminton action also on Wednesday, Jamaica’s Samuel Ricketts booked a semi-final spot following a two-set 21-7, 21-10 win over Trinidad and Tobago’s Will Lee.

He will be joined in the last four by Mexico’s Luis Gerrido, who bettered El Salvador’s Uriel Canjura 2-1; Yeison Del Cid of Centro Caribe Sports, who defeated Cuba’s Roberto Herrera 2-0 and another Mexican Armando Gaitan who also registered a 2-0 straight set win over Colombia’s Miguel Quirama.

On the women’s side of action, Jamaica’s Tahlia Richardson beat Centro Caribe Sports Eneida Santizo 2-0 in straight sets, CCS’s Nikte Sotomayor, who bettered Dominican Republic’s Alissa Acosta.

Mexico’s Haramara Gaitan defeated Dom Republic’s Nairoby Jimenez 2-0, while Cuba’s Taymara Oropesa, also booked a spot in the semi-final with a 2-1 win over Mexico’s Sabrina Solis in a three-set contest.

Tahlia Richardson later joined forces with Katherine Wynter to secure Jamaica a spot in the Women’s Doubles semi-final, after they defeated El Salvador’s pair of Margareth Revelo and Gabriela Barrios 2-0 in straight sets.

It is said that the words coaches say to their athletes, and the words athletes say to themselves, greatly influence their performance. If that is anything to go by, then rising sprint star Ackeem Blake is set for another big showing at the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) National Junior and Senior Championships –barring any mishaps.

The four-day Championships which is being used to select Jamaica's senior team to the World Athletics Championships, as well as teams to a few youth events, get is set to start on Thursday at the National Stadium.

Blake, has been the pacesetter in terms of his steady display of form so far this season, having dipped below 10 seconds in four of seven 100-metre races to date, which just about signals his readiness to challenge for a spot on the team to the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, next month.

The 21-year-old, who opened his season with times of 10.05s, 9.93s and 9.99s in April, gradually upped the ante on May 21, when he clocked a wind-aided 9.87s in Bermuda, which may not have counted where achievements are concerned, but would have done his confidence a world of good.

And, so it did. He returned a week later and produced another impressive run, clocking a new personal best 9.89s at the USATF LA Grand Prix, in California. That time bettered his previous best of 9.93s that came at last year's National Championship.

However, his most recent performances at the backend of June, a 10.07s-clocking at the Budapest Quest meet inside the National Stadium, followed by 9.93s at the USATF New York Grand Prix, Blake said fell below his coach's expectations where execution is concerned.

"I never executed those races how my coach wanted, so we just have to go back to the drawing board and put in the work," Blake said in a recent interview during the National Championships launch.

A statement like that speaks volumes of the high standard both Blake and his Titans Track Club coach have set for themselves and, understandably so, as the quality of Jamaica's male sprinting took a nosedive since the retirement of the incomparable Usain Bolt in 2017.

But Blake, a former Merlene Ottey High standout is among those leading the revival having made it to the semi-finals at the World Championships in Eugene, Oregon in his first full season in the senior professional ranks.

With that experience under his belt, there is no limit to what Blake could possibly achieve this year and beyond, provided he stays fit and healthy. 

"I gained a lot of experience last year which was good for me so now I am just using that experience to be the best that I can be. So, I'm good, I am more relaxed and just having fun," Blake declared.

Given the fact that he placed third at last year's National Championship behind 2011 World Champion and the second fastest man alive, Yohan Blake, who is also his training partner, the Titans young star knows that taking the national title won't be easy.

Yohan Blake the reigning national champion, as well as Oblique Seville, who has been a bit low-key with a season's best 9.95 seconds and other top contenders –possibly Julian Forte, Bouwahjgie Nkrumie and DeAndre Daley –are expected to face the starter for Friday's final, and it is anybody's guess who will reign supreme.

Young Blake, being a man of few words, is intent on letting his performance do the talking on the track, which is when his true personality comes to light.

"Coach is just working on my start so I can go out there to have fun and do what I have to do that's it. So, I'm not talking (about expectations) right now, I am just going out there and time will tell," he ended.

Though they failed to register a win in their three fixtures at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games, Reggae Girlz Head coach Xavier Gilbert lauded the players for their gallant display in defeat, particularly in the second fixture against Puerto Rico.

The Reggae Girlz outfit, which comprised mostly Under-20 players, lost 2-5 to host nation El Salvador, followed by a 2-2 stalemate with Puerto Rico, after losing a player to red card early in that contest. They then closed the failed campaign with a 3-7 loss to favourites Mexico on Monday. 

Olufolasade Adamolekun and Mikayla Dayes, two of only a handful of players with senior team experience, got on the score sheet in that encounter. Chris-Ann Chambers, Mireya Grey and Dayes twin sister Malikae Dayes were the others charged with guiding their younger counterparts.

This is due to the fact that Jamaica's more experienced players are currently in Amsterdam, preparing to grace the FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand later this month.

While admitting that the players had immense scope for improvements, Gilbert took nothing away from their effort throughout.

"We are disappointed we didn't get one in the win column; we had some things that affected us, injuries and red card, especially against Puerto Rico, we played with 10 players but nevertheless the Girlz gave a good account of themselves, and we have to give them credit.

"There are some calls that could have and should have gone our way, hence the result. But there are some things that we have to work on, defensively we have to get tighter and stronger and that comes with getting them together as a unit and getting them organised," Gilbert told SportsMax.tv.

That said, Gilbert pointed out that scheduling didn’t aid their cause, as the games came in quick succession with only a day to rest, recover and fine tune tactics. The difficulties of navigating such a tight schedule, he said, proved challenging for the Girlz to demonstrate consistency in their performances. 

"The inexperience showed along the way because the fixtures were quick, and the turnaround time didn't allow them to recover properly and fix some of the issues and problems we had and that was expected. But notwithstanding that, we managed to score in every game and for me that was a plus, we just have to find a way to stop conceding," Gilbert, who is assistant to Lorne Donaldson's World Cup-bound side, stated.

Still, he took heart from the fact that the experience is invaluable to the development and growth of the young prospects, who are expected to fit into the next senior Reggae Girlz cycle for the Women’s Gold Cup and other tournaments.

"The experience the ladies gained is something we have to build on because you can't pay for what they would have gained from this tournament. Scoring three goals against a quality Mexican team goes to show that they are good offensively but weak defensively," Gilbert shared.

