By: Dwight Fraser/Devon Anderson

Almost one year to the date when he broke the National 200 metres record Usain "Lightning" Bolt struck up an awe inspiring performance at Kingston's National Stadium, at the Jamaica International Invitational Games on Saturday, May 3.

A plethora of stars including the World Championship and Olympic medal winners from the United States, Tyson Gay, Wallace Spearmon and Sanya Richards led the way for the "Stars and Stripes" against Usain Bolt, Danny Mcfarlane, Veronica Campbell-Brown, and Deloreen Ennis-London, wearing the black green and gold representing the, "likkle but we tallawah", Jamaica in the three hour clash.

The fact that all the big name MVP runners; Micheal Frater, Bridgette Foster-Hylton, Sherone Simpson and the world's fastest man, Asafa Powell, stayed away, the I.A.A.F area permit meet was a quality one nonetheless.

The spectators came, saw and left relieved, if only for the fact that the former Willliam Knibb High school runner, Usain Bolt, shattered the field in the men's 100 metres, setting a world leading and mind boggling 9.76 seconds coming 200th of a second within the world record held by his campatriot Asafa Powell's 9.74 seconds set in Reti, Italy last year.

The 21 year old Bolt who had a less than explosive start powered past the field which included the Americans; Wallace Spearman, Darvis Patton and Kim Collins and with 35 metres to go shut down the acceleration just before crossing the line in the second fastest time of all time over the distance.

Bolt who ran with a legal trail wind of 1.8 metres per second, got home ahead of Darvis Patton 10.08, and the Antiguan Daniel Bailey 10.12 seconds, as Spearman and Collins had to settle for positions five and six down the track.

Bolt later did a victory lap and got vociferous congratulations for the spectators who witnessed the feat.

Later, while speaking to YardFlex, Bolt said, 'I came into the event expecting a sub 10 seconds clocking, but I am still surprised at the world mark, as both my coach and I were looking at around 9.80 seconds' .

The former Junior record holder whose two previous best times over the distance stood at 10.03 seconds, explained that he is still not sure that he will be running the 100 metres at the National Trials in Jamaica ahead of the Beijing Olympic Games.

Bolt added that 'my coach and I will meet soon and we will discuss the possibility of incorporating more 100 metres events in the International Itinerary, but right now it's a case of wait and see'. Asafa Powell could not be reached for a comment on Bolt's world class run.

Bolt's next 100 metres run will be at the Hampton Games, in Trinidad, on May 17, before he meets the World Championship triple gold medalist. Tyson Gay, over the distance at the Reebok Games, in New York, on May 31.

By: Dave Lindo
Photography By: Milton Raynor

The JFF and Sherwin Williams on Thursday, May 8th, 2008, staged the 2006-2007 Sherwin Williams sponsored Women's Football Competitions Awards Ceremony at the Jamaica Football Federation's Office in Kingston, Jamaica.

Persons in attendance included National Technical Director, Rene Simoes, JFF President, Captain Horace Burrell, 3rd Vice President, Mr. Raymond Anderson, Chairman of the Competition Committee, Mr. Michael Ricketts, Managing Director of Sherwin Williams, Mr. Ian Forbes and Mrs. Elaine Walker Brown, longstanding Chairman for the Women's Committee of the JFF.

The big winners of the evening were Harbour View, who won the Sherwin Williams Colourscape Knockout Competition, Reno FC, winners of the A League, and Waterhouse, FC winners of the Sherwin Williams National Women's Premier League.

Captain Burrell in giving the welcome and opening remarks said that as long as he is at the helm of the JFF, he along with the JFF board will be giving the National Women's Football programmes their full support. He encouraged to strive for the highest standards that others can emulate.

Brazilian coach, Luciano Gama, was named as the new head coach of the National Women's Football teams. The upcoming assignments for the women's football includes the Under 20 team participating in an CONCACAF Tournament in Mexico in June. July the Under 17 will be journeying to Mexico and the Under 15 team will be going to Trinidad in August.

Coach Vin Blaine, former National Senior Women's coach and coach of Harbour view Women's team, was named as the new manager of the National Senior Reggae Boyz team. Long serving football administrator, Howard 'Juicy' Bell was promoted to General Manager of all national football teams.

In the Knock Out competition, winners Harbour View received the Fair Play award and their player Nico Bell got the MVP award. Vin Blaine received the Coach Of The Year award and Kerise Heywood also from the 'stars of the east' Harbour View was named as the Top Goal Keeper.

The A league saw first time entrants Reno having a dream run in the competition. They finished the season unbeaten winning 10 games drawing 2 and were promoted to the Premier League for next year.

Their coach, Junior Francis, received the Coach Of The Year Award. The Top Goal Scorer was Taneika Gordon of Reno with 12 goals and Best Goal Keeper was won by Tameka Barrett also of Reno. Kerry Ann Smallwood of St. Catherine Upliftment walked away with the MVP Award. Arnett Gardens for their effort got the Fair Play Awards.

The Premier League had Portmore Striker's Venicia Reid, as the Top Goal Scorer with 14 goals. Harbour View's Ferris Haywood won the Top Gold Keeper award and Alicia 'One Lef' James of Barbican FC received the MVP award. The Fair Play award was won by Harbour View.

American sprint star Tyson Gay, the reigning 100-meter World Champion, and Jamaica's Usain 'Lightning' Bolt, who last weekend stunned the sports world when he ran a lighting fast 9.76 seconds, the second-fastest 100-meter dash in history, will meet at 100 meters at the Reebok Grand Prix on May 31, organizers announced.

