Football dominated the Weekend Sports

Good evening, I’m James Adderley. Welcome to Sports Monday.

The PLB playoffs got off with a bang over the weekend with all 4 teams seeing action in a bid to reach the finals as the league seeks to produce a champion to represent the Jewel in this year’s UNCAF Champions Tournament. So we take you to the MCC Grounds where FC Belize played host to the red hot Police United yesterday intending to use the home field to get a jump in this home and away series. It certainly was a brilliant start for FC as we’re only a minute in when Ian Gaynair throws in to Jeremy Bermudez who gets this ball across the face of the goal to Jeremy James who gives his team a quick 1-zip lead. The Police responds immediately by ramping up the pressure and it pays off when Evan Mariano finds Bernard Linares who punches this grasshead burner into the far corner to tie the ballgame at 1 apiece. 7 minutes later, Police takes the lead when Orlando Jimenez gets this ball in front of the goal to Evan Mariano whose right away attempt that was going wide bounces off Ivor Arriola for the dreaded auto goal and Police goes up 2 to 1.

This corner kick fired by Francisco Briceño gives FC Belize a chance at the equalizer but courageous defending by the Police stifles the attempt. A minute later when Ivor Arriola picks out Jeremy James, the striker should have delivered the tie; instead he unleashes a high riser. James tries to make amends with this header but it would be snatched up by Glenford Chimilio Jr. So Francisco Briceño decides to test him from outside the 18 with this left foot bomb but again Chimilio handles the occasion. FC Belize does get a break when Thomas Castro is taken down inside the box forcing referee Irfan Basdemir to point to the penalty spot. Cristobal Gilharry gets the call and serves up a beauty to tie the ballgame at 2 apiece at the 60^th minute. Police United then took to regain the lead off this corner kick kept alive to Bernard Linares whose launch forces Rawley to punch and he nearly concedes with an auto goal when the ball bits the far upright. Game 1 of the series ends in a 2-2 tie.

In other semifinal series, the B.D.F. and Placencia Assassins battled to a scoreless stalemate at Placencia yesterday. So Week 2 of the playoffs must produce winners this Sunday, April 28^th even if it means going to penalty kicks. Police United will now host FC Belize at the Isidorio Beaton Stadium while the B.D.F. will be inside the Norman Broaster Stadium against Placencia Assassins. Only 2 teams will move on so lookout for major fireworks.

Turning to the Belize Female Football League, Dangriga Pumas headed to Esperanza on Saturday for its date with Gentle Touch. It’s the visitors with the 1^st real chance to score when Dorita Ramos gets this look at an open goal only to raise the ball over the crossbar. A few minutes later, it’s Ashanti Velasquez with this center to Miss Mejia who converts it to the 1^st goal of the ballgame as the visitors go up 1-zip. In the meantime, Shereen Vasquez should have handled this ball before the bounce—she doesn’t so Kimberly Perez ties the ballgame at 1 apiece. Off this spot kick, Gentle Touch gets at least 3 opportunities to score but nevertheless Dorita Ramos pounces on this pass in front of an empty goal and drills it home for the 2-1 score.

A few minutes later, this corner kick causes confusion in the Griga defense as the ball bounces into the net for the 2-2 score so credits Shanell Gentle with the goal. It’s late in the ballgame when Gentle deals to Marilyn Flores who pushes the ball past Shereen Vasquez and it turns out to be the game winner in a 3-2 score.

In other football news, results from Orange Walk Compeition shows that in Week 3, Progresso pounded Douglas 5-zip, Sinbad crushed San Juan 5-1, Otro Benque edged San Estevan 4-3 and Crystal FC doubles Trial Farm 2-1. In the South Zone, San Cruz blanked Chan Pine Ridge 2-nil, Yo Creek and Palmar battled to a 3-3 stalemate, August Pine Ridge lashed LA Boys 2-zip and Tower Hill handles Trinidad in a 5-3 finish.

Jah over all, I’m James Adderley.

Channel 5

Sports Monday Highlights with James Adderley

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

The battle to get into the 1^st championship series as presented by the Premier League of Belize raged simultaneously at the Norman Broaster Stadium in San Ignacio and inside the F.F.B. stadium at Capital City, Belmopan Saturday night. We take you inside the Norman Broaster Stadium where the Belize Defense Force hosted Placencia Assassins after last week’s scoreless draw in Game 1 and we are early into the ballgame when Harrison Tasher is taken down inside the eighteenth by Dalton Eiley and the referee rules penalty. David Trapp, captain of the B.D.F. team gets the call only to disappoint with a launch that bounces off the near upright and the Assassins breathe a sigh of relief. We’re some 14 minutes in when Elias Donaire finds Dellon Torres and his crushing header gives Placencia the 1-zip lead. Vallan Symms then looks to tie the ballgame off this set piece but the launch curls into goalkeeper Elias Pelayo and Placencia leads 1-nil.

