There was an air of expectancy in the Providence National Stadium on Sunday night as BK Western Tigers squared off against Pele Gold in the much anticipated finals of inaugural Fastball competition.
From the opening whistle Pele Gold played attacking football and made their intentions clear that they wanted to take home the top prize. Western Tigers seemed content with playing a defensive game and counterattacking. This strategy proved to be their undoing however.
2011 Female Fastball Champions: Trophy Stall All Stars
Pele created several early scoring opportunities with several shots going wide of the goal and testing the Western defense. A free shot awarded to Pele just cleared the top bar of the Western defended goal keeping the crowd excited.
The breakthrough however came after the”blue ball” was introduced into the game. The blue ball is probably the most distinctive aspect which separates fastball from regulation football. After 5 fouls are committed by any team the opposing team is awarded a six(6) seconds penalty. This is very crucial especially if the fifth foul is committed while the blue ball is in play since each goal is counted as two(2).
Doving King: Alpha United GK - Ronson Williams
The relentless attack of Pele eventually paid off just a few minutes after the blue ball was called for. Player #11 Marvin Joseph made an attacking run down the left side then after some fancy footwork, beat two defenders at the top of the box and drilled the blue ball into the back of the net putting Pele up by two.
About two minutes after halftime Western Tigers looked a more spirited team if not desperate to undo the first half damage. It proved not enough however when Stellon David needled one off a rebound. That proved to be the final goal as Pele kept the ball in posession largely for the remainder of the game.
Travis Grant captain of the winning side related that his team practiced and worked hard to be the top side and that they “are proud to be the first fastball champs.” Pele took away $1M in cash along with free credit.
In the female finals Trophy Stall All Stars got the better of Eagles United out of Lethem 3-2. The All Stars won $100,000 plus credit.
Meanwhile Ronson Williams “dove” a skillful 1000+ to win half a million dollars compliments of GTT.
Despite a 2-0 loss to top seed and pre-tournament favourites, Uruguay, the Guyana Women’s Hockey Team has achieved its primary objective of making the final of the PAHF Challenge. The Challenge which is being played in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, begun on July 31st and will be completed when the finals are played on Sunday August 7th 2011. The top two teams in the PAHF Challenge, Guyana and Uruguay, who clash in the final tomorrow (August 7), both earn spots in the World Cup Qualifier for the Americas, the PAHF Cup, to be held in Argentina in 2013.
Leigh Sandison joins Ulrica Sutherland (partly hidden) to disposses a Uruguayan striker
Going into their final pool match of the tournament against the unbeaten Uruguayans, Guyana needed to concede as few goals as possible against them to have the best chance for qualification. The Guyanese had drawn their match against Brazil 1-1 earlier in the week and now had to do their best on the final day to finish with a better goal average than the hosts to qualify for the final. The match however proved to be a difficult one with the Guyanese going down by one goal as early as the 4th minute when a powerful penalty corner strike from Uruguayan full back, Karina Bisignano, deflected off the stick of Captain Chantelle Fernandes and into the Guyanese net. Guyana played strong defence but struggled to mount any meaningful attacks as the Uruguayans controlled the possession and applied continuous pressure. In the 22nd minute, Uruguayan substitute, Florencia Norbis produced a skilful deflection on a pass across the scoring circle that proved too difficult for Alysa Xavier who had been having a fine game in goal for the Guyanese.
Team Guyana's sweeper Ulrica Sutherland
With the Guyanese down 0-2 at the half, their chances appeared to be slipping away as there seemed to be no way around the organised and skilful Uruguayans. Guyana would however produce a greatly improved second with brave efforts from many of their players including Leigh Sandison, Ulrica Sutherland and Xavier in goal. Uruguay would fail to produce any more goals for the remainder of the match and while Guyana managed to enjoy greater possession of the ball, never seemed to threaten the outcome. The game finished at 2-0 in favour of Uruguay.
With Brazil now needing the beat Paraguay by 5 goals in the final match of the day, the Guyanese girls remained tense as their fate was now in Paraguay’s hands. Brazil would muster a gutsy 4-1 victory but it would not be enough to deny the Guyanese their place in the final. Uruguay topped the pool round with 12 points, Guyana and Brazil managed 7 points each but Guyana placed second with a better goal average. Paraguay finished fourth in the pool with 3 points and Bermuda remained on zero at the end of the pool round. Guyana now faces Uruguay again in the finals at 14:30hrs while Paraguay will challenge Brazil for third place at 12:00hrs tomorrow, Sunday 7th.
