CHAMPIONS St Clair’s Coaching School continued their irrepressible form in the Premier Division of the Warner’s Group of Companies-sponsored Tobago Football Association Semi-Professional Football League.

The two-time defending kings blasted Georgia FC 6-2 at Shaw Park on Wednesday, to keep their unbeaten record atop the standings. Darron Toby had a field day, scoring four goals to leap to the top of the individual goalscorers with nine goals this season.  Hugo Blake and Kareem Robley added one goal each to the victory, while Damian Phillips and Ronnie McKain got the goals for Georgia. Last year’s runners-up Stokelyvale kept on the heels of the leaders with a 3-0 shut out of Hope Village Milan at Canaan No 2 ground, with Michael Carrington, Darron Williams and last season’s leading goalscorer Curtis Job scoring one goal each.

Charlotteville Unifiers got their first victory of the season when they outscored Pepsi Hills United 4-3 at Roxborough ground. Kevern Murphy got a double, while Kirby Spencer and Burtni Chadband got the other goals for the winners, while Lincoln Douglas scored twice and Kerwyn Small got the other for the Pepsi team. 1976 FC Phoenix XS spanked Earlbrokes 4-0 at the Canaan No 1 ground behind a hat-trick from Selvon Turner and another goal from Brent Cruickshank. And at the Dwight Yorke Stadium, Bacolet, Sidey’s edged Bethel United 2-1 with goals from Ryan Gray and Shurland Brathwaite.  Joel John got the goal for the Bethel lads. In Eastern Conference action, Roxborough Lakers shut out Mason Hall 2-0 on goals by Marlon Toppin and Shamir Reid at Dusty Park. And in the Western Conference, Stag Uprising edged Leeds United 2-1 at Canaan No 1 ground.

Current standings:
	P	W	D	L	F	A	Pts
Coaching School	6	5	1	0	26	8	16
Stokelyvale	7	4	3	0	24	6	15
Phoenix	6	3	2	1	16	8	11
Sidey’s	6	2	2	2	9	8	8
Bethel	6	2	1	3	13	15	7
Pepsi Hills	5	2	0	3	13	12	6
Earlbrokes	6	1	2	3	7	16	5
Georgia	6	1	1	4	10	18	4
Unifiers	5	1	1	3	6	19	4
Milan	5	1	1	3	5	19	4

KINGSTON: Jamaica bounced back three days after a defeat to Cuba to score a 2-0 victory over Paraguay.

Two of Jamaica’s England-born players, Darren Byfield and Richard Langley, got the goals in Wednesday night’s match at the National Stadium. Byfield, who plays for Rotherham FC in the English Division One, scored in the tenth minute while Langley of Queen’s Park Rangers scored his second goal in as many matches in the 27th minute. The Reggae Boyz had suffered a 1-2 defeat to Cuba on Sunday. Wednesday’s match saw an improved performance by the Jamaicans, who also play in the forthcoming CONCACAF Gold Cup. They dominated the Paraguayans, who ended the match with ten players after their captain and goalkeeper, Joslo Villar, was dismissed in the 58th minute for rough play.

JOEL SANKAR collected two gold medals, in the boys 11-12 400-metre freestyle and 200m breaststroke, as the five-day National Long Course Age-Group Swimming Championships began at the Marlins Swim Pool, Westmoorings.

The La Joya Torpedoes youngster touched the wall in a time of 5:00.11 in the 400 free, ahead of Ikeena Ward 5:14.91 and Osei Campbell of Flying Fish 5:15.29. In the last race of the day (200m breaststroke), Sankar was unchallenged for the gold medal, clocking 3:02.16, with Christian Bocage of Flying Fish 3:08.84 and fellow La Joya clubmate Deronn Samlalsingh 3:09.03 trailing. Shannon Duval of Marlins edged fellow national swimmer Kimba Collymore of Piranha Aquatics to claim the girls 13-14 200m breaststroke. Duval clocked 2:54.13 while Collymore was 3.41 seconds behind with Flying Fish’s Shantal Ali a distant third in 3:14.66.

The girls 11-12 200m breaststroke saw a close finish between Flying Fish’s Chantal Fitzpatrick and Marlins’ Ashley Elliot, with Fitzpatrick taking gold in 3:18.29 and Elliot silver in 3:18.52, while Reanelle Carillo of Tidal Wave was next in 3:23.82. Earlier in the evening, Carillo won the girls 11-12 400 free in 5:25.52, ahead of Piranhas’ Brittany Stewart 5:27.71 and Wasia Ward 5:36.67. John Ross Andrews of Piranhas was victorious in the boys 13-14 200m breaststroke, clocking 2:52.71 with Stephan Salandy of Flying Fish 2:53.44 and another Piranha Carlisle Abbott 2:56.25 following. Action continues today at the Marlins Pool from 6 pm.