Bolt, the 21-year-old Jamaican who took the 200-meter and 4x100-meter World Championship silver medals behind Gay in Osaka, is the 2002 World Junior Champion at 200 meters and holds the World Junior Record of 19.93 seconds for the distance.

At the Jamaica International Invitational on May 3, Bolt blazed to a 100-meter victory in 9.76 seconds, the second-fastest time in history behind only countryman Asafa Powell's 9.74, which Powell set late last summer.

Gay, who in 2007 became only the second man in history to win World Championship gold medals at 100 meters, 200 meters and the 4x100-meter relay, last year scorched the Icahn Stadium track here when he won in 9.76 seconds, which would have broken the World Record at the time had it not been for a tailwind (2.2) barely over the legal limit. After his triumph in Osaka, the 25-year-old Gay was named the IAAF Male Athlete of the Year, USOC Sportsman of the Year, Track & Field News Magazine Man of the Year and winner of the Jesse Owens Award.

The Reebok Grand Prix will begin at 5 p.m. on May 31, at Icahn Stadium on Randall's Island. On the heels of a sell-out last year, 1,500 bleacher seats have been added on the backstretch to accommodate the expected demand in this Olympic year.

Icahn Stadium, New York will be 15,000 seats larger come May 31st as organizers expect mega crowds for the Reebok Grand Prix during this Olympic Year.

Another big reason that they will be heading out to the Randall's Island site will be to take in the headliners, who are all mega track stars in their own right.

World Champion sprinter, Veronica Campbell-Brown is one of a short list of top ranking Olympians who will headline at the event. Liu Xiang, a major Chinese track star and Lauryn Williams, who was the highlight of 2007's World Championships 100 meters, join Campbell-Brown as headliners.

All three are headed to Beijing and between them they have achieved 11 medals – six of them gold - at the 2004 Olympics and 2007 World Championships.

Recently married to Omar Brown who is also a Jamaican sprinter, Campbell-Brown has been ranked as most likely the most powerful female in the world of sprinting for 2008. She will return to New York as not only an Olympic 200 meters Gold Medalist, but also as a 100-meter World Champion, following her gold win in Osaka last year.

The Reebok Grand Prix begins at 5:00pm. Go to: www.ReebokGrandPrix.com for more information.

By: Devon Anderson and Dwight Fraser

West Indies vice captain Ramnaresh Sarwan stroked a fluent 102 and his Guyanse couterpart Shivnarine Chanderpaul added 86 to pilot the West Indies to a series-levelling six wicket victory over Sri-Lanka in the second and final test from the Queens Park Oval in Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday.

Sri-Lanka had won the first test played in Providence, Guyana by 121 runs. Both players added a record fourth wicket partnership of 157 as they came together with the score on 73 for 3. The target set for the West Indies to win with two day's remaining was 253. However captain Chris Gayle and his opening partner Sewnarine Chattergoon fell in successive overs with the score on 24 for 2.

Marlon Samuels then joined Sarwan and they added 49 before Samuels, on 11, drove a slower delivery from Vass into the hands of cover fielder Malinda Warnapura. The rest was history as both Sarwan and Chanderpaul took over from there and guided the Calyso-Reggae team to victory.

Chaminda Vaas 2 for 52, Thilan Thushara 1 for 49 and Muttiah Muralitharan 1 for 93 were the successful wicket takers for Sri-Lanka. Most of the cricket loving fans in the region were very happy that the regional team had won the game with a day to spare. Captain Chris Gayle and his team-mates will now turn their attention to the three one-dayer's and one 20/20 that starts on Thursday in Port Of Spain, Trinidad.

By: Devon Anderson and Dwight Fraser
Photography By: Milton Raynor

Jamaica on Wednesday squandered a glorious opportunity to chalk up another victory against arch-rivals Trinidad and Tobago when they surrendered a two goal lead to end the game 2-2 in front of a fairly disappointed crowd at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica.

The Reggae Boyz looked vastly superior to a largely ineffective though young and inexperienced T n T aggregation. The Boyz with a couple of senior professionals from England, including Luton Shelton, Demar Phillips, Oneil 'Bigga' Thompson, Omar Daley and the recalled Deon Burton waltzed to a comfortable two goal half time advantage thanks to strikes from captain and Wigan FC player Marlon King in the 34th minute and Tyrone 'Granny' Marshall - who plays for Toronto football club in the U.S Major League Soccer - in minute 41.

In the second half Jamaica's technical director Rene Simoes introduced the local players and the Jamaicans suddenly slumped from being the superior team to a team struggling to defend their lead, in front of a Stadium of approximately 22,000 spectators.

The Soca Warriors with renewed vitality in the second half, eventually pulled one back from substitute Osei Telesford and then sealed the equalizer through captain Aurtis Whitely with only two minutes added on in extra time.

Coach Simoes took the blame for the tie saying he was giving some of the local based players a chance to get some exposure and experience.

The Reggae Boyz will look to avenge this tie when they have a date with the T n T players on Soca soil in June.

This is the second drawn match for The newly appointed Technical Director Simoes after the Boyz were held to a one all draw against Costa Rica.

These friendly internationals are in preparation for Jamaica's 2010 World Cup Qualification bid starting this summer.

By: Devon Anderson and Dwight Fraser

The ISSA/Grace Kennedy Boy's and Girl's Athletics Championships for 2008 came to an end on Saturday night at the National Stadium in Kingston in spectacular fashion with Calabar High School Boys and Holmwood Technical Girls repeating as champions.

Andrew Riley of Calabar High and Salcia Slack of Holmwood Technical were winners of their respective heptathlon titles, and were fittingly named as the overall points champions at the end of the four day meet.