"I said it before that playing at this high level will only benefit the development of the younger players in particular, yes it was tough, but everybody got some playing time which was also important. The younger ones now know what is required to play at this level and the more senior players really guided them through the process, so they will learn from this as they go forward," he ended.

Fedrick Dacres is never one that lacks motivation or energy which are both emotional and mental responses some professional athletes display in times of difficulties. If you ask him, he would readily tell you that it's through his numerous battles with injuries that he discovered the fighter inside him is even greater.

The lengthy and difficult recovery process from those injury setbacks over the last few seasons, brought Dacres's stubborn determination to the fore and helped the national men’s discus throw record holder, gain new perspective on a sport he fell in love with from the junior level.

"I've had a few years where I had to deal with injuries before so at this point, it (being injured or feeling a niggle) is like clockwork, so I've never majored in the minor so to speak. As an athlete, if you pay attention to the days when you get up feeling a little pain you will feel discouraged," Dacres told SportsMax.tv.

"So, it is just about taking it a day at a time and just looking to the future. Right now, I can move, once I can move that means I can do the work and once I can do the work then the performance will come and I will get better, so it's just one step at a time," he added.

The 29-year-old's revelation came, as he shared that though a bit sore, he is currently in the best shape of his life with his mind firmly set on making Jamaica's team to the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary scheduled for August 19-27.

To get there, Dacres, who achieved the national record of 70.78m in 2019, will first have to navigate the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) National Championships, where he is expecting fierce competition from a number of the country's rising prospects.

In fact, it is United States-based college senior Roje Stona that is currently the top-ranked Jamaican man with 68.64m, for sixth place on the World Championships ranking system, just ahead of Dacres, whose lone throw of the season, 68.57m, is seventh.

Traves Smikle is in ninth place with 68.14m, with the likes of Brandon Lloyd who threw 65.32m this year, Olympic finalist Chad Wright, Kai Chang, as well as Ralford Mullings, also showing great promise, which should make this event one of great entertainment value at the four-day Championships, scheduled to start on Thursday at the National Stadium.

Still, Dacres is no strangers to tough competition, having had success at both the Commonwealth Games and World Championships where he won gold and silver in 2018 and 2019 respectively, and he is no doubt aiming to put himself into medal contention in Budapest, next month.

"I think this will be the best National Championships in a while with good competition, so I can't complain. I'm feeling great, my preparation has been a bit slow based on a small groin injury, but it hasn't really stopped me. I just take it a step at a time, so just pacing myself and getting better for the trials and hopefully World Championships," he declared.

Throughout the conversation Dacres's body language and a wry smile every now and again, exuded immense confidence, which he said comes from the fact that he has recovered well and has also glimpsed a few of his national rivals in competition. 

"The confidence comes from preparation time because as I said, I am feeling good so I can't complain, I went and competed overseas and I also saw my competitors, so I guess that's why I am oozing confidence. So again, I feel good, I am doing what I am supposed to and, all in all, it’s just about keeping it up and executing on the day," he ended.

Jason DaCosta's Mamma Mia, the 1000 Guineas winner, and Richard Azan's 2000 Guineas conqueror Mojito, were both hunting what would have been the second jewel in the Triple Crown series, but Thalita, also conditioned by DaCosta, spoiled the party, as she copped the 97th running of the Jamaica St Leger in commanding fashion on Saturday.

By virtue of this victory in the native-bred three-year-old Futurity contest over 10 furlongs (2,000m), Thalita prolonged punters wait to witness another Triple Crown triumph at Caymanas Park, since Supreme Soul's feat in 2019, and it was a joy for DaCosta.

Sent off at 9-1 in a 12-horse field, Thalita, partnered with leading rider Reyan Lewis came from behind competitors in an exciting stretch run to win by a comfortable six-length margin. 

DaCosta will now have to decide on whether to run the Carlton Watson-owned filly in the Jamaica Oaks at the same distance or the blue riband Jamaica Derby over 12 furlongs (2,400m).

"My two fillies are pretty close in ability and both horses couldn't win so we had to come up with a plan where one goes to the lead and take the pressure and the other came off the pace. So, it worked out well and this one is ranked high in my achievements because nobody gave us a chance, everybody was talking about one horse Mojito and rightly so, so it's a good feeling to beat the odds-on favourite in a race like this," DaCosta said in a post-race interview.

At the off, it was Mamma Mia (Phillip Parchment) that expectedly dictated terms with Princess Sharon (Youville Pinnock), Thalita and Sensational Move (Shamaree Muir), all in a tight bunch heading into the clubhouse turn.

On the back stretch Mamma Mia and Princess Sharon continued their duel up front, with Huntsman (Raddesh Roman) and Mojito (Dane Dawkins), moving into striking positions, however, the latter who broke from the number one draw was bogged down on the inside rail and, as such, had no space for a run as the tempo increased.

When Mamma Mia and Princess Sharon made their moves and opened up a gap leaving the half mile, Thalita came knocking at the door and by the time they turned for home, the Soul Warrior-Luminous Trieste charger briskly swept by Princess Sharon and from there it was a matter of how far she would win, as the big favourite Mojito was nowhere to be seen.

Money Miser (Tevin Foster) closed well to snatch second from Princess Sharon, with Rhythm Buzz (Anthony Thomas) in fourth. Mamma Mia and Mojito placed fifth and eighth, respectively.

Thalita covered the distance in 2:11.0, behind splits of 24.1, 51.1, 1:15.4 and 1:41.4.

It was the second winner on the card for Lewis, who earlier won aboard Zabratone in the ninth race for trainer Nicholas Smith.

Dane Dawkins was the pick among the riders as the champion jockey tallied three winners on the 10-race card, following the abandonment of the second race. 

Dawkins partnered Secret Traveller for trainer Robert Ffrench in the fifth race; Atomica for trainer Gary Subratie in the supporting feature Clovis Metcalfe Trophy; and God of Love for trainer Rowan Mathie in the Midnight Angel Trophy.

Meanwhile, trainer Lawrence Freemantle topped his peers on the day with two winners. He saddled the Love of God (Javaniel Patterson) in the first race and Shadowfax (Raddesh Roman) in the third race.

At 17 years old, Reggae Girl Solai Washington will be one of the youngest players at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand later this month, a feat well worth celebrating.