Other results: Boys 15-and-over 1500m freestyle: 1.John Littlepage (Marlins) 18:05.08.
Girls 13-14 800m freestyle: 1.Nicole Hutchins 10:32.69; 2.Chantal Redon (Marlins) 10:41.36; 3.Whitney Wint (Piranhas) 11:02.86.
Girls 9-10 200m freestyle: 1.Shanice Mohammed (Flying Fish) 2:39.77; 2.Samantha Rahael (Marlins) 2:47.05; 3.Renee Gordon (Piranhas) 2:51.92.
Boys 9-10 200m freestyle: 1.Christian Homer (Stingray) 2:30.34; 2.Cadell Lyons (Stingray) 2:34.19; 3.Cristopher Buffong (Tidal Wave) 2:34.61.
Girls 15-and-over 200m breaststroke: 1.Krystal Huggins (Stingray) 3:15.27; 2.Tamara Baboolal (Tidal Wave) 3:23.78; 3.Samra Conliffe (Flying Fish) 3:40.50.
Boys 15-and-over 200m breaststroke: 1.Orlando Thom (Tidal Wave) 2:40.20; 2.Joseph Ryan (Tidal Wave) 2:44.41; 3.Stefan Mader (Piranha) 2:46.10.

OVER $23,000 will be at stake in this year’s third edition of  the Croisee Supermarket Minor Football League.

This figure represents an increase of $7,000 from last season. Action will kick off  at the St Mary’s Recr-eational Ground, Freeport on Sunday from 2 pm. Unit Trust Corporation Human Resource Manager Amber Rondon will speak at the opening ceremony, atestnd Satish Ramroop is scheduled to deliver  the feature address. Following  the formal opening, defending champions Croisee Connection will meet runners-up Strugglers in what could be regarded as a grudge match. For further information please call Lindsay Rondon at 624-4413 or 753-2098.

TRAINER Glenn Mendez was fined an additional $500 and issued a stern warning by the Trinidad and Tobago Racing Authority. This stems from behaviour by Mendez, thought to be unbecoming of a professional trainer in the Jockeys Room, after the running of an event on the Arima Race Club ‘Friday Lime’ card at Santa Rosa Park, Arima,  on June 20.

The triple crown winning trainer, who was fined $500 for the offence by the stewards of the ARC, who referred the matter to the TTRA for further action. And Mendez was warned he must desist from such behaviour and told any reccurrence would be more severely dealth with. The decision was taken by TTRA on Wednesday after giving due consideration to the evidence of trainer Mendez, as well as Cedric Coussement, a steward of the club, a security officer at  the Jockeys Room and an executive of the Jockeys’ Association. The TTRA was of the view that Mendez acted in a manner prejudicial to the integrity, proper conduct and good reputation of horseracing, and in breach of Rules 69 (2) and (3) of the Rules of Racing.

Also on Wednesday the TTRA dealt with an appeal by jockey Rajpaul Rajkumar against the decision of the stewards to fine him $500 fine and suspend him for three days,  for his ride aboard Sea Spider on the Day 16 of their current season on May 30. After hearing evidence from Rajkumar  and steward Winston Govia, the TTRA found there was no justification in  altering the original decision. So Rajkumar will begin serving his three-day suspension after tomorrow’s 10-race programme for which he is booked for seven rides. Apprentice Naim Samaroo was also given a one-day ban after admission of his unprofessional behaviour in view of the public. Samaroo will also be allowed to ride tomorrow, with his ban coming into effect from the next scheduled race day.

Jockey Ryan Thomas, who was also referred to the TTRA after being slapped with a $350 fine for his ride aboard Yankee Eagle, escaped with a stern warning but the fine stood. Rajkumar had another appeal against  a $250 fine for irresponsible riding, regarding an incident involving the horse Hatrick, adjourned to a date to be fixed.

A NUMBER of runners listed to participate on tomorrow’s Arima Race Club Day 21 card at Santa Rosa Park, Arima, have signalled their intentions that they are ready to give of their best in their respective races on the 10-race card.

Firestorm who has set her sights on the Oaks Stakes, continues to show improvement leading up to the August 1 event. The Jack Debideen inmate using tomorrow’s West Indian-bred three-year-old event enroute to the spotlight event on Emanicpation Day, could not be more impressive in her preparations. With stamina work already done, the consistent filly registered a fiery 22.89 seconds in sharpening her edges on Wednesday. Affirm Decision who scored a convincing win last time out has shown that he is going the right way.

