Perpetual Succour Convent HS Navelim made hard work of their match against Bloomz International with a 5-1 victory. The winners led 1-0 at half time through Sherlock Dias. Early in the second half Elroy Dsilva equalised for Bloomz from the Spot. There after after putting a lot of pressure on te Bloomz goal MOTM Sherlock scored three more and Emmanuel Gama added one for the winners.

Manovikas EMS scored a fluent 5-0 victory against Child Care School. keyaan Kuknoor with a hatrick and Divansh Volvotkar and Warren DSa being the other scorer’s. Shaine Fernandes of Child Care was the man of the match.

Hosts YFA Warriors continued their unbeaten run after a hard fought victory against The Kings School. Daniel Rebello gave YFA the lead before a thunderous freekick by Pranay Rivankar pulled TKS level. A splendid second half hatrick by Man of the Match Ethan Borges put day light between the teams and Samuel D’souza scored they fifth for the winners. 

Marina English HS Verna and Loyola HS Margao played the first entertaining draw of the League, the game ended 2-2. Lester Oliveira gave Loyola the lead twice but they were pegged back on both ocassions by Johann Abranches. Loyola goalkeeper Gareth Da Silva was adjudged the man of the match.

A five star performance by Sam Pereira propelled Rosary HS Navelim to a entertaining 5-3 victory over St Jude’s HS Betalbatim. Man of the Match Sam scored all five for the winners. Slane Ferrao’s hatrick was the highlight of St Jude’s performance.

Brace Fernandes  brace gave Regina Marytrum all three points against Infant Jesus Colva. Goalkeeper of IJHS Vijay Guddimani was the Man of the match.

PAKISTAN HAS SHOWN GREAT CHARACTER, SAYS ASSISTANT COACH VENKATESH

PAKISTAN HAS SHOWN GREAT CHARACTER, SAYS ASSISTANT COACH VENKATESH

DHAKA: A day ahead of India’s semi-final clash against Pakistan in the SAFF Suzuki Cup semi-final, India National Team’s Assistant Coach Venkatesh Shanmugam lauded Pakistan for their “character” and reaching the semi-finals coming back from a 3-year suspension.

 

"They (Pakistan) have been thorough and sharp on the pitch. It's not an easy job to reach to the semi-finals after a 3-year-long break. But they have made it possible, and that too in some style,” Venkatesh echoed.

“Reaching the last four after a gap of 13 years shows their character and how motivated they are. We respect them as our opponents and it's going to be a tough game for us,” he uttered in the official pre-match press conference.

"We understand that there is a lot of madness around this fixture but we are considering this just as another match. We have to get the job done. Only then we stand in with a chance to retain the SAFFSuzuki Cup, Venkatesh, a former Indian National Team Captain stated.

India have had the upper hand against Pakistan in Footballing encounters having won 18 out of the 31 encounters so far. Even in the SAFF Championship, India have won 4 of the 7 encounters against Pakistan.

“But all of that is history. We have come here with a young squad and we are focusing on providing the boys an opportunity at the International stage. We can never be labelled as favourites. But yeah, we have a strong intent to win it,” he mentioned.

On the other hand, Pakistan skipper Saddam Hossain showed his respect for India and said that the Indian youngsters have "enough potential and intelligence."

"We have immense respect for India. They have come with a young team but we have seen their athletic prowess during the group stage. They have enough potential and intelligence to outplay their opponents on a given day,” Hossain commented.

Brazilian coach Jose Antonio Nogueira stated that in spite of being well aware of the fanfare around the fixture, they are unfazed and focusing on just the game.

"It's going to be my first experience of an India-Pakistan match but I have been well acquainted with this sort of rivalry. But we have to concentrate on our game and stick to the plans to churn out a positive result,” Nogueira commented.

Hossain mentioned that Pakistan have never been able to reach SAFF Championship final and now they will fight tooth and nail to break the jinx.

"Yes, it hurts. But we'll fight till the end to make it possible this time. We have faced quite a few difficulties in the last 3 years but now, we are trying to bounce back."

The match is scheduled to kick-off at IST 7 pm and will be telecast live on D Sport.

IT WILL BE AN EXPERIENCE PLAYING INDIA, SAYS PAKISTAN COACH NOGUEIRA

DHAKA: Head Coach José Antonio Nogueira who has taken over the reins of Pakistan Football Team after their long absence from International Football has set his focus to catch up with India in next 2-3 years and “overtake them (India) to claim the pole position in the SAFF region.”

