Sports Monday with winning analysis from James Adderley

Good evening I’m James Adderley and this is Sports Monday.

Raymond Gentle City Boys United took its quest for perfection into the People’s Stadium as week 10 found them in action against Orange Walk United and folks this match-up lined up to its pre-game hype – sp lets get started.

It’s all OW in the opening minutes and Cesar Roberts gets this chance to give his team the early lead but fails to make the proper connection.

Christopher Hendricks then gets this look at goal from inside the box only to be denied by Stanley Reneau who is well positioned in goal.

In this foot race between Cesar Roberts and Stanley Reneau, the goal keeper wins the contest to save the day.

We’re at the 37 minute when Roberts finds Oliver Hendricks who moves Mark Grant out of the way to fire a left foot grounder that beats Reneau to give OW a 1-zip lead.

Two minutes later Oliver Hendricks launches this set piece with the inside of the right foot and again Reneau is beaten as OW United goes up 2-zip and for the 1^st time this season City Boys find themselves in a hole this big.

A minute before the half expires Nigel Franklin sends this spot kick into the danger zone, Jason Young catches up with it and heads it into the net as City Boys pull one back going into intermission.

We’re in 2^nd half play when Jarret Davis fires this set piece from long distance that only a finger tip push to the crossbar prevents the home team from re-instating the 2 goal lead.

At the 64^th minute Ryan Simpson plays the give and go with Leon Jones to fire this shot that Charlie Slusher cannot handle the rebound reaches Deon McCauley and the goleador ties the score at 2 apiece.

Dalton Cayetano then gets this chance from pointblank range to give City Boys the lead but the weak shot bounces off McCauley whose effort at goal is disappointing.

Just when things were looking up for City Boys Ian Gaynair’s reckless tackle on Jarret Davis leads to a 2^nd yellow card which translates to an ejection and now the visitors find themselves with a numerical disadvantage.

OW almost capitalizes immediately when Davis picks out Oliver Hendricks whose header inches outside the far post.

Meanwhile Orin Wade comes off the bench for Sugar City and put his team ahead but the left foot launch leaves a lot to be desired.

At the 83^rd minute Orrin Wade finds Cesar Roberts who pushes to Christopher Hendricks and his right foot slice bounces off the near upright and into the goal for the 3-2 lead.

City Boys look for the equalizer off this spot kick launch from Deon McCauley is only denied by a big time save from Charlie Slusher.

Orange Walk United hangs on for the 3-2 victory, handing RG City Boys its 1^st defeat in 10 outings.

In other action around the league 3^rd World FC picked up its 2^nd season win by doubling Paradise Freedom Fighters 2 to 1 at the MCC Grounds while Placencia Assassin posted its 5^th win by hurting Hattieville Monarch in a 3-1 decision. The march between Griga Knights and Cayo South United at the Carl Ramos Stadium has been re-scheduled for Wednesday May 14^th.

Thus the standings looks like this City Boys leads with 27 points from 10 outings, OW United has 19, Paradise Freedom Fighters 18, Placencia Assassin 18, Griga Knights show 14 but from 9 appearances, Hattieville has 8 points, 3^rd World FC 7 and winless Cayo South remains in the cellar with 2 points.

Week II kicks off on Saturday inside the Carl Ramos Stadium where Griga Knights will host 3^rd World FC. This Sunday Orange Walk will host Hattieville, Paradise Freedom Fighters travel to Placencia and City Boys will host Cayo South United inside the MCC Grounds.

Turning to the Smart Challenge Cup 1^st Division competition at the MCC Brown Bombers beat KHMH Authority 7-1 on Wednesday to get into the semi-finals while Atlantic Insurance edged Atlantic Bank 3 to 1 to get in.

Thus the semi-final round begins this Friday 6^th May with Ebony Lake facing Brown Bombers to kick off a 2 game series while the nightcap will find West Lake taking aim at Atlantic Insurance.

In cycling news the 6^th Annual Pablo Marin Labor Day Classic some 57 riders suited up for the start of this 81.8 mile race that took off from Corozal Town on Sunday May 1^st.

At the turn around at the Belize Mexico Border we’ve got a more or less compact pelathon as the race now heads towards orange Walk Town.

Around San Narciso we’ve got 2 riders Giovanni Choto and Tariq Cano looking to run but they don’t get far.

Heading into San Pablo we’ve got an 8 man that includes Giovanni Choto, Wilman Bravo Isaya, Mark Staine, Rafael Choto, Kyle Gentle, Jairo Campos and Patrick Bennett.

At the turn around point just outside Orange Walk we find Bravo Isaya in control of the pace followed by Patrick Bennett, Giovanni Choto, Jairo Campos, Nissan Arana and Brandon Cattouse.

The 6 man lead pack work well until just before the Libertad junction where Giovanni Choto and Bravo Isaya transformed the race into a 2 man affair.

Inside San Joaquin Isaya attacks Choto and speeds into a solo flight for the rest of the way.

And here is Wilman Bravo Isaya of Team Zamis by way of Venezuela capturing the 6^th Pablo Marin Labor Day Classic unchallenged in a record time of 3 hours 28 minutes 24 seconds.

A minute and 36 seconds after Giovanni Choto of Western Spirit Galen Eagles takes 2^nd place. Jairo Campos of Typhoon Cycling Club picks ip 3^rd place forcing Patrick Bennett into 4^th while Edgar Nissan Arana of Team Typhoon out sprints Brandon Cattouse to round out the top 5.

On the Jr. side, Kyle Gentle of Cayo High Road Cycling took the 40 miles ride in 1 hour 57 minutes 47 seconds out sprinting Austin Armstrong of D&D and his teammate Aiden Juan when finished 2^nd and 3^rd respectively.

In the female race Marinette Flowers edged Alicia Thompson to grab the W while Gina Lovell finished 3^rd.

Jah Overall, I’m James Adderley.

Channel 5

Sports Guru James Adderley’s Winning Comments

Good Evening, I’m James Adderley and this is Sports Monday.

Week 11 of the Belize Bank Super league Tournament took us to Sugar City Saturday night where Orange Walk United, fresh off handing RG City Boys its 1st Season loss, played host to the Hattieville Monarchs who have been plagued by inconsistent play all season long.

