One veteran Sportscaster, many weekend highlights
Good evening, I’m James Adderley and this is Sports Monday.
With the Annual Cross Country Cycle Classic some 5 months away, there’s new energy in the sport as the riders get themselves ready for this massive event. 41 cyclists suited up for the Leroy Cassasola 42 mile open race that ran from Leslie’s Imports to the Boom Road junction and back Saturday morning. At the Hattieville Roundabout, we spot Marlon Castillo in his return to the sport among the lead four that have broken away from the main pelathon and we certainly welcome this great talent back in the fray. Of course, we must mention that also inside this lead are Mark Staine, Brandon Cattouse and Byron Pope who are power players. It’s a 15 second lead as we see the main bunch speed through Hattieville in a bid to get to the leaders.
Nevertheless, at the Boom Road Junction, the big 4 remains intact. We rejoin them again at the Hattieville Roundabout where we could discern no sign of weakness on this 4 man crew. And again the chase bunch is only 15 seconds off the pace. Leroy Cassasola, who presented this race then jumps up to the lead chase group and if you have good eyes, you’ll see a female race inside their race as Kaya Cattouse and Shalini Zabaneh go head to head. As we go to the finish line, we find Marlon Castillo in total control of the ride and he grabs top honors in unchallenged fashion in a time of 1:42:05 and we say good show. Rolling in for 2nd place also uncontested is Mark Staine of Benny’s. jumping out the pack with a furious pace is Warren Coye of Coye & Associates who grabs 3rd quite impressively. On the female side, Kaya Cattouse of C-Ray prevailed in this head on clash with Shalini Zabaneh.
Looking ahead, folks, we must remind that the UWI Day of races is set for this Sunday, November 25th, at the Marine parade circuit featuring every category from primary schoolers to the elite class. It is a perfect outing for the entire family so make that move. Meanwhile folks, the most turbulent election for officers to the Belize Cycling Association is set for this Saturday at 2 p.m. at Aguada Hotel in Santa Elena. Emil Moreno is the incumbent seeking re-election and is being challenged by Deon Leslie of Belize City.
Turning to the football scene, we took in Sunday’s Cayo West Christmas Cup at Benque Viejo between Benque Fire and Deportina Santa Cruz and we’re early in 1st half play when Ruben Portillo fires this spot kick from outside the 18 that barrels into the net for the 1-zip Benque lead. Around the 25th minute, this pass gives Daniel Hob the chance to fire at goal and the makes it a 2-zip lead for Benque. Goal 3 comes in mid 2nd half action when Jimmy Segura comes up with a nice finish in front of the goal off the pass from Melvin Contreras. Make it 4-nil when Melvin Contreras outruns a poorly positioned Santa Cruz defense to raise the ball over the goalkeeper head.
Meanwhile folks, we missed our usual PLB Match, but nevertheless, here are the results from Week 12. Verdes blanked City Boys 3-zip; Police edged Freedom Fighters 3-2; Placencia and San Ignacio battled to a scoreless stalemate; so did B.D.F. and FC Belize. San Felipe jolted Juventus 4-1 and Belmopan continued on its winning ways by sinking San Pedro Seadogs 4 to nothing.
Looking to Week 13, on Saturday at the Marshalleck Stadium, Verdes will host Placencia and Freedom Fighters travel to the Norman Broaster to face San Ignacio. On Sunday, San Felipe will host Belmopan; RG City Boys will be at the MCC Grounds against Police. That’s on Saturday night because on Sunday, FC Belize will play host to Juventus in a must win ballgame. Out at the island, San Pedro Seadogs will host the B.D.F. at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday.
In basketball news, play in the BDBA firms competition at Bird’s Isle on Friday saw Tuff E Nuff take out Tiger Sharks 73-64; Port of Belize ousted Belize Bank 61to 44 and Airport survived a scare in 48-47 result over Atlantic bank.
