Canada finished pool play undefeated after its 25-21, 25-12, 25-10 victory over a spirited T&T in their final Pool B round-robin match at the 2017 NORCECA Men’s Continental Championship at the USA Olympic Training Centre, Colorado Springs, Denver, Colorado, USA on Thursday night.

Both teams entered the match with 1-0 records after straight sets victories over St Lucia in their opening matches, however, despite a positive start by the Caribbean Zonal Volleyball Association (CAZOVA) champions, T&T, it was the defending champions Canada led by its strong service game which proved vital in the win to end with a 2-0 record while T&T ended 1-1.

Canada led in aces (10-2) as well as spike (39-23) and blocks (7-3). Trinidad & Tobago scored 15 points on Canada’s errors while committing 19.

Outside hitter Nick Hoag led Canada with 16 points on a match-high 11 spikes, a match-high four aces and one block while Opposite Sharone Vernon-Evans added 15 points, including a match-high four blocks.

Opposite Ryan Stewart, the team captain led T&T with nine points on seven spikes, one block and one ace.

With the victory, Canada’s points difference ratio of 2.055 proved better than Mexico’s (1.940) and USA (1.786) to gain one of the two automatic semifinal spots along with the Mexicans.

Nine-time tournament winners, USA, as the third best pool winner, meanwhile was due to come up against Costa Rica, second in Pool C, in one of two quarterfinals last night (Friday) after T&T, second in Pool B came up against Dominican Republic, which ended second in Pool A, behind USA.

The winners of the two main draw quarterfinals will advance to today’s semifinals where Mexico and Canada await while the two losers will contest the fifth to eighth semifinals along with the seventh to tenth semifinals winners.

The NORCECA Men’s Continental Championship is a qualification tournament into the 2018 FIVB World Championship. The top three teams in the 10-team field earn berths into the World Championship, while the top two teams in a second NORCECA qualifier held later this fall round out NORCECAÕs five vacancies into the world event.

T&T’s Combat Sambo Grand Slam competitors all received medals at the fourth annual Sambo Presidents Cup in London, England last Saturday. Keron “Judoking” Bourne was the standout competitor for T&T as he took home a gold medal in the 62-kilogram weight division.

Bourne knocked out Pavel Kulesh of Russia in the final and in doing so, prevented the Russian team from sweeping all the gold medals in the competition. Debutant Domingo Bickharry was also among the medals for T&T as he received a bronze medal for finishing as joint-third in the 74-kilogram weight division. Martin Joseph narrowly missed out on a shock upset in the 100-kilogram weight division final and had to settle for a silver medal as he lost to Dmitry Levashov of Russia in the final.

The result was T&T’s best ever finish at the competition and signified a step in the right direction for the T&T Combat Sambo community. The members of the T&T team- Bourne, Bickharry, Joseph and Jason Fraser, president of the T&T Sambo and Combat Sambo Federation, were scheduled to return home last night to a rousing reception at the VIP Lounge of the Piarco International Airport, where they were to be greeted by Director of Sport and Physical Education Patrice Charles who replaced Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Darryl Smith who could not make it.

JONATHON MATOUK

One of the statements made by minister of finance, Colm Imbert during Monday’s 2018 budget presentation was that the government intends to introduce a sports commission which will be charged with addressing issues in sports events management, sport dispute resolution and management of national sporting bodies, with the development of requisite legislation.

Yesterday, Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, Darryl Smith confirmed that this commission would replace the existing Sports Company of T&T and is expected to come on stream in 2018.

“This was supposed to happen years ago. The previous administrations just got comfortable and allowed it to remain as the Sports Company. We envision that this new commission would eradicate double dipping and redundancy. As it stands now, the ministry has responsibility for some NGBs and so does the Sports Company. We also see after maintenance of some facilities, and the Sports Company also does maintenance, so the commission is supposed to stream line some of that.”

Pointing out that his ministry alone has over 400 employees, minister Smith used Jamaica as one example of what T&T’s format could follow, where the sports ministry has a smaller staff and the administration of that country’s sports is left up to a number of small boards.

The Member of Parliament for Diego Martin Central also indicated that the Boxing Board of Control is also set to be dismantled and replaced by a Combat Sports Commission to unify all genres of that sport under one umbrella.