Folks we’re still in the opening minutes of this ballgame when Edwin Gillette triggers this set piece from first outside the 18 and a poorly positioned Mason Moya is beaten as the home team takes a 1-zip lead 8 minutes in. 4 minutes later, things take a turn for the worse when Alfred Jesse centers from the right wing, Lloyd Jones tries to concede the corner kick but instead he sends this left foot into the back of the net for the dreaded auto goal. Edwin Gillette then looks for his 2nd goal of the match after being set up by Christopher Hendricks but the left inches outside the far post.

In the meantime, the Monarchs continue to contribute to their own demise when Brandon Rogers takes down his former team-mate, Jarret Davis inside leaving the referee with no option but to rule penalty. Designated penalty kicker, Oliver Hendricks steps up and has Moya going the wrong way as O.W. takes a 3-zip lead 25 minutes in. make it a 4-nil when Oliver provides for his brother Christopher Hendricks who finds the war corner at the 34th minute and the rout is on.

We’re in the final minute of the 1st half play when this set piece from the left side finds Jerome James and Hattieville Monarch gets on to the scoreboard with this header to make it a 4-1 deficit at intermission.

In early 2nd half action, Jarret Davis breaks his man to set table for Orrin Wade whose effort is rejected by the crossbar. In the meantime, there’s no excuse for this play by Luis Jones who attack on Cesar Roberts can only be described as cynical for which he is immediately ejected out of the ballgame. Down a man, Hattieville simply crumbled after that and indeed Oliver Hendricks should have had his 2nd goal right here instead he lets loose a bouncer over the horizontal bar. However, he does get his 2nd goal of the match at the 72nd minute when he heads this ball home for the 5-1 O.W. lead.

In the latter part of the ballgame, Jarret Davis steps out to deal out more punishment to his former team. Just inside the 18, Davis fires this left foot that makes it a 6-1 score at the 84th minute. And then 3 minutes later, re-direct this launch from Christopher Hendricks into the back of the net as the red bot Orange Walk United goes on to post the 7-1 big Win.

In other action around the league, Griga Knights blanked 3rd World 3-zip inside the MCC Grounds. RG City Boys got back to its winning ways with a 3-nil Win. Our Cayo South United and Placencia Assassins used the home field advantage to bomb Paradise Freedom Fighters in a 2-zip final score. Thus after 11 matches: RG City Boys leads the league with 30 points, O.W. is next with 22, Griga Knights now shows 20, Placencia Assassins 19, Paradise Freedom Fighters stay at 18. In the meantime, the remaining teams are already out of the playoff picture – Hattieville with 8 points from 11 appearances is out. So is 3rd World with 7 points and Cayo South United with 2 points.

Meanwhile, Week 12’s schedule brings all Sunday matches this weekend. Paradise Freedom Fighters will host Griga Knights in a pivotal ballgame for both clubs, O.W. United travels to Cayo South United, Hattieville will host 3rd World FC and Placencia Assassin comes to the MCC Grounds to challenge league leader, RG City Boys.

In news from the Smart Challenge Cup, on Friday, Brown Bomber and Ebony Lakers battled to a 2-2 draw in game 1 of the 2 game semi-finals while West Lake blanked Atlantic Insurance 2-zip. Thus this Friday, the finalists will emerge when the Bombers face Ebony Lake and West Lake takes on Atlantic Insurance.

In softball news, we caught up with play on the Belize District Rural Softball completely as strugglers led by Tricia Flores picked up the 14-10 victory over Shanice Pook and Haadli Potikla strugglers second 5 runs in the 1st, 1 in the 2nd, 1 in the 3rd, 2 in the 4th, 1 in the 5th and 4 in the 6th to grab the Win.

On the other side Haadli Potikla scored 6 in the 2nd, 2 in the 3rd and 2 in the 6th in that loss. In the nightcap, Sandhill Wildcats exploded for 8 runs in the very 1st wing and it was all they needed to blank Ladyville Rising Stars 8-zip. Shiraine Westby puts up that victory while Sherette Williams is charged with the loss. Earlier in the day, Burrell Boom Survivors edged Village Gyal Rancho 10-9.

Finally, in domino news, the interoffice tournament here in the City saw BTL beat Post Office on Thursday. On Wednesday, Port stopped KHMH and on Thursday, the Fire Service consumed Fisheries/Coastal Zone. The action continues as Fisheries takes on Post Office, on Tuesday, the Fire Service takes aim at Port and on Wednesday its BTL in action against Fisheries/Coastal Zone.

Channel 5

Sports Monday’s Cycling Winner is Belizean

Good Evening, I am James Adderley and this is Sports Monday.

The 22^nd Annual Women’s Cross Country Cycle Classic will be remembered for a very long time because it proved to be the most competitive female race in recent memory. At the heart of this story is Shalini Zabaneh who came in as defending champion looking for a 3^rd title but today she would be tested as never before. Indeed it’s a casual start yesterday to this journey that begins at Columbus Park in San Ignacio and would conclude 71.54 miles later at the Memorial Park here in Belize City—for sure things would heat up in a hurry.

We’re passing through Central Farm when the American Sara Tussey riding for Hincapie Girls steps on the pace and Shalini follows suit then backs off conceding that station prize to the visitor from the U.S. In the meantime, this group of 5 is already showing signs of having a problem with this pace.

As the race progresses, there’s no doubt that Sara Tussey has come to take this title to the U.S. Tussey continues to push the pace sweeping all the premies in sight and inside Ontario Village, it’s a 2 woman race with Shalini Zabaneh staying in the picture. Shalini does shake up the status quo coming around Brick Wall as she attacks Tussey to take that station prize. Behind the lead duo, Anthea Sutherland leads a group of 6 as they stalk the front runners.

Inside St. Matthews, Shalini has wrested control of the pace from Tussey as the duel picks up steam. And as the official indicates, the lead duo enjoys a lead of 4 minutes 52 seconds over the nearest chase group. At Mile 25, this lead has been extended to 6 minutes 58 seconds which makes the race for the 2011 title a 2 person affair.