In 2^nd half, we find the B.D.F. still pressing for the equalizer so Byron Usher picks out Harrison Tasher with this wonderful pass but the header by Tasher sails over the horizontal bar. The military gets another chance to come up with the equalizer when Luis Mendez deals to Erwin Flores who really should have done better. At the other end, Placencia looks to double the lead only to be denied by the timely intervention of the B.D.F. keeper, Frank Lopez. In the meantime, Elias Pelayo is asked to come up with a necessary save off this shot by Marlon Meza and he does. Nevertheless, the equalizer comes at the 80^th minute and it comes when Meza’s launch into the danger zone is misplayed by the Assassin’s defense and Daniel Jimenez makes them pay. Talk about a big time save; this right foot grass head burner from Daniel Jimenez has goal written all over it until Pelayo intervenes.

It’s getting late so Rollin Burgess seeks to seal the WIN with this powerful smash but is denied by a fine save from Frank Lopez and at the end of 90 minutes, we have a 1-1 tie. So we go to overtime and we’re 7 minutes in when Zerrick Torres fires this bomb that beats Lopez as the Assassins takes a 2-1 lead. But the B.D.F. wouldn’t quit. Daniel Jimenez triggers this set piece that is headed out to Marlon Meza whose right away bouncer ties the ballgame at the 111^th minute of play; which forces the decision to be made from penalty kicks. Marlon Meza of the B.D.F. gets the first shot and he gives his team the lead. Zerrick Torres steps up and ties it for Placencia. Danny Jimenez who played a whale of a game disappoints when he gets his turn. Luis Torres then gives Placencia the lead with this offering. Harrison Tasher keeps the B.D.F. alive with this conversion. However Rollin Burgess keeps his team ahead with this goal. Khalil Vasquez put his attempt too close to Pelayo who makes the save. So when Ashley Torres steps up and sends Lopez the wrong way, it’s all over as the Placencia Assassins are into the championship series with the 4-2 win on penalty kicks. Placencia will face Police United who burned FC Belize on a goal from Trevor Lennox Saturday night inside the F.F.B. Stadium. Game 1 is set for Saturday May 5^th inside the Michael Ashcroft Stadium and the series concludes on May 12^th at the F.F.B. Stadium.

In news from the Stann Creek Easter Cup, Galindo Proper Fix crushed Bilboa 8-zip while Harlem and Hopkins settled for a 1-1 score. On Tuesday, Foreshore Elegance takes on Marie Sharp and Ghans hooks up with Valley Pride. Turning to the softball scene, Friday’s matchup in the Belize City senior Female Competition found Telemedia in action against Mirage Lady Rebels. We pick up the action in the 3^rd inning as Mirage Lady Rebels find themselves down by 2 runs. Sharett Jones smacks this 2 run double off Mary Flowers and we are tied at 4 apiece. Kyle McFadzean breaks the tie in the 5^th inning with this 2 run double to right off Laniesha Jones. Telemedia would score 3 runs in. they would get 2 more in the 6^th and 1 in the 7^th to grab the victory in a 10-6 final score as Mary Flowers gets the win and Laniesha Jones is tagged with the loss. On tonight’s ticket at Roger’s Stadium, Telemedia goes to work against Orchid Blazers.

Finally folks, Wesley Upper School got past Holy family RC School 41-36 to grab the national Male Primary School Basketball championship on Friday. Meanwhile Belize rural Primary School defeated Louisiana Government School 20-2 to take the female title. Kristy Terry of Belize rural was voted female Most Valuable Player, while Shaquille Crawford of Wesley Upper emerged with MVP honors on the male side.

Jah over all, I’m James Adderley.

Channel 5

Football, softball and cycling ups on Sports Monday

Good evening, I’m James Adderley. Welcome to this issue of Sports Monday.

The championship series for the 2012 Premier League of Belize title got underway inside the Michael Ashcroft Stadium Saturday night to a full house as the Placencia Assassins hosted Police United in what turned out to be a competitive and entertaining confrontation. After a rather drawn out feeling out process it’s the Assassins with the first real attempt at goal when Scott Casey deals to Leomar Leslie who lets fly a powerful left foot shot that sails over the crossbar. The Police responds off this set piece triggered by James Logan Jr. that appears to be just an inch too high for Orlando Jimenez to do something with. It’s more Police on the hunt when Devon Makin beats Jason Kelly to this ball only to fire a high riser.

We’re at the 35^th minute when Devon Makin is stripped of the ball by Luis Torres who makes him pay the highest price by slicing the ball past Japheth Young to give Placencia Assassins the 1-sip lead. 2 minutes later, the Assasssins should have doubled their lead but Ashley Torres unleashes a high riser on this open look at goal. Nevertheless, the 2-nil lead does come at the 43^rd minute when Ashley Torres fires at goal—Japheth Young punches it out to Ashley who finds the back of the net from an acute angle. We’re in early second half play when Ernie Whyte tries to make it a 3-zip lead for Placencia but fails to find the far corner of the goal. The Placencia pressure continues when Whyte sends this ball into the danger zone forcing Japheth Young to come up with a big time save.

In the meantime, the Police dodge a bullet when Zerrick Torres fires this full volley that just inches outside the sticks. The Police finally looks like the undefeated team from regular season play when Andres Makin picks out Evan Mariano who mounts an individual effort that culminates with a left foot for the only police. No doubt the Placencia Assassins dominated Police United in this home leg and deserve the 2-1 big W. Game II comes up at the F.F.B. Stadium on Saturday where the Police find themselves in the role of host in a ballgame they must win not to be relegated to the role of bridesmaid.