Speaking to Guardian Media Sports yesterday, Smith also confirmed that the final draft of the national sports policy is ready to be taken to cabinet during the month of October following the completion of consultations with various stakeholders including other ministries, National Governing Bodies (NGBs), the T&T Olympic Committee and others.

If approved, the policy would finally come on stream after more than 15 years according to the minister who said that it was first initiated in 2002.

Among the main issues that the policy is expected to address is the athlete assistance programme as well as the system for rewarding athletes who achieve noteworthy accomplishments at various levels of international competition.

Minister Smith said: “I don’t like to use the word reward. I prefer to say incentive. So you are going to see some changes with regards to a policy for incentivizing athletes and also looking at the elite athletes programme making some improvements once that is approved.”

Over $70, 000 in prizes will be at stake when the Beacon Cycling on the Avenue takes place tonight from 7pm. In addition to top international cycling, fans will also be treated to free entertainment courtesy soca artiste ‘Blaxx.’

Event promoter Michael Phillips said he is expecting an interesting event which features a gruelling 35-lap grind from the starting point in front Mikes Bikes on Ariapita Avenue, through De Verteuil Street, taking riders around the Hasely Crawford Stadium and back to the starting point for a winning prize of $10, 000. Phillips, who combined with Beacon insurance for the first road race 20 years ago, said at a press conference at Mikes Bikes yesterday that there will also be 15 lap prizes which, up to yesterday afternoon, amounted to a whopping $14, 700. The main event will also attract cash incentives expected to be approximately $5,000 for the people’s choice for the best rider.

The event has already attracted a large field of 60 riders, including Dutchman Peter Schulting, the 2017 winner of the Tobago International Cycling Classic which came to an end on Sunday last. The Dutchman, who represented Team PSL could add more silverware to his cabinet as last year’s defending champion Norlandy Sanchez of the Dominican Republic could not make it to defend his title due to commitment at school, and so too John Moze of the United Kingdom, who was runner-up last year.

Jamol Eastmond, the Barbadian rider, though beaten by Schulting in the recent Tobago Classic, could be a main contender for the title, having won the recent Republic Day Cycle Classic on the Diego Martin highway, as well as winning the third edition of the cycling on the avenue classic a few years ago.

Both riders are expected to face stern challenges from a large field that includes ‘Team Embrace the World’ from Germany; Micha Glowatzki, Lucas Carstensen, Matthias Plattner, Simon Wingen, Christian Schumacher and Robert Muller: Team Econo Car Rentals- Nicklas Petersen, Luis Rivera, Sebastien Caicedo, Andres Pedroza, Cristian Torres, Aria Kiani, Ben Foster and Shaquel Agard: Team Pharmaco from the USA- Raynauth Jeffrey, Jake Silverbug, Emile Abraham and Parker Kyzer among many others.

WALTER ALIBEY

ST JOHN’S—Englishman Graeme West has been retained as head coach of West Indies A for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka A.

The 39-year-old has led the A side in recent years and only this year oversaw their series win in South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Under West’s guidance, they beat South Africa 3-2 in a five-match series staged in Durban and Pietermaritzburg before getting the better of Zimbabwe 2-1 in a three-match series in Harare and Marondera.

West, formerly of the now scrapped High Performance Centre in Barbados, is a former Middlesex County academy director who also served as the Middlesex Cricket Board’s development officer.

He will have has his assistant again former West Indies fast bowler Corey Collymore, with Dwain Gill serving as manager.

West Indies A face the Sri Lankans in three four-day “Tests” from October 11-29 in Jamaica before taking on the tourists in a three-day one-day series from November 1-5 also in Jamaica.

Windies A Team Management Unit

Graeme West - Head Coach

Corey Collymore - Assistant Coach

Dwain Gill - Team Operations Manager

Khevyn Williams - Physiotherapist

Zephrynus Nicholas - Fitness Coordinator

Dinesh Mahabir - Video Data Operator

SCHEDULE OF MATCHES

OCTOBER

Wednesday 11 to Saturday 14: 1st “Test” – Trelawny Multiplex, Jamaica

Thursday 19 to Sunday 22: 2nd “Test” – Trelawny Multiplex

Thursday 26 to Sunday 29: 3rd “Test” – Sabina Park, Jamaica

NOVEMBER

Wednesday 1: 1st One-day Match – Sabina Park

Friday 3: 2nd One-day Match – Sabina Park

Sunday 5: 3rd One-day Match – Trelawny

Rain prevented any play on the opening day of the first trial match to select the T&T Red Force team yesterday at the National Cricket Centre (NCC) in Couva.

