Sports Monday’s weekend stats with James Adderley

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

The Belize District Basketball Association U-17 and U-15 competitions blasted off inside the Civic Center Friday and indeed the fans were not ready for the monster package of excitement that would have been unwrapped.

We pick up the action in the 1^st quarter of the U-15 opener as Roderick Williams displays his skills to strike for 3pts the old fashioned way as Rising Stars extends its lead over Deacon to 4pts. Williams would lead his team with a magnificent 2 double of 18pts 20 rebounds.

In the 2^nd quarter Deacon comes back. Auburn Rivero comes up with the steal and finds Raheem Trumback who moves his man out of the way for 2pts.

At the other end Kenyon Evans fires right back for rising Stars with 2 of his 11 game points.

And at the half Rising Stars show a 25 to 23 lead.

Down by 5 in the 3^rd, Deacon gets a left when Auburn Rivero picks up this loose ball which he converts for 2 – Rivero would lead all scorers with 21pts.

In the 4^th Deacon tries to hang but Rodrick Williams does enough o propel his team to a 55-48 big W.

Meanwhile the U-17 nightcap between Wildcats 17 and Complex was even more competitive and Kadeem Olivera sets the pace with this big 3 pointer in the opening minutes. He would tally 25pts.

The Wildcats, Alexander Ellis then makes this individual effort for 2 of his 17pts tonight. At the end of the 1^st Complex leads 20-15.

In the 2^nd we find Ryan Michael leading Complex as he picks the pocket of Malcolm Griffith and goes all the way for 2 of his 49 game points. Michael would hit 23 of 34 free throws to put up all of 49pts in this outing.

Nevertheless this put back by Vhuru McKoy pulls Wildcats to within 2pts and he would lead his team with 23pts.

However, it’s Inary Enriquez who ties the ballgame at 35pts apiece by going glass. Enriquez would put up 11pts in this one.

Zane Morris would then give Wildcats a 37-35 lead at the half with this uncontested bucket. Morris would strike for 15pts.

Folks the remainder of the game would be tit for tat, butter for fish, – Vhuru McKoy hits for the Wildcats.

Ryan Michael replies for Complex.

At the end of the 3^rd we’re tied at 61pts apiece.

This is how this one gets settled people: Ryan Michael hits 2 free throws to pull Complex to a 1pt deficit.

At the other end, Ellis Alexander hits 1 of 2 to give the Wildcats a 2pt. lead.

And this is the final play of the match – Complex fails to get off a shot in the remaining 9 seconds and they fall 86 to 84.

On Sunday’s card SJC Wildcats got bombed 49 to 39 by Blazin Blazers.

Kruzzars crushed Belama Ballaz 71 to 54.

In the U-15 match Rising Stars handles Playa in a 76-64 final score.

Tonight at the Civic Center ACC Deacon will face YMCA and Ladyville goes to work against SJC Wildcats.

Turning to the canoeing score with 2011 La Ruta Maya set for March 4^th to 7^th the pre-races have begun and we’re inside Burrell Boom on Saturday for the start of the race to Manatee Lookout. With the signal from the starting gun the river comes alive powered by human energy.

And folks maybe some people just don’t get it – you’ve got to be in the boat to compete.

At the Burrell Boom Bridge the 2010 champion Ziprider is in the lead being chased by last year’s runner up the Belize Bank and the Citrus Products Ltd, followed by NICH.

For some the adventure or the experience might be today’s motivation as we see Sean, The Wet Legend, misfits short of a paddler, Big Bad Dan while the nameless ones bring the rear.

We’re here at the finish at Manatee Lookout and it’s a 3-way sprint with Ziprider, the Belize Bank and NICH.

From our picture it appears the Belize Bank is the winner – unfortunately they were penalized for lane violation giving the win to Ziprider and the Bank has to settle for 2^nd, NICH paddles in 3^rd and CPL rounds out the top 4. Folks if this leg of the race is exciting what do you think will happen when the big one blasts off on March 4^th.

In football news Caribbean Motor Cup play over the weekend saw Toledo Ambassadors blank FC Belize 3-zip to move with a 4-1 aggregate while the BDF shutdown San Felipe Barcelona with a 6-2 volley for an 8-3 aggregate. The championship series begins this Sunday at the Toledo Union Field.

In other football news the Super League kicked off its 1^st division season with a marathon package on Sunday and while we have footage the stats eluded us at press time. However we do know Brown Bombers took the marathon by beating Atlantic Bank in the finals.

In the cycling scene for a 3^rd week in a row the BCA Saturday race from Belize City to Hattieville – some 26 miles was no completed in less than an hour – so the pot continues to build. David Henderson of team Indeco took top honors in 1hr 5mins 55secs beating out his teammate Tariq Cano by 1min 17 secs while Melvin Tillett of Santino’s pulled up 3^rd.

Meanwhile several Belize Cycle Teams competed in the Governor’s Cup race at Cozumel over the weekend did pretty good. Jeovani Leslie won the elite ride; Nissan Arana took 2^nd and Brandon Cattouse 4^th, Allen Castillo 5^th.

At the Maters 50 plus level kudos to Santi Castillo who finished 2^nd to become the only Belizean in the top 20 finish. Now that’s an eye opener.

Jah overall, I’m James Adderley.