In other football news, play in the Stann Creek District Easter Cup over the weekend saw DYFA U-19 dump Real Juventus 3-1, Benguche and Canada Hill Aguillas settled for a 1-1 tie, Hopkins doubled BIlboa 2-1 while Umadagu U-19 and Rivas Strikers ended in a 2 all stalemate. This weekend inside the Carl Ramos Stadium, Marie Sharp takes on Valley pride and Harlem faces Southside on Friday. On Sunday, Real Juventus battles Ghans and Galindo Proper Fix goers to work against Benguche FC.

Now here are the results from Week 5 in the Old Master Challenge Cup. In the North Zone, San Juan and Trial Farm battled to a 3-3 draw. Progreso FC handles Sinbad FC in a 4-2 finish and San Estevan mashed up O.W. Police 5-zip. In the South, Guinea Grass United routed Yo Creek 8-zip, Chan Pine Ridge edged August Pine Ridge 3-2 and L.A. Boys lashed Palmar 3-zip.

Turning to cycling news, the Weekend Warriors Speed Race saw Ray Hyde of Santino’s win the 28 mile ride A-Class race in 1hr. 10mins 52 seconds missing the record by 52 seconds. Barney Brown pulled up 2^nd and Maurice Kelly 3^rd. in the B-Class, Antonio Escarpeta of BCB/FT Williams took top honors while his teammates Mark Lisbey and Floyd Williams finished 2^nd and 3^rd, respectively.

Meanwhile folks, the Female Cross Country Classic 2012 comes up this Sunday, May 12^th on the Western highway. Shalini Zabaneh goes in as defending champion but will be challenged by Kaya Cattouse this time around.

Turning to the softball scene, Belize Telemedia Limited put its undefeated record in the Belize City Female Senior Tournament yesterday inside Roger’s Stadium against Orchid Blazers. We pick up the action in the bottom of the 2^nd with B.T.L. looking to add to a 3-zip lead when Kyle McFadzean smashes Norecia Richards to the outfield only to be denied a hit by this fine catch from Shanika Hilton. In the top of the 3^rd, Mary Flowers facing Hilton with the bases loaded, unleashes this wild pitch that allows Miss Belisle to score from 3^rd base—the 1^st run scored by orchid Blazers. After walking Hilton, B.T.L. pitcher, Mary Flowers serves up this single to Agnes Lucas as Lynette Staine brings in the 2^nd run. Bases are still loaded when Joline Davis hits this ball to Elaine Humes who goes to 3^rd instead of home and another run scores to tie the ballgame at 3-apiece.

In the bottom of the 4^th, Norecia Richards faces Norecia Frazer with 2 on who smacks her for a double to bring in 2 more B.T.L. runs. The next batter up is the pitcher, Mary Flowers who hits for a double to bring in Frazer. So the Blazers bring in Ashley Lucas to pitch and after getting 2 outs, she serves up this single to Lydia Cacho who brings in Flowers for another run. Give the win to Mary Flowers and B.T.L. who go on to roll over Orchid Blazers in a 12-6 final score. In play on Thursday, Orchid Blazers humbled Hurricanes 20-2 but lost on Friday to Mirage Lady Rebels in a 5-4 decision.

Jah over all, I’m James Adderley.

Channel 5

Sports Monday’s Women Cycling Edition

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

The Premier League of Belize reached money time inside the FFB Stadium Saturday night as Police United made its final bid to grab the 2012 Championship by playing host to the red hot Placencia Assassins who came in after winning game one of the home and away series in a 2-1 blast. Cognizant of the need to win game two the Police goes offensive from the very start as Bernard Linares gets 2 opportunities to center into the danger zone – on the 2^nd attempt he finds Trevor Lumon whose header is easily collected by goalkeeper Elias Pelayo.

Nevertheless it’s the Assassins who strike first off this set piece that Luis Torres deals to Elias Denaire and his wonderful left foot strike beats Japheth Young whose touch is not enough to keep the visitors from going up 1-zip 12 minutes in. It’s Placencia again looking to score off the corner kick but this time the Police defense does its job. Placencia Assassins now bubbling with confidence looks to double the lead when André Makin gifts this ball to Leomar Leslie and only the heroics of Japheth Young keeps the score at 1-zip.

The Police look for the equalizer off this set piece launch by Orlando Jimenez that bounces off the horizontal bar. By the way Police Untied I have to agree with referee Williams that this hand ball by captain Dalton Eiley of Placencia inside the area is an inadvertent ball to hand and should not cause a penalty kick. In fact this defensive effort by Japheth Young against Leomar Leslie is closer to a penalty call than the Eiley foul. So we go to 2^nd half and Trevor Lumon mounts this individual effort that forces Elias Pelayo into a necessary save. Meanwhile this save but Japheth Young at the other end in not necessary because it is obvious that Leomar Leslie intentionally uses his hand in this attempt to score, for which he promptly and rightly gets a yellow card. It’s Trevor Lumon again looking for the equalizer and while the shot is potent, it misses the target. Now watch this clash of heads between Trevor Lumon and Dalton Eiley off this corner kick fired by Orlando Jimenez. Both players would need medical attention and are stretchered off the field to the waiting ambulance. Lumon would not return to the fray. But here is Dalton Eiley with his head bandaged retaking his position on the field a couple of minutes later.