With the national selectors looking to select the team to go into action against Barbados on October 26 by next Friday, it means that players missed out on a full play to showcase their wares. Heavy overnight and early morning rain kept the players indoors according to TTCB operations manager Dudnath Ramkeesoon. “The rain kept the players indoors but they did not waste time, as they decided to keep a session at the indoors nets. We have decided to still keep this match as a four-day format and weather permitting tomorrow (today) will now be the first day with the game going on until Saturday.”

Two matches have been carded for the players but the national selectors may have to settled on their final team after only one match and the rain now holds the key for players on the fringe.

A Marlon Richards XI will oppose an Imran Khan team for four days weather permitting. The teams comprise several seasoned campaigners and a few young promising ones. The players have been working at the indoor nets for the past few weeks under the watchful eyes of coach Kelvin Williams. The newly appointed Williams said recently that he was hoping to get in some action out in the middle, as this is where the players can really access where their game is at the moment.

So yet again, Sports is a priority. Yes it is. You don’t believe me.

The Minister of Finance, Colm Imbert, said as much, he did, in the almost four hour speech on the economy, he gave sports all of three paragraphs or was it four, not certain, but it was at least seven minutes.

And the Minister (not the Minister of Sports), but the Minister of Finance stated that in Sports, the concentration was going to be on three main core items, 1) Services, 2) Events and 3) Infrastructure. All part of the greater picture, which enveloped a landscape of Sports Tourism. This, I must add, is the same Sports Tourism that has been tossed around like a rejected and neglected cure for an age-old sickness, known as “say it but don’t mean it.”

We were also told the Sports Commission is coming, which may mean or could mean, that the Sports Company of Trinidad and Tobago is going or gone. Ultimately, when both Gerard Ferreira and Ken Butcher established the Sports Company, following the Australian model, all those years ago (at least ten), that was the plan to evolve towards a commission, which would possibly prevent some of the problems the Sports Company and their bedfellow, the Ministry of Sport have encountered not only at night, but in the day as well.

Interestingly, when Guardian Sports Media caught up with the Minister of Sports, Daryl Smith, mere hours after the budget, he cut a forlorn figure in saying that, the TT$388 million that was announced by the Minister of Finance was “just a budget”. And to that, we have to ask Minister Smith, “Yes Daryl, really, we know it is a budget.”

But Minister Smith continued, “We ask for A, and then we are told B and then when time for releases we get C…”

Does all of this suggest, people, that the Minister of Sports, is already making excuses for a cut in subvention for Sports in this country, this after everyone keeps saying that sports can save lives and can change a person’s future. Clearly Sports under Minister Smith is about saving only a few persons existence and changing only a few persons future.

The Minister in his interview with Guardian Media Sports, that “there is a new Permanent Secretary, Mrs Duke.”

Really Minister, Really. Another permanent secretary is that three or four or five since you have been Minister. Quite frankly, I have lost count. And what is worse, this cannot be good for the Ministry, when the second highest position in Sports, is a revolving chair. Something has to be wrong with that, in terms of both policy and position, for the interest of continuity.

In this country, Sports is a great topic, after all according to the Minister of Finance, not only himself and members of the cabinet, but also many of the Opposition all enjoyed the success of the Trinbago Knight Riders at the Brian Lara Stadium. I am certain the occasion was made better by them all sipping on coconut water!

When the Minister (not the Minister of Sports) of Finance, spoke of the joy and the appreciation on having our national flag raised at both the World Championships with the 4x400 men’s relay team and Akeem Stewart’s medals in the Para Athletics World Championships, I could only shake my head. And I am certain that many in sports shook theirs as well because to date there has been little done to help men, who have financial commitments to reach and attain what they did for this country.

I guess to the Minister (not the Minister of Sports) of Finance, the fact that he mentioned them in the budget and they have given national awards is good enough.