Meanwhile Munro College's Adam Cummings and Vere Technical's Jura Levy were adjudged the most outstanding male and female performers respectively.

Cummings broke the Class Three 100 metres record with an astonishing 10.91 seconds breaking Jamaica College's Winston Barnes 10.99 seconds set in 2003.

Levy produced a late burst to win the girl's Class Two 100 metres in a new meet record of 11.46 seconds, beating World Junior bronze medal winner Carrie Russell of St.Thomas Technical.

Other outstanding performances came from Class One athlete Yohan Blake (St. Jago) who won the 100 metres in 10.27 while his teammate Nickel Ashmeade won the 200 metres in 21.04, going down on the line in a close call with Ramone 'Goatie' McKenzie of Calabar who posted 21.05. Mckenzie later returned to win the 400 metres in 46.62.

In the girl's section; the Class One Holmwood Technical's Bobby-Gaye Wilkins won both the 400 metres (52.46) and the 800 metres(2.10.89), while Shawna Anderson of Edwin Allen won both the 100 metres(11.58) and the 200 metres(24.61).

The final point standings for the top five schools from the boy's section were Calabar (277); K.C.(233); St.Jago (155); J.C. (153) and Wolmers (128); while in the girl's section Holmwood (352); Vere (210); Edwin Allen (206); Manchester (147) and St. Jago (125).

The winning coaches were Michael Clarke of Calabar High School (boys) and Maurice Wilson of Holmwood Technical (girls).

The meet chairman Mr. Clement Radcliff of The Inter-Secondary School Association (ISSA) made mention that this was one of the best championships from an administrative and security point of view and hope that next year which will be the one hundredth anniversary things will even be better in every aspect.

YardFlex would love to take this opportunity to congratulate the main sponsor Grace Kennedy the Administrative personnel and the winning schools (Calabar and Holmwood Technical) for putting on this wonderful event that is one of the biggest and best showcases of youth athletics throughout the world.

The world will now get the chance to see some of these athletes at the 114th staging of the Penn Relays in Pennsylvania between March 24-26.

Photograph Source: www.calabarlions.com

By: Dwight Fraser & Devon Anderson

Trinidad and Tobago defeated Jamaica in the luxurious Stanford 20/20 Cricket Tournament in Antigua, by 9 wickets to walk away with a whopping 1 Million US Dollars.

Oh gosh the sweet smell of success, and the taste of 1 million of Uncle Sam's dollars pushed the Trinidadian's all the way, as they knocked down the Jamaicans, captained by Chris Gayle for one of their lowest ever one day total of 91, not off 20 overs, but in 16.4 overs.

With the Jamaicans falling like a deck of cards the openers Xavier Marshall and Sean Finlay fell cheaply, as Marlon Samuels saved the blushes of the Jamaican innings making 26. Spin bowler Dave Mohhamed of Trinidad was the trump card in picking up 4 for 20.

In reply the Twin Island Republic Captained by Darren Ganga raced to victory in 9 overs with opener William Perkins top scoring with an unbeaten 50, supported by Lendl Simmonds who made 26, both putting on a 80 run partnership.

The Jamaicans who were eliminated at the quarter final stage in last year's competition, was able to salvage second place this time around, thereby taking the runners up prize of $500,000 US Dollars.

Head Coach for the Digicel Kick Start Football Clinics, John Barnes, was proud to commend the Jamaican National U-20 team yesterday, on their 1-0 win in a rigorous match against Seba United in Kingston, Jamaica. Marking the end of the eight country Digicel Clinics, the Nationals fought hard and were victorious against a strong team. In congratulating the U-20s, who he had been guiding for two full days before, Barnes said, "It was not an easy win, but a well deserved win. It is not always easy for a team that does not usually play together to win against a team like Seba United who play together all the time. You worked together well today in the true spirit of teamwork."

Throughout the tour Barnes has been keenly observing the enormous talent in Caribbean football and now must execute his mandate to choose six footballers from the region to take part in one week's training at Sunderland AFC's Academy of Light in the UK. While this has been one main focus, Barnes' first-rate coaching skills, that facilitated development in an outstanding number of winners on every leg of the tour; have also been lauded in each island visited.

Head Coach for the National Junior team and Assistant Coach of the Jamaica Digicel Clinics, Theodore 'Tappa' Whitmore commented on the two day training sessions - saying, “What John Barnes has implemented here is exactly what these players needed. They needed to be reminded of the basics and John has brought it back to basics. We have a lot of talented players here and these Clinics have helped them to adopt the right attitude, the will, the discipline and the focus needed to be professional."

Digicel's decision to highlight and develop football brilliance in the Caribbean has also been highly spoken of during the tour. Jamaica Football Federation President, Horace Burrell told press recently that it was in 2005 that Digicel launched its initiative to sponsor and develop Caribbean football. He praised the Clinics noting they are, "A true reflection of that Digicel has been doing with Caribbean football."

Both Seba United and National U-20 players were given wise words of advise from Barnes after the match yesterday. He said, "While only six boys from the region will be picked to go to Sunderland, this should not dishearten those who are not chosen. The opportunity is there and you never know who may be watching, so stay diligent, keep focused and work hard to be the best footballers you can be."

The Jamaican born Barnes will announce the six talented footballers who will travel to the UK for training at the end of February in Kingston, Jamaica.

In Port Of Spain, Trinidad, the Trinidad National U-20 team finished the final day of the Digicel Kick Start Football Clinic, defeating the popular Joe Public FC 2-1 at the Marvin Lee Stadium.