Folks we’re into extra time when the Police work this set piece to perfection. Jimenez deals to Leon Jones who picks out Evan Mariano and for a 2^nd week in a row the Birdman puts Police on the score board. Unfortunately it turns out to be a case of too little too late because when Leon Hones sends this set piece into the stands – the whistle brings the curtain down as Placencia Assassins wins the title with a 3-2 aggregate and we say congratulations. It’s the 2^nd year in a row that Placencia has claimed a major football title. Last year it was the Super League Championship which they wrestled from Raymond Gentle City Boys and this year they defeat Police United to grab the 1^st PLB Championship. Big respect. The Police who had an undefeated regular season could not find the win in the championship round. In the meantime, Jesse Smith of San Pedro Seadogs scored the most goals this season with 8.

Turning to the cycling scene we join yesterday’s start of the 23^rd Annual Female Cross Country Cycling Classic at San Ignacio where only 6 riders suited up for the 68.54 mile ride. To your left in the front row is defending champion Shalani Zabaneh, Marinette Flowers in next and Kirah Eiley completed the picture, while the back row features Tris Centino, rising star Kaya Cattouse and Patricia Chavarria. Heading into Georgeville we find Marinette Flowers in control of the pace and this veteran rider would sweep all 3 station prizes offered in the hills and would claim the $300.00 prize offered by M&M Engineering. However, coming out of Roaring Creek the new wimble finds Patricia Chavarria leading a 5 person group that features Kaya Cattouse, Shalani Zabaneh, Kirah Eiley and Marinette Flowers in that order.

Coming off the bridge at St. Matthews the 5 person peloton remains a compact unit. At Hattieville the big 5 remain a cohesive unit as they continue to rotate on the pace. At the Police Sub-Station Marinette Flowers is the first to jump the speed bump and indeed Flowers was involved in most of the pacing. So now its money time in a 5 person sprint. Kaya Cattouse attacked on the outside while Marinette makes her move on the inside. Shalani Zabaneh then tries to overtake Kaya but runs out of room as Kaya Cattouse of C Ray takes the win in 4 hours 29 minutes. Shalani Zabaneh of Sagitun settles for 2^nd place, Marinette Flowers hangs on to 3^rd place, Patricia Chavarria pulls up 4^th while Kirah Eiley rounds up the top 5.

Channel 5

Tuesday Edition of James Adderley’s Sports Monday

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

The Women Football Championship series kicked off yesterday at the Louisiana Government School field at Orange Walk where the red hot Suga City Girls hosted the Dangriga Pumas who have emerged as a serious title contender in 2012. In the 3^rd minute of the match, the home team sets to open the scoreboard off this set piece triggered by Karen Garcia, but Sherean Vasquez handles the situation. Folks we’ve just got to say that Sherean Vasquez is on top of her game today when she comes up with this save on this well struck shot from Nathalie Macias. It’s more Suga City Girls when Karen Garcia works her way through traffic to fire from pointblank range only to miss the target. Suga City Girsls are comfortably secure in the rule of protagonist when Karen Garcia gets past 2 defensive players to punch one past Sherean Vasquez for the 1-zip lead some 35 minutes in.

Five minutes later, Shelya Reina picks out Janelle Chan who is unattended inside the box and she makes it a 2-zip lead going into intermission. Suga City Girls extended their control of the match into 2^nd half when Karen Garcia deals to Gisel Baeza whose first touch frees her up for a one on one look at Sherean Vasquez and O.W. goes up 3-nil. Gisel Baeza then outruns the Dangriga defense to slice one into the far corner for the 4-zip O.W. lead. However, in the waning minutes of the ballgame, the Pumas get the consolation goal from their captain, Nykinia Kuylen whose left foot launch bounces off Jessica McCullock for the 4-1 score. Sugar City Girls would hang on to take Game 1 in a 4-1 final score and now the scene shifts to the Carl Ramos Stadium at Dangriga for Game 2.

In other football news, play in the Stann Creek Easter Cup saw Ghans crush Foreshore Elegance 8-nil and Hopkins edged Hope Creek Pumas 2-1. Regular season concludes this weekend with Southside facing Galindo Proper Fic and Hope Creek takes on Canada Hill—that’s on Friday. While on Sunday, Benguche battles Harlem and DYFA U-19 goes up against Valley Pride. Meanwhile, we say congratulations to Umadagu U-19 who won the 7^th Annual Benguche Day Football Marathon as Southside finished 2^nd and Conquerors 3^rd.

Turning to the Volleyball scene, the action was fast and furious in the male division of the Belize District Division I competition staged inside the Belize Elementary Auditorium on Saturday as Home Protector Rebels and Jaguars battled for supremacy going into the playoffs. we pick up the action in the 4^th set as Rebels tries to close out the 5 game series in set 4 with a 2-1 lead. We’re tied at 36-apiece when Shane Gentle’s serve forces an error from Robbie Gongora that cannot be saved by Elton Moore and Jaguars lead 27 to 26. Ties at 27 points apiece, Joseph Khalid Coleman setting up Elton Moore replies in kind for the tie at 28 apiece. It’s nip and tick and this touch by Khalid Coleman is good enough to tie the game at 30 apiece.