The Minister of Sports and the Minister of Finance, appear to agree on one thing, that the Elite programme for coaches and athletes must continue, however, if we can unravel the contents of such without needing a shovel and a bucket, that will be not as messy, as the current state of Sports administration in some areas in this country.

An own goal and one from Adriel George saw Bishop’s High School defeat Goodwood Secondary, to intensify the race for the Tobago Zone in the SHELL/FCB Boys Championship Division of the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) on Monday.

In the rescheduled round of matches from Saturday, hosts Bishop’s secured a 2-0 win to match leader Goodwood’s 12 points after five matches with both having four wins and a loss. However the latter holds a plus five advantage in goal-difference.

Keston Rodney came good for Pentecostal Light and Life also causing a bit of an upset, edging Scarborough Secondary, 2-1.

Rodney rocked the back of the net twice in the close affair to earn his team its first win of the season after five rounds of matches, to be in fifth place in the six-team competition with four points, also having a draw and three losses.

Reults 

Monday
Tobago Zone
Bishop’s High School 2 (Adriel George 1, own goal) vs Goodwood Secondary 0
Pentecostal Light and Life 2 (Keston Rodney 2) vs Scarborough Secondary 1
Friday
South Zone
Point Fortin East 3 vs Siparia West Secondary 0
P
leasantville Secondary 5 vs Princes Town West 9
Moruga Secondary 6 vs Fyzabad Anglican 0
Central Zone
Chaguanas North 8 vs Gasparillo Secondary 0
P
resentation College 4 vs Cunupia Secondary 0
North Zone
D/Martin Central 1 vs East Mucurapo 2
D/Martin North 3 vs St Francis 1
M
alick Secondary 4 vs Tranquility Secondary 3
East Zone
Arima North Secondary 2 vs Valencia Secondary 2
El D
orado East 1 vs Holy Cross College 5
Scarborough sits just above them in fourth spot with six points (two wins and three losses).

The other match between Mason Hall and Roxborough was rescheduled to be played on Sunday.

Tivoli, rated 84, ticks every box for division two of a Maiden Fillies’ Stakes over six furlongs of Kempton polytrack tonight; trained by John ‘Enable’ Gosden, mount of classic-winning jockey, Andrea Atzeni, this 180000 guineas Dark Angel juvenile will be a serious target for professionally-minded punters, despite racing for the fifth time.

Experience is so vital and though Tivoli has been a ‘beaten favourite’ the last twice her time-handicap marks are way superior to any of nine rivals in opposition. Realistically she is the proverbial banker and can be backed accordingly.

Division two looks ‘too difficult’ which is disappointing because dual failure Mushahadaat is on my ‘ones to note’ pad. What is the point of chancing a racehorse drawn twelve, right on the outside?

Josephine Gordon rides Dragon Mountain in a fourteen-runner Novice Stakes over a mile; last month this Sir Percy colt pleased her guv’nor, Hugo Palmer, when making his debut over course and distance under Ted Durcan.

Third to six lengths winner Roaring Lion wont necessarily set pulses racing but Palmer has joined the training fraternity which doesn’t have runners ‘knocked about’ first up; under his determined, completely focused, champion apprentice stable jockey, expect considerable improvement.

Josephine is targeting 100 winners this year, thirteen more than she achieved 2016.

Only ten to go, what a tremendous role model for aspiring females.

Gosden also runs Alba Del Sola in division two of a Maiden Stakes over five furlongs of ‘good to soft’ Nottingham but it is 126 days since a promising debut and so experienced Kodiac Express is preferred.

Kodiac Express is limited, this will be his tenth outing but, significantly, the last two represent improvement; a cast-iron each-way bet and talented George Buckell claims 5lbs apprentice allowance.

Play the daily patent with emphasis on placings.

FC Santa Rosa’s Big Cannons, are well on course to successfully defend its League One crown in the T&T Super League after Sunday’s 2-0 triumph over WASA FC, coupled with Hydro Tech Guaya United’s goalless draw with Cunupia FC.