The Anthony Serville-trained chestnut who has taken entry in the Santa Rosa Classic, opened up from the top of the straight to the winning post in 24.62 seconds. Reign Of Fire who will also go after the $60,000 purse in tomorrow’s West Indian-bred three-year-old race went well enough to remind punters that he must not be discounted in the 1200 metres event. The Kurt De Freitas owned and trained filly stretching her legs from the 600 metres marker posted 36.64 seconds to get among the “good’ in the remarks column of the Arima Race Club official clockers report. Her time was bettered on the morning only by older runners Mandela (36.00), Indian Game (36.34)  and El Guerrouj (36.37). Song Of Freedom showed why he is regarded as one of the top sprinters. The speedball attached to the Grant Lourenco team stopped the timer in 1:01.64 second for his 1000 metres spin.

Following are gallops recorded over the last two days:
WEDNESDAY: 400 METRES: Firestorm – 22.89, good. Isle Be There – 27.56, handily. Ex Sarah and ex Safety Deposit – 29.64, pacing. Finest Gem – 26.62, handily. Joint Venture – 24.95, good. Affirm Decision – 24.62, good. Man Of Class – 25.29, easy. Tribal Place – 26.95, handily. Seymour Harbour – 29.42, pacing. Mutola – 27.17, easy. Ex Hullaballo – 29.65, pacing.
600 METRES: Soca Tempo – 39.17, handily. Ex Silver Symphony and Ex Justified – 44.97, pacing. Fromnowuntil – 42.97, pacing. Supreme Dancer – 34.96, good. Golden Boy – 38.55, handily. Creme Caramel and Van Nistelrooy – 37.77, handily. Running Trick – 44.93, pacing. Ula – 42.23, pacing. Bound To Dot Com and Fresh Mandate – 43.53, pacing. Bon Voyage – 39.50, handily. Reign Of Fire – 36.64, good. Crimson Tower – 43.28, pacing. Supre Grey – 39.78, easy. Mandela – 36.00, good. Lazar Wolf – 44.99, pacing. Pile Of Cash – 44.99, pacing. El Guerrouj – 36.37, good. Ex Fait Accompli and Ex Natice Charm – 44.48, pacing. Naturelly Classy – 43.45, pacing. Hyarima – 42.61, pacing. Indian Game – 36.34, good.
800 METRES: Invincibility – 54.37, handily. Gold Conveyor – 53.21, handily. Sunny – 57.36, pacing. Squeezed Moment – 50.42, good. Sugar Mike – 59.93, pacing. Female Bandit – 58.18, pacing. Chief Of Staff – 59.53, pacing. Winning Trick – 57.18, pacing. Ex Musical Cascade, Ex Coo and Ex Willshewontshe – 58.36, pacing. Copy Cat and Serah’s Trick – 53.73, handily. Shezabute – 57.58, pacing. Maid Of Honour – 56.84, pacing.
1000 METRES: You’ve Got Mail – 1:10.42, pacing. Skye – 1:13.85, pacing. Song Of Freedom – 1:01.64, good. Canaima – 1:14.50, pacing. Splitting Image – 1:09.89, handily. Once In A Lifetime – 1:10.11, pacing. Miss Emma – 1:08.06, handily. Travel Agent – 1:12.18, pacing. Indian Trouble – 1:06.89, handily.
1200 METRES: Fort Aleza – 1:27.36, pacing. Tricky Guy – 1:21.57, handily.
YESTERDAY: 400 METRES: Carnival Messiah – 28.88, pacing. Politics – 28.62, pacing. Bank Account – 29.93, pacing. Ex Sarah and Ex Foresh Heights – 28.36, pacing Bound To Fly – 27.36, handily. Running Trick – 25.02, handily. Cold Rick – 23.14, good. Due Dilligence, Fresh Mandate and Bound To Dot Com – 24.24, good. Tribal Place – 25.52, handily. Regent Boy – 25.81, handily. Justice – 23.93, good. Maid Of Honour – 26.16, handily. Mary Magdalene – 24.62, good. Ex Island Chimes, Rhythmic Dancer and Ex Willshewontshe – 28.03, pacing. Life In Ruissia – 24.80, good, Sheer Magic – 27.24, easy (Boxes).
600 METRES: El Presidente – 44.72, pacing. Ex Justified and Ex Silver Symphony – 44.99, pacing. Duchess Trembly – 44.91, pacing. Guatama – 44.31, pacing. Ex Spellbound, Ex Danna Poeta and Ex Safety Deposit – 41.90, pacing. Sir Vidia – 39.90, handily. Fresh Honey – 44.77, pacing. Once In A Lifetime – 38.17, handily. Groomsman – 44.68, pacing.
800 METRES: Tour D’Argent – 59.97, pacing. Isle Be There – 57.40, pacing 57.40, pacing. Skye – 59.92, pacing. Panama Belle – 55.89, pacing. Stormy Season – 55.74, pacing. Golde Conveyor – 47.40, good. Isle Be True – 55.06, handily.
1000 METRES: Laura’s Boy  – 1:10.08, pacing..
1200 METRES: Mutola – 1:27.16, pacing. 