However, Jaguars refuse to quit and off this set by Albert Bradley, Derrick Morgan returns the lead to his team. Can the Rebels come back? Albert Bradley’s serve is mishandled by Robbie Gongora who gifts the easy smash to Derrick Morgan and Jaguars force a decisive Game 5 in a 32-30 final score. They would win that game easily in a 15-9 score and it’s the Jaguars going into the playoffs as the #1 seed. This they get the bye. Home Protectors Rebels finish as the # 2 seed and Scorpions in the # 3 spot which means the Rebels and the Scorpions begin a 3-game series on Thursday to determine who faces jaguars in the Championship round.

On the female side, Moen Stars easily prevailed over FQ Stars in the opener Saturday in a 25-16, 25-13, 25-6 rout. These 2 will open the playoffs on Thursday with a 3-game series to determine who faces the # 1 seed, Lady Jaguars for the title.

Channel 5

Ball Bouncing Sports Update with James Adderley

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

Game II of the National Female Football Championship travelled to the Carl Ramos Stadium on Saturday where the Dangriga Pumas played host to Suga City Girls who came in with a one game lead after last week’s convincing 4-1 victory in Game I. The visitors look to strike early again when Nathalie Macias sends this ball into the danger zone. Goalkeeper, Sherean Vasquez mishandles the ball but does recover before any damage is done. However, it’s the home team who open the scoreboard when Ashanti Velasquez’s shot is kept out by Jessica McCullock—Nykinah Kuylen’s 1^st attempt at goal is turned back by the O.W. defense—but there’s no stopping her 2nd attempt as Dangriga Pumas boast a 1-zip lead some 20 minutes in. a few minutes later, Ashanti Velasquez gets this chance to double the lead only to fire a left foot that rises.

Folks, the home cooking seems to do wonders for the Pumas as Dorita Ramos out runs the Suga City defense to double the Dangriga lead at the 30th minute. It’s more Dangriga Pumas when 4 minutes later; Dorita Ramos displays her prowess as a striker with this right foot punch that makes it a 3-zip ballgame. The Suga City Girls then look to pull one back when Macias picks out Noriely Terry with this pass but she can’t come up with the final touch to make it count. However, it’s off the set piece that the visitors get on the scoreboard when the Dangriga defense fails to make a routine clearance—Sheyla Reina pounces on the loose ball to make it is a 3-1 score. We’re in early 2^nd half play when Ashanti Velasquez gets this open look at goal and indeed she should have moved the scoreboard on this chance. The Pumas continue to push the action and Nykinah Kuylen puts this ball too close to Jessica McCullock to make it count. However, on the very next offensive press, Kuylen outruns the defense and beats the keeper to make it a 4-1 score and we’re virtually tied in aggregate out 5 goals apiece. Kuylen then looks to put her team in the lead with this offering only to be denied by the crossbar. At the other end, the usually steady Gisel Baeza looks to put Suga City back in the lead but instead unleashes a high riser. Ernalyn Nunez gets her chance to give Griga the lead with this attempt that sees McCullock make the save. Now here’s the biggest goal of the series and it comes from Gisel Baeza who mounts this individual effort and beats Sherean Vasquez to make it a 4-2 final score. Thus Suga City Girls grab the title in a 6-5 aggregate and we say congratulations to the new National Female Football Champion.

Turning to the basketball scene, the Interoffice League opened the 2012 Season at Big Bird’s Isle Friday night and we join the opening match as the Ministry of Education boasts a 3 pt lead over our Tuff and Nuff. Kurt Burgess hits 2 free throws to make a 5 pt lead with 3:45 remaining in the ballgame. But hold everything folks, this bucket by Ashton Edwards ties the ballgame at 47 points apiece. Kurt Burgess picks up this shot that drops short to give M.O.E. a 49-47 lead. Stephen Williams then knocks down this 3 point shot to put Tuff and Nuff ahead by 1. The dread Domingo goes glass for 2 as M.O.E. regains the 1 point lead. Now watch Edwards find Stephen Williams and he knock down the 3 point shot as Tuff and Nuff wins in a 53-51 final score.

In cycling news, we caught up with stage II of the Weekend Warriors stage tour yesterday as 15 A riders suited up for the 30 mile ride from Burrell Boom to the junction with the Northern Highway and then swing back to finish at Leslie’s Imports on the Western Highway. We go to the finish and it’s Luigi Urbina of C-Ray grabbing the win, James Frampton of Santino’s takes 2^nd, Ernest Meighan also of Santino’s finishes 3^rd while Liam Stewart of M&M rounds out the top 4. Now here’s the sprint for the B and C Class win: Roque Matus of M&M grabs the Win, Leroy Vargas of BWS pulls up 2^nd and Mark Reid of Zitro rounds out the top 3. Leading in the A Class after 3 stages is Liam Stewart, Luigi Urbina is 2^nd and Raymond Hyde is 3^rd—this is after 3 stages. In the B & C Class: Roque Matus leads, Edward Villanueva is 2^nd and Leroy Vargas 3^rd. meanwhile, the Festina Cancun race staged in Mexico over the weekend saw Byron Pope take 1^st place, Brandon Cattouse was 2^nd and Herman Requeña finished 5^th. Kaya Cattouse and Kera Eiley finished 1^st and 2^nd respectively in the female race.