Sports Guru, James Adderley analyzes the stats from the weekend games James Adderley Good evening I’m James Adderley with this week’s portion of Sports Monday. Folks we’re in front of Leslie’s Imports as the Belize Cycling Association launched its 4th Saturday race in preparation for the mighty cross country classic set to blast off on Holy Saturday. 62 riders are signed up for this 26 mile ride and today the pelathon is intent on beating the 1 hour time limit set by the BCA who remain adamant that no prizes will be issued until this criteria in met. We catch up with the race at the turn around point inside Hattieville and its young Kevin Tillette of Santino’s in control of the blistering pace but as you can see the entire pelathon remains on his heels. At mile 5, we’ve still got a compact unit as the bid to beat the time limit mounts. We’re now at the tape for a monster field sprint. The speedster Gregory Lovell grabs the lead; the challenge comes from Chris McNish, Jeovani Leslie and Byron Pope but Lovell lives up to his reputation to give Zamis the big W, McNish of Benny’s Megabytes holds on to 2nd, Jeovani Leslie of Santino’s settles for 3rd, Byron Pope of Megabytes pulls up 4th while Jairo Campos of team typhoon rounds out the top 5. In the meantime folds for a 4th time in a row our riders have been unable to complete the 26 mile ride in less than 1 hour. Saturday’s race was clocked at 1:00:42 secs and while it’s the closes they’ve been, the riders still do not deserve any prize according to the Association. Meanwhile the next big race come sup thus Sunday February 13th and it’s the 16th running of the DigiCell Valentine Cycle Classic. Public Relations Officer for the B.C.A., Kwame Scott, provides the details. Kwame Scott, Public Relations Officer, Belize Cycling Association Kwame Scott “It will be three races, five categories—the juniors, masters, four, five and females will be riding from Central Farm to Belize City one way; while the elite riders will be riding from the San Ignacio Hotel head west to the Benque Border, make a U-turn and head all the way back to Belize City. All three races will finish at Leslie’s Imports near mile one and a half on the Western Highway.” James Adderley “Will the Saturday races being staged by the Belize Cycling Association have an impact on this valentine Classic in terms of time because I am very impressed by the time limit set by the association?” Kwame Scott “Well quite honestly, the Saturday races are more for speed and they are mainly ridden on the flats. If you notice this race on Sunday, the elite race starts in the hills and then it comes unto the flat. Remember we are all gearing up for the cross country race which is basically starting and finishing within Belize City so we are heading unto that same course and our goal is to have our riders prepared for the twenty-third of April which is the Holy Saturday Cross Country Classic.” James Adderley “Who would be the favorite going into Sunday’s ride?” Kwame Scott “Let me just mention that the defending champion is Marlon Castillo and Team Zamir from the north took the top positions last year, however going into this year’s race, I am not sure who would be the favorites, however we do have Shane Vasquez who performed well on New Year’s Day, we have Gregory Lovell who seems to be one of the fastest guys at the finish line and we also have the host of Choto brothers, we have most of our riders are young. We have Nissan Arana, we have Byron Pope and of course we’ll be having some foreigners in the race who also add some spice.” In other cycling news, Santino Castillo continues to impress by winning Saturday’s 41 mile Weekend Warrior race from a field of 43 riders. Alton Richie Jr. took 2nd while Charlie Slusher stepped up to 3rd place. Turning to the football scene, the Super League kicked off its Belize City 1st Division Tournament inside the MCC Grounds and we caught up with Saturday’s match-up between Marathon Champion Brown Bombers and Atlantic Bank. We’re 17 minutes in and Atlantic Bank is already down 2-nil when Jorge Estrada finds Rudolph Matura and he pulls one back for the bank by sticking with the play. Early into 2nd half action, the Bombers Germaine Loster tries this left foot that bounces off the crossbar. At the other end Wilmer Lunes gets this chance to tie the ballgame but instead unleashes a high riser. The Bombers continue to press so Mark Zuniga deals to Tyronne Muschamp who misses the target from point blank range. Again Atlantic Bank gets to tie the score when Albert Sesiena beats his man and fires this right foot but its right at the keeper. Folks, good teamwork pay dividends for the Brown Bombers, when Tyronne Muschamp deals to Francisco Briceño who finds Mark Zuniga and his right foot punch makes it a 3-1 ballgame at the 62nd minute. Talk about poor defensive play, Briceño’s center should have been easily cleared by Melvin Orlando instead he gifts this ball to Tyronne Muschamp who powers it home for the 4-1 big W. In other action over the weekend West Lake and Atlantic Insurance battled to a 3-3 stalemate while Yabra FC overwhelmed Kings Park FC in a 5-1 rout. This Saturday’s schedule finds KHMH in action against Kelly Street, Yabra FC clashes with City Boys United and Brown Bombers take aim at Ebony Lake. In other football news the Toledo Ambassadors and the Belize Defense Force settled for a 2-2 finish yesterday at Toledo of Game II for the Caribbean Motors Cup now moves to the Norman Broaster Stadium. Turning to the Harrison Parks Cricket scene, Elvis Moody proved to be the big man in Saturday’s showdown between Bright Star of Sandhill and Brilliance of Crooked Tree. Moody battled in a game high of runs and then on defense he mowed down 4 wickets as Bright Star beat Brilliance 184-161 runs. Jermaine Smith of the Crooked Tree Team had an impressive outing leading his team with 55 runs batted in while Rodwell Conorquie stouch for 3 wickets but in a loosing effort. Meanwhile here are the other results from the Harrison Parks competition. Borland edged Brave Union 80 to 72. Surprise took the Police 122-121. Western Eagles mauled Sunrise 177 to 64. St. Paul’s Sailo’s hurt wicked 11 123 to 120. Isabella Uprising handled Unfinished Business 98 to 64 and Easy Does It handled Excellence 159 to 157 with 5 wickets to spare. Channel 5

James Adderley with the latest Sports Statistics

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

The 16^th Annual DigiCell Valentine’s Cycle Classic proved to us that cyclists are a special breed of athletes who never say quit. Some 83 elite riders were at the starting line inside San Ignacio for yesterday’s 81 mile ride despite a ferocious attack launched by Mother Nature that brought down an incessant rain and very cold temperatures. This increased the risk of read accidents, big time spills and even exposed the riders to serious illness. Fortunately for all involved Jah is merciful and there were no major incidents.

As the race leaves the San Ignacio Hotel and heads to the turn around point at the Benque Viejo Border Station, the rain comes down with a vengeance but the show goes on as it must in cycling.

Alas folks, our motorcycle died on us which put us out of action.

However, we caught up back with the event around Hattieville when the Guatemalan Lysandro Acu, rider for Team Santino, had already made his move for a solo flight to the finish line around mile 29.

So we’re at Leslie’s Imports when Acu rolls in uncontested to win this years Valentine’s Classic is 3 hours, 28 minutes and 36 seconds eclipsing the record time set by Ernest Meighan of 3 hours, 35 minutes and 3 seconds.

It was a good day for Team Santino because Darnell Barrow was truly impressive to out sprint Jose Choto to take 2^nd place in a time of 3:29:33 and Darnell begins to look like the cyclist he should be. Of course Jose Choto takes 3^rd and Marlon Castillo of Zamir’s rolls in for 4^th place.

Lysandro Acu, Winner, 16th Annual Digicell Valentine’s Cycle Classic

“Basically, he’s been coming here for many years and he wanted this victory and he looks for opportunities anywhere they present themselves—whether in the beginning, the middle or the end—and this oen preented itself right at the very spot where he thought he coudl take it from there.”

Darnell Barrow, 2nd Place Winner, 16th Annual Digicell Valentine’s Cycle Classic

“I mean with this second i feel more motivated right now. I mean I barely trained, gained like fifteen pounds, struggling a lot, but i feel like with this second i could pull off wah lee something for Cross Country.”

In the Woman’s Class Shalini Zabaneh of Sagitun continued as the dominant force sweeping all station prizes and winning yesterday in 2 hours, 54 minutes and 11 seconds beating out Gina Lovell by over 5 minutes while Alicia Thompson of Belize Bank rode in 3^rd.

James Adderley

“Tell us about today’s race and how you just breezed through to the big W?”