"Trinidad is a football powerhouse," Jack Warner, President of the Caribbean Football Union said, and the U-20s along with their strong opponents, demonstrated this strength throughout the match. By half time the score was one all and the Nationals pounced on the chance to take the lead only one minute into the second half when they scored the winning goal.

Digicel Clinics' Head Coach, John Barnes thanked the young Trinidadian players after the match saying, "I'd like to thank you all for your hard work, discipline, diligence and enthusiasm over that past three days. I hope that you continue on this path of professionalism. Today you have proved that players such as Dwight York are not a rarity in Trinidad."

Warner had praises for Digicel in its progressive approach to the enrichment of Caribbean football, commenting that, "I feel it went very well. This experience will benefit Trinidad football in the present and in the future. Again I thank Digicel for their continued support in developing Caribbean football."

Incorporated in Bermuda, Digicel operates in twenty three markets, including Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Barbados, Bermuda, Bonaire, Curaçao, The Cayman Islands, Dominica, El Salvador, French Guiana, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Martinique, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks & Caicos and El Salvador. Digicel also has a license in Guatemala and coverage in St. Martin and St. Barths.

As a lead sponsor of Caribbean sports, Digicel supports many teams including the West Indies Cricket Team, Special Olympics teams across the Caribbean and is title sponsor of the Digicel Caribbean Football Union Cup, involving over 30 Caribbean countries and is an important qualifier towards the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

The eighth and final leg of the Digicel Kick Start Football Clinics wind up in Jamaica today, Saturday, February 16.

For more information, visit http://digicelfootball.com

With two countries to go the Digicel Kick Start Football Clinic wound up its sixth leg in Paramaribo, Suriname, on February 3rd with a high tempo match infused with disciplined performances. At the Franklyn Essed Stadium, the National U-20 and opposing team, Robin Hood played the match taken by U-20 2- 1. with great spirit.

Described as showing commendable promise for the future development of
football in Suriname, U-20 players who attended the three day Clinic as well as their opponents, Robin Hood were highly commended by Digicel Clinics' Head Coach, John Barnes. "All the players exhibited the discipline and togetherness that I have been speaking about. There are about three or four players from Suriname that will be up for consideration to go to Sunderland and one of the players I'm considering is from Robin Hood," Barnes said.

During the intense two day training clinics held prior to the game, Barnes noted Suriname's National U-20consistently exhibited discipline and professionalism; demonstrating Suriname's potential for international success.

Robin Hood did put up an aggressive fight, but gave the match to the U-20 team in the second half. The score was 1 – 1 and Robin Hood's goalie fouled the National U-20 attacker, giving way to the winning penalty kick.

After the match, Barnes said, "I like what I saw today. The match was played in good spirit.

Kenneth Jalins, Head Coach for Suriname's National U-20 team, praised Barnes and the Digicel Clinics. "The organisation of the Digicel Kick
Start Clinics is very good. The structure of the sessions ensures that the players get everything they can out of it. Barnes is very clear and precise and makes it easy for the players to understand what he wants from them. He is very motivational and he has shown them how to further develop skills they already have. Barnes has a good spirit on the pitch, is motivational and has a passion for developing young footballers," he stated.

Barnes will announce the selected six players chosen to train at Sunderland AFC's Academy of Light for one week in March 2008, at the end of the eight country tour. The announcement will take place in Kingston, Jamaica on Saturday, February 23, 2008.

The CFU sponsored Clinic moves on now to Trinidad and Tobago.

By: Dwight Fraser and Devon Anderson

In what was a glitsy affair at the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, at the RJR Sports Man and Woman ceremony the world's fastest man Asafa Powell and the speed ball from Trelawny Veronica Campbell-Brown took the respective lions share of the accolades.

Powell walked away with his third such honour as 'Sports Man Of The Year,' dating back to 2005. A fitting bill after he was named the Central American and Caribbean top athlete for 2007 back in December.

Powell who won a bronze at the World Championship in the 100 metres along with a silver in the 4x100 metres relay, edged out fellow Sprinter Usain Bolt, World Championship Decathlon Silver medalist Maurice Smith and West Indies Pace Bowler Darren, Powell in the male category.

Smith was named the overall runner up in the male section.

Veronica Campbell-Brown in the meantime received her second such honour after winning in 2004.

The former Vere Technical athlete Campbell-Brown won gold at the Osaka Championship last summer winning the 100 metres, taking silver in the 200 metres and in the sprint relays. That 100 metres World Championship Gold in 11.01 seconds completed the total package at the international level, with previous gold at the Olympics in 2004 and the IAAF Junior and Youth Championships in 1998 and 1999.

Campbell-Brown got the nod ahead of Olympian and National Champion Deloreen Ennis-London.

Chris Dehring took home the Chairman's Award for his nine year planning and exceptional efforts in helping the Caribbean to stage last year's International Cricket Council/World Cup Cricket Tournament.

By: Janice Dayle

"I like to think age 30 is the new 20" the vegetarian soccer great, Dwayne De Rosario said of the benefits healthy eating brings. While being the 'poster image' for thriving while staying away from junk food – De Rosario shines even brighter as Houston Dynamo's 'attacking mid-fielder' and in all his football endeavours.

Named Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the finals this season and in 2001, as well as co-MVP on two other occasions, De Rosario forged a steady progressive path to success. The Ontario, Canada born; US Major League Soccer (MLS) star made his way from being spotted by a 'talent scout' at age 12 to becoming one of the top goal scoring players in the 11year old American soccer league.

Recounting the almost fairytale-like sequence of events that saw 12 year old Dwayne and his Guyanese born parents flown to England on a training/grooming scholarship; De Rosario said, "It opened my eyes to the football world...and when I played the Canary Cup, it opened my eyes [forcing me] to say this is something I really want and I knew at such a young age I could help my family."