"Undoubtedly, India are the numero uno in the region. Coming back from a 3-year long hiatus, we are nowhere close to them. My first target is to close the gap in the next 2-3 years. We’ll then set the target to conquer the region,” Nogueira said in an exclusive chat with www.the-aiff.com.

Pakistan meet India in the semi-finals of the SAFF Suzuki Cup on Wednesday (September 12) and Nogueira said that the team is eagerly looking forward to the match.

“It will be a great experience for me and my team when we play India in the semis,” Nogueira, who has earlier coached Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau and St. Kitts and Nevis, smiles.

"We will gain some invaluable experience from those 90 minutes. India have achieved some major feats to reach the next level. I feel the experience which India gather playing against the opponents like Japan or maybe a South Korea, we'll get against them (India)."

The coach seemed to follow Indian Football very closely and described the exposure tours to the Indian age-group National Teams as a “very positive development.”

"India have laid down a blueprint and have worked relentlessly so far to execute it. Before the FIFA U17 World Cup, the team had travelled to Brazil for an exposure trip. Even the World Cup was so immaculately conducted,” he opined.

"Arranging exposure trips for the age-group teams, playing quality opponents often are some of the good things which have happened to Indian Football recently. The upsurge in the FIFA Ranking is the perfect synergy of these efforts,” he maintained.

How much challenging is your present job?

"I knew this job will be a very challenging one but as a coach, it's my duty to accept it. It was like of coming out from zero and restarting the system. Building a National team is not a magic. But the players have responded well so far."

"We had the PFF Cup and 65 players were selected from there. Since then, we shortlisted 32 and flew to Jakarta to compete in the Asian Games. We had some really tough games against Japan, Vietnam before landing here,” he informed.

President of US Chamber of Commerce Visits AZF/Aspetar Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) signs MoU with the Texas Health Resources (THR)

Sporting Clube de Goa in AWES Cup final

Sporting Clube de Goa in AWES Cup final

MARGAO;Goa Pro league winners Sporting Clube de Goa knocked out defending champions Dempo Sports Club 8–7 via sudden death tiebreaker to move into the final of the AWES Cup, organised by the Association for the Wellbeing of Elder Sportspersons in collaboration with the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) at Tilak Maidan, Vasco, on Tuesday.

The teams were tied 1–1 at the end of regulation time. Dempo took the lead in the 54th minute through Jessel Carneiro while Sporting Clube equalised in the 57th minute through a brilliant goal from Brandon Gomes.

In the tiebreaker that followed, Sporting Clube missed the first penalty taken by Alesh Sawant but converted the next seven through Cajetan Fernandes, Marcus Mascarenhas, Ganesh Thakur, Clive Miranda, Brandon Gomes, Assumption Soares and captain Victorino Fernandes.

Dempo were in an advantageous position, first taking the lead in normal time and then the tiebreaker when Velito D’Cruz and Suraj Hadkonkar converted the first two penalties. Naveen Mendes missed the third penalty, and while Jessel Carneiro, Chatur Naik, Joaquim Abranches, Olan Chandran all converted, Mario Mascarenhas missed the eighth penalty for Dempo.

Sporting Clube will now meet the winners of the second semi-final between ONGC (Mumbai) and Salgaocar FC for the final showdown on Saturday, September 15 at 6.30pm.

There was hardly anything to separate the two teams in an end-to-end contest where both teams created and missed chances.

After a barren first session, Dempo took the lead in the 54th minute when they launched a counter attack and Abranches crossed on the left for Jessel who finished with an angular left footer. Goalkeeper Melroy Fernandes thought he had the angle covered but the ball bounced awkwardly and sailed into the goal.

Sporting Clube were stunned by the setback but managed to equalise only three minutes later. It was a wonderful strike from Brandon who scored with a long ranger from almost 40 yards out. Brandon had got the opportunity after the Dempo defence had cleared a corner kick from Cajetan Fernandes.

Both teams then missed chances with Assumption’s long ranger hitting the crossbar and sailing out of play. Dempo also missed with Abranches hitting straight into the hands of the goalkeeper.

Tomorrow’s Match

ONGC v Salgaocar FC, 4 pm, Tilak Maidan

The American Chamber of Commerce brings Qatar and the U.S. together in a networking event

11 September 2018 – Doha, Qatar:

The American Chamber of Commerce in Qatar (AmCham Qatar) held a reception on September 10^th to welcome Thomas J. Donohue, President and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and his accompanying delegation to Qatar. The networking event provided a platform for Qatari and U.S. stakeholders to explore trade-related opportunities.