Around Mile 10, Tussey decides she wants this station prize and revs up to take it as Shalini backs off. As they pass the police sub-station at Mile 4 the 2 cyclists seem to be preparing for the big showdown. Going in to the roundabout into Central American Boulevard, Shalini pulls a move to see how much is left in Sara Tussey’s tank. Around Princess Margaret Drive, the American decides to push the pace so Shalini stays in contact with her back wheel. So now, we’re at Memorial Park for the big finish—both riders are obviously exhausted as they push to the finish line. Shalini Zabaneh of Sagitun gives it all she has and its good enough to win the 2011 Female Cross Country title in 3 hours, 44 minutes 8 seconds.

Sara Tussey of Hincapie proved to be a worthy challenger and severely tested Shalini, but nevertheless has to settle for 2^nd place. 8 minutes 11 seconds later, we have the battle for 3^rd palce and Nancy Jones of Hincapie hangs on to heat a surging Alicia Thompson forcing the Belize Bank rider into 4^th. Cassandra Rodriguez Quiroz a Costa Rican riding for S cycling takes 5^th place while unattached. Junior rider, Patricia Chavarria rounds out the top 6.

Of the 15 that started, 14 completed the ride and we say good show to one and all. In other cycling news Emil Figueroa of Cayo Uprising Junior Team s spearheading the effort to present a junior race this weekend so we want to him for details.

Emil Figueroa, Manager, Cayo Uprising Jr. Team

“The Uprising Cycling team along with the Cycling Association of Belize and the family of the late Christopher Chuc are sponsoring and organizing a race for juniors and riders eighteen years of age on Sunday, May 22^nd starting at 8:30 starting from the ferry in San Jose Succotz. We will have prizes for the eighteen year old division and prizes also for the juniors and youths.”

Turning to the football scene, Week 12 of the Belize Bank Super league Tournament brought Placencia Assassins to the MCC Grounds for a faceoff with league leading RG City Boys yesterday. We’re only 5 minutes in when Brandon Torres takes down Tyronne Muschamp right on top the 18. International striker, Deon McCauley, lifts the ball over the wall on the spot-kick and goalkeeper, Kareem Westby, is beaten as the home team takes a 1-zip lead.

City Boys looks to double the lead when Leon Jones deals to Deon McCauley but this time the goal getter unleashes a high riser. 5 minutes into the 2^nd half, Brent Whyte centers into the danger zone, the ball eventually reaches Ashley Torres who punches it past Stanley Reneau as Placencia Assassins ties the ball game 1 apiece. Pumped up, Placencia looks for more and almost gets when this corner kick is mishandled by Stanley Reneau, but despite a good effort, they nevertheless come away empty.

Folks, it was not a well played football game and neither team did enough to deserve the win as they settled for the 1-1 tie. We must say RG City Boys seem to be struggling at this juncture while Orange Walk is coming in strong. Yesterday, O.W. United crushed Cayo South United 6 to 1 at Camalote. 3^rd World FC picked up its 3^rd win with a 1-zip blast on Hattieville Monarch and Paradise Freedom Fighters blanked Griga Knights 3-zip at Toledo Union.

Looking ahead to Week 13, RG City Boys head south to face Griga Knights and Placencia Assassins will visit orange Walk at the People’s Stadium—both Saturday matches—while on Sunday, Paradise Freedom Fighters travel to Hattieville and 3^rd World FC will host Cayo South united inside the MCC Grounds.

In other football news, West Lake crushed Atlantic Insurance 9-1 and Brown Bombers blanked Ebony Lake 2-zip to move on to the finals in the Smart Challenge Cup at the MCC Grounds. Thus, the 3-game finals gets off this Friday with West lake facing Brown Bombers at the MCC.

Finally folks, Sports Monday mourns the loss of Ariel Rosado to a traffic accident Saturday night. Ariel was a gifted cyclist who gave up sports to pursue a university degree and was a Channel 5 commentator in the 2010 and 2011 Cross Country race. Our condolences go out to his family and friends. Sleep on Ariel.

Jah overall, I’m James Adderley.

Sports Guru, James Adderley, has the winning stats

Good Evening. I’m James Adderley and this is Sports Monday.

In week 13 of the Belize Bank Super League Tournament, the red hot Orange Walk United hosted the always dangerous Placencia Assassins Saturday night inside the People’s Stadium as the mad scramble to make the 4 team playoffs intensifies. It’s the visitors with the first good look at goal and it comes off this corner kick that finds Brandon Torres whose header screams over the crossbar.

On the next press, this center gives Placencia another opportunity to score, but the header from Zerrick Torres rises over the goal. In the early goings, the Placencia Assassins emerges so the protagonist and this center into the goal by Dellon Torres provides a challenge for Charlie Slusher who gets a necessary hand on it. O.W. United finally gets smoothing going when Jarret Davis beats everybody to this ball including goalkeeper, Stephen Lopez—hits the near upright and gets a 2^nd crack at it only to push the ball outside the stick. Jarret Davis then gets another chance to put his team ahead but winds up a step too late against goalkeeper Lopez. At the 41^st minute, Kenny Canul inadvertently hands this ball inside the box for which the referee awards Placencia a penalty kick. The captain, Dalton Eiley sends Charlie Slusher the wrong way to give Placencia a 1-zip lead to take into intermissions.

We are into the 2^nd half when Oliver Hendricks finds Christopher Hendricks who cannot keep his right away effort inside the box down. It’s more O.W. when Orrin Wade’s center almost forces Dalton Eiley into the dreaded auto goal but the ball inches outside the sticks. We’re 78 minutes in when Oliver Hendricks finds himself at the right time at the right place to smack this half volley past Stephen Lopez tying the ballgame at 1 apiece. Now check this out folks, with a minute remaining in regulation play, Charlie Slusher in his attempt to clear, simply gifts this ball to Ashley Torres who makes him pay dearly as he gives Placencia Assassins the 2-1 victory at Sugar City.

In other action around the league, R.G. City Boys bombed Griga Knights 6-zip at the Carl Ramos Stadium. Paradise Freedom Fighters blanked Hattieville 2-nil while 3^rd World FC kept Cayo South with a 5-3 clubbing.

Thus with 1 game remaining, City Boys leads the league with 34 points and are headed to the 4 team playoffs as the #1 seed. O.W. United is next with 25 points and have made the post season, so has Paradise Freedom Fighters with 24 points and Placencia with 23 points are in but Griga Knights with 20 points could also rack 23 with a win in its final outing. Meanwhile, 3^rd World FC now shows 13 points, Hattieville 8 and Cayo South, 2.