From there the budding top player had numerous trials in Europe and at age 15 joined a huge club, AC Milan, playing with some of his favourite, and the world's greatest players. Then came the tough decision of accepting an offer to be signed or return to Canada; and back to Toronto De Rosario decided to go, where he ended up signing his first professional contract with the Toronto Lynx. After just half a year with them, De Rosario was off to Germany.

In East Germany in 1997 De Rosario was frequently made to feel ostracized from the tensions of the times. "The walls had recently come down...basically I was one man against the world; at times the players were against me...sometimes the whole stadium would start making monkey noises and things like that...people did not take too well to me in terms of colour and tradition...it was interesting to be amongst that," he explained, saying the experience encouraged him and many African players to unite, become stronger and form a brotherhood.

Then the easy choice of North America over Europe became appealing and De Rosario made the switch. Having received many honours that include the record MLS Goal of the Year for 2 consecutive years, he was no doubt an immense help in leading his team to MLS Cup Championships.

With his surge of goal scoring and assists, De Rosario moved from the Richmond Kickers to the San Jose Earthquakes. He has now settled in Houston. "Now my focus is on Houston...we are on our second back to back win and hope to make it three times in a row," De Rosario told YardFlex, speaking from Florida where he is now in training camp.

Currently a member of the Canadian National Soccer Team, De Rosario has his eyes on South Africa and a World Cup Win in 2010. He said, "Our qualifier is this year and my goal is to help the team to make it to the next round on CONCACAF and then - make it...to fulfill my personal dreams and those of Canadian fans."

Now a 'mid six figure' earner, De Rosario says he hopes the still youthful American soccer league will become more structured in seeing more money come their way...this could give players the chance to be paid for their accomplishments. Top salaries today can be as large as David Beckham's reported US$139,000,000 and the low can see a rooky earning US$17,000 to US$30,000 he said.

For De Rosario there is one downside and that is missing his family. Being away from his wife, who is an American professional African dancer and 3 children aged 10, 6 and 3 can be difficult.

Nothing is as difficult to him though as the plight of many unable to access medical treatment and maintain proper health in the world. Recently returned from a United Nations sponsored Mali, Africa health campaign, De Rosario is dedicated to working more on easing that pain. For final words he wants YardFlex readers to just go to nothingbutnets.net and check out the grassroots campaign to save lives.

Barbados National U-19 team exemplified the advantages of Digicel's Kick Start Football Clinic and fought hard yesterday, to gain a 2-1 win on the third and final day of the clinic in Bridgetown. The gruelling match against The Carlton Pro Shottas at Weymouth Police Sports Club was especially significant for John Barnes, Head Coach of the Digicel Clinics who said, "The National's inability to take advantage of shots in today's match showed poor decision making skills. This is why these Clinics are important."

Having the upper hand for a greater part of the game did not help the
National team with goal scoring. Their ability during the game, to make decisions that promoted positive outcomes, was badly flawed. The first half saw the Carlton Pro Shottas coming out being the only goal scorers after a tough 20 minutes. Despite that difficulty in translating their intense play into goals, the Nationals became more focused in the second half and aggressively scored two goals within five minutes.

Manager of Barbados National U-19 team, Julie Grant said the three-day Digicel Clinics has had a positive impact on the team; "The boys have learnt valuable lessons that they will use from now on. I think the match proved to them exactly what John Barnes has been explaining to them about the importance of making every decision count. I hope that their win today proves to Mr. Barnes that they are good enough to be a part of the lucky six who go to Sunderland."

For Barnes, it is not all about Sunderland, but he finds success in knowing young aspiring Caribbean footballers realize the importance of decisions made on the pitch and the affect they have on the outcome of each game.

At Sunderland AFC's Academy of Light, the selected six players can expect a daily scholarship programme and to train with Sunderland players. Ged MacNamee, Director of the Academy said that the programme is to include a physical and coordination programme plus a very technical football coaching programme.

Digicel, the lead sponsor of Caribbean sports teams, including the West Indies Cricket Team and Special Olympics teams, is also title sponsor of the Digicel Caribbean Football Union Cup, which involves over 30 Caribbean countries and is an important qualifier towards the CONCACAF Gold Cup. From Barbados the Clinics move on to St. Kitts for the fourth leg.

By: Dwight Fraser and Devon Anderson

Despite a brilliant century from Jamaican batsman Marlon Samuels the West Indies were hammered with an innings and 100 runs by South Africa, that wrapped up the series 2-1 in Durban.

The Windies on the springboard of a tied series and the psychological advantage of winning the first game, was ready to take their first test victory against South Africa, but that was not to be.

Batting first the Windies was in trouble quite early, and crumbled to a schoolboy total of 139 all out in their first innings where Denesh Ramdin was the top scorer with a paltry 30 runs, and the consistent man Shivnarine Chanderpaul making nought. South Africa in reply piled up their biggest total in the series, on a pitch that now favoured the batsmen.

Three South Africans made century, in the onslaught on the Caribbean men, Captain Graham Smith steered the SS South Africa out to safe waters with a majestic 147 off 165 balls, supported by crew members ....the unbeaten duo of Ashwell Prince (123) and Ab Devillers (103) as the Windies bowlers, Jerome Taylor, Darren Powell and Fidel Edwards all struggled in the field.

Already thrown overboard and faced with the task of making over 400 to
make South Africa bat again, the Windies fought gallantly and splashed up 317 with Samuels the centurian and Dwayne Bravo chipping in with a stout 75.