However they face their biggest challenge against Guaya later on in the league, which could determine the ultimate winner. Guaya’s tie with Cunupia has left them on 37 points and still on top on the standings by two points ahead of Santa Rosa 35, but the latter has a game in hand, a rescheduled encounter with Queen’s Park to be played at a date and venue to be announced. Yesterday Guaya manager Jameson Rigues said there was no need to press the panic bottom as his team will meet Santa Rosa in one of the remaining six matches. “They will first have to beat us first. There are six matches to go and it is crucial for us to win those matches. Winning this title is important for us and all other teams, as it is the first time the league is being managed by the clubs” Rigues explained.

At the Larry Gomes Stadium, Malabar on Sunday, Guaya failed to convert the many opportunities that came its way, while at the Arima Velodrome, the home team got two quick goals from Nathan Julien in the 12th minute and Keelon Mitchell a minute later, in securing maximum points and a clear sight on the silverware in the two-team race. Cunupia’s tied saw them maintain third on the table with 27 points, but fourth Defence Force moved to 26 points by hammering Bethel FC 6-0 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo, courtesy a hat-trick by Aaron Lester in the 16th, 61st and 84th minute and other goals from Keston Williams (23rd), Michael Edwards (71st) and Christon Baptiste in the 76th minute.

At the Police Barracks in St James, Police got two goals from Dwight Elliot (43rd) and Akiba Peters in time added on (90+3), to defeat Club Sando Moruga 2-1 while UTT edged Siparia Spurs in a high-scoring affair 4-3 at the O’Meara Ground in Arima.

Kevaugh Connell (59th, 79th) and Dillon Batholomew (70th, 88th) got double strikes to hold off items by Spurs’ Sylvester Teesdale (62nd), Marcus Kelly (83rd) and Deon Collins (90th). Meanwhile at Canaan Bon Accord Recreation Ground, 1976 Phoenix thrashed Queen’s Park 3-0 to lift them to eighth.

Noel Williams scored twice in the 12th and 85th, and Andel Noray got the other in the 75th minute to assure them maximum points.

WALTER ALIBEY

The Minister of Finance must be commended for his 2018 budget presentation. Colm Imbert has successfully changed the government’s narrative of economic hardship to a new narrative of economic recovery ie “this is how we plan to manage our country’s circumstances.”

The budget was comprehensive and signalled many positive items along with the hard decisions that must be made. There was a message of hope and a feeling that we are all working towards better days ahead.

Sharing is caring. Therefore all our citizens whether rich or poor must share in the burden of adjustment if we truly want to see our country prosper again. This sentiment was echoed in the budget presentation. The International Monetary Fund can look on but must not return here any time soon with their draconian structural adjustment packages.

The government’s cash incentive grant allocation for increased entrepreneurship activity of $50 million will ensure 500 small businesses emerge or expand. The farming community has also been given a similar grant incentive of up to $100,00. This will generate employment and contribute to the diversification initiatives of the government.

The jewel in the budget also has to be in the housing sector. Cash incentives of $100,000 per unit for private housing developers to construct low cost homes, targeted at the lower middle income earners is commendable. Additionally, placing a stronger focus on the “rent to own” option of home ownership will give low income families the ability to qualify for home ownership.

The budget demonstrates that the government has listened to the people. The population admires the taxes on casinos, banks, oil and gas giants, big businesses and large private hospitals which have made supernormal profits for decades. The burden is being shared by all.

We have all benefited directly or indirectly during our times of abundance so let’s all do our part in our economic recovery. The budget gives the confidence that our situation is only temporary. Let’s demonstrate our care for our country by putting a little extra towards our future.

Ronald Huggins

St Joseph

Once again the manufacturers/distributors of plastics have escaped an environmental tax on containers. Hundreds of millions of dollars are spent annually on clearing drains and water courses of beverage containers that are a major cause of flooding, pollution and so many other environmental issues, yet all administrations shy away from introducing a tax, internationally accepted, that would rid us of this environmental nightmare.

Carib Glassworks, years ago, saw the advantages of establishing a recycling plant that not only provided raw material for their beverage containers but also ensured that the majority of discarded bottles were collected and not left to contaminate the environment. Hats off to them for their foresight and showing their commitment to corporate responsibility by providing an income for the less fortunate in society.

Sadly the same cannot be said for others in the manufacturing/distribution sectors who are obviously using their lobby to resist the imposition of an environmental tax while raking in huge profits.