Griga Knights will look for the 3 points at the expense of O.W. United who they’ll host Saturday 7:30 p.m. at the Carl Ramos Stadium and they’ll be hoping Placencia Assassins losses to 3^rd World FC on Sunday when they meet at Placencia. Paradise Freedom Fighters will host Cayo South on Saturday to close out regular season while RG City Boy finish against Hattieville inside the MCC Grounds on Sunday.

Deon McCauley leads the league in scoring with 22 goals—8 over his nearest challenger Oliver Hendricks who has 14.

Checking in on the Smart Challenge Cup, Brown Bombers beat West Lake on penalty kicks after a 3-3 finish on overtime to take a 1 game lead in the best of 3 series. Game 2 is set for Friday 7:30 p.m. inside the MCC Grounds.

In other football news, the final match in the 2 game series for the F.F.B.’s Delhard Courtney Cup was staged Sunday at the people’s Stadium where Suga City girls hosted Triple B’s who came in with a 2-zip lead from Game 1. Sensing the urgency of the situation, Suga City attacked immediately, courtesy of Dalia Mai, only to be foiled by good goal tending from Idania Ramirez. At the other end, Sheridan Tracey benefits from this defensive error to get this look at goal only to unleash a high riser. A few minutes later, Rhonda Hernandez has this chance to put Triple B on the scoreboard, but fails to hit the target.

We’re in the 2^nd half when Karen Garcia picks up this loose ball and pushes it into the far corner of the goal to give O.W. a 1-zip lead. This lead would hold up to the long whole, but it wouldn’t be enough as Triple B’s take it in a 2-1 aggregate score and we say congratulations to the champ.

In softball news, play in the Belize City completely saw Hurricanes wallop Orchid Blazers 10 to 3 on Friday and then on Sunday Mirage lady Rebels pounded Hurricanes in a 15-zip blowout.

In the cycling scene, Daniel Choto of Cayo High Road Cycling took Sunday’s Junior race in memory of Christopher Chuc in a time of 2 hours, 32 minutes beating out cross country winner, Joel Borland of Indeco by almost 2 minutes. Anfernee Young of Cayo High Road took 3^rd, Darren Williams of D & D Consultancy finished 4^th while Kyle Gentle of Cayo High Road rounds out the top 5 with a time of 2 hours 39 minutes 14 seconds in this 55 mile race.

Finally in basketball news, the national U-17 basketball team begins play today in the COCABA U-17 championship being staged at Costa Rica. Belize is grouped with El Salvador, México and Guatemala.

Jah Overall, I’m James Adderley.

Channel 5

Sports Guru James Adderley sums up the week in sports

Good Evening, I’m James Adderley and this is Sports Monday.

As regular season in the Belize Bank Super League Tournament reached its natural conclusion over the weekend, Raymond Gentle City Boys completed its schedule by hosting Hattieville Monarchs inside the MCC Grounds yesterday. It’s a tale of 2 teams streaking in opposite direction as Hattieville is looking for onlt its 2^nd win of the season and things got off according to the script when Deon McCauley’s spot kick is kept alive by Tyronne Mushchamp of the deflection but it’s David McCauley with the opportunity finish to give the defending champions a 1-zip lead. City Boys look for more when Ryan Simpson picks out Bryan Martinez off the set piece but goalkeeper Daniel Mejia denies him the goal and at the half, the home team still boast a 1-zip lead.

We’re in the 2^nd half when Stanley Reneau misread this center from Albert Arnold, Christopher Meighan tries to clear it with the right foot but instead it crashes into the net giving Hattieville Monarch the tie at the 58^th minute.

Things continue to spiral downwards for City Boys when Ryan Simpson is red carded for mouthing off to the referee, putting his team at a numerical disadvantage. In the meantime, Stanley Reneau continues to live dangerously when he mishandles this easy bounce but he gets away with it.

At the other end, Deon McCauley deals this spot kick to Shannon Flowers who fails to turn on this ball. Deon McCauley then tries to break the tie by pouncing on this defensive error but ballgame is decided. Carlton Rogers centers into the danger zone. Jerome James gets there in time and Hattieville Monarch hands City Boys its 2^nd loss of the season with the 2-1 big W. For City Boys, this loss should bother them some as they’ve lost their momentum going into the playoffs.

In other results from around the league, Paradise Freedom Fighters bombed Cayo South 4-zip while Griga Knights defaulted to Orange Walk United and Third World FC to Placencia Assassin. Thus the official standings at the end of regular season show City Boys with 34 points from 11 wins, a draw and 2 losses. Orange Walk United shows 28, Paradise Freedom Fighters 27 and Placencia Assassins round out the 4 teams headed to the playoffs with 26 points. Griga Knights finished with 20 points, Third World, 13 points, Hattieville 11 and Cayo South finishes with 2 points from 2 draws and 12 losses. David McCauley of City Boys scored the most goals with 22. Thus the playoffs hicks off this Sunday, June 5^th, with Orange Walk hosting Paradise Freedom Fighters while Placencia Assassin will be in town to face R.G. City Boys inside the MCC Grounds under this double round robin format.

Checking in on the Smart Challenge Cup on Friday, West Lake folded Brown Bombers 3-1 to even the championship series at 1 apiece. The decisive game 3 is set for this Friday, June 3^rd at the MCC Grounds.

Turning to the basketball scene, we want to say congratulations to our U-17 National Team who returned from Costa Rica with the silver medal from the COCABA games. President Paul Thompson of the Belize Basketball Federation fills us in.

Paul Thompson

Paul Thompson, President, B.B.F.

“The Belize national U-17 participated in the COCABA U-17 championship in Costa Rica. We placed second losing to Mexico in the gold medal game. We beat Nicaragua in the first game by 31, we beat El Salvador in the second game by twelve. We played Mexico and we lost in the overtime by two. That was an excellent game, we played very well we gave our maximum effort. But what that did was advance us to the semifinal round where we met panama and we beat them handily by twelve points so we advanced to the goal medal game where we met Mexico for the second time. I believe we lost that game due to several reasons. I believe we weren’t mentally ready and due to the fact that we played two hard games two nights prior to that and we extended most of our energies against panama the previous night and I think because our physical abilities weren’t there, we weren’t focusing the way I believe we could have focused. We lost nineteen to Mexico. So we weren’t in the game from the second half.”