DEFENCE FORCE relinquished their hold on the First Citizens’ Bank (FCB) Cup on Wednesday night, when they were beaten 3-0 by W Connection at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo.

In an intense match played under rainy conditions, the in-form Army-Coast Guard combination were beaten 5-1 on aggregate by the better-prepared Connection squad. A low right-footed blast from midfielder Gefferson Goulart in the 42nd minute, gave Connection a 1-0 half-time lead.

This lead was doubled in the 49th when the defence failed to clear a tame shot by Ronaldo Viana, leaving fellow Brazilian Jose Luis Seabra with the simple task of slotting home from ten yards out. Defence Force threw caution to the wind and went into all out attack, but Russell Pope and Owen Matthews missed easy chances from close range while Akudu Goodridge saw his fierce 35-metre shot saved by Connection’s goalkeeper Alejandro Figueroa. After Arnold Dwarika saw his effort crash off an upright in the 82nd, with keeper Selwyn George at his mercy, fellow national midfielder Silvio Spann completed the scoring a minute later, rounding George and slotting into the open net. Connection will meet North East Stars next Wednesday in the first leg of the semi-finals. coach Angus Eve found the target in first half injury time, with striker Kerry Noray completing the rout in the 90th.

Christopher Raphael scored a perfect seven points to top the Under-12 age group while eight-year-old Keron Cabralis won the Under-10 age group with a score of 6.0 and took home the Best Under-8 accolade in the Trinidad and Tobago Chess Foundation Scholastic Open Chess Tournament.

Margaret Thairn won the Under-14 category and took the Best Female award for her performance as did Elena Noel in the Under-16; Lyndian Guiseppi in the Under-12 divisions and Sinead Furlong who was third in the Under-10 age group and secured the Best Female award for the age group. The competition was implemented to help develop critical thinking and social skills, build self-esteem, engender discipline and empower children to succeed and organisers were pleased with the success of this year’s effort. This year showed the  highest participation level to date and a record prize fund. It was an opportunity for the 50 students in five age-groups.

Following are the results out of a total of seven points:
Under-10: 1. Keron Cabralis 6.0; 2.Alpacino Smith 5.5;  3. Sinead Furlong.
Best Female: Sinead Furlong.
Best Under-8: Keron Cabralis.
Under-12: 1. Christopher Raphael 7; 2. Justin Salloum 6;  3. Senitish Srinivasan.
Best Female: Lyndian Guiseppi.
Under-14: 1. Margaret Thairn 5.5; 2. Aschille Clarke-Mendes 5.5;  3. Bakari Camara 5.5.
Best Female: Margaret Thairn.
Under-16: 1. Mark Richards 5; 2. David Hay 3.0;  3. Craig Richards 2.5.
Best Female: Elena Noel.
Under 20: 1. Mikhail Ramadar 4; 2. Gregory Oliviere 3.5;  3. Nissan Pow 3.5.

JOE PUBLIC booked their place in the semi-finals of the FCB Cup with a 3-1 victory over South West Institute of Football (SWIF) in their second-leg quarter-final match-up at the Marvin Lee Stadium, Macoya, Tunapuna. The “Eastern Lions” progressed 3-2 on aggregate score after Wednesday’s encounter.

Trailing 1-0 from their first leg clash, the “Eastern Lions” drew level with a goal from ex-St Augustine Senior Comprehensive striker Seon Power on the hour mark. Tobagonian Garvin McKenna gave Joe Public the advantage with a 67th minute strike but former national striker  Peter Prosper whipped in a shot in the 62nd to knot up the aggregate score at 2-2. But, with sudden-death extra-time looming, last season’s Pro League MVP Andre Toussaint tapped home during a goalmouth scramble to give victory to Joe Public, who will meet San Juan Jabloteh in the semis.