But in the midst of her excitement is a hint of disappointment, as Washington's older and more experienced sister Giselle, did not make the cut in Lorne Donaldson's final 23-player squad.

Such is the bond between the American-born siblings, who earn their Jamaican stripes through their mother, that young Washington readily admits it is the continued guidance and encouragement from her sister, that has propelled her to smile in the face of adversities and push past mental blocks that may deter her from playing the game she fell in love with at the tender age of three.

The elder Washington, who was instrumental in Jamaica's historic qualification to the global showpiece in France in 2019, also missed that tournament due to injury.

"My sister is disappointed because she loves Jamaica and the Reggae Girlz, but she is also extremely excited for me and has been one of my biggest supporters throughout my soccer journey. She is very proud of me and will be cheering me on while I am in Australia. I could not have done it without her and even though she won’t be on the field with me her presence is always there,” Washington told SportsMax.tv from her base in the United States.

"I started playing soccer [football] mainly because I was inspired from watching and playing soccer with Giselle. I cannot say enough about how awesome it has been to follow the example that she has provided, not just in soccer but also life. She is such an amazing player and person, the perfect role model.

"I've learnt so many lessons from her that they are too many to list, but from a young age she helped me improve technically on the ball and to understand the strategic concepts of the game. But I would have to say the biggest lesson she taught me is to work hard and never quit," she continued.

Washington earned her senior Reggae Girlz debut at the Cup of Nations tournament in Australia earlier this year, not merely for the sake of a trial but because she possesses great ability and gives high-quality effort — both on and off the ball — that bely her age and inexperience.

It is that demonstration that she was ready for a step up from youth football that impressed Donaldson and his assistants Xavier Gilbert, Ak Lakhani and Laura Thomas, and they duly obliged.

Since the Cup of Nations outing in Australia, where she rubbed shoulders with some of the women's game top players from the host nation, as well as Spain and the Czech Republic, Washington confidence and stock increased rapidly to the point where she is now motivated to become a potent performer in the Reggae Girlz setup, as her appetite for success is clear for all to see.

"To be honest the feeling is still indescribable. I am both proud of myself and remain hungry and eager to continue to get better and show the world what I know I can do on its biggest stage," she declared.

"Initially it was intimidating coming into such a close knit and professional team and this has all been a very new experience to me so it was a bit difficult at times, but it also inspired me to work even harder to become the best footballer I can be. But since I've settled in, it has been nothing but a joy and an honour to share the field with such talented players," Washington noted.

Aside from mouth-watering talent, Washington still in high school at Chamblee, has an unflinching desire to make her mark at the July 20 to August 20 World Cup, where the Reggae Girlz will contest Group F alongside France, Brazil and Panama. 

Given her speed, fearlessness and dribbling which makes her a dangerous impact player and a thrilling prospect for the Reggae Girlz, the World Cup represents Washington's moment and time to shine, and if she gets the opportunity to do so, many will remember her name.

"This is huge for me and my career, this is what you dream of when you get involved in the game, playing with and against some of the best players in the biggest games on the biggest stage, so I'm really happy," the bubbly attacker shared.

"I will be heading into my senior year of high school after this summer, so I am still very young and basically just getting started. So, I am excited for my future and what is to come because there is some way to go before I hit the tip of the iceberg where accomplishments are concerned so I am always staying hungry and, more importantly, humble," she said.

Having already assisted Chamblee High School to a State Championship, becoming the first DeKalb County School District girls football team to achieve the feat, Washington was also named Georgia High School Soccer Player of the Year for her 42 goals complemented by nine assists.

She was also instrumental in guiding her Concorde Fire team to the ECNL Under-19 National Championship last year, a title which she is currently hoping they will retain.

This tournament, the tall but nippy player believes will assist in maintaining her match fitness and, by extension, improve her craft before the big dance.

"I have had to make a quick turn around since the Jamaica camp and am now in San Diego for ECNL Nationals. I am playing games with my club team and competing for another National Championship, hoping to get it back-to-back. For sure, this will help with both my physical and mental preparation leading up to the World Cup," Washington ended.

Though the mindset is to always give of their best to go as deep as possible in a tournament, Jamaica's Head coach Xavier Gilbert reiterated that the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) is more focused on aiding the development of some of the country's young football prospects, as they prepare to transition to the senior level.

In fact, Gilbert pointed out that their opening 2-5 loss to host nation El Salvador was evident as to why their exposure to high level football is significant, as he believes the below par performance was a result of stage fright.

The Reggae Girlz outfit at the tournament comprises mostly Under-20 players with only a handful –Chris-Ann Chambers, Olufolasade Adamolekun, Mireya Grey and twins Mikayla and Malikae Dayes –boasting senior team experience.

This is due to the fact that Jamaica's more experienced players are currently preparing to grace the FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand later this month. 

While Shanhaine Nelson (13th) and Natoya Atkinson (79th), got goals for Jamaica, the combination of Danya Guitierrez (5th), Victoria Sanchez (7th and 54th), Brenda Ceren (27th) and Jackeline Velasquez (50th), did the damage for El Salvador.

"It was a tough loss. We just didn't settle, and the opponents got two early goals on us and that kind of set us back. We managed to pull one back but the crowd and energy that El Salvadorans played with, we couldn't match that and we just we just didn't find our footing even though we were much better in the second half," Gilbert told SportsMax.tv. 

"So, for I have to give the players credit for the second half display, we made the necessary adjustments, and they performed well then. But there were a lot of nerves in the first half and at this level, with the fanfare, the excitement and just the overall the atmosphere, playing in hostile territory was difficult for them. 

"So, I boil it down to nerves but they're young they're still learning, and this is why these kinds of games, and this exposure is important for them and for their development moving forward. So that for me is the most positive thing than anything else, even than the result and they'll only get better from there," he added.

For Gilbert, this evening's contest against Puerto Rico will be an opportunity for the Girlz to bounce back, but more importantly, it will be another test of their mettle, both physically and mentally.

Game time is at 5:00pm

"This is what international football is all about bouncing back after a loss, bringing that fighting spirit and never-say-die mentality to the fore which is why we are more focused on mental preparation and recovery right now heading into our next game against Puerto Rico," Gilbert shared.