James Adderley

“You know that there is a rivalry between Mexico and ourselves and to loose by nineteen after a lost by two, is shocking.”

Paul Thompson

“We definitely will have a chance to redeem ourselves. Because we placed second, we qualify to go to Centro Basket in Puerto Rico in August where Mexico will be there as well. So hopefully we get another opportunity to try to beat them.”

The national U-17 team now heads to Puerto Rico for Centro Basket play from August 1^st to the 6^th. Meanwhile, the National U-16 team will participate in the Centro Basket Championship at Mexico form June 15^th to June 19^th. It’s the qualifying tournament for FIBA Americas U-16 which will be staged in Cancun from June 21^st to the 27^th so stay tuned.

In Billiards news, Belize will be participating in the 1^st 9 ball Bi-national Billiard Tournament with Guatemala over this weekend and we spoke to newly elected president, Jermyn Galvez and Special Adviser, Otto Cattouse to get the details.

Jermyn Galvez, President

“We’re just trying to get billiards to be more recognized as a sport in Belize and we are just trying to bring up the level of billiards on a whole. So we are planning to take a trip internationally and play against Guatemala.”

James Adderley

“As the president is this your vision for the sport that we are seeing playing out right now?”

Jermyn Galvez

“Yes sir, slowly but surely we di get there and eventually we want to bring in a junior program to teach the youth from an early age and make we bring billiards up to the level of the whole world.”

Otto Cattouse

Otto Cattouse, Special Adviser

“Right now we have eight men travelling from different districts James. From Belize City we have William Leiva, from Cayo we have Leonel Pinelo, from Orange Walk, Naim Rosado from Belmopan Wayne Wilshire. From Corozal, Lazaro Amaya. Stann Creek, Wayne Pascasio, Toledo we have Jerome Parham and Horace Arnold and as a president travelling, we have Isaac Ranguy also playing.”

Finally folks, FIFA the world governing body for football finds itself in a terrible turmoil. Over the weekend, a commission headed by Chuck Blazer cleared President Sepp Blatter of bribery charges while suspending Mohammed Bin Hamman, President of the Asian Football League and a challenger for the presidency of FIFA and the president of CONCACAF jack Warner of Trinidad. Both officials were accused of offering U.S. $40,000 to members of the Caribbean Football Union at a meeting on May 10^th and 11^th. Bin Hammam was to face the incumbent Sepp Blatter on June 1^st in Zurich Switzerland. Like they say in Africa, ye-ye di smell.

Jah overall, I’m James Adderley.

Channel 7

Sportscaster James Adderley’s calorie burning sports update

Good Evening I’m James Adderley and this is Sports Monday.

The Belize Bank Super League Tournament blasted off its 2011 playoffs yesterday with the reams fighting to get into the finals under the double elimination format.

At the People Stadium, Orange Walk United played host to Paradise Freedom Fighters who had not been beaten by the host team during the regular season play.

Thus it was no surprise when the visitors look to open the scoreboard as Delroy Flores’s center across the goalmouth is misjudged by goal keeper Charlie Slusher who is rescued only by a tremendous defensive recovery by #5 Andrew Allen.

It’s more Paradise Freedom Fighters when Alexander Peters deals to Ralph Flores whose potent right foot offering chips off the crossbar.

At the other end OW gets this chance to score when Jarret Davis sends this ball into the danger zone only to see Orrin Wade fail to make the connection.

Mean while OW visited into half more offerings minded so Wade looks for Andrew Allen instead he finds Oliver Hendricks who should have done better which this look at goal from point blank range.

Folks we just want to remind the referee Jones that this is the playoffs and if he doesn’t call this charge by Orlando Castillo on Alexander Peters a foul things could get out of hand.

It’s OW now pressing and good passing in front of the goal forces goalkeeper Stephen Polonio to come out of the goal to stop Jarret Davis from scoring and he gets the job done.

In the very next OW press Andrew Allen gets a lead on goal and only an impressive save by Polonio denies him the goal.

Folks we’re at the 85^th minutes of this ball game when this happens. Oliver Hendricks finds Christopher Hendricks who is unchecked in front of the goal and he smacks it past Polonio to give OW the only goal of the match. Paradise Freedom Fighters felt it was an offside goal even before it scored but referee Jones rules goal since the assistant referee Teddy Andrewin didn’t raise his flag. The Toledo players then mob Andrewin in protest and had not the long arm of the law marched out to protect this official things could have spiraled out of control. Here at Sports Monday we must confess our picture is not conclusive but the goal stands. O.W United beats Paradise Freedom 1-zip.

The other Super League match up Raymond Gentle City Boys kicked off the post season with a 3-zip bang on Placencia Assassin. This Sunday June 12^th the playoffs continue with Placencia Assassin hosting the O.W United at four p.m. While RG City Boys hit the road south for a 3:30p.m appointment with Paradise Freedom Fighters.

Meanwhile folks give it up for West Lake who burned Brown Bombers 2-zip in the decisisve Game three for the Smart Challenge Cup 2011. We say good show guys.

In cricket news two back matches in the Smart Harrison Parks National Cricket Competition were concluded on Saturday. Excellence grounded Western Eagles 7575 to 74 and Wicked Eleven routed Sunrise 104-51. This Saturday June 11^th Wicked Eleven will host Western Eagles at Flowers Bank and Easy Does It sees action against Excellence at Lemonal.

Channel 5

James Adderley’s electrifying and non-regulated Sports Monday

Good evening, I’m James Adderley and this is Sports Monday.

Week three of the Belize Bank Super League proved to be pivotal for all four teams under the double elimination format as they all come in with three points each and identical records of one win, one loss apiece. Here in Belize City the defending champion hosted Orange Walk United inside the MCC Grounds, teams that had split the regular season match-ups. The first real threat at goal comes from the city team when Ryan Simpson launches this set piece that forces Kenny Canul to head the ball over his own goal post and it works. In the early going it’s all City Boys and this spot kick launched by Ryan Simpson forces Charlie Slusher to come up with yet another save. We’re some twenty-two minutes in when Ryan Simpson mounts this individual attack when he is bushwhacked by Kenny Canul who concedes the spot kick just outside the eighteen. It proved to be a bad move because goleador Deon McCauley comes up with a magnificent spot kick that he bends into the goal to give City Boys the 1-zip lead. Orange Walk united looks to reply immediately when Jarret Davis beats out Leon Jones at midfield and then unleashes this screamer that inches outside the far corner of the City Boys’ goal. Nevertheless, it’s more City Boys when David McCauley triggers this corner kick that bounces to Leon Jones whose header is dangerously directed by Jarret Davis but the ball bounces off the far upright. At the twenty-nine minute, Ryan Simpson sends this ball into the box finding Tyrone Muschamp and the left touch gives RG City Boys a 2-zip lead.