Shalini Zabaneh

“I wouldn’t say I breezed through it. When we race with the men, I think I have an advantage over the other girls because I consider myself a little bit stronger than then when it comes to racing with the men. So once I can hang in with the men, I get a gap on the girls, I’ll be able to cruise to the line.”

James Adderley

“Anytime you come out, you take the number one spot. I think we will have to make a monument of you. You are becoming a living monument before our eyes.”

Shalini Zabaneh

“That would be nice. [laughs]”

The Jr. winner yesterday was Kyle Gentle of Cayo High Road with a time of 2:45:30, Austin Armstrong was forced into 2^nd place and Aiden Juan finished 3^rd with all 3 clocked with the same time.

For sure it was a good day for Team Santino as Ernest Meighan grabbed the 4/5 Masters Class in 2:49 beating Michael Lewis in the sprint while David Balam pulled up 3^rd 20 seconds later.

At the youth level Aiden Juan beat out Marcus Lewis and Giovanni Lovell in that order to take Top Honors.

Meanwhile folks the La Ruta Maya 2011 comes up from March 4^th to 7^th so the organizers presented the last of its scheduled races over the weekend and 29 boats made the journey from Burrell Boom to Gallon Jug Lumber Yard here in Belize City and its always exciting to witness the start.

Of course cream always rises and immediately the defending champion Zip Rider and former champion Belize Bank quickly and efficiently grab control of today’s pace, followed by CPBL, Cobb’s Arm and Watius.

And as usual some paddlers simply will not stay put in their canoe.

Zip Rider is the first to clear the Haulover Bridge area but Belize Bank remains within striking distance and NICH has stepped up to command 3^rd place.

Trying to hand on to the grueling pace is Cobb’s Arm.

Agro Tech makes a gallant effort to stay with the big boys while CPBL continues to loose ground.

So we’re at the finish line at Gallon Jug Lumber Yard.

And we see Zip Rider clearing the Belcan Bridge unchallenged.

As they stroke their way to a 2^nd win in a row with a time of 2 hours, 32 minutes 30 seconds.

It’s all of 2 minutes later that Belize Bank shows up to take 2^nd place.

NICH hangs on to 3^rd place.

An improved Cobb’s Arm has to settle for 4^th, while Agro Tech rounds out the top 5.

Folks, all we can say is that the 2011 edition promises to bring the keenest competition possible.

Turning to the football scene, the Super League Belize City 1^st Division tournament continues to roll inside the MCC Grounds and we caught up with the internecine struggle between Yabra FC and City Boys United on Saturday.

The 1^st real chance at the goal comes from City Boys when Kareem Williams attacks off the left corner of the net but misses the target.

At the other end Gilroy Thurton moves to his man out of the way only to launch a high rising left foot shot.

5 minutes later Thurton gets another opportunity to put Yabra FC on the scoreboard first but up squandering a golden opportunity.

Meanwhile folks, despite the fact that everybody’s sporting the color blue the referee is able to pick out this hand foul inside the 18 by the City Boys defender and rules penalty.

Dalton Cayetano, a former City Boys forward steps up for Yabra and gives his new tam a 1-zip lead 25 minutes in.

Now watch Jack Dawson penetrate into the defensive area of Yabra but is taken down by Norman Bonnel and again it’s a penalty ruling by the referee.

Mark Grant steps up for City Boys and easily beats the keeper to knot the ballgame at 1 apiece 40 minutes in.

2 minutes later, City Boys keeper Eric Gilharry commits this unforced error and Dalton Cayetano makes him pay with his 2^nd goal of the match as Yabra takes a 2-1 lead.

Don’t blink folks because here comes the kick off – Kareem Williams deals to Jack Dawson and his long shot, a goal somehow embarrasses the goal keeper and gets 2 goal keeping errors and 3 goals in 3 minutes as we go to intermission tied at 2 apiece.

In 2^nd half play neither team did enough to score another goal or warrant the big W as things settled into a 2-2 stalemate. In other results from Week II KHMH Authority and Kelly St. rallied to a 0-0 draw and Ebony Lake shook up Brown Bombers is a 2-1 score.

Week III come sup on Saturday with Atlantic Insurance facing City Boys. West Lake takes aim at King’s Park FC and Atlantic Bank goes to work against Ebony Lake.

In other football news, the Belize Defense Force beat the Toledo Ambassadors 2-zip at the Norman Broaster Stadium yesterday to claim their 3^rd consecutive Caribbean Motor Cup title.

Now here’s this note on basketball, the UB Basketball Team was in Chetumal over the weekend for a couple of friendlies against Manaties of Chetumal inside the Palacio de los Deportes.

On Saturday they routed the host team 82-37 and then on Sunday extended their margin of win by 8, beating Manaties 90 to 37.

Jah Overall, I’m James Adderley.

Channel 5

James Adderley Sports update on cycling, football and karate

Good evening I’m James Adderly and we welcome you to this fresh dish of Sport’s Monday.

For a 5^th time the elite cyclists of this nation took aim at breaking the 1 hour limit set by the Belize Cycling Association to finish the 26 mile ride to Hattieville and back would Saturday February 19^th make a difference or would our best riders again blame it on the rain. And they’re off on the slippery and treacherous surface we call the Western Highway.

Of course the rain excuse does appear legitimate as the downpour make its presence felt immediately into the ride.

Around mile 12, Glen O’Brien of Zamir gambles on a solo flight after extricating himself from the pack.

And this move takes him to the turnaround point at Hattieville in an unchallenged fashion.

However, the main pelathon does remain within striking distance while others are let go.

It’s a brand new configuration on the way back when the pelathon returns to a compact formation and yes people the rain continues to up the degree of difficulty.

So we fast forward to the finish for a mighty field sprint and it’s Darnell Barrow of Santino’s in the middle of the pack that makes the big move.

The challenge comes from Erwin Middleton of Indeco but for a 2^nd week in a row Darnell Barrow displays his star quality to grabbing the big W in a time of 1hr 3 mins and 38 secs. Middleton settles for 2^nd, Devon Medwood of Clear the Land finishes 3^rd; Sherman Thomas of Team Police takes 4^th place while Brian Lopez of Indeco rounds out the top 5. Of course the time limit was not met so we look forward to week 6 and maybe then the riders will qualify for prizes.

In the meantime we say congratulations to Erwin Middleton of Indeco for taking the U-23 win and Sherman Thomas of Team Police who emerged the Masters Champion.

At the Jr. Class, Deezan Spence of Twin towers beats out Giovanni Lovell of Indeco and Austin Armstrong in that order to take the Jr. Classification. They were times at 1hr 9 mins 56 secs.

Checking the Weekend Warriors scene, Saturday’s race was won by Amir Gonzalez – Geffrey Waight took 2^nd and Ramon Morales finished 3^rd. Luke Usher then out sprinted the pack to grab 4^th place.