The environmental tax on tyres is a welcomed move as these are also a menace to our surroundings and cause as much damage as plastics. However, the Minister did not elaborate on how this tax will be used. If it is not passed on by way of a refund for being collected and brought to a recycling location then the problem has not been solved as unscrupulous dealers will continue to dispose of used tyres as they do now.

Just my 2 cents.

Richard Trestrail

The nation has certainly suffered a great loss with the passing of Clive Pantin. He has been a tremendous statesman, leader, politician, philanthropist, friend and most certainly a humanitarian leader. Mr Pantin has certainly shown the way in many spheres including education, politics and family relationships.

As a past principal of a primary school, I remember quite vividly how Mr Pantin, as Minister of Education, humbly accepted our invitation to visit the school and although he was a very busy man with many planned engagements, he still took the time to speak with the administration, the entire school assembly and then he visited each class and teacher and spoke with each one for a short time.

His approach was very humble, friendly and relaxing. Many teachers later told me that they never expected the Minister to be so nice and helpful. Those who had armed themselves with a barrage of complaints about school conditions and salary issues were totally disarmed by the time Mr Pantin had reached their classrooms.

The establishment of FEEL, an organisation established under his stewardship to assist the poor and needy and less fortunate in our society speaks volumes about the character and kindness of this man. He has shown great compassion and caring for his fellowmen.

Condolences to the bereaved family and may he be rewarded immensely for his efforts in the hereafter.

WKS Hosein,

Chaguanas

DE LA BASTIDE, ROSE MARIE(nee Solis) went to Our Lord in An-tigua, Guatemala on Sunday Oc-tober 1, 2017. She is survived byRobert, her loving husband of 62years and their children, RobertJr., Josanne, Gabriela, and Luisand also by 13 grandchildren and9 great-grandchildren. She wasthe sister of Peter (deceased) andMariana (Charmaine) Miranda.She was greatly loved and will besorely missed.

EDMOND HART (3rd March1923- 29th September 2017),Legendary Mas' Man passedaway at the San FernandoGeneral Hospital at the age of94. Edmond Was the husbandof Ruby Gill (deceased), LilHart (deceased) and JudyThomas. Father of: Karen,Maritza, Thais, Aixa, Luis andGerald. Step-Father of:Della,Vanda and Lester.Grandfather of: Shawn,Rachael, Rebecca, Xiomara,Lee, Zane, Alexander andDaniel. Great Grandfather of:Shanika, Tishan, Shaheemand Jordan.

The funeral mass for the late Edmond Hart willtake place on Friday 6th Octo-ber, 2017 at 10.00an at St.Benedict's Roman CatholicChurch, #1 Alice Street, La Ro-maine followed by a 2:00 pmcremation at Belgroves Cre-matorium #107- 109 CoffeeStreet, San Fernando. In Lieuof flowers a donation will betaken up for St Benedicts RCas well as Living Water Com-munity (POS) Enquires can bemade at Belgroves FuneralHome & Crematorium at 223-2178. To extend condolencesto the family of Edmond Hartplease logon to www.bel-groves.com

HAMEL-SMITH: FRANCES passed away peacefully onSaturday 30th September,2017. Daughter of the lateRaymond and Diana Joan.Mother of Jason, Danielle,Kristin and Shane. Grand-mother of Percival, Storm andHunter. Sister of Mariela(dec),Kathleen, Michael, Roger,Alan, Timothy and Alex.

Funeral mass for the lateFrances Hamel-Smith takesplace at 10:00am on Friday6th October, 2017 at TheChurch of the Assumption,Long Circular Road, followedby private cremation. Funeralentrusted to C&B. For en-quiries, please contact Chan-cellor Walks Funeral Services,287-0403/04.

Hockey ace Alanna Lewis and Solomon Eccles were yesterday chosen to lead a 12-member Women’s and Men’s teams to contest the Indoor Pan American Hockey Cup in Georgetown Guyana next week, October 16-21.

Both teams will play in separate round-robin tournaments that will comprise hockey powerhouses Argentina and Canada for the right to qualify for the Indoor Hockey World Cup in Berlin Germany in February next year. Apart from Canada and the Argentines, the local women will be up against Barbados, Guyana, Uruguay and the United States while Eccles and company will have to get past Argentina, Canada, Barbados, Guyana and Mexico. Only the winner of each group will advance to the World Cup.