The series will now move into the one day games with the first set to bowl off on Sunday January 20 at Centurion Park, where captain Chris Gayle is expected to make his return.

In Guyana to train not only players but also the coaches, international footballer, John Barnes left an indelible imprint on the overall fabric of football there by the end of leg one of the eight-country Digicel Kick Start Football Clinic.

With well received coaching sessions as well as two days of intense indoor training with the Guyana National U-20 Team behind him, Barnes - head coach for the Digicel Clinic, watched on January 9th as The National U-20 showed their might; coming out victorious after a well contested end of clinic game.

Matched up against the Guyana Digicel customers' favourite, Fruita Conquerors at Guyana's National Park Rugby Field, The National U-20 demonstrated strength and skill in taking the game 3 – 1.

The pitch was soaked and there were many strong tackles; under the
conditions, Head Digicel clinic coach Barnes said, "All did much better than [he] expected."

With one National goal behind them, the champion team went into the second and more exciting half showing strong attack but poor finishing with as many as 10 attempts made at scoring in the 45 bubbling minutes. The National's seemingly perfect shots never followed through. It was in the final 12 minutes of the game that the National team scored the third goal.

Mike Berry, Football talent scout and John Barnes' agent commented on the performances: "It was a very competitive game with the National side showing a bit more experience. The Conquerors put in a great effort and they come out of this with a lot of credit. It was a great game and I really enjoyed the second half."

The CFU sponsored Digicel Kick Start Clinic tour will end with an announcement from Barnes of six individuals who will be chosen to train at Sunderland AFC’s Academy of Light for one week in March 2008.

"The ones who did well in training proved themselves today. I have chosen about two or three for consideration," Barnes stated.

From Guyana, the Digicel Clinics move on to Haiti.

By: Dwight Fraser and Devon Anderson

The West Indies were brought back to earth after a historic and record breaking first test win over South Africa, in the just concluded second test in Cape Town.

Led by a breath-taking century 104, the classy Guyanese batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul was in immaculate form, registering his 17th career test century and with superb bowling by the trio of Fidel Edwards, Jerome Taylor and Darren Powell, the Caribbean side rushed past South Africa by 128 runs, to win the first test in Port Elizabeth.

This was the 'Windies' first win against South Africa in nine attempts, and out of that victory came many other firsts, as it was the first win for Captain Chris Gayle, the first for newly appointed Australian Coach John Dyson and it was also the first win for the Windies over a big name cricket country, since the win over England in Egbaston in 2000.

A win in the second Test on January 5, would have certainly given the Caribbean Side the victory in the three match series, but South Africa had other ideas.

The West Indies took first strike and could only muster up 243, too small a total for a big side like South Africa, who is ranked second in the Test category on the ICC ladder. Chanderpaul again stepping up to the demand and stroking an unbeaten 65, supported by Marlon Samuels who chipped in with 51.

In reply South Africa drummed up 321 as Ashwell Prince was unfortunate in not getting a century after being run out for 98, as South Africa set up a lead of 78 runs.

In the second Innings the West Indies needed a miracle not only in getting past the 78 runs lead, but in putting up a big score perhaps 350 or more with two days to go, but got in all sorts of trouble, with the openers Denish Ramdin 32 runs and Darren Ganga 22 runs going back to the dressing room cheaply. Here the African bowler Dale Steyn picked up 4 for 44 to rattle the Windies who fell for 262 despite a gallant 38 from Captain Chris Gayle, and an unbeaten 70 from Chanderpaul.

And with 185 runs to win the Proteas were home and dry, with two men standing tall; Captain Grahame Smith who smashed a top score 85, and Jaque Kallis who supported with 22, as South Africa lost only three wickets in reaching 186...argument done, South Africa won by seven wickets.

YardFlex fans, around the region are now eagerly awaiting what will be a mouth watering clash in the third and final test which bowls off on Thursday, January 10 in Durban.

By Dwight Fraser and Devon Anderson

The year 2007 will go down in no uncertain terms, as perhaps the most memorable year in sports for Yard Fans, who have come to expect that Jamaica's exploits on the track, on the pitch, or on the court's will be the quintessential of the Caribbean.

2007 saw massive accomplishments, and unparalleled performances where the Caribbean athlete in general and Jamaicans pushed the bondaries of
Athleticism, in further stamping their class on the International sporting Arena.

Cricket

In April 2007 the Caribbean came together, organized and staged without question the best ever International Cricket Council/Caribbean World Cup of Cricket, and an estimated television audience of 1.8 billion watched the month long event.

Some 16 teams took part in the World Cup, where Games were held at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua, The Queens Park Oval In Trinidad, The Kensington Oval in Barbados, and Sabina Park In Kinston. Defending Champions Australia were again winners after beating Sri-Lanka in the final by six wickets thanks to a glorious 149 by Adam Gilchrist.

Tickets sales were confirmed at 31.4 million us dollars over the 52
matches, and was the highest ever achieved for any cricket world cup,
beating the previous record of 22 million in the United Kingdom in 1999.

The Caribbean men advanced past the first round with victories, over
Pakistan, Zimbabwe and Ireland but failed to get past the Second Round.

It was in the month of April that the West Indian Legend Brian Charles
Lara bid farewell to the game of glorious uncertainties. April was surely an active month; at one point for the wrong reason as Pakistan's Coach Bob Wolmer was murdered under what was initially considered mysterious circumstances.

In 2007 Jamaica led by Chris Gayle and Wavel Hinds also restored joy and jubilation in the hearts of yard fans, after they won the regional 50 overs competition, beating Barbados in the final.