The delegation comprised several U.S. Chamber of Commerce officials, including: Khush Choksy, Senior Vice President of the Middle East & Turkey Affairs, Christopher Roberti, Senior Vice President for Cyber, Intelligence, and Security Policy, and Steve Lutes, Vice President of the Middle East Affairs. Robert Hager, Chairman of AmCham and Partner at Squire Patton Boggs, was also in attendance along with Mr. William Grant, Chargé d'Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Qatar.

Speaking on the occasion, Robert Hager said:

"The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is a powerful advocate of U.S. business worldwide and we have been fortunate to have their support since our founding in 2010.  We can always count on their sound advice and guidance and making available the resources of the chamber to help us promote U.S. business in Qatar and expand the commercial relationship between the two countries." 

Thomas Donohue added:

“Qatar has a vibrant, growing market that American businesses are eager to access. The U.S. Chamber will continue working with AmCham Qatar as well as government and business leaders to explore new ways in which our nations can collaborate to strengthen this important bilateral economic relationship.”

AmCham endeavours to bring together U.S. and Qatari stakeholders with the aim of exploring new relationships that strengthen collaboration and deepen business ties.  This networking event is the latest example of AmCham’s vibrant program of activities that celebrate the strengthening economic and bilateral ties between the U.S. and Qatar.

Some of the companies taking part in the reception included: Boeing, Squire Patton Boggs, Northwestern University Qatar, Libra Trading Company, Carnegie Mellon University Qatar, ConocoPhillips, Citi Bank, and Marsh.

RSF to launch groundbreaking global Information and Democracy Commission, 70 years after the UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

RSF to launch groundbreaking global Information and Democracy Commission, 70 years after the UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Seventy years after the UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in Paris, the Paris-based international NGO Reporters Without Borders (RSF) announces the formation of a panel of 25 prominent figures with the aim of drafting an International Declaration on Information and Democracy.

Co-chaired by Nobel peace laureate Shirin Ebadi and RSF secretary-general Christophe Deloire, the “Information and Democracy Commission” includes Nobel economics laureates Joseph Stiglitz and Amartya Sen, Peruvian novelist and Nobel literature laureate Mario Vargas Llosa and Nigerian human rights lawyer Hauwa Ibrahim, a recipient of the European Parliament’s Sakharov Prize.

This independent panel is being created at a time when “the crisis of trust in democracies and the growing influence of despotic regimes pose a major threat to freedoms, civil harmony and peace,” the co-chairs say in the letter defining its mission. Political control of information in a globalized public space, the influence of private interests, the growing power of corporate actors who escape democratic control and the undermining of quality journalism are the leading causes.

“The Declaration’s function will be to state principles, define objectives for decision-makers and propose forms of governance,” the mission statement says. It must “constitute a point of reference that will mobilize all those who are committed to defending a free and pluralistic public space, which is essential for democracy.”

Panel with 25 members from 18 countries

As well as the above-mentioned members and co-chairs, the Commission includes Abdou Diouf, a former president of Senegal and former secretary-general of the International Organization of the Francophonie; Navi Pillay, a South African lawyer and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights; Francis Fukuyama, a US political scientist, essayist and Stanford University professor; Mireille Delmas Marty, a French jurist and Collège de France honorary professor; and Teng Biao, a Chinese human rights lawyer.

It includes these leading journalists: Can Dündar (Turkey), Maria Ressa (Philippines), Ulrik Haagerup (Denmark), Ann Marie Lipinski and Marina Walker (United States), Aidan White (United Kingdom) and Mikhail Zygar (Russia) and Adam Michnik (Poland), as well as the following technology specialists: Harvard professor Yochai Benkler; Emily Bell, the director of the University of Columbia’s Tow Center; Antoine Petit, the head of France’s National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS); Eli Pariser, the founder of the website Upworthy and co-founder of Avaaz; the Italian researcher Primavera de Filippi; and Nighat Dad, the founder of Pakistan’s Digital Rights Foundation.

Towards an International Pledge on Information and Democracy

This initiative’s ultimate goal is an international commitment by governments, private-sector companies and civil society representatives. To this end, RSF expects a political process to be launched at the initiative of the leaders of several democratic countries on the basis of the Declaration, and that this will lead to an “International Pledge on Information and Democracy.” Letters have already been sent to leaders in all continents of the world, and RSF hopes that they will commit as early as mid-November, when dozens of heads of state and government meet in Paris for the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War (11 November), for the Paris Peace Forum (11-13 November) and the Internet Governance Forum 12-14 November).

