July 14 - 20, 2012
Sports National
41
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
TCI footballers record two international victories – U-20 Academy defeat US team Rockledge Steelers 4-0 – TCI Select win 2-1 THE Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA) members are seeing the progress of their youth programmes. Their U-20 Academy team played quality football against a team from Florida last week, the Rockledge Steelers, to win handsomely at 4-0. On Sunday evening a TCI Select, also consisting of youth players, edged out the side 2-1 in the second game of a blockbuster number of international summer clashes. These games were designed to give the TCIFA’s U-20 Academy players an opportunity to assess their development under the tutelage of head coach Ian Hurdle, who took on this role a year ago. Judging by the performances so far it would seem that Hurdle has made a big impact in bringing these players together into a tightly knit and competitive group. The first game started at breakneck speed with both teams fashioning early chances, however it was the TCI team that made the early break as Fred Dorvil forced the ball home after some good work from Evens Jean. Marco Fenelus doubled the lead with a solo effort before Dorvil’s direct style of play created the third goal as his shot was deflected past the goalkeeper to give the home side a healthy 3-0 lead. During the half time talk, Hurdle warned his players
against complacency as he felt the US team would come out with a point to prove. His prediction proved to be correct as Rockledge started the second half more determined. Luis Turbyfield had to make two fine saves to deny the Steelers from getting back into the game. Several substitutions had affected the rhythm of the team, but Hurdle wanted to ensure all his players could get some time on the field. However, their win was confirmed half way through the second half when Fenelus unleashed a fearsome shot that sailed into the top left corner. Fenelus was unfortunately dismissed from the field with ten minutes to go for a second bookable offence but despite being a man down, the TCI team showed no sign of weakness and saw out the game comfortable 4-0 winners. Sunday’s game was a close affair with the TCI Select team beating Rockledge 2-1. Resting many of his U-17 players like: Fred Dorvil, Herby Magny, Anell Super and Jerry Liluce the team seemed to lack the intensity that was shown during the first victory. Players like Rodney Davilmar, Evens Jean and Marcdonald Fenelus however rallied the troops and showed the resolve needed to secure the win.
World class swimmer Marcos Diaz won the race in 42 minutes and 20 seconds.
Diaz wins “Race for the Conch” 2.4 miles race WORLD class marathon swimmer Marcos Diaz from the Dominican Republic retained his 2.4 miles race title when the “Race for the Conch” Eco-Seaswim was held last Saturday in front of “Ricky’s” Flamingo Café. Local swimmer Dan Redmond won the One Mile men’s division
while Ann Lobelo took the female trophy in the same division. Noteworthy, two firefighters from Haiti participated in the mile race, a first for that nation. The Regent Palms three person team had the best combined time to win the Resort Cup for the second year in a row.
The TCI Select team won 2-1.
Jean scored from the penalty spot mid way through the first half before doubling the lead as he finished from close range after the Steelers’ goalkeeper fumbled a corner kick. However, Rockledge deservedly got on the scoresheet when Turbyfield was left to deal with three unmarked attackers following a direct free kick. In the second half the visitors pressed hard for an equaliser, but for the most part the TCI defence held firm. The introduction of Prashant Uttamchandani had a big impact on the game as his organisational skills helped settle the TCI defence when they were under pressure. His calming influence helped his
players regain their composure and soon the TCI players were enjoying good possessions and came close on several occasions to finding a third goal. They however settled for the 2-1 win. WORK IN PROGRESS After the game, Hurdle was pleased that his players had won two games in a row, but realised that the group is still a work in progress and that they still need to improve in many areas. “Our boys have done well and proved that they have more resolve and team spirit than they have had in the past. We still need to pass with more urgency and
have quicker transition speed, but we have come a long way in a short time. I am looking forward to see how our U-17 players will perform in the final game, but at this point I am satisfied with our application and commitment.” Technical Director Matthew Green added that: “The boys have made a very promising start to a summer of international competition. Ian (Hurdle) has put together three competitive teams from a squad of 30-40 players. If we can keep these boys playing together on a regular basis we can produce competitive U-17/U-20 and Senior national teams in the future.”
The Provo All Stars won the first Annual Wesley “Tanka” Williams Softball tournament.
1st Annual Wesley “Tanka” Williams’s Softball tournament:
Provo All-Stars take title PROVO All-Stars Church team was victorious when the TCI Softball Federation held a weekend of games to honour the late sports enthusiast Wesley “Tanka” Williams. The Provo side defeated a visiting team from Nassau, Bahamas to take the spoils in the event, which
was dubbed the 1st Annual Wesley “Tanka” Williams’s Softball Tournament. Tournament Director Paula VirgilStubbs said that the tournament was “a huge success”. She also thanked the sponsors and all persons who assisted in whatever way possible.
The tournament was a modified pitch tournament and it was enhanced with male and female fast pitch games, slow pitch church games and baseball league games at the Downtown Ball Park in Providenciales.