Meanwhile folks, the Belize Cycling Association next big event is set for the 13^th March and it’s the 30^th edition of the Annual Belmopan Cycling Classic which covers some 100 miles. Peter Choto goes in as defending champion.

We now turn to the Karate scene as the Belize Elite Karate Team under Mester Kelly hosted the Mexico Taekwondo Team under Coach Torres in a Belize vs. Mexico format inside the Belize Elementary Auditorium on Saturday. And of course, after the niceties the minute combat begins.

Belize got off to a positive start as Isaac Lumbly hits Jose Angel Mota cleanly to the abdomen to grab the point that gives him the victory.

Jennifer Larrieu was methodical in winning her bout against Yasori Cab with a 9 to 5 score for the win.

Craghan Cleland was able to come back against Deud Malarcon to take what looked like a pretty close combat.

Randy Arana had a tough time against Miguel Barragan but enough to let out the win for Belize.

Jose Diaz floored his man in the 1^st round to overcome Edgar Romero in the 2 rounder to hand the homeland another victory.

Ashton Tasher needed the 3^rd round to prevail against Salvador Ramos and he was up to the task to earn another W for Team Belize.

Basketballer Rupert Brown ran into a brick wall named William Chuayo who picks up Mexico’s 2^nd win in this face-off.

Felix Hernandez was also unable to take his man Andre Perez who took the victory in a 7-5 score.

For certain Carmelita Kuylen was an unstoppable force against Brenda Velez Belmont as she paced herself to a comfortable win while her sibling Carla Kuylen proved to be a deadly head hunter as she pummeled her way to the W.

In the final bout of the day, Dr. Pedro Arriaga was pretty dominant against Moises Vega as he surgically worked his way to the big W.

Thus Belize Elite Karate Team posted a 9-2 record in the eleven matches on a 73 to 56 point margin. The scene now drifts to Chetumal Mexico this Saturday for the rematch.

Finally in football news, play in the Super League Belize City 1^st Division competition on Saturday at the MCC Grounds matched City Boys United against Atlantic Insurance.

Atlantic Insurance take the lead the minute in when Jamal Martinez catches up with this center from off the right wing and heads it home to open scoreboard.

4 minutes into 2^nd half, the Insurance Co. make it 2-zip when Carlos Trestoza centers to Bryan Martinez who gets an easy goal off the goalkeeper’s errant play.

Make it 3-nil when Jamal Martinez out runs the City Boys defense and scores his 2^nd goal of the match.

City Boys final pull one back off this corner kick that Shawn Thurton heads home out the 68^th minute.

2 minutes later Hubert Baptist hands this ball inside the 18 which leads to the penalty call.

Mark Grant steps up and he makes it a 3-2 score.

However, the City Boys comeback falls short when Byron Martinez picks up this ball unattended and he makes it a 4-2 final as Atlantic Insurance posts the W.

In other action on Saturday, West Lake humiliated Kings Park FC in a 12-2 shellacking while Ebony Lake routed Atlantic Bank in a 9-1 blow-out.

This weekend’s schedule at the Barracks finds Brown Bombers aiming at Kelly Street, KHMH hooks up with Ebony Lake and Yabra FC faces Atlantic Insurance.

Folks, the 5^th Annual Belize Bank Super League Tournament kicks off this weekend of February 20^th and 27^th. City Boys United goes in as defending champion.

Jah Overall, I’m James Adderley.

Sports Monday with football and cycling winners

Good evening I’m James Adderly and we welcome you to this jam packed serving of Sport’s Monday.

We start off with the opening match of the Belize Bank Super League Football Tournament as the defending champion and now named Raymond Gentle City Boys United hosted Paradise Freedom Fighters of Punta Gorda inside the MCC Ground’s yesterday.

In fact a moment of silence was observed for the fallen leader of the City Boys championship team Raymond Gentle who lost his wife on 12^th January 2011 and as he sleeps, on the show continues.

Make no mistake about it folks it’s a new and improved City Boys that comes out to defend its title and we’re only 3 minutes into the action when newcomer Ryan Simpson receives this pass from off the left side and what a way to start with his new club as he gives them a 1-zip lead.

It should have been 2-zip 2 minutes later when Jason Young picks out Leon Jones but his right away right foot offering rises over the horizontal bar.

The visitors try to reply off this set piece in front of the goal but Alexander Peters line drive screams past the face of the goal.

It’s more Paradise Freedom Fighters when Frank Lopez evades his man to fire this low cruise missile but goalkeeper William Johnson stays on top of things.

We’re some 30 minutes in when Tyrone Muschamp faces Stephen Palacio in a one-on-one situation and the referee rules penalty in what he interprets as a take down by the goal keeper.

International player Deon McCauley steps and finds the near corner for the 2-zip City Boys lead.

Folks we’re some 15 minutes after intermission when Alexander Peters attacks for the Freedom Fighters. Williams Johnson come out to defend his goal – Peters outstretched right foot stamps on Johnson’s right foot and the goal keeper’s foot in broken.

Fortunately, a BERT Ambulance was immediately summoned to minister to the fallen player who was then whistled away to be treated at the KHMH for an injury which not only ends his season but could also end his career, and yes, he is in serious pain.

When the action resumes Tyrone Muschamp beats his man, the ball then reaches Ryan Simpson who moves 2 defenders out of the way and then deals to Deon McCauley who scores his 2^nd of the match as Raymond Gentle City Boys United open a 3-zip W over Paradise Freedom Fighters.

In the other action on opening day Hattieville Monarch and Griga Knights battled to 1-1 stalemate. Placencia Assassin crushed Cayo South United 3 to 1 and Orange Walk United settled for a nil-nil draw.

This week’s schedule find Griga Knights will host Placencia Assassin at the Carl Ramos. Cayo South will visit Hattieville Monarch. Orange Walk United will be inside the People’s Stadium against Paradise Freedom Fighters and it’s an all city clash when Third World FC sees action against City Boys United.

Checking the results of Week 4 in the Super League 1^st Division season at the MCC Grounds, Brown Bombers struck Kelly Street with a 2-zip blast. Ebony Lake edged KHMH Authority 1-zip while Atlantic Insurance and Yabra FC rallied to a 2 all tie.

In the meantime folks, the Delhart Courtney Female Football Tournament as presented by FFB kicked off over the weekend and tournament coordinator Kaya Cattouse filled in the details.

Kaya Cattouse, Coordinator, Delhart Courtney Female Football Tournament

“The competition start this weekend; all the games were played. We have ten teams in the competition from all over the country and the games that were played this Saturday and Sunday were very successful.”

James Adderley

“How long will it last and when can we expect the champion to be won?”

Kaya Cattouse

“Well we foresee this cup lasting until about June or thereabout because the preliminary round is six weeks and after that eight teams will advance into the quarter finals and we’ll do home and away matches go along to the semifinals and then the finals with the two teams.”

