Sports Monday with Heavy Weight James Adderley

Good Evening, I’m James Adderley and this is Sports Monday.

Stop the press, Shalini ZAbaneh in her first trip to the Caribbean Cycling Championship has struck for gold in the Women Elite Road Race staged yesterday at Jamaica. In a 7 woman sprint, Shalini burned the field completing the 6 laps, 43.2 mile ride in 2 hours 3.5 minutes to step into the winners circle. In addition, the Belizean cyclist took the bronze in the 12 mile women time trial course. After dominating the female cycling scene in the Jewel, Shalini has given notice to the Caribbean and we say congratulations. Roger Troyer competed in the men’s 72 mile road race, but did not finish.

Now in boozing news, a Guatemalan boxing team of 6 took on the Leopold Smart Boxing Gym inside the Princess Hotel Saturday night and won the series 3-2 with one fight being declared a technical draw because of a low blow. Nuff respect must be given to Sherman Galvez who forced a referee stoppage in the 2^nd round of his battle with Sanabria and give it up for Alex Neal who made amends for his last outing by stopping Carlos Tellos in the 2^nd round. Leopold Smart Boxing Gym gives thanks to the sponsor Telemedia and to the supporters who attended the fight. We’ll do it again soon.

Now let’s head to the Civic Centre for Friday night decisive Game 5 in the Interoffice Basketball Championship series. Down by 6 in the 2^nd quarter, the Belize Bank stops the bleeding when Macaro Augustine comes with the put back for 2 of his 6 game points. At the other end, CYDP’s Marcel Orosco rises up for three to keep the pressure on. He would put up 9 points tonight. In the closing seconds of the quarter, Darwin Leslie comes up with this loose ball and gets 2 of his game high 35 points to cut the deficit to 4 points. At the half, CYDP leads 30 to 26. In the 3^rd, Darwin Leslie stays hot but as he knocks down the 3 pointer to tie the ballgame at 34 apiece. It’s brother against brother so Jacob Leslie fires back with this big time 3 point shot. He would lead CYDP with 18 points.  We’re in the 4^th when Rupert Brown threads the needle to Darwin Leslie who delivers. Down by 8 points, CYDP Leon Williams stays with this play until he gets the bucket Mr. Biggs would finish with 10 points tonight. Andrew Staine then comes into the ballgame to help his team close the gap and he lays up 2 of his 13 game points. In the waning moments of the ballgame, Andrew Staine sinks this three to cut CYDP’s deficit to 2 – it wasn’t enough as the Belize Bank Bulldogs hang on to the 68-65 big W to claim the 2011 Interoffice title. Darwin Leslie who totaled 35 points, 4 assists and 5 steals in Game 5 emerged with MVP honors.

Turning to the track and field scene, for the 1^st time in our history people so many turned out for the annual 5K and 10K marathon staged on Saturday.

It appears the Belize City Council’s involvement in running for health is now reaping huge dividends. And here is the start of the 5K marathon on Regent Street and you can bet your bottom dollar that’s a large number of participants. In fact even Mayor Moya suited up for the event and here is the start of the 10K run. Leon O’brien won the men’s 10K and we say good show. Kenrick Duncan took 2^nd place while Jesus Mai pulled up 3^rd. on the woman’s side; Shannon White took the number 1 spot, Janice Usher steps up to 2^nd place while Tasmeen Tewogbola took 3^rd place in the 10K. Meanwhile Denroy Nembhard emerged victor in the 5K run. Wilhem Leslie receives his medal for 2^nd place Hance Card takes home 3^rd. In the woman 5K it was all Carr’s in the winners’ circle. Ashantie Carr takes 1^st place and we say congratulations. In fact, here they are together, Ashantie Carr, Ajahni Carr and Ashantie Carr who finished 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd in woman’s 5K. And we must say the new Belize amateur athletics Association and the Belize City Council has done a remarkable job in getting our people to run. Congrats.

Jah over all, I’m James Adderley.