Meanwhile, at intermission we took the opportunity to speak to the newly appointed head of the National Football Association of Belize, Michael Blease, set to replace Dr. Bertie Chimilio and the Football Federation of Belize.

Michael Blease, National Football Association of Belize

“For a long time now many people have been crying out for the removal of Dr. Chimilio from the power of football. We know that for FIFA when they put a president in place, that is for a long period of time, but if that president does not develop, does not build a sport, then why must a country do? It is the people of Belize, our youths, that have been suffering over the years. So there will be a transition period where this new national association has to start to work immediately between the time where the federation is suspended.”

James Adderley

“We have been suspended already, but we have not been expelled which means there is still room for negotiation and for some sort of compromise. Do you see that in the offing?”

Michael Blease

“From my vantage point, yes there is room, but I don’t see why there should be room for the remaining executive of the football federation of Belize to remain in power. I think if the people of Belize want to see a change, want to see development and want to see something brand new for Belizean football then I think this is the time for it.”

James Adderley

“I was telling my co-host just a while ago that maybe it would have been better for the powers that be to allow the national team—because it’s the same team that played Trinidad, it’s the same team that played Mexico—to have gone as far as they could then take the drastic action they did.”

Michael Blease

“From our vantage point as well, we believe that if Dr. Chimilio had given that opportunity to play that game, he has been using the players for a number of years as his scapegoat. While he has been locking all the development areas of football, he has been using national team to his advantage. When you don’t feed a national team for FIFA, that’s a big blow for any federation and that’s what Dr. Chimilio wanted to do. And I think those in the area that is dealing with Dr. Chimilio know exactly that he would have used that to his advantage. Many of our players now that are selected on the national team have not made the sacrifices that we have made over the years. When you are selected and paid to go and play on a national team, then that is not pride. When you are selected from among many young Belizeans that have the talent—yes they are a few talented players on the national team—but there are many, many young Belizeans that have been neglected that have the quality and talent that could have been on that national team.”

James Adderley

“I differ with you in the sense that these guys in the sense that these guys certainly were amongst the highest level of players. We had Elroy Kuylen, we had Kafu Roches, Deon McCauley, Elroy Smith—that’s the cream of our crop.”

Michael Blease

“That’s the cream that we have been seeing for a number of years. And that’s because Belizeans have not seen a lot of what we have seen at the super league level. A lot of people have not seen some of our players. Yes I can agree with you on that aspect that those guys are some of our cream players, but there are many more and I don’t think that we should have sacrificed nineteen players for what has been lacking over a number of years.”

But back to the game people, and we’re in early second half play when Leon Jones finds David McCauley whose right away effort did not have enough – to beat Charlie Slusher. In the meantime, Deon McCauley gets another opportunity to display his shooting technique on this spot kick but Lorenzo Diaz digs it out of the goal to deny Deon his second goal of the match. Christopher Hendricks then tries to pull one back for OW with this long distance attempt but it’s not good enough to beat Stanley Reneau. At the seventy-second minute, Ryan Simpson has possession on a three on one break; he opts to keep the ball and he validates that decision with a left foot finish that give City Boys a 3-zip lead. Orvin Wade then gets this chance to get OW on to the scoreboard but Stanley Reneau was having none of that.

Folks, we’re at the seventy-ninth minute when Muschamp deals to Deon McCauley, the first Belizean to score a hat trick in international play, and this powerful left foot launch shows us why as he gives RG City Boys a 4-zip lead. This score held up to the end of regulation as City Boys post the 4-nil big W.

John Pollard, Manager/Coach, City Boys

“I think it’s a very good team. As the coach, I feel very comfortable because I have a bunch of guys who listen and go out and play what you practice. Well some of the players like Muschamp and Leon Jones, they were too anxious most of the time today. Our game is simply: bring the ball in from the flanks, put it inside to the middle and from there the strikers should create and make what they need to score.”

In the other playoff match at the Toledo Union Field a penalty conversion at the forty-fifth minute by Alexander Peters gave Paradise Freedom Fighters a 1-zip victory over Placencia Assassin. Thus after three outings, City Boys shows 6 points, so does Paradise Freedom Fighters while Placencia Assassin and OW United show three points each. This Sunday, June twenty-fifth the Freedom Fighters travel to Placencia while City Boys head to Orange Walk for week four of the playoffs.

Turning to the boxing scene, Leopold Smart Boxing Gym took five fighters to San Pedro for Friday night’s big fight against a Mexican contingent on a Capo Canul Card. The Mexican won the three fights as Javier Rodriguez TKO’d Franco Erwin at one hundred and twenty-four pounds, Marco Gonzalez dispatched Rayford Smith in the second round at one hundred and thirty-five pounds and Anderson Portillo lost a four round decisive to Jesus Pichalles. Things change drastically Max Pain Williams knocked out Jairo Villamil one minute, one second into the fight at one hundred and forty-eight pounds. Mohamed Harmouch of San Pedro then won a four round split decision over Rogel Flores in a savage affair at one hundred fifty-five pounds and then Sherman Galvez won a classy four round decision over a slick Vicente Perez at one hundred and forty-eight pounds. We’ll take the 3-3 final folks.

Channel 5

James Adderley and the Weekend Sports Blotter

Good Evening, I’m James Adderley. Welcome to this serving of Sports Monday.

In the domestic front, Belizean football appears to be in disarray wit the National Sports Council’s suspension of both the Football Federation of Belize headed by Dr. Bertie Chimilio and the newly formed National Football Association under president, Michael Blease. However, on the international stage that perception might not necessarily hold true. After beating Montserrat 5-2 on June 16^th in the away match of their FIFA World Cup qualifier, Team Belize was forced to stage its home game inside San Pedro Sula, Honduras yesterday since the powers that be refused to have this match staged here in the Jewel. In fact, a 5 man delegation from FIFA should meet with the authorities this Wednesday in an effort to map the way forward. Nevertheless, at 3 p.m. yesterday, it was kickoff time between Belize and Montserrat with a bid to the next round of the FIFA World Cup qualifier at stake.