"We don't anticipate that it is going to be anything different. They didn't too bad against the Mexicans, they had their moments, and we know that the tournament was going to be tough. So, it's just to see how best we can recover and fix some of the errors from the first game and that's why we are focused on more mental preparedness than anything else," he noted.

Gilbert's side as well as the Puerto Ricans are both hunting their first points, as El Salvador and Mexico occupy the first two spots and are on course to progressing to the medal round.

If the Reggae Girlz are to stand a chance of medalling, they will have to better Puerto Rico and take a point off Mexico in their last game, provided that the Mexicans and the Puerto Ricans better El Salvador when they meet.

“We just have to bounce back against Puerto Rico, we have to go out there and get it right. We are still in the tournament, and we are still trying to see if we can get to the next round, so will do our best to keep the ladies motivated to give it their best,” Gilbert said.

Following an underwhelming performance at the PanAm Gymnastics Championships in Colombia, Tyesha Mattis promised to bounce back better and stronger. 

Thought that strong comeback didn't translate into a Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games All-Around medal as she would have hoped, the English-born artistic gymnast took home the next best thing from El Salvador –an historic bronze medal in the uneven bars competition.

For Mattis claiming Jamaica's first-ever medal in the event at the Games with a score of 12.750, was an emotional experience given the many setbacks she faced each time she enters a major competition with high expectations.

Mexico's Paulino Campos (13.400) and Panama's Andrea Navas (13.050) were the top two in the uneven bars, while Trinidad and Tobago’s Annalise Newman-Achee (12.200) was fourth.

Along with that bronze medal, Mattis also contested the balance beam All-Around finals, where she finished seventh and eighth with scores of 10.350 and 47.850 respectively. Mattis’s sister, China also contested the All-Around final but didn’t see it through to the end, while Newman-Achee placed sixth with a score of 48.750.

Campos (12.650) and Navas (12.000), again took the top two spots in the balance beam, with another Mexican Alexa Moreno (11.550) in third. However, Navas topped the All-Around battle with 50.500, ahead of Moreno (49.650) and another Panamanian Alexandra Heron (49.450).

“Overall, I feel like I had an amazing competition, and I was so impressed with how I did, making history being the first Jamaican gymnast to medal at CAC Games. I am also very happy that I had my mum and my sister out there with me supporting me and I’m so impressed with my sister making AA finals as well with me. I just can’t wait for another competition to get out there and represent Jamaica again and do a bit better than I did this time,” Mattis told Sportsmax.tv.

Jamilia Duffus and lone male gymnast Canada-born Elel Wahrmann Baker were also among Jamaica’s representatives at the Games.

The 24-year-old Mattis, has always been a prominent figure among Jamaica’s standout performers since switching allegiance last year, and after months without making a podium at numerous events, she pointed to an overwhelming sense of redemption, which resulted in her tearful wave to the crowd after competition.

“It has been a very emotional rollercoaster because I’ve worked so hard over the years, coming back from injury before joining team Jamaica and then not always executing in competition, like I do in training. So after having such a bad performance in Colombia a few weeks ago, I was just excited to make a comeback at this competition and perform great routines,” she shared.

“I know I am more than capable of doing great things, and I just need to trust that my body can do the work and again, not putting too much pressure on myself. It can be a bummer when you work so hard in the gym and when you really want to put out your best, you make mistakes, so I am pretty excited about this accomplishment, I’ve learned from those mistakes and this is now a step in the right direction,” Mattis added.

That direction is towards the Artistic Gymnastics World Cup in September where Mattis hopes to prove that this medal stemmed from her immense potential and unflinching desire to make it big for Jamaica, as oppose to a hefty dose of good fortune.

To achieve that, and by extension, possibly qualify for next year’s Olympic Games in France, she knows it will require more solid performances.

“I am really looking forward to a better performance next time out at the World Cup in September. Looking forward to trying some different routines there and putting out more of my skills as I know I have so much more up my sleeve and I have always said that the more I compete internationally, the more confident I feel,” Mattis noted.

“So, I can’t wait to compete at that World Cup. I’m feeling very motivated and excited about the future,” she ended.

As the anticipation builds towards the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) National Senior and Junior Championships, the event received a massive $35 million boost from the Government to ensure all goes accordingly for the four-day event which will select Jamaica's teams to various Championships later this year.

With performances from Shericka Jackson, Ackeem Blake, Alana Reid and Jaydon Hibbert, among others, already setting the tone, coupled with the fact that Elaine Thompson-Herah is on the mend and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce will open her season at the July 6-9 championships, spectators are eager to see what will transpire inside the National Stadium.

The country's senior athletes will be hunting spots to the 19th World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary scheduled for August 19-27, while their junior counterparts will vie for selection to the NACAC Under-18 and Under-23 Championships in July, as well as the PanAm Under-20 Athletics Championships and the Under-18 Commonwealth Youth Games, both set for early August.

Minister of Sport Olivia Grange, while reminiscing on the fact that Jamaica is ranked fourth on the medals table with 137 medals, inclusive of 37 gold, 56 silver, and 44 bronze won over the years --only behind United States, Kenya and Russia --said the contribution through the Sports Development Foundation (SDF) represents an affirmation from the Government to support the country's athletes.

Grange, who presented a symbolic $10 million cheque during the event's launch at Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on Thursday, explained that another $25 million will follow in short order.

"As our athletes step up to the line to compete and secure their spots at the respective international meets, we want to assure them of their nation's and government's complete and unwavering support. We want to remind them that we are grateful for their work and contribution to the national pride. 

"Our athletes truly represent Jamaica in a big way. You are some of the best In the world, both at the junior and senior levels and when you compete, you compete hard, you compete fair and play by the rules. Always remember that you are first your own ambassador and then your family, your community and of course your country," Grange said.

"I am happy that we are able to provide this money and we would want to give more but the cake is only so big, but never before in the history of Jamaica his so much money been spent on sports. And in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, we will establish a Jamaica House in Budapest. This is something we have been doing at major games and the idea is to leverage the World class performances of our athletes to encourage people to buy Jamaica, so we intend to maximise the prosperity of Jamaica," she added.

Well over 400 athletes are expected to participate in the championships which will feature approximately 60 events for seniors and juniors.

All the country's top stars should also be present, barring injuries, with the marquee events, the men’s and women’s 100m finals and the 400m hurdles finals, set to highlight day two of the meet on Friday, while Sunday's last day will feature the 200m, 400m and sprint hurdles finals.

