Basketball, softball, cycling dominate weekend sports

Good evening. I’m James Adderley and welcome to this hefty serving of Sports Monday.

We begin with the Belize District Basketball playoffs and here we join M & M Christian Ambassadors making its final stand in the series down one game to Reggae by d River. The Ambassadors try to mount no breeze defense in the early moments but Norman “Macalamb” Pennel penetrates for 2 nevertheless. At the other end Francis Usher keeps the score close knocking down this assist from Douglas Hyde. On the dive downcourt Douglas Hyde launches this try to give the Ambassadors a 12-11 lead. By the way, Hyde, this move must have come from the mind of Dr. Jackal.

Meanwhile it’s above the rim for Andrew Robateau when Francis Usher misses. Robateau has another opportunity for the slam here – he opts for the easy lay off the glass and at the half M & M is up by 2 points.

So we go to the second and the River picks up intensity. The pass to Palo Musa and the kiss of the glass is rewarded. This bucket by Francis Usher gives the Ambassadors a 1 point lead but down the stretch the River takes over. The “Big Poppa Brown” remembers his move, which he displays down the heart of the M & M defense. Winston Pipersburgh in traffic turns around and burns the opposition. Godsden Ferguson gets the screen from Pipersburgh, he knocks down the tree. Reggae by d River wins 63-58 eliminating M & M in 2 straight outings as Reggae by d River now heads into the championship series.

Turning to Game 2, it’s Paul Pandy and Albert Alvarez in a face off at the tip off as Court Action down 1 game tries to stay alive against Maria Chang Stadium. In this press, Ramon Castellanos deals to Kevin “Lucky” Young and his launch gives Maria Chang a big 3 points. And then Clinton Fuller comes up with the steal and finishes it at the other end with an exclamation point. For Court Action’s much needed offense comes from Errol Ramos who sinks this three point shot. But at the other end Clinton Fuller answers with a 3 of his own and at the half Maria Chang is up 31-25.

In second half Court Action takes over, Andrew Marshalleck goes to the left hand and it’s good. Then is Trench in traffic with the good lead point – it’s good for 2. Here Albert Alvarez comes up with the steal and finishes with a 2 hand reverse slam. Now watch Trench with this crucial tip in as Court Action goes on to win 58-56 and tie the series at one game a piece.

Unfortunately yesterday Maria Chang won the rub-out match at the Civic Centre. They now go on to face Reggae by d River in the three game finals championship series which begins at the Civic Centre tonight.

In softball news, welcome to the opening day in the Belize City Softball competition at Roger’s Stadium. Yes softball has gone big time in the 90’s. Miss Chan gives her rendition of the National Anthem and these are the teams parading in the opening ceremony. Pat Bennett, President of the Belize Amateur Softball Association gives the welcome speech, while the keynote address comes from Lloyd Smith of the Belize Sugar Industries. And of course the ceremonial pitch comes from Marie Wade, a former member of the National Softball Team of Belize – that’s back in the 70’s.

Folks we take this opportunity to give the softball community maximum respect for a wonderful opening show and Channel Five will keep you the fans abreast of this particular season. Before we go though, here’s a look at the first homer of the season. It comes in the male competition, it’s over the fence and this is a two run shot and while you may not see the batter here it’s back to back home runs for the team which is batting at this point.

Let’s now check in at Orlando Chavarria Day held at the National Stadium yesterday in an effort to raise funds to seek medical attention abroad for Orlando.

And yes we are in place for a 2 lap sprint – some 20 riders make this move. Here is the start. In the sprint to the tape it’s Orson Butler and teammate Roque Matus who take first and second place respectively. At 4 laps Roque Matus – he steps up to edge of James Frampton for the big W. Meanwhile the 6 lap featured a duel between Quinton “The Baddest” Hamilton and Francisco “The Animal” Flores and yes in this one Quinton Hamilton is the baddest. At 8 laps Roque Matus lashes Charlie Lewis for first place. And people much thanks to all the cyclists who gave to make Orlando Chavarria Day a success despite the very poor fan attendance.

Finally in Cricket news, Pomona Club used the Belmopan field yesterday to stop the Cayo Club at 70 for 10 outs while striking for 72 runs with 4 batters to go. Yep, you know who the winner is.

That’s it; we wanna thank cameraman George Tillett for his great work this weekend.

Jah over all. I’m James Adderley.