Track and Field

Jamaica's Asafa Powell shrugged off injury (an arevated groin) earlier in the season to break his previous world mark of 9.77 seconds in setting a mind boggling and lifetime best 9.74 seconds at the Reti Grand Prix meet in Italy on September 9. This was a legal trail wind of 1.7 metres per second.

Intrestingly Powell's aforementioned record would come a mere nine days after he anchored Jamaica to the historic breaking of the national Men's 4x100 metres record twice in one day at the World Track and Field Championship in Osaka, Japan. After the local team sped to a frightening 38.02 in the heats, the quartet of Marvin Anderson, Usain Bolt, Nester Carter, and Powell copped the silver behind the United States in the 4x100 metres final in a blazing 37.89 seconds.

Notable too was the fact that Veronica Campbell reminded the world that she was a legitimate contender for every title that there was to win, when she clocked 11.01 seconds to win the women's 100 metres at the World Championship This became her first Individual Gold at this level, beating the United States pair of Lauryn Williams and Carmelita Jeter who came in second and third respectively.

Coming in for some recognition in 2007 on the track was Usain "Lightning" Bolt. The former William Knibb runner smashed Donald Quarrie's National 200 metre mark of 19.86 seconds to establish 19.74 at the Jamaican National Trials at Kinston's National Stadium in June.

In 2007 the world renowned Merlene Ottey and the American Tyson Gay were in attendance to give wedding blessings on Veronica, who said 'I do' to her long time companion from Trelawny Omar Brown.

Jamaica also said farewell to the great Olympian Herb Mckenely who died of a heart attack in late November. Mckenely a longstanding icon, coach, and legend, was the first man to go under 46 seconds over 400 metres. He was part of Jamaica's first and only team to win gold in the 4x400 metres relay in Helsinki. Mckenely was 85.

Football

In football Jamaica's Junior Reggae Boys (under 23) under the guidance of Youth Coach Wendell Downswell made a massive stride at this level in the best finish ever at the Pan Am Games, copping the silver after a 2-1 loss to Ecuador in the final.

Go Reggae Boys, Go Reggae Boys...Go, the seniors knocked over all in the way and came up trumps with the Lunar New Year Cup in Hong Kong to give the Serbian, Bora Mulotinovic his first win while in charge as National Technical Director. .However, that would be their only silverware for 2007, as they failed to win a single game over several months, and dropped outside the Fifa/Coca Cola top 100 for the first time in more than 15 years.

A reprieve came when reggae Boys finished the year at position 97
following two back to back victories at the National Stadium over
El-Salvador and Guatemala respectively. This came about as the vibes
slowly returned to The Office (National Stadium) with players like Ricardo 'bibby' Gardner, Ricardo Jamal Campbell-Ryce, 'Wily Boo' Fuller, Khari Stephenson, Luton Shelton, Donovan Ricketts, Damian 'Stew Peas' Stewart, Ian 'Pepe' Goodison, Tyrone Marshall, Fabian Taylor and Jermaine 'Teddy' Johnson - all in the line up.

Captain Horace Burrel the man who was at the helm when Jamaica qualified for it's first ever World Cup in 1998, was returned unopposed as The President of the Jamaica Football Federation, ousting Cresston Boxhill in November. Under this change in administration the coach who was in charge in '94, Professor Rene Simoes was recalled to lead the National Programme.

Let us not forget The Reggae Girls who had fluctuating fortunes in 2007, as they were knocked out of the CAC Games first round but finished the year at Postioin 61...not bad for some ladies who get no international friendly games to help in their preparation.

Netball

Jamaica's Senior Sunshine Girls led by Captain Eliane Davis, and the
sensational Simone Forbes, had a spectacular year in 2007, as their
crowning moment cane when they retained the bronze Medal won at the World Netball Championship in New Zealand, beating England 53-52 in the third place playoff in November.

This performance was a convincing turnaround to a disappointing run in the three months leading up to the Championship, as they lost to Australia, New Zealand, and England in three separate tests.

Special Olympics

Jamaica's biggest medal haul came at the 12th renewal of the Special
Olympic World Games, in Shanghai, China, when some 57 medals were won
across 8 disciplines. That is Track and field, Swimming, Football,
Basketball, Bocce, Badminton, Skating and Volleyball.

This medal tally outweighed the 47 won in Ireland in 2003, and placed the cap on a wonderful year where some 55 athletes and 11 coaches were in training since 2005.

Lorna Bell and her hard working team were supported all the way by
corporate Jamaica, especially Digicel who kept pace with their every move.

Talented young footballers will have a once in a lifetime chance to learn invaluable football skills courtesy of Digicel, the largest sponsors of football in the Caribbean today.

The announcement which was made today will see talented balers learning techniques from arguably the Caribbean's greatest ever football player, while at the same time being afforded the chance to realize their dream of becoming professional footballers. Led by former England and Liverpool star John Barnes, who takes on the role of Head Coach for the clinics, the Digicel Kick Start Football Clinics begin in early 2008 and take place in Guyana, Barbados, Haiti, Antigua, Suriname, Trinidad, St. Kitts and Jamaica. Six of the most talented young footballers to participate in the clinics will be chosen by John Barnes to travel to the UK to spend a week at a top English Barclays Premier League football club, where they will take part in an intensive training session with the club.

Speaking at the photoshoot for the Digicel Kick Start Football Clinics, John Barnes said, "I'm looking forward to the clinics and to seeing the level of talent amongst the next generation of Caribbean footballers. You see what happened in Africa 20 to 30 years ago when a lot of people were slow to recognize the talent, well, the Caribbean is an untapped market. Talent here needs to be harnessed and given an opportunity and these clinics developed by Digicel are an opportunity to do just that. In England, they now recognize the fact that although Africa is saturated, this is the next place where you are going to get
talented footballers coming out to grace the Premier League."