Finally in Volleyball news, the championship series for the male and female titles get off on Thursday at the Belize Elementary Auditorium with Moen Stars facing Lady Jaguars and Home Protector Rebels go to work against Jaguars.

Jah over all, I’m James Adderley.

Channel 5

James Adderley’s groundbreaking sports update

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

The Volleyball Community convened inside the Belize Elementary Auditorium on Saturday in an effort to produce the 2012 Champion in both male and female play. Today, we start with ladies first as Lady Jaguars and Moen Stars clash in Game II of the 3 game championship series. Down a game, Moen Stars come out blazing as Sherlene Johnson skillfully finds Emma Horra who sets up Shelmadine Cacho for a monster smash. Horra and Cacho again combine their skills for this masterful touch that leaves Lady Jaguars looking when Taheera Ahmad returns this smash from Jasmine Anderson. Moen Stars grabs the 1^st set in Game II in a 25 to 17 decision. Set 2 brings a keen struggle between these 2 teams and it’s Lady Jaguars with a 24 – 22 lead when Sherlene Johnson’s serve forces an easy point for the 24 – 23 score. However, Tichele Solis might have taken too long to serve, but the referee reverses himself after consultations and Lady Jaguars evens the game at a set apiece with the 25 – 23 finish.

Set 3 also proved to be a nail biter and we’re again tied at 23 points apiece when Solis’ return causes some miscommunication among the stars. And then Kelsey Balderamos mishandles this serve from Tanesha Encalada to hand Lady Jaguars a 2 – 1 lead. Folks, set 4 might have found a discouraged Moen Stars who feel easily in a 25 – 10 final score. Here’s the final point of the match as Sherylee Young-Thurton’s tap over the net is misplayed by Taheera Ahmad to give Lady Jaguars the 25 – 18 win and they grab the 2012 Female title. We say good show Lady Jaguars.

So we go to Game II of the Male Championship with Jaguars coming in with a 1 game lead over Rebels. Jaguars show a 21 – 19 lead when Elton Anderson sets up Arnie Augustine for the smash but the hitter has to relinquish the point for touching the net. On this point, Orel Leslie fails to handle the ball properly for the Rebels which allows the Jaguars to lead 24 – 19. And then he gives the opening set to the Jaguars with this poor serve as the Jaguars win 25 – 21. Folks, the Jaguars might have been guilty of complacency because they would not win another set. Off this serve, they show good team defense as Tarike Campbell and Elton Moore combine to return this smash from Shane Gentle for a 7 – nil score. Make it 11 – 2 when Jaleel Lino goes for power instead of accuracy on this smash. Rebels would go on to even the set at 1-apiece with the 25 – 13 score.

In cycling news, the Weekend Warriors Line trials was staged on Sunday mostly on the Boom Circuit. Shalini Zabaneh of Cayo Rentals won the 10 mile Master A Class in 23:03—the best time delivered overall. Perry Gibson of AAA prevailed in the Masters B Category with his time of 25 minutes 17 seconds. Stephan Bissett of BNE posted a time of 23:48 to win the Veteran’s A Category. Chris Berry also of BNE took the Veteran’s B Class in 27:38, while Earl Thompson of Cayo Rentals won Category C in 28:35. The next event on the Weekend Warriors Calendar is the National Road Championships.

Turning to the Table Tennis scene, the 2nd RF&G Biannual National Ranking Tournament was staged at the BES Auditorium over the weekend. Matthew Usher won the 15 and Under Cadet Class with Misheln Musa finished 2^nd. Wen Te Chen beat Aaron Stock to capture the C-Division. Tyrone Tun was able to stop Hector Lopez to grab the B Division, while Nicholas Martin dispatched Tyron Tun to become # 1 in the A Division.

Finally in basketball news, interoffice play at Big Bird’s Isle Friday night saw CYDP blowout Telemedia 71 to 43. Marcel Orosco led the way with 20 points including four 3 pointers while Orwin Orosco added 15 points. For Telemedia, Ashley Hemsley hit 12 points; Kareem Thompson scored 8 points and pulled 7 rebounds in the loss.

Jah over all, I’m James Adderley.

Channel 5

James Adderley’s weekend sports wrap up

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

The stage was set for a monster showdown inside Bermudian Landing on Saturday where Berlan hoped to force a decisive Game III in its battle with Western Eagles to make it to the Championship series. We pick up the action with Berlan fielding on the pitch having battled in a total of 76 runs for all out in which Sherman Smith led the way with 31 runs. However, it’s the tandem of Norman Pool and Joseph Tillett who would lead the charge for Western Eagles as Pook smashes for a 4. Norman Pook not only plays the long ball, but certainly demonstrates right here against Kevin Flowers who struck for 4 wickets. Nevertheless, Pook does pop up here and is forced to retire with 19 points batted in. On the very next reset, the other half of the deadly duo succumbs also after elbowing this ball in the safe hands of the bowler, Flowers.