The Commission is meeting for the first time the 11th and 12nd September in Paris and has set itself the goal of completing its work within two months. RSF, which is acting as its general secretariat, initiated a discussion several months ago that is intended to contribute to the Commission’s own debates. International consultations with a wide range of stakeholders have also been launched. Any persons or entities that would like to participate can send their contributions in English or French to informationdemocracy@rsf.org. The role of rapporteur is being performed by Antoine Garapon, the editor of the magazine Esprit and secretary-general of the Institut des Hautes Études sur la Justice (IHEJ).

RSF initiatives

Registered in France as a public interest entity, RSF is an independent non-profit that has consultative status with the UN, UNESCO, the Council of Europe, the International Organization of the Francophonie, and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights. Headquartered in Paris, it has bureaux, sections or representatives in 17 cities (Berlin, Brussels, Geneva, Helsinki, Istanbul, Karachi, Kiev, London, Madrid, Mexico, Rio de Janeiro, San Francisco, Stockholm, Taipei, Tunis, Vienna and Washington), correspondents in 130 countries and 15 local partner organizations.

RSF’s vision is for “all human beings to have access to the news and information they need in order to be aware of and understand the challenges posed by the world and the environment.” Its mandate is to promote “journalistic freedom, pluralism and independence” and defend“those who embody these ideals.” Its work is “inspired by article 19 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the leading Declarations and charters about journalistic ethics.”

Although supported by RSF and created at its initiative, the Information and Democracy Commission is independent of RSF and is not bound by its mandate.

RSF launched a Journalism Trust Initiative (JTI) in April with the aim of promoting journalistic methods, editorial independence, media transparency, and respect for journalistic ethics by giving concrete advantages (especially technological and economic ones) to news media that adhere to standards defined collaboratively in a process of self-regulation. Around 100 media organizations – including publishers, media unions, press freedom NGOs and other international organizations – are participating in the JTI. Its partners include Agence France Presse, the Global Editors Network and the European Broadcasting Union.

The JTI is focused on news media of all kinds and sizes and is designed to defend journalistic values in the face of changing economic realities. The Information and Democracy Commissionhas a complementary aim, which is to define the intellectual and legal bases of the public space in the era of the Internet and globalized news and information. 

Reporters Without Borders - CS 90247 - 75083 Paris Cedex 02, France Tel: +33 1 4483 8484 - secretariat@rsf.org Recognized non-profit organization LIST OF MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION ● Emily Bell: academic and journalist, professor of Professional Practice at the Columbia University School of Journalism and director of the Tow Centre for Digital Journalism (UK). ● Yochai Benkler: author, professor at Harvard Law School and faculty co-director of the Berkman-Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University (Israel, USA). ● Teng Biao: academic lawyer and human rights activist, visiting scholar at the U.S.-Asia Law Institute, New York University (China). ● Nighat Dad: lawyer, Internet activist, and founder and executive director of the Digital Rights Foundation (Pakistan). ● Primavera De Filippi: faculty associate at the Berkman-Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University and permanent researcher at the CERSA (Italy). ● Mireille Delmas-Marty: emeritus professor at Collège de France and member of the Institut de France (France). ● Christophe Deloire: secretary-general of Reporters Without Borders (France) (joint president). ● Abdou Diouf: former President of the Republic of Senegal and former secretary-general of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) (Senegal). ● Can Dündar: journalist, columnist and documentary filmmaker; and former editor-inchief of the centre-left independent newspaper Cumhuriyet (Turkey). ● Shirin Ebadi: lawyer, former judge, human rights activist, founder of Defenders of Human Rights Centre and 2003 Nobel peace laureate (Iran) (joint president). ● Francis Fukuyama: political scientist and political economist, professor at Stanford University (United States). ● Ulrik Haagerup: journalist and founder and CEO of Constructive Institute (Denmark). ● Hauwa Ibrahim: human rights lawyer and 2005 laureate of the European Parliament's Sakharov Prize (Nigeria). ● Ann Marie Lipinski: journalist, curator of the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University, winner of the Pulitzer Prize (USA). ● Adam Michnik: historian, journalist and essayist, editor-in-chief of Gazeta Wyborcza (Poland). ● Eli Pariser: executive director at Upworthy, co-founder of Avaaz and chairman of MoveOn (USA). Reporters Without Borders - CS 90247 - 75083 Paris Cedex 02, France Tel: +33 1 4483 8484 - secretariat@rsf.org Recognized non-profit organization ● Antoine Petit: head of the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), former President and CEO of the French Institute for Research in Computer Science and Automation (INRIA) (France). ● Navi Pillay: jurist, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and former president of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (South Africa). ● Maria Ressa: journalist and CEO of the Rappler news website (Philippines). ● Amartya Sen: economist, philosopher and 1998 Nobel laureate in Economic Sciences (India). ● Joseph E. Stiglitz: economist, 1998 Nobel laureate in Economic Sciences (United States). ● Mario Vargas Llosa: writer, politician, journalist, essayist, college professor and 2010 Nobel laureate in Literature (Peru). ● Marina Walker: journalist and deputy director of the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (USA). ● Aidan White: journalist, director of the Ethical Journalism Network and former general secretary of the International Federation of Journalists (UK). ● Mikhail Zygar: journalist, writer, founding editor-in-chief of the independent news TVchannel Dozhd, 2014 laureate of the International Press Freedom Award, CPJ (Russia). The role of rapporteur will be performed by Antoine Garapon, the secretary-general of the Institut des Hautes Études sur la Justice (IHEJ) and editor of the magazine Esprit. He will be assisted by Emile Boutelier and Constant Méheut.