An intellectual beauty with a fetish for fashion, 19 year old Davia Chambers is moving smoothly towards realizing her dreams of one day becoming a world renowned journalist and anchor as well as establishing herself as the first woman from her island to own a fashion magazine featuring everything Tobago.
Incidentally, Chambers is a current News Reporter/Anchor at Tobago Channel 5 and she also boasts an impressive portfolio even in light of the fact that she is among the youngest in the Miss Jamzone International lineup. Her personal achievements include Best Personal Interview (Miss T&T World 2010), Best Evening Wear (Miss T&T World 2010), 12 CXC and GCE passes (including 5 grade ones and the remainder in 2’s), TCI Supermodel 2009 and many awards for academics and sports in High School.
Proud to represent the beautiful Trinidad and Tobago, Davia intends to promote her country’s Carnival, exuberant culture, the rainforest, waterfalls, their National Instrument-Steel Pan, rivers and most of all the human resource.
“Trinidad and Tobago is one of the most looked at countries in the Caribbean and of this, I am proud. Therefore, I have made it my duty to continue to be an ambassador of my country, through international pageants and modeling”.
This 23 year old is a current student at the Midwestern State University majoring in Accounting and Spanish. She enjoys dancing and singing as well as listening to the mellow sounds of her favorite musicians, Alicia Keys, Lauren Hill and Beres Hammond.
Fatisha has a wealth of experience in pageantry having competed in numerous contests around the world and also states that her love for pageantry is somewhat genetic. “Pageantry has been a part of my family’s history as far back as my grandmother. My mother passed the trait down to me and my sister. My sister won the Carnival Talented Teen Show in 2009 and then went on to represent the Federation in Miss Caribbean Talented Teen”, Fatisha further explains.
If chosen as Miss Jamzone International 2011, Fatisha hopes to leave an indelible mark on the Caribbean Community through her talent of dance. “My love for dance has allowed me to reach out to many people. My dances tell stories and showcase many challenges the world faces; gang violence, pollution, child abuse etc. Throughout my appearances in different countries, my talent has left the audience reason to believe, that the world will change one day, only if we work together.”
The countdown is on to the much anticipated Jamzone Summerbreak 2011, which commences on August 12 and runs until August 21. Ten days of exciting and spectacular activities that are sure to “TUN UP SUMMER”.
Jamzone Summerbreak evolves every year, so too does fashion, so the ultimate questions are “What’s hot this year?” and /or “What can I wear that will turn heads?” (Both male and female)
This is where I share with you some of the hottest ‘summer’ trends for 2011.
SHORTS are ubiquitous – a-must-have; a -must-wear for ‘summer’. Be bold, be stylish, be colourful, be electrifying, and most of all be sexy!
The Prints
PRINTS – are big this ‘summer’ with floral designs leading the pack. Whether it’s a maxi dress, a skirt or a body hugging number, what’ important is that your print is on point and all eyes are on you. This look screams STYLISH!
Sandals
SANDALS – let’s keep it flat and comfortable; though it’s cool to walk with sandals in your purse when you wear your heels, it’s cuter to just go simple and sexy. Jamzone activities are mostly sporty and causal, so essay are ideal. *wink*
Crop Tops
CROP TOPS – are hot, chic, the latest thing, cool and definitely a ‘summer’ must have. These can be worn with the new trendy trousers pants, pencil skirts, jeggings and shorts. They are also perfect for layering and can be paired with high waist trousers (credit fuda). And if you’re comfortable with showing skin, then this is definitely for you.
Mini Bag
MINI BAGS – where we put our makeup, cell phones, cameras, ‘vex money’ and whatever else we usually put in our handbags. They come in all colours and styles. Small yet perfect for any event.
Accessories
These are just five of the HOTS and SHOULD HAVES for Jamzone Summerbreak 2011. Oh and please do not forget your accessories, BOLD and DARING are the looks for Jamzone 2011.
This year is going to be huge; there is the inclusion of the T20 Master’s Cup (hot and talented cricketers will be on show); then International recording artistes Trey Songz and E-V-E live for the International Night; followed by the World Boss and Gully God on one stage, one night; then of course there is the Miss Jamzone International Pageant and all the activities leading up to that and finally the Beach Jam.
I’m set and ready and I hope with these cool ideas you will be too. JZSB11, Let’s Go!!!!!!!