JAAA President Garth Gayle urged spectators both in Jamaica and abroad to throw their usual support behind the athletes as they give of their best on the track and in the field with one end goal, to represent Jamaica with distinction on the world stage.

Tickets are already available online and will also be made available at the stadium’s ticket office and at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel on Monday. Season tickets will be available for $7,500, while the daily entry for the Grandstand finish line will vary at $1,000 for Thursday, $3,000 for Friday, $2,000 on Saturday and $2,500 for Sunday.

Regular Grandstand tickets are $1,000 Thursday, $2,500 on Friday, $1,500 for Saturday and $2,000 for Sunday.

The bleachers will only be opened on Friday at a cost of $500 for entry.

"I plead with spectators to fill the stands with your fervor, vigour and unflinching support. Your presence plays an important role in fostering that ideal environment to inspire the athletes to greater heights. Let's not overlook the strength of unity, sports provide that wonderful environment for uniting people, breaking down barriers and promoting respect in a current society that it is needed now. So, we want all Jamaicans to journey and come enjoy four days of excellent competition," Gayle said.

"This competition is more than just a way to name winners, it is also a celebration of human spirit, a symbol of strength and tenacity, it is a manifestation of our sense of National pride. I salute our athletes who have dedicated their entire lives and for those who would have been on the cusp of starting their careers, that the tradition will continue. I urge you to take advantage of the chance to come and observe our athletes in competition...keep in mind that they not only perform for themselves," he noted.

Gayle also praised the support of the Government and other stakeholders for their efforts and financial backing in making a championship a possibility.

"We appreciate your constant dedication to the development of athletics in Jamaica and find your effort to be genuinely admirable. The national senior and junior championships is a positive proof of how talented Jamaicans are and why we are regarded as a powerhouse in the world of athletics.

"Our athletes continue to display extraordinary skills, mesmerising our spectators with their grace, their speed, their agility, unmatched tenacity. Once a Jamaican puts on the National colours and goes to face the starter, to jump or to throw, they do so with pride. So we know it will be exciting because of the intense competition, spectacular performances and history-making events that will certainly take place," Gayle stated.

For all the talks about his winless streak in eight friendly games, Jamaica's Head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson said he never paid much attention to those numbers as the fact remained that he was yet to lose a game at a major tournament.

In fact, Hallgrimsson, who registered his first win since taking the reins to guide the Reggae Boyz late last year, pointed out that the team's 4-1 drubbing of Caribbean rivals Trinidad and Tobago in their second Concacaf Gold Cup Group A fixture on Wednesday, was a strong indicator that time and greater consistency, could lead to better results going forward.

Prior to this Gold Cup triumph, Hallgrimsson had lost 0-3 to Argentina, 0-1 to Trinidad and Tobago, and 2-1 to Qatar and Jordan respectively, in friendly fixtures. His record also includes, 1-1 and goalless score lines with Cameroon and Trinidad and Tobago, also in friendlies, followed by a 2-2 Nations League stalemate with Mexico and more recently a 1-1 stalemate with United States in their Gold Cup opener.

While for some the victory Demarai Gray (14th and 28th), Leon Bailey (17th) and 17-year-old Dujuan "Whisper" Richards (90+2), who became the youngest scorer in the history of the tournament, was a relief, the Icelandic tactician said the focus was more on building a competitive team.

Andre Rampersad (49th) got the consolation for the twin island republic.

"It didn't affect me at all, I was not counting," Hallgrimsson declared during a post-game press conference at Citypark in St Louis, Missouri. 

"I will tell you another fact, I haven't lost a competitive game for Jamaica and that is what matters, the competitive matches. I am pretty sure this team will grow, there are a lot of young players starting to play for us and they will only grow as the tournament gets older. That is the important thing about tournament like these.

"Normally in a FIFA Window when you have players for seven days, eight days, maximum, and you have two matches, there is so little you can do to connect with them at that time. But when you have a tournament like this, you can always add things where you can improve the understanding between individual players. So, it's helping us a lot which is why it's important to be here and that is why it is important to make it to the Copa America next year as well, so we can continue grow as a team," he added.

Hallgrimsson, who was also taken to task about his selection of rising sensation Richards, argued that the late goal scored by the Chelsea-bound prospect, justified the coaching staff's decision.

He reiterated the fact that the former Kingston College talisman, who was making his Gold Cup debut, still have immense scope for improvements which will come in time as Richards learns from his more experienced counterparts.

"Normally I don't like to talk about individual players, but we were criticised for picking the kid and he only needed 10 minutes to score a goal, so that shows why we selected him, and I don't think he knows what he is going to do, the opponents don't know what he is going to do but he is lethal. 

 "I have to admit when he took the shot, I was wondering why he was shooting from that range, but he scored, so he is kind of like the guy that defy the odds a little bit and all teams need players like him. As I said before he has a lot to learn, but he still knows a lot and can do a lot right now," Hallgrimsson shared.

He also spoke highly of Gray, who celebrated his 27th birthday with a brace in only his second appearance as a Jamaican international. 

"Demarai, everybody knew he was a longtime coming, I think we started talking about him coming to Jamaica two years ago so for everyone to see now how good a individual talent he is, taking players on, he is a real quality on the field, and he is fast as well. It will take time for him to really get into the tactics and get to know the players around him, but I think it was a good birthday present he gave to all of us scoring two goals and I think he had a really good game," Hallgrimsson noted.

That said, Hallgrimsson lauded the dominance of his Reggae Boyz unit to not only consistently break down the Soca Warriors 5-4-1 defensive formation, but more importantly, maintain their composure and firm defensive posture for the most parts.

"We have good depth in the squad, not much difference between some players and we have tried these players in these positions before, so it was good to give both Javain [Brown] and Dexter Lembikisa a chance to play and Amari'i was a little bit injured, so we didn't want to risk him so that's why Taxi [Kemar Lawrence] started at left back and did a good job there. But at half time, he felt a little stiffening up, so we moved Dexter to the left and Joel Latibeaudiere played right. 

"So there were a lot of changes going on in these positions and then just the rotations of the centre-backs, I think Dishon Bernard did a really good job, so I hope Jamaicans are happy to see that there is a young centre-back coming up, he showed his strength and character in this game and in generally was really good," Hallgrimsson reasoned.