A slice of Mumbai cuisine in Qatar

Marina English HS Verna win

Marina English HS Verna brought Rosary HS Navelim’s unbeaten run to an end with a hard fought 2–1 victory in the opening match of Day 4. Addison Fernandes opened the scoring for Marina in the first session and had it not being for some brilliant keeping from Rosary HS keeper Jonathan Mascarenhas Who was adjudged the MOTM, Marina could have been in the drivers seat long before the final whistle. Star Striker of Rosary had an outing to forget as time after time he failed to score from promising positions. Trance fernandes consolidated Marina’s lead late on and in the dying minutes Fabio Dias scores a consolation for Rosary HS.

After struggling to open the scoring Perpetual Succour Convent HS Navelim scored an easy 7–0 victory against Child Care School Margao. Sherlock Dias scored a splendid double hatrick for the winners and Emmanuel Gama added the other.

YFA Warriors remained the only unbeaten team in the league after an emphatic 5–0 win over Loyola HS margao thus propelling them to the top of the standings. Man of the match Lochlan Sousa starred for the warriors with brace of goals and assists. Samuel D’souza scored a brace too and David Vaz scored one for the winners who displayed exemplary passing that was a joy to watch. Captain Vardaan Pathania and Milin Kushwah in defense and both YFA goalkeepers Isaac and Warren were instrumental in keeping a clean sheet.

St Jude’s Betalbatim scored a fluent 5–1 victory against Infant Jesus Colva. MOTM Slane Ferrao scored a hatrick and Ransley Fernandes and Britto Severes scored the other goals.

Manovikas EMS scored a thumping 10–1 win over Regina Marytrum HS Assolna. MOTM keyaan Kuknoor scored 5 while his teammate Warren Dsa scored 4 and Dhruv Pai scored one for the winners.

The kings School have finally opened their account with a very convincing 4–0 win over Bloomz International . Pranay Rivankar was the star and the Man of the Match with a superb hatrick while Elrad Braganza scored one for the winners.