Both teams will have reasonably good chances to qualify, Reyah Richardson, the T&T Hockey Board secretary believes as the country’s men and women’s teams have played at separate indoor world cups back in the 2006 and 2003 respectively.

She believes while the Canadians and Argentines may be the strongest teams in the Pan Am region in the outdoor version of the game, but they can be beaten at the indoor format.

Strangely though the Canadians represented the region at he world cup following the last Pan Am qualifiers back in 2015.

Both T&T teams comprise a blend of youth and experience.

Lewis will be supported goalkeepers Kayla Marie-Escayg and Petal Derry, as well as Krtistin Thompson, Savannah De Freitas and Zene Henry. For the men Eccles has been joined by veteran Dwain Quan Chan, Jordon Reynos, Mark Ayen and Akim Toussaint, Marcus James and Mickell Pierre among others.

MORE INFO

Men:
Ron Alexander (GK)
Reiza Hosien (GK)
Dwain Quan Chan
Aidan De Gannes
Jordan Reynos
Solomon Eccles (Captain)
Mark Ayen
Jordan Vieira
Kristein Emmanuel
Akim Toussaint
Marcus James
Mickell Pierre
Technical Team:
Manager - Denise Kirth Davis
Head Coach - Raphael Govia
Assistant Coach - Darren
Cowie
Women:
Kayla-Marie Escayg (GK)
Petal Derry (GK)
Alanna Lewis (Captain)
Shaniah De Freitas
Arielle Williams
Amanda George
Savannah De Freitas
Blair Wynne
Brittney Hingh
Kristin Thompson
Zene Henry
Krizia Layne
Technical Team:
Manager - Valisha Sylvester
Head Coach - Jerazeno Bell

WALTER ALIBEY

Hockey ace Alanna Lewis and Solomon Eccles were yesterday chosen to lead a 12-member Women’s and Men’s teams to contest the Indoor Pan American Hockey Cup in Georgetown Guyana next week, October 16-21.

Both teams will play in separate round-robin tournaments that will comprise hockey powerhouses Argentina and Canada for the right to qualify for the Indoor Hockey World Cup in Berlin Germany in February next year. Apart from Canada and the Argentines, the local women will be up against Barbados, Guyana, Uruguay and the United States while Eccles and company will have to get past Argentina, Canada, Barbados, Guyana and Mexico. Only the winner of each group will advance to the World Cup.

Both teams will have reasonably good chances to qualify, Reyah Richardson, the T&T Hockey Board secretary believes as the country’s men and women’s teams have played at separate indoor world cups back in the 2006 and 2003 respectively.

She believes while the Canadians and Argentines may be the strongest teams in the Pan Am region in the outdoor version of the game, but they can be beaten at the indoor format.

Strangely though the Canadians represented the region at he world cup following the last Pan Am qualifiers back in 2015.

Both T&T teams comprise a blend of youth and experience.

Lewis will be supported goalkeepers Kayla Marie-Escayg and Petal Derry, as well as Krtistin Thompson, Savannah De Freitas and Zene Henry. For the men Eccles has been joined by veteran Dwain Quan Chan, Jordon Reynos, Mark Ayen and Akim Toussaint, Marcus James and Mickell Pierre among others.

MORE INFO

Men:
Ron Alexander (GK)
Reiza Hosien (GK)
Dwain Quan Chan
Aidan De Gannes
Jordan Reynos
Solomon Eccles (Captain)
Mark Ayen
Jordan Vieira
Kristein Emmanuel
Akim Toussaint
Marcus James
Mickell Pierre
Technical Team:
Manager - Denise Kirth Davis
Head Coach - Raphael Govia
Assistant Coach - Darren
Cowie
Women:
Kayla-Marie Escayg (GK)
Petal Derry (GK)
Alanna Lewis (Captain)
Shaniah De Freitas
Arielle Williams
Amanda George
Savannah De Freitas
Blair Wynne
Brittney Hingh
Kristin Thompson
Zene Henry
Krizia Layne
Technical Team:
Manager - Valisha Sylvester
Head Coach - Jerazeno Bell

WALTER ALIBEY