TT U-19s take CARIFTA gold

The team, which is coached by former national player Nicola Welch, got past Jamaica 4-0 in the final yesterday morning at the Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex in Nassau. Tahirah Beepat, Victoria Gillette, Megan Stafford and Yasmin Mohammed all chipped in with a goal apiece to secure TT ’s victory.

The team remained undefeated for the tournament after winning two games on the opening day. TT first pummeled Barbados 17-3, and then earned a 10-2 win over Jamaica. Three teams participated in the tournament, and due to their perfect start, TT ’s earned a bye on Saturday before beating Jamaica for the gold in a close contest to Friday’s clash.

Jamaica first defeated Barbados 11-2 in the round robin match on Saturday morning, and then defeated the Bajan outfit in the evening to earn their place in the final. Coach Welch was pleased with her team’s performance in the final.

“Jamaica definitely came out strong to try to beat us as you will see by the score margin but the girls persevered and remained strong and poised on defence.

They converted where they needed to on offence but our strong defence anchored by our goalie Zoe Van Reeken was our strong suit. I’m extremely proud of their efforts and they put their all into the game to bring home the gold,” she said.

Welch, who last represented Trinidad and Tobago at the Pan Am Games in 2010, was delighted to emerge triumphant in her first stint as a national coach.

“This was my first tour as a national coach. It’s certainly very different from being an athlete but I’ve gained a much better understanding of the game in my experience playing at the university level and I’m happy to be able to share the knowledge with TT ’s present young athletes.” The TT U-15 male team had a disappointing outing, winning only one out of five games and finished fourth just above Bonaire.

TT ’s only win came against Bonaire who they trounced 22-7.

TT lost to Bahamas (7-10), Barbados (8-10) and Jamaica (6-7) in the round robin rounds, then went under to Jamaica 3-7 in the bronze medal game. The teams return from Bahamas on April 13.