At the 26^th minute of this ballgame, Daniel Jimenez puts Belize on the scoreboard for a 1-nil lead that gives his team some breathing room. This brought a mighty response from Montserrat after intermission as Jay Lee Hodgson tied the score at the 59^th minute. Two minutes later, Deon McCauley, the author of that hat-trick in game 1 scores an important goal for Belize to make it 2-1. Luis Mendez then gets on to the scoreboard at the 63^rd minute as Belize goes on to post the 3-1 victory over Montserrat—a team they were expected to beat anyway.

Thus Team Belize wins the 2 game series in an 8-3 aggregate and are headed to the next round. On July 30^th, the draw will be held in Brazil on who will be hosting the 2014 World Cup. In the meantime, we understand yesterday’s match will be shown in entirety on Channel 5 right after the news.

In cycling news, over 50 riders suited up for the weekend warriors’ race that left Cotton Tree Primary School yesterday at 8:30 a.m. enroute to Leslie Imports just outside Belize City for some 40 miles. And they’re off.

At Mahogany Heights, we find a 3-man lead which includes Preston Martinez and Wilbert Jones trying to pull out of the pack. The pelathon makes their effort so much more difficult by staying within striking distance in a pretty compact unit.

Going into Hattieville, the lead pack is now 10 strong. And again the pelathon remains persistent in keeping up with the pace. At mile 10, it’s Preston Martinez grabbing the final prize on the route as he beat out Wilbert Jones as Frampton hangs on.

Around Mile 6, we find a spill that takes Dangalang Thurton, Santino Castillo and Andrew Ordonez out of the money. Going down the homestretch, we’ve got a new configuration—Preston Martinez is gone, but we’ve got Amir Gonzalez, Barney Brown, Mark Gentle, Wilbert Jones and John Burns on the pace.

We’re going to the tape now and it’s Barney Brown being challenged by Amir Gonzalez. Brown holds on for top honors forcing Gonzalez into 2^nd, Mark Gentle pulls up 3^rd as Roque Matus rolls in 4^th while Wilbert Jones rounds out the top 5. We say congratulations to all.

In basketball news, the National U-17 Team continues its preparation for the upcoming U-17 Centro Basket in Gurabo Puerto Rico from August 3^rd to the 7^th. Head Coach is Fred Garcia and he is being assisted by Fred Gabourel, Matthew Smiling and Bernie Tarr. Only 12 players will make the trip from the daily workouts. That’s it for sports tonight.

Jah Overall, I’m James Adderley.

Channel 5

James Adderley cracks the sports stats

Good Evening, I’m James Adderley and welcome to this serving of Sports Monday. Game II of the Belize Bank Super League Championships unfolded on Saturday night at the Michael Ashcroft Stadium at Independence where the Placencia Assassins hosted RG City Boys. The 2-time defending champions from Belize City needed a win to force a decisive game three while the Placencia team was all about closing the show. Folks, we’re barely into the ballgame when Wilmer Garcia picks out an unguarded Ashley Torres who smacks the ball into the net defended by Stanley Reneau for a 5 minute 1-zip lead. Indeed it couldn’t have been a better start for the Assassins who are stalking the Super League title tonight. 2 minutes later, we’re at the other end of the field when Ryan Simpson sends this spotkick into the box. Leon Jones gets a crack at it but his shot is blocked, the ball rebounds to Deon McCauley on the right side and he punches it into the net. The visitors think they’ve leveled the score when the linesman puts up his flag to signal offside. Referee David Jones, then consults with his assistant and voids the goal. We thought it was a good goal because of the scramble inside the penalty area but the referee rules. Meanwhile folks, a packed Michael Ashcroft Stadium was not expecting a loss of electrical power during the event, but 20 minutes in, we experienced a block out that would last for some 15 minutes. To make matter even more interesting, when the game resumes, a downpour descends upon the scene adding more water to a pitch already soaked from previous rains. Nevertheless, Ashley Torres beats Mark Grant in his quest for a 2^nd goal and thinks he has it until referee Jones riles offside. Folks obviously the referee takes too long to intervene in this altercation between Wilmer Garcia and Ian Gaynair. The picture speaks for itself and things could have gotten way out of control. Garcia receives a yellow card for his role and we play on. At the half, the 1-nil lead holds up. We caught up with the Placencia Assassins Captain Dalton Eiley who has been sidelined by a thigh injury for this Championship series. Folks Dalton Eiley must have known what he was talking about because we’re some 3 minutes into the restart when Luis Torres fires this corner kcik into the danger zone and Wilmer Garcia gets to it first and he ships in the header to make it a 2-zip Placencia lead. This excites young Luis Torres and he goes to work looking good all the way until Stanley Reneau meets him at the finish. At the other end, Ryan Simpson to Leon Jones who keeps it alive to Deon McCauley but his launch is rejected by the crossbar. Some 15 minutes into the 2^nd half, Ryan Simpson is taken down by Brent White inside the 18 and referee David Jones rules penalty. Deon McCauley steps up for City Boys and makes it look easy as he pulls one back for his team. It’s City Boys in search of the equalizer now as Tyronne Muschamp fresh off the bench raises the ball over goalkeeper Stephen Lopez but it also sails over the goal. Jason Young then deals to Deon McCauley whose thrust at goal is deflected by Bernard Linares. Belize let me ask you something: when last did you see the fans brave a pouring rain to watch a football game? I take my hat off to the Placencia fans. It’s getting late so Ian Gaynair tries a long distance final but he doesn’t quit making the connection. The hopes of finding the equalizer before the lone whistle are all tied up in this set piece for City Boys. Elroy Kuylen serves up a beauty but 3 City Boys players can’t come up with the contact. The Placencia Assassins holds on to the 2-1 big Wand with that grabbed hold of the 2011 Belize Bank Super League Title. We say congratulations because you deserve it. Turning to female football, the Belize District competition is set to kick off on August 14^th. An all important meeting is being held at the Civic Centre on Saturday August 6^th at 11:00 a.m. and all 8 teams registered must attend. In other football news, from the Mayor’s Cup finals at Dangriga, Southside crushed Youth for the Future 6-1 to claim the 2011 title while New Site edged Leslie’s Commercial 3-2 to take 3^rd place. Woodrow West of Southside walked away with the MVP award. Best Forward and most goals scored, Carlton Thomas took the rookie of the year award, Shane Armstrong; best defense, Anthony Requena; best keeper, Byron Chavez; best midfield and Paul Morgan, best coach. In other football news, the San Pedro Island Football Competition will hold a meeting for participating teams on Tuesday August 2^nd at the Town Board Conference Room at 5:30 p.m. Contact person is Eden “yellow man” Rowley at telephone number 630-0235. Speaking of San Pedro, a massive triathlon is scheduled under the Costa Maya banner this Sunday at 11:00 a.m. that will feature the sprint distances. Contact person to get in is Efrain “Beeps” Phillips. In cricket news, Western Eagles Criket Club knocked off Berlan Cricket Club 92to 86 in a heated affair to clinch a playoff berth in the Smart Herrian Park national Cricket Competition. In other semi-final match between Surprise and Excellence was rained out and is now scheduled for this Saturday, August 6^th at Bermudian landing. The winner will move on to the 3 game finals against Western Eagles. Finally Folks, the Interoffice Basketball all star show took over the Civic on Friday night and while we have the pictures, we don’t have the full stats. What we do know is that Sheldon Williams of Team Police took the slam dunk contest. Evert Orosco of CYDP gave quite a shot to win the 3-point shootout contest beating out Ashton Edwards. Gregg ‘Chippy’ Rudon led team B over team A in a 63 to 57 final score with an impressive 2 doubles of 22 points 11 rebounds. We say congratulations to one and all. Jah Overall, I’m James Adderley.