We’re exactly one week away from the commencement of Guyana’s greatest festival and the atmosphere is pulsating with ‘Jamzone’ fever. Tickets are practically flying off the shelves, stores are restocking their clothing section exclusively with ‘summer’ apparel and patrons abroad are eagerly awaiting their flights to head our way. Among the most talked about events on the roster is the much anticipated and star studded ‘Jamzone International Night’ Super Concert which will feature R&B Superstar Trey Songz and a special guest performance by renowned Hip Hop megastar Eve, as well as supporting acts Timeka Marshall and Don Gialiani.
The general feedback from the local audience has been great since the addition of both artistes consciously targets two separate factions of fans of varying personal interest with one common interest, which is a love for great music.
The organizers have already begun venue preparations to ensure the stage is set to the required International standards and making any adjustments to accommodate varying weather conditions. With partnership from various corporate entities, the Jamzone team is working earnestly to ensure that this year goes down in history as one of the most memorable.
General tickets for this concert and all other Jamzone Summer Break 2011 events with the exception of the Miss Jamzone International Pageant are available at Ashmins Trading while the VIP and Luxury VIP (LVIP) can be obtained from Glamour Designer Brands in the Gizmos and Gadgets Superstore, 13 North Road and Wellington streets. Tickets for the Miss Jamzone International 2011 pageant which will feature eleven delegates from around the Caribbean are currently on sale at the National Cultural Center.
For further information kindly contact our office at 227-0580 or you can simply check out our website at Jamzonesummerbreak.com.
Proclaimed as ‘one of the most commercially and critically successful contemporary reggae artists’, well-known for his above-average prolificacy, Jamaican Reggae Megastar, Sizzla Kalonji, will be heading to Guyana this Sunday August 7th, for the GT&T Fastball Tournament finals and Mega Concert.
Sizzla Kalonji will be replacing Jamaican Reggae Star, Taurus Riley who was initially booked, however due to commitments, was unable to perform on the date aforementioned. Rising Dancehall star, Jory, who is without a doubt one of the most promising local artistes, reaping rave reviews for consistently producing constant chart-toppers, promises to bring the crowd to a ‘glass-shattering’ pitch. The renowned Mingles Sound Machine Band and Fusion International will also be present to provide added entertainment.
The inaugural Fastball showdown comes to an end this Sunday with the semi-finals which leads straight into the finals, to determine the winners who will walk away with six million dollars in cash and various prizes. Patrons can also tap into the action by simply wearing blue jerseys for a chance to win millions in GT&T mobile credit. Tickets are available at Ashmins Trading and all GT&T outlets.
Goalkeeper: Alysa is one of the most gifted players on the team and is a player with great potential. Having had success at several sport disciplines, and possessing the ability to play with equal effectiveness in or out of the goal, the team will benefit greatly in having her between the bars where she chose to make her career.
Amanda Garnett
Striker: Amanda is the life of the team. She is a natural ballplayer who works hard every time out. Amanda possesses good speed and control which makes her one of the team’s top strikers.
Ashley DeGroot
Striker: Ashley is a relative newcomer who is making her debut in Rio. What she lacks in experience, Ashley makes up for with an astute game sense of where her teammates are. A player with lots of potential, Ashley is likely to develop into one of the best passers in the game. Her role in the team however currently remains creating goal scoring opportunities on the front line.
Avonda James
Striker: Avonda is one of the fastest and most dedicated players on the team. Her pace gives her the unique opportunity of beating her marker to the vital scoring spot to score or set up a teammate. She works hard on defence also, a rare quality in a striker.
Chantelle Fernandes
Striker: Chantelle has been made captain of the team this year as she remains one of the more influential players who enjoys a good rapport with the entire team. She is one of the more exposed players having played for a few years abroad and with her good stick work, it shows in her game. While Chantelle was the central midfield figure on the team last year, she has been moved into the forward line in the hope of producing more goals which has been one of the team’s shortcomings in the past.
Dominique DeGroot
Striker: Dominique is a busy player who sticks to her assigned task. She is a graduate from the junior indoor ranks who is making a name and permanent place for herself on the senior side. She is strong on the ball and can also play some minutes in the midfield.
Gabriella Xavier
Midfield: Gabriella has developed into a strong attacking force with her ability to control the ball at pace. She is a tireless worker and will contribute at both ends of the pitch. Gabriella also plays on the forward line in addition to her critical attacking midfield position.
Jonelle Webster
Goalkeeper: Coming from a football background, Jonelle is a natural athlete with good leg coordination. She is relatively new to the game but is a fast learner who has finally managed to break into the team in this, her debut tournament.
Kerensa Fernandes
Striker: Kerensa has been the country’s most prolific scorer over the past few years both internationally and in the local league. Possessing a natural swing with great timing, she is also the penalty corner striker of the team. A lot of the team’s offense will ride on her shoulders.