"I don't think Trinidad created a chance except for the goal, I think that was the only chance they created, so that's good and shows the defensive game we played today (Wednesday)," he ended.

Trinidad and Tobago's Head coach Angus Eve intends to lift the mood of his dejected players, as they aim to keep their Concacaf Gold Cup campaign alive after being outclassed by Jamaica in a 1-4 loss that has basically eliminated the Soca Warriors from the tournament. 

Trinidad and Tobago's chances of claiming one of two spots from Group A evaporated thanks to goals from Demarai Gray (14th and 28th), Leon Bailey (17th) and Dujuan Richards (90+2). Andre Rampersad (49th) pulled one back for the twin island republic.

Angus and his team still have a glimmer of hope of progressing to the knockout stages, but it will require an unlikely win or draw against powerhouse and favourites United States in their final group fixture on July 2, while hoping newcomers St Kitts and Nevis also pull off an unlikely win over Jamaica by a wide margin.

United States, who hammered St Kitts and Nevis 6-0 currently heads the group on four points, same as Jamaica but with a healthy six-goal difference to Reggae Boyz three. Trinidad and Tobago are third on three points, while the Sugar Boys on their Gold Cup debut are yet to earn a point.

"We just have to pick the guys up, the dressing room is very dejected this is the first match we have lost in about nine for the season and we don't normally concede goals but I thought that the second half when we came back on I thought that we were really in the game and we created a lot of chances," said Angus, who rued what he thought was a handball against Jamaica's defender Damion Lowe.

In real time, it seemed the ball did in fact come off Lowe's hand and Mexican referee Fernando Guerrero thought so too when he initially awarded the penalty. However, by the VAR, the replay showed that the ball came off Lowe's head.

"I think the handball should have been a penalty. Unfortunately, we don't get to see it (replays) on the pitch anymore, at one point we had a tablet where we could see it. From where we were, the hand was in an unnatural position, but it was a penalty and then it wasn't a penalty, we didn't get any explanation as to why not," Angus argued.

Going into the second contest with a 5-4-1 defensive formation after a comprehensive 3-0 win over St Kitts and Nevis in their opener, Trinidad and Tobago seemingly had all their bases covered, but things didn't pan out as Angus expected.

Their defence was easily and consistently broken down by the Jamaicans who were quick to press the ball and the Soca Warriors were at times caught ball watching. In fact, Gray was left unmarked on both occasions when he scored and the one attempt Trinidad and Tobago made at pushing a high line, they were beaten by a timely run from Bailey who went on to beat Nicklaus Frenderup in a one-one-one situation.

The Soca Warriors did come into their own in the second have and looked threatening in open play, though they were unable to get anymore that Rampersad's cheeky heel finish.

Aside from possibly being star-struck, Angus believes there was some positives to work with which he is hoping they can improve on ahead of Sunday's encounter.

"I thought the second half we were way more positive it seems like we settled down better credit to Jamaica, the type of players that they have and the quality that they have in the team, we don't have that type of quality, so it was always going to be a struggle.

"But when you give away soft goals...I thought we gave away a lot of soft goals very early and we had to dig ourselves out of a hole. I think we also started really slow, but as I said I take full blame for it, the aim was to keep the game as tight as possible in the first half so we could go out and express ourselves a little bit more in the second half, but we just didn't defend well," Angus explained.

That said, the tactician gave some insight to his decision not to start three of his best players in what was a vital fixture.

"Triston Hodge had a tight hamstring, Kevin Molino is just coming back into football, and he complained that he was really tired so he didn't feel like he could start and then Auvray had some little knocks and bruises. So, we made the three changes, we were trying to keep the game a little bit tight in the first half so we could probably get those players on. 

"So, we had the plan from the time they got the goals, unfortunately we seem to be a bit nervous, I think big name (players) probably scare us and we made some bad mistakes. But I take full blame for the result because I am the coach of the team," he ended.

Demarai Gray had a birthday to remember, as he got on the score sheet twice to lead Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz to a 4-1 win over Caribbean rivals Trinidad and Tobago in their second Concacaf Gold Cup Group A fixture, at Citypark in St Louis, Missouri on Wednesday.

Gray, making his second appearance for the Reggae Boyz, celebrated his 27^th birthday in style when he scored his first goal as a Jamaican international in the 14^th minute and added a second in the 28th minute.

The Everton winger’s second came after Leon Bailey (17^th) doubled the lead, while Chelsea-bound rising sensation Dujuan Richards, who was an 82^nd-minute substitute, capped the victory with his first senior team goal in the 90+2 minute. With that, the 17-year-old became the youngest ever goalscorer in Gold Cup history.

Trinidad and Tobago got what turned out to be a consolation through Andre Rampersad in the 49^th minute.

The win –which was also Heimir Hallgrimsson’s first since taking the reins as Jamaica’s Head coach late last year –provisionally saw the Boyz to the top of the standing on four points, one ahead of Trinidad and Tobago.

Group favourites United States, on a point, were leading newcomers St Kitts and Nevis, without a point, 4-0 at half-time in the late kickoff.

The much-anticipated clash between Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago

Was the first international men’s game to be played at the 22,000-plus capacity stadium and though it wasn’t the most attractive or entertaining encounter, the spectators that turned out were well treated to five goals.

It was initially projected to be a close contest, especially as the Soca Warriors Head coach Angus Eve opted for a defensive 5-4-1 formation that was expected to prove difficult for the Reggae Boyz to break down.   

But it became clear early that the objective of the formation would prove futile, as Michail Antonio dispossessed a defender a played a cheeky pass off to send Bobby Reid on his way. However, Reid took an unwanted touch and later hit the ball in the side netting.

The Soca Warriors briefly enjoyed a good passage of possession where they looked threatening in open play but couldn't create any meaningful opportunity and later found themselves behind.

In the 14th minute, a decent build up by the Reggae Boyz ended with Bailey finding an unmarked Gray, who buried his right-footed effort in the left corner beyond the slightly advanced, Frenderup in goal for Trinidad and Tobago.

Bailey doubled the lead three minutes later when he timed his run to perfection to latch on to a long pass from Joel Latibeaudiere and finished with aplomb in a one-one-one situation with Frenderup. The goal was initially flagged as offside, but that decision was later overturned on by VAR.

The Soca Warriors tried to play their game but were hardly allowed any room to cause any problems for Jamaica’s defence and, as such, only absorbed consistent pressure. 