Digicel Group Commercial Director, Brian Finn, said of the clinics, "The Digicel Kick Start Football Clinics offer young aspiring footballers a fantastic opportunity to learn key skills of the game by training with world-class footballer, John Barnes. Digicel is already a huge supporter of Caribbean football through the Digicel Caribbean Cup, Digicel Shield and Digicel International matches and these clinics are another example of our commitment to the game." The clinics, which are run in association with the Caribbean Football Union, were developed by Digicel, with the support of FIFA Vice-President, Jack Warner, who has been a huge assistance to Digicel in helping raise the profile of football in the Caribbean.

Full details of the Digicel Kick Start Clinics will be announced over the coming weeks and will include details on how local clubs and school teams have the opportunity to be part of these clinics which will help them realize their dream of being the next International football star from the Caribbean, playing in the Barclays English Premier League.

By: Devon Anderson and Dwight Fraser

Jamaica said goodbye and farewell to olympic hero Herb McKenley last Saturday with an official funeral at the National Arena attended by celebrities from public life and sports.

In the presence of a diverse gathering McKenley was praised for his service to the nation after his retirement from running also for his olympic achievements.

Paying tributes to this icon who was not only a double Olympic 400 metres silver medalist, but also a gold medalist in the Helsinki 4x400 relay win - was Prime Minister Bruce Golding who announced that a statue will be commissioned by the government and mounted on Independence Park campus to celebrate McKinley's life.

Former Prime Ministers Edward Seaga, PJ Patterson and Portia Simpson-Miller were also in attendance.

Other tributes came from his daughter Laura Bryce, Bernie Panton - on behalf of the Calabar Old Boys Association, Jamaica Amateur Athletic Association president Howard Aris and Jamaica Olympic Association president Mike Fennell. Donald Quarrie the 1976 Olympic 200 metres Gold medalist also spoke on behalf of Jamaica's athletes.

He was later laid to rest at the National Heroes Park. Mckinely is survived by three children and wife Beverly. He was 85 .

By: Devon Anderson and Dwight Fraser

Rene Simoes the man who took Jamaica to the FIFA World Cup in France 1998 has returned as the new Technical Director for the national programme.

Captain Horace Burrell head of the Jamaican Football Federation made the announcement during a press conference held at the federation headquarters in New Kingston recently.

Simoes who coached the Brazilian series B club Cortiba to top flight competition, will take over from the embattled Bora Mulutinovic who parted ways with the Jamaica Football Federation close to a month ago.

It has been reported on a Brazilian website that Simoes have turned down offers from other countries, to take up the Reggae Boyz mantle based on the relationship with Jamaica in the past.

Interim coach Theodore "Tappa" Whitmore will retain his job as an assistance coach to work alongside the three other assistants who will come with Simoes from Brazil.

Professor Simoes will be in charge of all football including women and youth programs and is also responsible for selecting local coaches to assist him in the technical department. His base salary has been reported as $600,000 U.S annually over the next three years.

The Federation is looking forward to qualify for the world cup that will be staged in South Africa in 2010, and Simoes is charged with the responsibility of taking the Senior Reggae Boyz there.

By: Dwight Fraser and Devon Anderson

One of Jamaica's and the world's most outstanding track athletes, Olympian Herb Mckenley, died recently at the age of 85. Know also as a remarkable coach and motivator, Mckenley, will be laid to rest on Saturday December 8.

The former Calabar coach and President of the Jamaica Amateur Athletic Association (JAAA), will be laid to rest at the National Heroes Circle in an official send off funeral.

Mckenley who was one of the greatest all round athletes of the 20th century was best remembered for his scorching third leg on Jamaica's mile relay team that struck gold at the 1952 Olympics. His passing came after complications of pneumonia, according to family spokesperson, Howard Aris, president of the JAAA.

Representing the black, green and gold in 1948 in London and 1952 in Helsinki, Mckenley won a total of three silver medals and one gold at the Olympic Games. The Gold was achieved with team-mates Arthur Wint, Lais Laing and George Rhoden.

The legend and Icon that he was, Mckenley is also responsible for guiding athletes such as Daniel England, Howard 'Bird man' Davis, Norman Morse, Ali Watson, Carl Smith, Stanley Goodrich and John Messam.

An old Jamaican 'nine night' send off ceremony will be held on Friday night, December 7, inside the National Arena, culminating with native traditional dances and folk rituals, the way Herb would appreciate it.

By: Devon Anderson and Dwight Fraser

Jamaican netballers "The Sunshine Girls" performed creditably at the just concluded world netball championships when they maintained their third place ranking by defeating England in a tight finish 53-52.

Earlier, in the tournament the girls won their zone to qualify for the semi-final with the big three Austrailia, New Zealand and England.

However, despite playing competitively against New Zealand in the semi-final The Sunshine Girls could not withstand the strong challenge from that country's "Silver Ferns" and succumbed to a 59-49 defeat.

The Connie Francis trained team then showed their mettle by defeating England to win the bronze.

Stand out goal shooter Romelda Aitken was voted the best new talent and Connie Francis the best upcoming coach. Yardflex sends hearty congratulations to the administrative staff and the team.

Meanwhile, Australia went on to defeat defending champions New Zealand for the gold.

By: Devon Anderson and Dwight Fraser

The Jamaican Football team "The Reggae Boyz" made a successful return to the National Stadium - "The Office," when they won their two international friendlies against El Salvador and