Meanwhile folks President Bertie Chimilio of the Football Federation of Belize informed us of the upcoming friendly between Belize and the Cayman Islands.

Bertie Chimilio, President, B.F.F.

“We are now preparing for the World Cup 2014 eliminations [which] will start in September of this year and we’re gonna start that with a first game against Cayman here in Belize on the twenty-seventy of march. We go back to Cayman for the twenty-second of May. Already in the pipeline we have games with El Salvador and Guatemala in the plans, but nonetheless we still have to confirm those games.”

James Adderley

“These are friendlies we’re talking about?”

Bertie Chimilio

“Yeah these are friendlies on the FIFA dates and we want to make sure that come September 2011, we should have at least fifty of our players having played three or four international matches and pick eighteen out of that and ready to confront the world.”

James Adderely

“Who are we matched up with for the frist round of this quail-finals?
Bertie Chimilio

“It’s gonna take a new format James really. The format now is gonna be groups. It’s good for us because we gonna play more games, but it is very, very expensive. We continue to work despite some obstacles being put in the way, but any obstacles that comes we jump by, we jump over and we ask the folks in Belize to come and support this international match.”

Turning to the cycling scene for the 6^th time in a row folks the elite riders of the Belize Cycling Association were unable to complete the 26 mile ride to Hattieville and back under the 1 hour limit. The closest they had been was Greg Lovell’s time of 1 hour 42 seconds.

Nevertheless, 46 riders are off in search of the big W and included are the women cyclist, junior riders and the Masters Class.

At the turn around point a large group has grabbed the pace dividing the pelathon in 2.

In fact, the finish in front of Leslie’s Imports finds a delightful field sprint and it’s Brandon Cattouse who powers out of the pack and grabs his 2^nd big W in the 6 races featured so far – but in a time of 1 hour, 3 minutes and 42 seconds. Byron Pope pulls up 2^nd, Erwin Middleton moved in 3^rd, David Henderson finished 4^th while the veteran Rogue Matus rounds up the top 5.

Now folks, here is the sprint for the Jr. riders and its Gian Zetina with the burst to take it in 1 hour, 12minutws and 25 seconds. Some 8 minutes off the pace set by the senior Giovanni Lovell takes 2^nd but watch Ethan Neal of Twin Towers on the outside going to tap – he takes 3^rd place but is unceremoniously stopped by a parked red pick-up truck which should never have been there – the smashes into the windshield and is badly hurt and has to be taken to the hospital. It’s a situation that should have been under the absolute control of the BCA who have expressed extreme remorse. Fortunately, Ethan experiences no broken bones and has vowed to continue in the sport and Sport’s Monday wishes his valiant Jr. rider a quick and complete recovery. Folks, let’s not see a preventable mishap like this occur again.

Meanwhile Shalini Zabaneh took the women’s class in 1 hour, 3 minutes and 42 seconds finishing with the elites and naturally Rogue Matus takes the Masters prize with that same time of 1 hour, 3 minutes and 42 seconds.

In basketball news, the action in the DigiCell U-17 tournament continues fast and furious. In Friday night’s schedule ACC Deacons had to fight off a strong challenge from All Star Ballers to eek out a 78-74 victory. Terrigue Gabb led the way with 16 points, Jovanie Martinez put up 15 points and Travis Bermudez added 14. For All Star Ballers, Akeem Richardson topped all scores with 19 points; Brandon Harris hits 18 points and Keron Moss stretch for 17 points but in a loosing effort. In other results from the weekend, Belama Hittaz beat Dog Pound Boys 37-25; ACC Deacons shopped YMCO 50-20, Blazin Blazzaz bombed Truckers 51-26, Complex Admiral crushed Caye Caulker 85 to 25 and Kruzzars didn’t say sorry in a 104 to 15 blowout of Seh Sorry.

Finally folks, we want to say heartfelt congratulations to the Belize Karatekas under Master Kelly who competed in the Mexico International Taekwondo championships at Chetumal on Sunday and from a crew of 23 fighters, 4 to 30 years of age, brought back 30 trophies.

Jah Overall, I’m James Adderley.

James Adderley’s weekend sports update

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

The National Cricket Team has made a dramatic statement in International Cricket by winning the ICC Division 3 Tournament staged at Costa Rica, sweeping all 5 matches in emphatic fashion. On their return to the Jewel Yesterday was filled with excitement, pump and circumstance and a motorcade from the Philip Goldson International Airport.

Belize jumped out last Monday with a 65 to 64 win over Peru with 4 wickets to spare as Howell Gillett claimed 4 wickets to become man of the match while Conway Young batted in 18 runs. Later that day, the National Team routed the Falkland Islands 182 to 50 with man of the match Mcbelt Anthony striking for 5 wickets while Warren Anthony came up with 50 runs. Next to feel the power of the Belizean juggernaut was México who put up a fight on Wednesday but fell 106 to 87 with Keve Usi Flowers mowing down 4 wickets and Derrick Sutherland scoring 27 runs.

Keve Flowers won his second man of the match on Thursday recording 4 wickets as Belize out classed Costa Rica 40 to 39 with all of 7 wickets to spars Conway Young led the offence with 15 runs. Mcbelt Anthony picked up his 2^nd man of the match award in the final outline on Friday when Belize batted in 86 runs with 5wickets to spare to beat Chile 86 to 85—34 of those runs belonged to Anthony. Thus Belize sweeps the tournament in impressive fashion. Conway Young emerged tournament MVP and best wicket keeper and Keve Flowers was voted best bowler. Add in the championship and 4 of the 5 available tournament awards were brought home by a jubilant national team yesterday.

Derrick Sutherland

Derrick Sutherland, Captain, National Cricket Team

“We have played superbly through the five days. The competition was very tough in terms of playing—it was a fast game. It was a 20-overs tournament, not a fifty. So the game was fast and we did well. I would like to express gratitude to the Minister of Sports who has supported us, Mister John Saldivar; Mister Elston Wade, the President of Belize National Cricket Association for again the players especially who have supported me as captain. They have played well and I would like to express gratitude to them. To the villagers of Belize River Valley, we have fought for quite some time and now we have won. This victory again is for them.”

Belize now moves up to Division 2 in the ICC America’s Division and will be tested at this level as early as April 9^th 2011 at Suriname. We say congratulations for a job well done.

Turning to the football; undefeated RG City Boys United took its 3 and record West against a strong Cayo South United playing host at Camalote Football Field. The visiting City Boys look to strike first when Leon Jones centers into the danger zone and only a perfect read by goalkeeper Shawn Lopez prevents Dalton Cayetano from opening the scoreboard. However, it’s the home team with the opening goal when at the 10^th minute. Enrique Tamai picks up this ball launched from the midfield and beats Stanley Reneau for the 1 zip lead.