They found themselves 3-0 down before the half-hour mark after Kevon Lambert won possession and found Antonio. The West Ham man then slipped by a defender and placed a pass on a platter for the wide-opened Gray to complete one of the easiest finishes of his career.

As the score remained unchanged at the break, the half-time team talk by Angus, coupled with Jamaica's defensive frailties, saw Trinidad pulling one back four minutes into the resumption.

Captain Levi Garcia got away from Jamaica’s debutant Dishon Bernard and drove a pass in for Rampersad to apply a back heel finish beyond Andre Blake, while under pressure from two defenders.  

Still, the Jamaicans continued to apply consistent pressure and created numerous opportunities to add to their tally, but those were squandered due to both faulty shooting and poor decision-making.

It wasn’t until close to the end that they got another when Richards’s shot from a distance took a wicked deflection and sailed past the flat-footed Frenderup, who had no chance.

Teams: Jamaica -Andre Blake, Damion Lowe, Kemar Lawrence (Dexter Lembikisa 46th), Bobby Reid (Shamar Nicholson 62^nd), Joel Latibeaudiere, Kevon Lambert, Demarai Gray, Leon Bailey (Dujuan Richards 82^nd), Michail Antonio (Corey Burke 77^th), Dishon Bernard, Javain Brown (Daniel Johnson 62^nd) 

Subs not used: Coniah Boyce-Clarke, Jahmali Waite, Kaheem Parris, Jonathan Russell, Adrian Mariappa, Amari’i Bell,

Booked: Brown (9^th), Lowe (75^th)

Trinidad & Tobago: Nicklas Frenderup, Alvin Jones, Sheldon Bateau, Kareem Moses, Aubrey David, Shannon Gomez (Molik Khan 76^th), Malcolm Shaw, Andre Rampersad (Kevin Molino 63rd), Ajani Fortune (Kaile Auvray 46^th), Levi Garcia, Neveal Hackshaw

Subs not Used: Marvin Phillip, Denzil Smith, Leland Archer, Luke Singh, Triston Hodge, Ryan Telfer, Joevin Jones, Real Gill, Kadeem Corbin

Booked: Hackshaw (5^th), Bateau (41^st), Jones (73^rd)

Referee: Fernando Guerrero (Mexico)

Assistant referees: Enrique Bustos (Mexico); Jorge Sanchez (Mexico)

Fourth Official: Reon Radix (Grenada)

Var: Benjamin Pineda (Costa Rica)

Avar1: Ricardo Montero (Costa Rica)

Though his missed penalty saw the Reggae Boyz dropping points in their Concacaf Gold Cup opener against United States, winger Leon Bailey says it doesn't take away from the fact that he gave his best for the team.

With Jamaica up 1-0 in the first half of the game, Bailey could have doubled the lead but hit his 12-yard kick at a decent height for Matt Turner, in goal for United States to block. However, the Aston Villa man had a second bite at the cherry as the rebound came right into his path, but even then, he failed to capitalise with an empty net at his mercy.

The game ended 1-1 after Brandon Vazquez's 88th-minute strike, cancelled out Damion Lowe's 13th-minute goal at Soldier Field in Chicago.

While not using added pressure as an excuse, Bailey said critics have little idea of what it is like being a player of his calibre tasked with performing efficiently at all times.

"Do you know how much pressure I'm always under when I'm representing the national team? But that's no excuse for me because I've been in the game for too long now. I've been a professional for eight years. I'm used to pressure," Bailey said during a pre-game press conference on Tuesday.

The former Genk and Bayer Leverkusen player has often been heavily scrutinised for his style of play, as he tends to hog possession of the ball and oftentimes over dribbles, and, as a result, thwarts the team's progress in the process.

Still, Bailey, who made his Reggae Boyz debut in 2019 and has so far logged three goals and four assists in 19 games, rubbished those claims, while expressing his unwavering passion for leaving it all on the field.

"It has nothing to do with the way I play. If you watch how I play, you will see that I always try to do my best, I always work hard, and no matter what, I'll always give 110 per cent for my nation, and that will never stop," he declared. 

"If that means I didn't perform well, then so be it. When I walk off the pitch I want to know that I gave my 110 and I did that against the US and nobody's ever going to take that away from me. Once my family is good, the team is good, we're all good, I'm good. 

"I'm always going to be there for my teammates and so they're always there for me as well and that's what really matters. At the end of the day, football is a sport in that you win some, you lose some, you make mistakes, and you go again. That's just life and football," Bailey added.

The 25-year-old and the new-look Reggae Boyz team will be hoping to make amends when they take on leaders Trinidad and Tobago in their second Group A contest at City Park in St Louis, Missouri, this evening at 6:30 pm Jamaica time.

Meanwhile, United States and pointless newcomers St Kitts and Nevis, who went down 0-3 to the Soca Warriors in their open game, will do battle at 8:30 pm.

Reggae Boyz Head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson, who is still hunting his first win since taking the reins, knows the importance of this fixture with their Caribbean rivals and, as such, is backing his team to come good.

"The second game is always important. A win for Trinidad would get them through. We know what we are facing; we need to get good results against them. We just want to go out there so we can have a good performance and hopefully a win. That's the only thing we are thinking about at this stage of the tournament," Hallgrimsson said. 

In their most recent meeting on Jamaican soil, Trinidad and Tobago won 1-0 with the other contest ending in as a goalless stalemate. 

“The Trinidad games we played in Jamaica, there was a lot of long balls, there was a lot of fight everywhere on the pitch; it was not played much on the ground, those matches. We kind of played the same style in those games. It wasn’t pretty to watch, so, hopefully, we can do better. When we have the ball, we can hopefully play better than we did in Jamaica," the Icelandic coach stated.

“We will not get anything for free. We will face hard tackles, a lot of balls to fight for — the first balls, the second balls, we have just been talking about that. We are growing as a unit, as a team, and the understanding between the players about the tactics is increasing as we play more games together. We will grow as a team,” he ended.

Every FIFA Women's World Cup sees young players come to the fore and explode into popular consciousness and Jamaica’s rising goalkeeper Liya Brooks is hoping that next month's showpiece in Australia and New Zealand will present with her moment of glory.

It may seem far-fetched given the fact that she has more experienced counterparts Rebecca Spencer and Sydney Schneider to contend with, but much like Schneider rose to prominence during the Girlz World Cup debut in France 2019, the American-born Brooks knows it is by no means impossible.

