Encouraging signs

There were some encouraging signs in Vincentian sporting exploits over the past week.

Whilst our Senior Men’s Football team, Vincy Heat suffered a heart break, unexpected one- nil defeat to the Bahamas, the team rebounded well to earn a 2-2 draw Monday versus the much-fancied Nicaragua.

Indeed, their efforts against the Central Americans were invigorating, as they showed all-round purpose and heart to please themselves, as well as the many loyal Vincentians who still have faith in them.

Hopefully, the team can continue in this vein and give the results that they produced in the first Concacaf Nations League campaign in 2019.

However, it will not be an easy road as the next two fixtures versus Trinidad and Tobago are critical in the team’s advancement and positioning in Group C of League B. Hence, today, June 10 and Monday, June 13 are the do or die occasions in Vincy Heat’s chances.

But as we await the outcomes of the two matches, one has to embrace the accomplishment of two of our FIFA Football match officials; Referee, Moeth Gaymes and Assistant Referee, Denroy Barker.

The duo are set to officiate in an international Football friendly tomorrow Saturday, June 11 in Fort Lauderdale, USA, when Ecuador faces Cape Verde.

This cannot be slighted, as it exemplifies the strides that the two are making in their field.

Significantly, the call up for the international friendly is a stepping stone for the two as they aim for Concacaf Gold, along with the Scotia Bank Champions League.

But as we lap up the positives in Football, the Track and Field train also picked up some momentum last Saturday, June 4 at the Kirani James Athletics Stadium in Grenada, when five clubs from St Vincent and the Grenadines competed in the Whitsuntide Games.

Again, there was a good showing from the young Vincentian athletes who proved that they are somewhat ahead of others from the neighbouring territories.

Represented by High Performance, X- Ceed Sports Club, X- Cel Track Club, the St Vincent Grammar School Track Team and first timers, Troumaca Mustangs a total of 38 medals were pouched by our athletes. The distribution showed the clubs combined got 12 gold, 15 silver and 11 bronze medals.

Despite, not being the largest medal haul made by teams representing St Vincent and the Grenadines, there were some achievements that are worth noting.

A highlight was the accomplishments of High Performance’s, Devonric Mac. The 16-year-old won both the Under-20 Male 100 and 200m.

Furthermore, his 21.20s in the 200m reset the Games record, and most significantly, placed him in fifth place among Under-18 times recorded thus far for 2022.

Meanwhile, 11- year-old Kesiann John won the Open Female 1500m and showed her pedigree by also trumping the Open Female 3000m.

Similarly, Zichri Hepburn, who also represents High Performance, copped the Under-17 Male 1500m and added the 3000m title to his collection.

As well, Keo Davis of the St Vincent Grammar School Track Team collected gold in the Under- 17 Male 200 and 400m, enhancing his reputation, following his silver and bronze medal winnings at this year’s Junior Carifta Games in Jamaica.

Apart from these standouts, several athletes achieved their personal best in some events.

In addition, the Games gave coaches a gauge of their charges both in a different environment, as well as against unfamiliar competitors.

Instructively, whilst the clubs competed individually, they operated as one Vincentian outfit, which augurs well for Vincentian unity in Track and Field.

Joining the footballers and track and field athletes in bringing some relief was Obed Mc Coy.

Representing Sussex in the Vitality T/20 Blast in England, Mc Coy was an instant hit.

The 25-year-old left arm fast bowler, with his change ups and variations, was able to hit the ground running taking 5/33 against Somerset in his first match.

Mc Coy then followed that up with 4/ 30 versus Middlesex. He though went for 52 runs, while only taking a single wicket against Hampshire before capturing 2/19 when Sussex met Surrey .

Undoubtedly, Mc Coy is emerging as a hot product among the T/20 franchises.

Mc Coy, with his impressive debut showing in the Indian Premier League for the Rajasthan Royals, helped them to reach the finals.

The aforementioned exposition simply records some of the good things that happened in sports for Vincentians over the past week.

It does not mean that one sunny day makes it Summer, but at least the achievements listed are heartening and uplifting to our national spirit.