Leigh Sandison
Center Midfield: Easily the most experienced player in the side, Leigh has played all of her hockey overseas. She is clearly one of the strongest players and, apart from her contribution with the ball, Leigh will play a critical role in directing the team from her central area.
Maria Munroe
Right midfield: With the heart of a warrior, much is expected of Maria Munroe in the competition. She is a genuine leader who is strong on the ball and is sure to play a major role in the team’s attack. Maria missed the 2010 competition to have her baby girl but is back and already in good physical condition to resume her role in midfield.
Marisha Rodrigues
Left midfield: Although Marisha has always been one of the more talented ballplayers on the side, this could possibly be one of her strongest tournaments as she has made a significant effort to improve her match fitness. An intelligent player who is quick to improvise, she will play a vital midfield role during the competition.
Marzana Fiedtkou
Left Back: Despite being the youngest player on the side, Marzana is already a permanent starter and has established herself as one of the team’s most reliable players. A good defender with strong possession skills Marzana is one of the more technically correct players in the side, having learned the game from a young age and has a bright future ahead.
Talia Fiedtkou
Full Back: Having made a good name for herself on the indoor version of the game, Talia has improved her game and finally made the breakthrough into the national side. She is a strong defender who plays a tough brand of hockey. Talia possesses a powerful push and hit which enables her to generate a counterattack from difficult situations.
Tiffany Solomon
Full back: Tiffany brings maturity and strength to the central defence. She is a powerful and intelligent player who rises to the occasion on the international stage. Tiffany will be assigned the tough marking responsibilities in the central defence area.
Trisha Woodroffe
Right back: Although being used on the right side, Trisha Woodroffe is a solid defender who possesses good reverse skills. A smooth striker of the ball with good possession skills she is a well balanced player who can also lend support to the midfield whenever the need arises.
Ulrica Sutherland
Full Back: Ulrica is one of the most valuable players on the team and is the fastest defender in the side. After beginning her career on the forward line, she has now been moved to the defence to capitalize on her fearless and determined attitude which makes her the player with the most match time of the team.
Vashema Bourne
Wing back: With her lengthy stride, Vashema is deceptively quick and has a good sense of timing for the attack. A dedicated player who is dependable to get back and disrupt the opposing attacks, Vashema’s speed and conditioning will play a major role in the competition.
With the need to improve on its goal difference and chances to make the final of the Pan American Hockey Federation (PAHF) Cup, Guyana faced off against Bermuda today (August 3rd) in their third match of the PAHF Challenge. From the outset Guyana pressed the game into the Bermudan half and signalled their intent to score but Bermuda’s tough defence held of the initial challenge as their team struggled to string together counterattacks against the heavy pressure. Guyana however would gain a penalty stroke in the 13th minute as desperation set in for Bermuda who resorted to fouling striker Kerensa Fernandes before she could complete her shot at goal. Captain Chantelle Fernandes made good on the stroke giving Guyana the 1-0 lead. Dominique DeGroot would make it 2-0 eight minutes later by slotting home a rebound off the goalkeeper and was fouled herself just one minute later securing a second penalty stroke for Guyana. Marzana Fiedtkou scored the penalty to give Guyana the 3-0 lead at the half.
Chantelle Diving
Bermuda came out stronger in the second half and seemed determined to reduce the margin but Alysa Xavier in goal for Guyana matched every attempt as did Guyana’s sweeper Ulrica Sutherland. Captain Chantelle Fernandes would move her team to 4 ahead just five minutes into the second half with a diving finish registering her second of the match and Gabriella Xavier added another from the narrowest of angles 2 minutes later. Bermuda enjoyed a reprieve as the game stretched for 25 minutes before Guyana would complete their tally of 6 as midfielder Leigh Sandison was first onto a rebounded shot for the tap in.
Dominique Degroot
Coach of the Guyana side, Philip Fernandes, indicated that the team needed to score as many goals as possible in the match as goal average may play an important role since Guyana drew with Brazil. Fernandes said that their strategy for the match was designed to be very attacking with this specific objective in mind.
Guyana now leads the pool after the third day of competition with 7 points followed by pre-tournament favourites Uruguay on 6, Brazil on 4 and Paraguay and Bermuda remaining on 0. Guyana now enjoys two rest days before their next match against Uruguay on Saturday, August 6th at 12:00hrs. Meanwhile, tomorrow (Thursday 4th) will see Bermuda face Paraguay at 10:00hrs and the key matchup of hosts Brazil against Uruguay at 12:00hrs.