City Boys looks for the equalizer off this set piece fired by Deon McCauley and again Shawn Lopez intervenes. Now keep your eyes on this corner kick launched by Lemott, Tyronne Muschamp heads it into goal, the keeper is beaten but Joseph Waight hands the ball out of the net which leads to a penalty called and a direct red card. Deon McCauley steps up and easily beats the keeper to tie the ballgame at 1-1 a piece at the 19^th minute. Just a minute later, Ian Gaynier picks out Dalton Cayetano inside the box and Cayetano’s header gives City Boys a 2-1 lead at the 20^th Minute.

This forces the Cayo Team to look for the equalizer and they almost come up with when Scott Casey punches this volley only to see it inch over the crossbar. We’re fresh into 2^nd half when Jason Young gets this good look at goal but is thwarted by a big time save from Shawn Lopez. At the 67^th minute Cayo South gets lucky. Alfonso Guzman mis-kicks in front of goal but gets a 2^nd opportunity to find Enrique Tamai and Tamai unleashes a right foot that ties the ballgame at 2 apiece.

Meanwhile, the game winner for City Boys comes off this set piece outside the eighteen and international player, Deon McCauley guides this ball into the back of the net for the 3-2 big W. City Boys move to a perfect 4 and 0 record, while Cayo United now shows 1 point from 3 losses and a draw to remain in the alley.

In other action, around the Belize Bank Super League, Griga Knights conquered Third World FC in a 4-1 affair. Orange Walk United doubled Hattieville Monarch at Hattieville in a 2-1 finish while the matchup between Paradise Freedom Fighters and Placencia Assassin was postponed because of inclement wealth at Punta Gorda. This match is now set for Wednesday, March 23^rd, 2011 at the Toledo Union Field.

Looking to Week 5, Griga Knights will host Paradise Freedom Fighters on Saturday. On Sunday, RG City Boys United travel to Placencia Assassin. Orange Walk United will be inside the People’s Stadium against Cayo South United. And Hattieville Monarch comes to the MCC to face Third World F.C.

Meanwhile the Smart Challenge Cup in Week 7 saw K.H.M.H. Authority edged Atlantic Insurance 4-3 Brown Bombers downed Atlantic Insurance 3-2 and Ebony Lake made it 5 wins in a row with a 4-3 victory over Westlake. This Saturday finds Yabra FC in action against K.H.M.H. and Atlantic Bank with take on City Boys United.

In cycling news, Team Santino won the weekend, Warrior Team Time Trial which concluded Sunday with a total of 111 points, Clean Masters Truckers Posse rounds out the top 3 with 94 points.

In billiards news, the Belize National Billiards Association presents a 2 day pool tournament on March 26^th and 27^th at Element Club. Contact telephone numbers 604-2069 or 600-3888.

Checking the basketball scene, action in the Orange Walk U-17 competition saw Muffles College roll over Orange Walk Tech 65-73 on 16 points from Jian Arcurio.

Finally folks, in the Digicell U-15 tournament at the Civic rising starts swept Belama Hatazz in 2 straight to grab that title while at the U-17 level Kruzzers deveined Deacons also in 2 straight to emerge as champion. We say congratulations to both winners.

Channel 5

Sportscaster James Adderley has the winners

Good Evening, I’m James Adderley and here’s this week’s rush of Sports Monday.

Thirty-three of the rising stars in Belizean Cycling suited up for the 12^th Annual Junior Cross Country Cycling Classic which blasted off from the Succotz Ferry to complete a 73.9 mile journey that would finish in front of Leslie’s Imports here in Belize City. Coming out of Santa Elena, we’ve got a 4-man breakaway that chose to run early buy wouldn’t hold up. In fact, by the time the race reaches three flags, we find the chase group about to engulf the lead riders.

Out of the newly formed compact pelathon, Giovannu Lovell decides to launch a solo flight and would make it a 1 min 57 seconds lead as he takes the Roaring Creek Station Prize unchallenged. At St. Matthew’s Village, Lovell is still maintaining the torrid pace as he tries to do it by himself. However, this chase bunch would not be deterred. Giovanni Lovell takes the station prize ant the Belize Zoo, but the end of the run had become a done deal.

At mile 18, the configuration features a 5-man lead that includes Joel Borland, Juan Umana, Oscar Quiroz and former Champion Austin Armstrong as Lovell hangs on. About a mile from the tape, we find a 6-man lead of Borland, Umana, Quiroz, Armstrong, Lovell and Gentle. At the tape it’s a 5-man sprint for the 2011 title. Watch Borland on the inside move over to the center of the road, this puts Umana and Armstrong in trouble—as Joel Borland of Team Indeco takes top honors in 3hrs 56 mins 21 seconds.

Juan Umana of Cayo High Road Cycling pulls up 2^nd and his teammate Kyle Gentle; 3^rd, Austin Armstrong of twin Towns Cycling is 4^th and a spent Giovanni Leslie of Indeco takes 5^th place unchallenged.

Meanwhile, the management of Cayo High Road Cycling launched a protest on the Borland win but the protest could not be entertained by the B.C.A. since it was not accompanied by the required fifty dollars fee. Of the 33 that started, 20 compelted the ride which recorded an average speed of 18.76 miles per hour. The record of 3 hours 37 mins 48 seconds set by Byron Pope in 2007 was not broken.

We now look forward to the mighty Holy Saturday Cross Country Classic and we invite you to join us for our 1^st issue of the Race for the Garland which kicks off the Thursday at 8:30 p.m.

Turning to the football scene. Week 6 in the Belize Bank Super League Tournament brought a clash of undefeated teams to the MCC Grounds as City Boys United hosted Griga Knights yesterday. City Boys gets the 1^st real chance at goal some 10 minutes in when Ryan Simpson fired this left foot that inches outside of the target. Griga Knights reply comes from Darwin Castillo who attacks off the left wing to launch this right foot push corralled by Stanley Reneau. Less than a minute later, this defensive error by Shawn Thurton gives Castillo another opportunity to open the scoreboard only to again be denied by goalkeeper Reneau.

Folks, sometimes strange things happen. We actually missed the opening goal by Deon McCauley at the 41^st minute but here’s the kickoff, but the keeper by Castillo won’t get past Reneau.

Folks we’re 10 minutes into the 2^nd half when Jason Young is taken down inside the 18^th by Allan Flores and the penalty call is made. Deon McCauley steps up and easily beats Elias Pelayo for his 2^nd goal of the match as City Boys take a 2-zip lead. Meanwhile, absolutely no one expected this ball to score but somehow it gets past Stanley Reneau as Shane Gentle gets credited with the goal for Griga Knights.