With 6 outs in the book, Berlan knows it sits precariously with only a 3 point lead when Dean Perez crunches this fast ball for a 6 and the Eagles know they’ve clinched a spot in the 2012 Smart Harrison Parks Championship Road. For certain, Dean Perez will remember this particular outing after being carried by the excited fans. Western Eagles of Rancho is headed to the big dance people. In the other semifinal series, Excellent of Double Head Cabbage was able to grab Game I in a scorching 228-225 score that saw the victory boil down to the very last bat. Thus Game II comes this Saturday to Crooked Tree and the home team expects to tie the series and force a decisive Game III.

Changing in gears folks, we must compliment the Hattieville United Youth Sporting Club for its unceasing efforts to assist the community through sports. This Saturday, June 16^th, they will present King of the Park Vol. II—a basketball tournament that will run through the summer until school re-opens. 8 Junior teams and 6 Senior teams will be accommodated on a first come first serve basis. Registration deadline is Thursday, June 14^th. Contact numbers are 669-4330 and 631-2212. On June 23^rd, the Club will present an U-15 Football Marathon at the Hattieville Field for 8 onlt elite teams. Contact numbers are 669-4330 and 624-5790.

In football news, the Stann Creek Easter Cup Football Playoffs kicked off its playoff round inside the Carl Ramos Stadium on Friday night. Southside bombed Ghans 5-2 while Hopkins hurt Rivas Strikers 4-2 after 2-2 deadlock in overtime play. At the U-9 level, Umadagu blanked Hope Creek Pumas 3-zip and Benguche beat DYAF U-19 two to one. On Friday, June 15^th, Benguche battles Umadagu and Southside will face Hopkins.

Turning to the cycling scene, we’re all waiting for the BCA’s National Road Championship, but in the meantime, we turn over attention to Weekend Warrior Championships which was staged yesterday. 12 of the best in the A Class are suited up and they’re off on a 65 mile journey that starts at Caves Branch Bridge and would finish at M&M Engineering on the Northern Highway. At Cottom Tree, a 7 man lead has been firmly established with Luigi Urbina on the pace followed by Ray Hyde, Shalini Zabaneh, Orrin Jones, Stephen Bisset, Robert Cassasola and James Frampton. Around the Hattieville roundabout, the big 7 remains intact but have been joined by 2 more riders as they head on to the Boom Road. At the Old Airport Road in Ladyville, it’s back to 7 with Orrin Jones on the pace, followed by Ray Hyde, Luigi Urbina, James Frmpton, Robert Cassasola, Stephen Bisset and Shalini Zabaneh. Here’s a final look at the magnificent center dismounting the Hawkesworth Bridge as it becomes obvious there will be a big sprint for the big W. Now here’s money time; Luigi Urbina of C-Ray jumps on the pace and won’t be caught. James Frampton of Santino’s works his way into 2^nd and behold, Shalini Zabaneh of Cayo Rentals as she takes 3^rd. Robert Cassasola is 4^th, Stephen Bisset is 5^th, Ray Hyde 6^th and Orrin Jones rounds out the top 7.

Meanwhile, here’s the sprint for the Big Win in the B Class 55 mile race. And we take out hats off to the mighty Santino Castillo as the 56 year old grab the win in imitable fashion. Leroy Vargas of BWS is 2^nd, Rigoberto Rivas is 3^rd, Kaya Cattouse hangs on for 4^th while Eduardo Villanueva rounds out the top 5.

Jah over all, I’m James Adderley.

Channel 5

Football, Cycling and Cricket in this edition of Sports Monday

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

The championships Cup Football Season continues to roll people as the Belize Defense Force hosted Maskall inside the MCC Grounds yesterday. Unfortunately, fan support continues to be minimal and maybe the organizers should try to raise the profile of the event. Nevertheless, it’s the military on the attack early when Byron Usher deals to Danny Jimenez who fails to make the connection and the subsequent header from Ervin Flores sails past the target. Maskall gets some offense going when Wayne Godoy fires this left foot from pointblank range that should have converted. Lanston Webster then triggers this set piece from long distance but a timely touch from goalkeeper keep it outside the net. In the meantime, this might just be the finest save when the goalkeeper has to change direction to stop Jermaine Gotoy from scoring. At the half, we have a scoreless ballgame.

So we go to 2^nd half and this left offering from Richard Jimenez forces goalkeeper, Delroy Jones to come up with a big time one hand save. However, a minute later, Jones is beaten when Ervin Flores turns on this ball to give the military a 1-zip lead. It’s the B.D.F. on the move again and we must say David Trapp has no excuse for this miss but life is real. Meanwhile big up to Marlon Meza who finds the far post with this nice grounder that makes it a 2-zip lead for B.D.F. as the B.D.F. search for a 3^rd, Danny Jimenez sets up Meza perfectly only this time Meza comes away empty. Now watch Vallan Simms make an error going back to his keeper—he doesn’t put enough on the ball which allows Jermaine Gotoy to pounce and he makes the most of it as Maskall gets on to the scoreboard and are back in the match. The military now shows some urgency to put this game away and France Vernon should have on this chance but botches it. Folks, the B.D.F. does put it away when Danny Jimenez touches to his brother, Richard Jimenez and Leechi’s left foot makes it a 3 – 1 W for the B.D.F.