Lions Lead Ahead of Game-Changing GCL Rome

Lions Lead Ahead of Game-Changing GCL Rome Photo: GCL / Stefano Grasso Prague Lions’ Peder Fredricson and Anna Kellnerova roared to pole position in a high drama GCL Rome first round, with the Championship ranking set for a potential shakeup ahead of the finals in Doha. The ferocious title battle between ranking leaders London Knights and Valkenswaard United took a dramatically unexpected turn, after United scored one of their worst results of the season, handing the advantage to their scarlet-coated rivals. With all teams looking to the GC Playoffs and the all-important GCL Super Cup, every point counts in the two remaining events. Tomorrow will see multiple high-stakes scenarios play out in the spectacular amphitheatre in Rome. The Knights could be untouchable, while the battles for the top four positions, and to avoid the relegation zone, will be at full throttle.  The victorious team, Prague Lions, spoke after their double clear today. Peder said: “It rode more difficult than it walked, and we’re very happy to be in the lead today. You have your plan, so I tried to go as fast as I could without taking any risks, the thing is to go clear in a team competition, and ride for the team.” Teammate and U25 rider Anna said: “We have to keep it up but hopefully we’ll be at the [GC Playoffs]. The strategy is to do the same tomorrow!” Second place today went to Miami Celtics’ Jessica Springsteen with RMF Zecilie and Denis Lynch with RMF Bella Baloubet - the only other double clear round of the day - and the St Tropez Pirates’ Athina Onassis with MHS Going Global and Edwina Tops-Alexander with California took the third spot, the team finishing on a single time fault. Rome’s Stadio dei Marmi was the backdrop to the penultimate leg of the Championship, which saw thrills and spills galore as the world’s top international horses and riders took to the picturesque sand arena. Lined with classic marble statues, the former Olympic stadium gave spectators a perfect view of the sporting action as the sun shone in Italy's capital city.  Uliano Vezzani’s course was a class best suited to careful horses, a fast and forward going track but requiring plenty of control. The Italian course designer placed a tricky treble across the centre of the arena - two delicate verticals before a power-sourcing oxer to come out - and there was plenty for the horses to look at in the open arena. The final line caused the most problems, the GCL oxer set away from the in-gate, with riders given an option of taking a sweeping long route or a tighter, riskier turn. A Longines plank fell time and time again, but it was the penultimate fence, a skinny vertical that caught out the most, the fence potentially proving crucial in the overall Championship result. Jessica Springsteen and RMF Zecilie of the Miami Celtics produced the first clear, the team looking for a strong result to bolster their chances of moving up the overall rankings and into the top four - the prime position to fast-track to the GCL Super Cup semi-finals in Prague this December.  She was swiftly backed up by Denis Lynch and RMF Bella Baloubet, the Irish rider taking the longer safe route to ensure the team could go through in the strongest possible position. And they delivered, the team the first to go double clear and making it look effortless. However it was anything but easy. Close rivals Shanghai Swans’ Daniel Deusser with Tobago Z and Pius Schwizer with Living The Dream picked up four faults apiece, both caught out by fence 12 - the penultimate challenge a grape-lined gappy vertical set alongside the beautiful VIP hospitality. There was delight for the Prague Lions, after Peder Fredricson pulled out a masterful clear with Hansson WL, the Swedish star proving yet again why he was such an important transfer into the team mid-season. He was followed by U25 talent Anna Kellnerova, the Czech rider putting in a confident clear with Silverstone G, the team the second to go double clear and delight written all over their faces. Valkenswaard United had closed the gap to overall leaders London Knights at their home event in The Netherlands the last time out, and the blue and orange team were keen to keep the pressure on their nearest rivals. But it came undone for Alberto Zorzi and Danique at the GCL oxer set away from the in-gate, the pressure landing solidly on the shoulders of teammate Bertram Allen and Molly Malone. But an early fault at the double - a wide oxer set along the grandstand - put them in trouble. Another pole put the team on a score of 12, with the team looking in danger. But agonisingly there was further drama after Molly stopped at the last minute at the grape lined vertical - the penultimate fence - Bertram looking winded as the pair regained their composure to come back around and finish their course. But it would be 14 penalties to add to Alberto’s 4, the team plummeting down the order and putting the favour firmly in the hands of their rivals the Knights. Home city team Rome Gladiators fielded their Monaco and Valkenswaard winning combinations of Constant Van Paesschen and Marlon Zanotelli. Constant took up the reins with his exuberant stallion Jilbert van' T Ruytershof, but it came undone at the GCL oxer, the pair crashing through the fence after a miscommunication. The duo recovered quickly to take the next skinny vertical, but the final fence tumbled, putting the team on a score of nine, after they picked up a time fault to boot. Marlon took centre stage with Rock’N Roll Semilly, but it wasn’t to be the Gladiators’ day, a further 8 faults adding to their score and putting the home team down the order. Mark McAuley and Miebello collected an unusual 28 penalties for the Montreal Diamonds, putting the team on the back-foot. However U25 rider Jos Verlooy pulled a clear out of the bag with Caracas, his top stallion jumping beautifully to try limit the damage to the team score. Madrid in Motion suffered the same fate, with a dramatic moment for Marc Houtzager and Sterrehof's Baccarat at the penultimate vertical, and a score to forget for Michael G Duffy and Lapuccino 2. Final team to go London Knights brought out two heavyweight riders, anchor Ben Maher with Explosion W and Olivier Philippaerts with H&M Legend of Love. First to go Ben set off with the 9 year old chestnut gelding, but there was disappointment as the GCL oxer fell, the back rail coming down to collect four faults. Olivier picked up the reins with top mare H&M Legend of Love, the small but quick striding horse taking on the fences with complete confidence and focus. The pair pulled it off, keeping the team on a score of four and within touching distance of a podium result tomorrow. With the Championship ranking at the forefront of everyone’s minds, a strong result tomorrow will be crucial for the final standing - Rome a potential game-changer as the series flies towards it’s finale in Doha. Tune in on Saturday 8th September at 12:45 local time via GC TV, or on the official GCL Facebook Live page to watch the action unfold.