Tyrone Muschamp then gets this chance to get on the scoreboard on this pass from Ian Gaynair, but he misses the target. At the 73^rd minute, Ryan Simpson sets table perfectly for Deon McCauley who completes the hat trick with this right foot slice as City Boys roll to the 3-1 big W to become the only undefeated team at this juncture in the Super League.

In other action around the League; Paradise Freedom Fighters used the home field advantage to double Hattieville manarch in a 2-1 affair. O.W. United edged the host team , Placencia Assassins a 2-1 scorcher while Third World FC won the battle of stellar win with a 4-1 bashign of Cayo South United.

Thus after 6 weeks, Raymond Gentle City Boys leads the standings with a perfect 18 points, Griga Knights is next with 13 points, Paradise Freedom Fighters have 12 points, Orange Walk United 10, Hattieville Monarchs 6, Placencia Assassins 4, Third World FC also shows 4 and Cayo South United are in the cellar with 1 point to show.

This week’s schedule finds Hattieville Monarchs hosting City Boys on Sunday, Paradise Freedom Fighters travel to Cayo South, Orange Walk United will host Griga Knights and Placencia Assassins takes on 3^rd World FC inside the MCC Grounds.

Finally in basketball news, Orange Walk Technical got a game high of 23 points from Jerry Vasquez. Timothy Morey struck from 21 points and Kareem Hyde added 13 to beat Muffles College in the High School under 17 tournament on Saturday to claim that O.W. Title. For Muffles: Daniel Garcia was high man with 15 points, while Steviele Fuentes threw up 10 points in that loss.

Jah Overall, I’m James Adderley.

Sports Monday with James ‘Jah Over All’ Adderley

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

Week 7 of the Belize Bank Super League Tournament saw Hattieville Monarchs play host to the red hot and still undefeated Raymond Gentle City Boys United as the league leader looked to keep its clean sheet intact against a team that seems to be struggling right now.

The home team gets off to a good start when Jason Robison picks out Jeremy James whose header forces a big time save out of goalkeeper Stanley Reneau.

It’s the Monarchs again with the scoring opportunity as Jason Robinson pushes this ball across the goalmouth only to see Dean Frazier fail to make contact with the pill.

We’re 12 minutes in when Leon Jones floats this ball to Deon McCauley whose right away left foot valley crashes into the net behind Mason Moya for his league leading 11^th goal and a 1 nil lead for City Boys.

At the 28^th minute Deon McCauley displays his quality with this spot kick from on top the 18 and he bends it into the back of the net to make it 2-zip, extending his goal total to a league leading 12.

Three minutes into 2^nd half Leon Jones mounts this effort off the right wing and he makes it 3-nil in favor of the visitors.

Hattieville tries to comeback as Roy Smith fires this shot that is mishandled by goalkeeper Reneau. Jeromy James can’t react in time and the shot by Carlton Rogers sails over the crossbar.

A few minutes later Ryan Simpson finds the streaking Leon Jones who slices the ball into the far corner of the net for his 2^nd goal of the match and a 4-zip City Boys lead.

We’re at the 78^th minute when Floyd Jones is taken down inside the 18’ by Emmerson Garnett and the referee rightly rules penalty.

Floyd Jones who had to suit up as goalkeeper with the desertion of Mason Moya exacts sweet revenge by converting the penalty kick for the 4-1 score.

Off the bench David McCauley gets this chance to get on the scoreboard but is denied by the goal scoring goalkeeper Floyd Jones.

Make it a 5-1 ballgame when Tan Gaynair get this header into the net off the set piece as City Boys roll to a perfect 7-0 record to end the 1^st round of play.

In other action over the weekend Paradise Freedom Fighters crushed Cayo South United 4-1 at Camalote.

Orange Walk United embarrassed an under named Griga Knights 5-zip inside the MCC Grounds.

Week 8 brings up the beginning of the 2^nd round so this Sunday, Hattieville Monarch will host Griga Knights, Cayo South will get a visit from Placencia Assassins, RG City Boys travel to Toledo for a date with Paradise Freedom Fighters and 3^rd World will be inside the MCC Grounds against Orange Walk United.

Thus the current standings looks like this Raymond Gentle City Boys leads with a perfect 21 points from 7 outings, Paradise Freedom Fighters show 15 points, both Orange Walk United and Griga Knights have 13 apiece, Placencia Assassins 7, Hattieville 6, 3^rd World 4 and Cayo South United in the cellar with 1 point to show from 7 appearances.

Turning to the Smart Challenge Cup action over the weekend saw Atlantic Insurance and KHMH Authority battle to a 1-1 tie and West Lake downed the Brown Bombers 5 to 1. This Friday’s schedule finds Ebony Lake in action against Atlantic Insurance and Atlantic Bank faces West Lake.

Turning to the track and field scene, the National Secondary School’s Athletic Competition was staged at the People’s Stadium Orange Walk over the weekend. We don’t have all the details but here’s what we do have.

Cuan Rivero recorded 25 meters on this throw to win the Discus event for the North. Alfrene Nunez finished 2^nd for the South with this throw for 19 meters while his teammate Brandon Flowers settled for 3^rd.

Gerald Meighan took the Jr. Male Triple Jump for Central with a distance of 12.31 meters. Stephen Hall of the North measured 12.25 meters for 2^nd place while Raheem Burke of Central finished 3^rd with his jump of 12.10 meters.

The female Jr. 4×100 relay was won by Shanika Augustine, Kristen Fuentes, Gian Humes and Shannon Neal of Central posting a time of 58.20 seconds.

The South took 2^nd, the North 3^rd while the West who would have finished 2^nd was disqualified.

Meanwhile the female 4×400 went to the South whose team of Starla Casimiro, Evette Garcia, Karina Caliz and Kenya Flores posted 5 minutes 20.84 seconds to grab top honors and here is Kenya Flores overtaking Khea Ireland at the tape to record the win.

Central won the Male Sr. 4×400 relay in 4 minutes 2.7 seconds beating out North by over 30 seconds. South and West were disqualified for lane violation.

The male Jr. 4×100 relay was taken by Central in 50.18 seconds as South took 2^nd in 53.62 and the North’s 54.36 was only good enough for 3^rd place.

The female 4×100 went to the South with a time of 57.47 seconds as Yvette Garcia completed the anchor leg.

The male Sr. 4×100 relay saw the South’s team comprising of Shanti Castillo, Kevin Fernandez, Tito Flowers and Brandon Flores posted a time of 49.38 seconds to grab top honors as Central and West took 2^nd and 3^rd respectively.

Meanwhile the athletes were obviously not prepared for the female 4×400, especially with the heat of the day – which lead to a total disqualification of the event.

The male side of the 4×400 was successfully run – Central took it in 4:18:66 seconds, beating the North who posted 4:24:38 seconds while the South pulled up 3^rd 6 seconds later.

