BBC Sports News: Netball, Football & Softball
[Sports reports by Gary Foster Skelton, Bermuda Broadcasting Co.]
Netballers Lose To Barbadian Hosts
Bermuda had a lot to prove and a capacity crowd against us in Barbados on Monday night.
Our girls were up against the home team and defending champions in the Jean Pierre Under 16 Netball tournament.
Bermuda’s Coach Kimale Evans takes up the story: “Bermuda seemed very uncomfortable with the physicality of Barbados and we were unable to penetrate their defense, causing several turnovers and ending the first quarter 8-4 to Barbados.
“In the second quarter, the Bermuda team up picked up its intensity, but continued to be careless with its attacking possession, throwing away numerous passes into the circle. The second quarter ended 20-9 to Barbados.
“The third quarter saw Bermuda continue to pick up momentum, with our defensive unit holding down Barbados and gobbling up interceptions that we unfortunately couldn’t capitalize on. This quarter was the lowest scoring for both teams, with Barbados outscoring us 5-3. The third quarter ended 25-12 to Barbados.
“It seemed difficult to claw things back at this point and Bermuda took the opportunity to play all their players, allowing starters a chance to rest up in preparation for tomorrow’s match. The game ended 39-13. Even though we suffered our first loss, Bermuda’s players returned to the hotel with high spirits.”
Bermuda’s Starting line-up:
- GS Donnauri Robinson; GA Zekiah Lewis; WA Micah Pond; C Zariah Amory; WD Demiqua Daniels; GD Inshan-nae Smith; GK Debre Evans
Goalscorers:
- Donnauri Robinson 6; Zekiah Lewis 7
Subs in the 4th quarter:
- GS Kaamilah Nasir; GD Nabillah Nasir; WD Mi’Kerah Moore; WA Ryann Hollis; C Selah Tuzo
In other matches, unbeaten Jamaica defeated Dominica 33-17, Grenada beat Trinidad and Tobago 28-17, and St Lucia got the better of Antigua & Barbuda 33-14.
Our girls will face Grenada tonight, 7:30pm Bermuda time.
Ups & Downs For Hamilton Parish
Hamilton Parish Football club have come to the end of the 2015/2016 season on the swing of a pendulum.
At the apex of one swing, the Hot Peppers’ youth programme has garnered deserved praise as they doubled up at the 2016 Kappa Classic, claiming victory in the under–10 and under–12 boys’ tournaments.
But on the other side of the pendulum’s arc, the senior Parish team have suffered miserably in the Premier Division, losing 11 matches, tying four and scraping just two victories.
Their relegation was guaranteed weeks ago, and the season bottomed out with a decimating 10–3 defeat by champions Dandy Town Hornets on Sunday.
Following such a strong performance in the Kappa Classic, with two titles plus semi–final and quarter–final performances in the Under 14s and Under 8s, is it time for the juniors to sit down with the seniors and tell them how it’s done?
“You’re right on that!” says Head Senior Coach and Director of Coaching at HPWC, Phillip Burgess.
“It’s been a lot of hard work from my side and from the coaching staff, but no commitment from the players… showing up to practice, different things like that. Players need to take a look at our youth and see what’s driving them to the next level.”
President of the HPWC youth programme, Delton Burgess, said “Our youngsters do make that commitment in training. They listen to what the coach tells them to do, and they carry it out”
Mr. Burgess believes the strength of their youth programme will, over time, enhance the senior team: “Maybe in three to five years, you’ll see where our junior programme is going, in terms of what you’ll see at the senior level.”
Mr. Burgess also praised the Kappa Classic tournament, and admits that he would love to see another similar annual youth football competition: “I know it’s a lot of work… but I believe another tournament of this magnitude would be great for the kids. It makes them raise their game… it brings it to another level.”
Softball At Bernard Park
The super-busy Commercial Softball League is well underway at the Bernard Park Diamond.
On Monday night, Super Express steamed away from KPMG 22 to 14, BDA Cleaning Dragons swept up FIU & Done 19 to 4, and Corporation of Hamilton put the fear into Scared Hitless 24 to 13.
Spectators can catch the league’s games Monday through Thursday, from 6pm until after 10pm.
Check out highlights from the Super Dragons versus KPMG game below.
Note: Bernews is temporarily helping Bermuda Broadcasting Company by sharing its stories online. The station’s TV equipment is undergoing repair after being hit by lightning.
Oh well, back to de drawing board.