Knight Riders seal top-two finish with sixth straight win.

Knight Riders seal top-two finish with sixth straight win.

2018 HERO CARIBBEAN PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCH REPORT 28

Trinbago Knight Riders 180/5 (Ramdin 51, DJ Bravo 33, Imran Khan 2/25, C Holder 2/42) beat Barbados Tridents 171/5 (Pooran 44, Fawad Ahmed 3/28) by 9 runs

Trinbago Knight Riders guaranteed a top-two finish in the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) with a nine-run victory over Barbados Tridents at Queen’s Park Oval.

The defending champions are now sure of their place in Tuesday’s Playoff 1 in Guyana, with a second bite of the cherry in the semi-final should they need it.

Having been put in to bat by the Tridents, the Knight Riders made an imposing 180/5 but will still feel they could have got more on a night when half of their stellar top six found run-scoring easy and the other half found life far tougher.

Chris Lynn got things started with three successive boundaries in the opening over from the first three balls he faced, adding two Hero Maximums before being comprehensively yorked by Chemar Holder for a whirlwind 29 from just 10 balls.

Denesh Ramdin then continued to thrive after his recent promotion to number three as the Knight Riders raced to 50 after just 3.3 overs. He struck five fours and two sixes in his 31-ball 51.

And at the end of the innings Dwayne Bravo maintained his astonishing hitting form in this season’s Hero CPL with two more sixes and three fours in a cameo of 33 from 20 balls.

It wasn’t so easy for everyone, though. In-form Colin Munro found life tougher than at any other time in the tournament. His 28 did take him to the highest ever run tally in a single Hero CPL season with potentially as many as four innings remaining, but came at under a run a ball.

Brendon McCullum, another mainstay of the Knight Riders’ batting this season, made just 4 from 6 balls before Darren Bravo contributed 20 not out from 24 at the death.

Plenty of credit must go to the Tridents bowlers, who hauled things back impressively after Lynn and Ramdin had blasted the Knight Riders to 68/1 after the Power Play.

The Knight Riders would have been looking well north of 200 having reached 104/1 at halfway, so 180/5 represented a result for the Tridents. Leg-spinner Imran Khan was excellent in claiming 2/25 from his four overs with the big wickets of Munro and Ramdin to his name, while Mohammad Irfan kept things tight amid the carnage at the start and end of the innings to give up just 28 from his four.

The 180 would just about prove sufficient, though, despite a game attempt from an inexperienced Tridents top-order missing Hashim Amla, Steve Smith and Martin Guptill through injury.

It was spin that proved the Tridents’ undoing with leg-spinner Fawad Ahmed bowling openers Sunny Sohal and Tion Webster with a pair of googlies after a solid opening stand, and returning to have Shai Hope stumped for 26 in his final over to finish with 3/28.

Tridents keeper-batsman Nicholas Pooran further enhanced his growing reputation with 44 from 32 balls, including back-to-back sixes to put a slight dent in Fawad Ahmed’s figures, and when he combined with his skipper Jason Holder to put together a 50-run stand in quick time for the fourth wicket there was a growing chance of Barbados pulling off an upset.

But Pooran was brilliantly run out by Dwayne Bravo’s direct hit from cover before Holder was caught in the deep off Ali Khan – who took punishment with the new ball but returned to bowl a brilliant, decisive 19^th over that brought that wicket and cost just four runs - condemning the Tridents to a seventh straight defeat to end their 2018 campaign.

For the Knight Riders, though, it’s a sixth straight win in a season they will hope is far from done yet.