In other football news, the 4^th annual Stars Football Summer Camp for male and female kids 5 to 15 years gets off on July 9^th inside the MCC Grounds. Contact should be made with Stanley Reneau at telephone number: 627-4041.

In cycling news, the weekend warrior series staged a 39 mile race yesterday for A & B Class riders that left Cotton Tree for the finish line at Leslie’s Imports. At Mile 23, we find a 3 man breakaway featuring Ray Hyde, Colin Mejia and Ernest Thurton enjoying a 30 seconds lead. Here’s the chase pelathon stretched out and not working harmoniously to reel in the leaders. Of course, the big 3 do enter an on-the-road alliance rotating to time and thus enable themselves to maintain the run as we spot them around Mile 10; all that was blown to smithereens when the finish line comes into view. Ernest Thurton pulls the trigger on the inside and his Santino teammate attacks on the outside while Colin Mejia seems to be out of it. Ernest Thurton of Santino takes the Win forcing his teammate Ray Hyde into 2^nd while Colin Mejia of Horizon rounds out the top 3. At the B Class, Rigoberto Rivas of Santino’s took top honors with Gladden 2^nd and Mark Reed 3^rd while Santino rounds out the top 4. At the C Class, Jerome Moir of Truckers was # 1, Michael Middleton 2^nd and Steve Gill 3^rd.

Finally in cricket news, Excellence of Double Head battled first in Saturday’s Game II of the semi-final showdown with Brilliant of Crooked Tree and put up 231 runs. On defense, they held Brilliant to a mere 116 runs and thus have forced a decisive Game III in its attempt to make the championship round. Game III is set for Saturday at a neutral ground to be announced later.

Jah over all, I’m James Adderley.

Channel 5

James Adderley’s groundbreaking sports update

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

The torrential downpour over the weekend put a hurt on the sporting scene here in the Jewel. Much interest had been focused on the Harrison Parks cricket semi-finals showdown between Excellence of Double Head and Brilliant of Crooked Tree on Saturday but the rains put a halt on the proceedings. In fact, Excellence had amassed 107 runs and 6 wickets when the proceedings had to be put on hold. So now, we look forward to the competition of this cricket match on Saturday. This is the decisive Game III and the winner advances to the championship round against Western Eagles of Rancho Dolores waiting in the wings. So stay tuned.

Meanwhile folks, the pause in the weather on Saturday allowed the Belize Basketball Federation to complete a couple of matches in the 3 by 3 tournament hosted at the Riverside Tavern. Unfortunately, only 6 teams signed up in the open category while two showed up at the U-18 level and we’ll just blame it on the rain. We pick up the action in this matchup between Yabra featuring Vince Estrada, Angus Walla Cherrington Cassian Flowers and Darren Neal facing Edge; Isani Enriquez, Jamir Enriquez, Jason Hyde and Kenroy Usher. Vince Estrada goes down low and then spins to bank it off the glass for the bucket. When Edge fails to sink this left hand play, Darren Neal grabs the rebound and deals to the postman Estrada who swishes the tri-fecta. Neal then hooks up with Estrada who goes behind his back for the assist as Neal sinks the easy bucket. Yabra picks up the Win in an 18 – 8 final score.

Meanwhile, the team to watch is undefeated Warriors who handed Yabra its inky loss in a 18 – 15 final score. Here they are picking Heats apart as Frederick Gabourel deals to Marcel Orosco who goes back to Gabourel for the easy layup. Marcel Orosco then takes his man down low for the flash off the glass and Ervin Orosco goes offensive when he spots up for 3 and hits it as Warriors post the 11 – 5 big Win. Folks, the B.B.F. is reviewing its options for concluding this season so stay tuned.

In other news, the Institute of Sports Training and Education will be launching its 1^st Annual Summer Camo Sports Extravaganza at Caye Caulker from July 9^th to 27^th for males and females from 5 to 19 years in Basketball, Volleyball, Football and Softball. On Saturday, July 14^th, the ISTE will present an all day session at the Lopez Mateo Park featuring 3 on 3 basketball, 5 on 5 football, softball and volleyball recreational tournament and open mic for young artists. Contact numbers to get in are 664-2012 and 635-7092.

At this time, we want to salute the Ariel Rosado Memorial Foundation for launching its Inaugural Annual Awards Ceremony at the Belize Institute of Management Conference Room at West Landivar. Included will be 8 High School Scholarships for deserving students and the establishment of a sailing club that will provide for 5 south side Belize City youth to become proficient in handling small crafts on the sea and Sports Monday enthusiastically applauds this effort.

Finally folks, play in the Belmopan Billiards Tournament saw Barrio Fino edge Palma’s Strikers 3 – 2 on Friday. On Saturday, Capital Jewel Shootay beat Shattaz by that same score. On Sunday, Double Header Palma’s Strikers halted Police Snipers 4 – 1 and Dolphins defeated Barrio Fino 3 – 2.