In basketball news, Orange Technical swept Libertad in 2 straight games, 46 to 24 and 39 to 33 to win the U-15 North Regionals.

Then at the U-17 level they swept Libertad Rebels 63-62 and 79-63 to grab that title.

Finally, the National Cricket Team opened play in Division 2 of the ICC Americas Division Tournament on Saturday by beating Panama 87-81 with 6 wickets to spare. However, they lost to Suriname on Sunday by all of 8 wickets in a match disrupted by rain.

Today Monday Team Belize returned to its winning ways by beating Brazil by 76 runs. Go Team Belize.

Channel 5

Sports Monday with James Adderley

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

Week 8 in the Belize Bank Super League Tournament brought the surging Orange Walk United ball club to the MCC Grounds to face Third World FC, a team that took the home pitch yesterday, fresh out of the cellar.

Even before the fans are properly seated Orrin Wade finds Oliver Hendricks whose right away right foot push rebounds of the crossbar, Hendricks gets another chance with the header this time only to being the same results and the ball returns to Orlando Castillo who pushes it into the net as OW take a 1-zip lead 6 minutes in.

At the 16^th minute Oliver Hendricks catches up with this center off the right wing and his header makes it a 2-nil score just like that.

Folks let’s not mince words – this one is all Orange Walk United – Jarret Davis launches this from just inside the 18 and it beats the 3^rd World Keeper as the visitors take a 3-zip lead into intermission.

In 2^nd half 3^rd World comes out with a little bit more determination but OW hangs tough on defense.

On this press the home team gets the chance to pull one back but the weak touch by Clifton Ramos won’t get past the veteran Charlie Slusher.

It would have been 4-nil for Sugar City when Oliver Hendricks beats the keeper with this toe push but Ernest Wiltshire digs it out of the goal.

Like they say frustration ain’t no fun, and Mark Kello Leslie vents his when Oliver Hendricks to power home his 2^nd goal of the match – Hendricks is hurt and would not return as the referee rightly rules penalty.

Alfred Jesse steps up and easily beats the keeper for the 4-nil OW lead.

However, the punishment for 3^rd World ain’t over yet. Christopher Hendricks the keeper with his low cruise missile but the defenders digs it out, Marlon Miranda fresh off the bench heads the rebound home for the 5-zip spread.

A minute later Dean Flowers fires this left foot that rebounds off the keeper to Marlon Miranda who smashes it into an empty goal for the 5-zip Orange Walk united big W and even the camera man was glad this rout was over.

In other action around the league R.G. City Boys United made it 8 straight wins with a 3-2 victory over Paradise Freedom Fighters at the Toledo Union Field s Deon McCauley scored his league leading 14^th and 15^th goal.

Placencia Assassins crushed Cayo South United at the Camalote Football Field in a 4-zip bashing while Hattieville Monarch and Griga Knights battled to a 1-1 draw at Hattieville.

Thus R.G. City Boys lead the standings with a perfect 24 points, Orange Walk United is next with 16 points, Paradise Freedom Fighters have 15, Griga Knights 14, Placencia 10, Hattieville 7, 3^rd World 4 and Cayo South still shows 1 point from 8 appearances.

Week 9’s schedule begins on Thursday at the MCC Grounds where City Boys will host 3^rd World and Hattieville travels to Cayo South. On Saturday Orange Walk United heads to Toledo Union for a date with Paradise Freedom Fighters and Griga Knights head to Placencia.

In news from the Smart Challenge Cup, on Friday Atlantic Insurance stunned Ebony Lake is a 3-2 finish while West Lake and Atlantic Bank struggled to a 1-1 stalemated. Action resumes on Wednesday as Brown Bombers take aim at KHMH Authority and Atlantic Insurance faces Atlantic Bank and this schedule will be repeated on Friday.

Turning to the Cricket scene it’s a fact that the higher you go the harder things get. Having won Division 3 rather easily but in Division 2 of the ICC American Cup tournament the National Team of Belize had to settle for 3^rd place. We caught them as they arrived at the Philip Goldson yesterday and we must say they were nevertheless well received as their fans do take their team seriously.

Michelt Anthony accepted the fact that they made mistakes.

Michelt Anthony

Michelt Anthony, Member, National Cricket Team

“The competition was nice and we played against teams that we had plays against before and we could have won the tournament. but just little errors on ourselves cost us. What happened, I picked up this one against the Bahamas for taking five wickets for nineteen runs and batted twenty-five runs. And this one was for best bowler for tournament—picked up ten wicket overall.”

Gilroy Middleton, Manager of the National Cricket Team, had this to say:

Gilroy Middleton

Gilroy Middleton, Manager, National Cricket Team

“I think this was a very competitive competition, but I am really proud of the Belize national Team in that we were able to play with all the big teams; especially one of the big teams that came in second, Panama, we beat them in the tournament. I would like to go down in record to say that our team was as good as all the other team in the tournament. Just like sports, we just missed second place to play for first place just by three balls. And I think we will be seeing much better improvement in the future for the Belize Team. I think they have a far way to go.”

Moving on the 83^rd Annual Cross Country Cycle Classics is set to blast off at 6am on Holy Saturday. Since Shane Vasquez’s magnificent win in 2006 Belize has been bereft of a champion. American Boyd Johnson took the garland in 2007. Brian Bowman also of the US set a new record for his 139 miles race in 2008 with a time of 5 hours 40 minutes 12 seconds. Carlos Lopez of Mexico took it in 2009 and last year Guatemalan Miguel Perez emerged the champion. Which Belizeans have a chance to be the hero in 2011?

Here is cycling expert Melvin Torres with his picks “(Race for the Garland II 2011)”

Melvin Torres, Cycling Expert

Melvin Torres

The best bet will be with Darnell Barrow. I think you have quite a few guys who can be around that circle that can assist, but honestly I believe Darnel barrow has the best chance. And my reasons for that: firstly, he is a young kid and he don’t have a lot of experience, but what he has in his legs is showing that he has the determination and the ability plus this is a rider who has certain skills and certain talents. And he have a very good sprint. We cannot take out Belize’s best rider, in my opinion, Marlon Castillo. Well then we will go to Giovanni. Last year he was the favorite last year. He is the best long distance rider Belize has. He knows what to do, where to go and how to make the move. Then we go to Greg Lovell. He was there also last year. Greg Lovell was the man that Santino put his team jersey on and say well you will be the person to take it home. Byron Pope. Byron has a very good chance because he has shown maturity over the years and he is making very good decisions for himself. But also you cannot take Shane Vasquez out of it. He’s been there done that. I think Shane has a very good chance. He showed it throughout the other races that he is right there. He probably lost a few steps but he is right there.”

Meanwhile folks, things kick off on Thursday at 4:30pm with the annual parade of Cyclists which will leave Court House Plaza.

Jah Overall, I’m James Adderley.

Channel 5