Upcoming Fixtures: Saturday 8 September – Guyana Amazon Warriors v Jamaica Tallawahs (8pm), Providence Stadium, Sunday 9 September – Guyana Amazon Warriors v Trinbago Knight Riders (6pm), Providence Stadium

Allen fires Patriots to thrilling two-wicket victory

Allen fires Patriots to thrilling two-wicket victory

Allen fires Patriots to thrilling two-wicket victory

2018 HERO CARIBBEAN PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCH REPORT 26

St Kitts & Nevis Patriots 169/8 (Allen 64*, Mohammad Irfan 3/37, Imran Khan 2/19) beat Barbados Tridents 168/5 (Pooran 44, Chase 38*, J Holder 30*, Shamsi 2/16) by two wickets with two balls to spare

 

Fabian Allen powered St Kitts & Nevis Patriots to a thrilling two-wicket victory with two balls to spare that takes them temporarily to the top of the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) while inflicting a sixth straight defeat on the Barbados Tridents.

It looked like the Tridents were finally going to return to winning ways back on the road after five defeats at home when they reduced the Patriots to 92/6 in pursuit of 169 for victory, and again when Allen lost the strike in the closing overs and was left needing 17 from the final six balls.

But Allen had the answers, smashing the first two balls of Dominic Drakes’ closing over for sixes to take the target down to a far simpler five from four. The third ball bounced over the mid-wicket boundary and a scampered leg-bye finished the job. Allen ended on a sparkling unbeaten 64 from 34 as the Patriots completed a first successful 150-plus Hero CPL run-chase after seven previous failures.

The Patriots’ stay atop the table is certain to be a short one; they have now completed their 10 group games while the three teams one point below them all still have games to play against each other. Nevertheless, a winning farewell to their fans at Warner Park and a successful chase from such a difficult position will give the Patriots confidence heading into the playoffs.

They will hope to improve their death bowling, though, after allowing the Tridents to recover from 115/5 at the start of the 17^th over to reach a far more competitive 168/5.

The Patriots’ pursuit of that total got off to a bad start. Mohammad Irfan, who bowled a record-breaking spell of 4-3-1-2 in the reverse fixture, was a thorn in the Patriots’ side again here with three wickets in the Power Play to put the home side on the back foot.

Evin Lewis was caught at mid-wicket after miscuing a pull, while van der Dussen had his stumps thoroughly rearranged when playing back to a full delivery. The final ball of the Power Play brought the big wicket of Chris Gayle as he picked out Drakes at mid-on.

Things got worse for the Patriots with a pair of cheap wickets in the ninth over. First Anton Devcich was bowled attempting to reverse-sweep Imran Khan before a horrible mix-up saw Ibrahim Khaleel run out as he and batting partner Mahmudullah both found themselves stranded mid-pitch.

Mahmudullah was then smartly caught at long-leg by Hashim Amla to give Imran Khan a second wicket with the target starting to look a long way off.

Allen, though, was able to find the boundary with enough regularity – hitting six fours and four sixes in all – that the required rate was always in hand until, after a 10-ball run in the 18^th and 19^th overs where he didn’t face a ball and two wickets fell, he was left with that daunting 17-run target from the last six balls. After the first two of them, it was all but over.

The Tridents earlier enjoyed a solid start to their innings and, thanks to Jason Holder, a stunning finish but ultimately paid the price for losing their way in between.

The Tridents made a steady 45/0 in the Power Play but lost four wickets in the next five overs.

Both openers fell lbw to spin, Dwayne Smith for 26 attempting to sweep Tabraiz Shamsi’s second ball on his return to Patriots colours, and debutant Sunny Sohal to Mahmudullah in the next over.

Hashim Amla was run out for just 3 and Shai Hope then followed caught – just about after some juggling and a fortuitous bounce off the shoulder – by a sliding Rassie van der Dussen in the deep.

The initial rebuilding work was carried out by Nicholas Pooran in an excellent 32-ball 44 that featured crisp, clean hitting and three big Hero Maximums.

But when he edged Alzarri Joseph behind with four overs to go and just 115 on the board, the Tridents looked well below par.

Enter Holder, who smashed two fours and three sixes as he blasted his way to 30 not out from just 11 balls, sharing a 21-ball 50 partnership with Roston Chase (38* from 28) to lift the Tridents to a total that pushed the Patriots all the way.

Upcoming Fixtures: Wednesday 5 September – Trinbago Knight Riders v Guyana Amazon Warriors (8pm), Queen’s Park Oval, Friday 7 September – Trinbago Knight Riders v Barbados Tridents (8pm), Queen’s Park Oval.