In France, Schneider, then a 19-year-old rookie, pulled off a stunning penalty save in the Reggae Girlz opening game against Brazil, though they inevitably lost 0-3.

Brooks, 18, is yearning for a big break like that when the Girlz do battle in Group F against France, Brazil and Panama at the July 20 to August 20 World Cup, but until then, she is focused on putting in the necessary work to continue impressing Head coach Lorne Donaldson and his assistants.

"Of course, there’s a competition, and I'll certainly fight for that spot in the starting team which would mean a whole lot to me at this point in my career, but I just want what is best for the team. So even if I wasn’t the one, then that’s ok," Brooks told SportsMax.tv from her base in the United States. 

"I just have to put in the work. Plain and simple and I’ll do that without hesitancy, especially going to college now, I know that will no doubt take my fitness and lifestyle to another level, and I can’t wait for that as well," she added.

Though she is still basking in the fact that she was selected in Donaldson's final squad, Brooks, who earns her Island stripes through her mother Tandi Nelson-Brooks, revealed that celebrations will be low-key, as she braces for her freshman year at Washington State University.

"It’s a great feeling being selected for my first World Cup. There’s nothing like it, because it is the highest stage of competition in both the men and women’s game, so of course it’s a very big achievement. 

"Unfortunately, there are no real celebrations. I’m off to college so an eight-hour car ride is all the celebration I’ll be doing, but I’ll be happy to celebrate a little with my new teammates, who I'm sure are just as happy as I am," she shared.

Still, the sense of pride and accomplishment Brooks feels cannot be understated having successfully transitioned from Under-17 and Under-20 representation, where she showed immense ability, which caught the senior Reggae Girlz coach staff's attention since their historic tour of South Korea late last year.

"It’s extremely massive. It puts my name on the international map at the senior level at an early stage, but for me it just makes me hungrier to strive for more than a spot on the roster next time," Brooks declared. 

"I want to play and being around the senior players have shown me that there is always work to be done, but I’ll learn from those around me and use my own experiences along the way to get there. The aim is always to push as hard as possible and to be a better player and these experiences will help me to improve," she noted.

That said, the tall and agile goalkeeper admitted that the initial stages of her transition were nerve-wracking and did indeed test her mettle but credited her more senior counterparts for their guidance in ensuring she held firm.

"It definitely wasn’t easy and still isn’t. The team itself is great and very welcoming, but I personally struggle with my own confidence and that’s what can bring down my performance at times. The team recognized that and encouraged me instead," she explained.

"Becky [Spencer] and Syd [Schneider] are amazing. They are excellent players and even better people. Alyssa [Whitehead], our goalkeeper coach, is as well. All three of them inspire me and push me to be a better player whether they know it or not. That made it really fun, and they got me through even my physically tough training," Brooks ended.

Peeved by the fact that the sport has been underrated and the support minimal, Jamaica Lacrosse Association (JLA) president Calbert Hutchinson, is hoping the performances of the country's young prospects at the ongoing Men’s Lacrosse World Championship, will now attract the attention of the powers that be to throw their financial weight behind the sporting body.

Despite making significant strides over the years since the sport's introduction to the island in 2014, Hutchinson pointed out that continuous appeal for funding have mostly fell on deaf ears but says the men’s unbeaten run in San Diego so far, is another testament of their growth and development that should issue another clarion call to join the movement.

The Jamaicans drawn in Pool D, opened their campaign with a 5-3 victory over more illustrious opponents Germany, followed by 10-5 and 6-4 wins over Switzerland and Poland respectively. They then rewrote the history books by blowing away New Zealand 10-6 on Monday to enter the playoffs as one of five unbeaten teams, with their next assignment scheduled for Tuesday against Italy.

"I am extremely pleased with the overall performance of the team, considering the limited time they had to gel together. I know we had the talent and coaching abilities to demonstrate to the world that Lacrosse and Jamaica are the perfect match, so it may be a surprise to many but for me, this historic accomplishment is just another feat that I think, speaks volumes of our growth over the years," Hutchinson told SportsMax.tv.

"However, the lack of support from home has hit a new low. Financial and moral support from entities that would be quick to throw their names and money behind a traditional team or individual sport that is doing well in the moment has been slow in coming so we are still hoping that corporate Jamaica will throw some support behind the sport. I'll say again that your support is an investment in our youth because there are so many opportunities where lacrosse is concerned," he added.

Over the years, Hutchinson has stressed the importance of providing a platform for aspiring players to come to the fore, and this tournament is one such example behind the JLA's intentions to improve and expand the sport, particularly from a local perspective.

"A positive exposure on the international scene is always a major positive for local development which is why we ensure that we have local talents getting the well needed international experience to come back and transfer that knowledge. So, an outstanding Kingston College player Samuel Henry and KC's head coach Kenneth Subratie, are currently a part the Jamaican team and coaching staff making waves," Hutchinson shared.

"We want to establish more meaningful partnerships with selected stakeholders who are in a position to help us grow the sport for the youths of today and tomorrow. So, again, we are hoping that these performances among some of the best teams, will translate into more scholarships for our players coming out of the high school league, more sponsorship opportunities, and more meaningful partnership with local and international entities," he noted.

Given their remarkable performances so far, Hutchinson acknowledges that there are heightened expectations that the team can possibly snare an historic medal, but to do so, they have to maintain the high standard starting with the next assignment against Italy.

Should the Jamaicans come out on top, they will then meet another powerhouse in Canada for a chance to progress to the quarterfinals.

“I have always said that this sport is one that captures the spirit of the Jamaican people, the excitement, the intensity and the desire to succeed on every occasion. Every time you win the expectations are greater, and so we want to live up to those expectations, by continuing to execute efficiently and improving our opportunities to create problems for teams on defence," Hutchinson stated.

"But regardless of what happens, we are very proud of the grit and determination displayed by the team and hope we can build on this achievement going forward by getting the Government and Corporate Jamaica to pay a little more attention to non-traditional sports like ours that has the greatest growth potential when compared to the traditional sports and especially when we are out performing those sports with our world rankings," the president ended.

Jamaica's senior men's team is currently ranked 13th in the world and 28th among the women, while the Under-19 male team is ranked 9th and the women currently positioned at number 30.