Channel 5

James Adderley rounds up all the winners on Sports Monday

Good Evening, I’m James Adderley and welcome to this portion of Sports Monday.

With the Alamilla’s/Ministry of Education and Belize Bank Bulldogs already into the semifinal round of the 2011 Interoffice Basketball Competition, 4 teams took the Civic Centre Friday night looking for the final 2 available spots. We caught up with the shootout between CYDP and the Roe Group. Down by 12 points in the 1^st quarter, Kareem Elrington mounts this individual effort that allows him to get 3 points the hard way for the Roe Group. Elrington would lead his team with 15 points, but at the end of the 1^st, the Roe Group is down by 5.

Early into the 2^nd quarter, Dave Apolonio works his magic through traffic for 2 of his 11 game points. However, the reply by CYDP comes from Jermaine Tillett who goes glass, gets the bucket and the foul which he coward into a 3 point play and would total 10 points. Arthur Neal then pulls up from around the charity stripe for 2 of his 9 points. Still at the half, CYDP leads by 6.

In the 3^rd, Jacob Leslie who would lead all plays with 22 points, gives CYDP 3 more points with the and 1. Earl Johnson then makes his presence felt going down the middle of the Roe defense for 3 the hard way. He would put up 17 points tonight and at the end of 3, the CYDP lead is still 6.

In the 4^th, Ryan Bennett helps his team in the hunt by working the glass for 2 of his 10 points. Unfortunately, the Roe Group cannot contain Leslie Jacob who puts CYDP on his back. Here is Leslie with the steal and then he goes all the way for 2—CYDP sends the Roe Group packing in a 77-65 final score.

Meanwhile in the early game, the Port of Belize eliminated Tuff E Nuff in 64-55 finish that saw AC Augustune strike for a 2 doubles of 15 points 20 rebounds. Thus, the 3 game semifinals which begin on Wednesday while Alamilla/Ministry of Education will be matched up with Belize Bank Bulldogs.

In table tennis news, Zhi Chin took the 2011 Summer Table Tennis Tournament staged over the weekend by the BTIA by disposing of Mel Ayuso twice under the double elimination format. Ernesto Rivero then disposed of Tux Vasquez to grab 3^rd place while Nicholas martin handled Amin Vasquez to finish 4^th in the open division. In the 15 and under/Cadet division, Asher Arthurs took the top spot by edging Gian Lisbey while newcomer Yanick Young took home 3^rd place.

Turning to the softball scene, Telemedia wrested the Belize City female softball championship from Mirage Lade Rebels Friday night inside the Rogers Stadium in a 13-6 final score that saw Telemedia score their 13 runs on 14 hits as Mary Flowers picks up the victory.

Meanwhile, the male competition saw Oceana’s Pros easily beating Strikers 11 to 3 on Friday’s schedule. The action continues today at 7 p.m. with Strikers facing Dantos in the opener while Dantos will return in the nightcap to take on Oceana’s Pros. In the meantime, a male all star team has been selected to participate in an international friendly series against Alajuela male Softball Club from San Jose, Costa Rica which gets off Friday, August 12^th at Rogers Stadium.

Now here are the results from the 2^nd annual Island Man triathlon sponsored by Costa Maya at San Pedro over the weekend. In the male individual class, Kent Gabourel took top honors forcing Kenroy Gladden into 2^nd while Jim Scott finished 3^rd. in the female side; Denise Diaz tool the event and in the team category, one love consisting of CEli Jean Grief, Alexander Graniel and Haulze reigned supreme.

In cycling news, Team Belize which participated in the 14^th Vuelta Centroamericana de Provenir staged at Guatemala from the 4^th to the 7^th August returns home today with mixed results. For a 2^nd year in a row, Deezan Spence returns with the Green Sprinter Jersey after establishing himself on the very 1^st day of the tour. However, he finished 45^th overall. In the hour, Belize’s best position came from Aiden Juan at 26^th; Oscar Quiroz was 29^th, Austin Armstrong 43, Kyle Gentle 48 and Juan Umana 49^th.

In the football scene, the Belize District female competition kicks off this Sunday with all 6 teams seeing action at Ladyville. ISL Star FC takes on heats, Millen sees action against Orchids and Tornados will face Untouch.

In news from the Belize City Championship Cup, West Lake crushed Survivals 4-1 and FC Belize burned the B.D.F. 3-1 on penalties after a 4-4 regulation tie. The winners now advance to the 2 game Championship series which begins this Sunday at the MCC Grounds.

Jah Overall, I’m James Adderley.