Issuu

SPORTS SECTION E

HIGH SCHOOL TRACK & FIELD NATIONALS START ON THURSDAY By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net THE St Augustine’s College Big Red Machine will be out to defend their title as the Ministry of the Youth, Sports and Culture hosts the 29th edition of the National High School Track and Field Championships. Held in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, the three-day meet is all set to begin on Thursday at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium and will conclude on Saturday. Admission is free but both the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the National Sports Authority have warned the public that security will be fully enforced so they are asking patrons to put on their best behaviour. Tim Munnings, the director of sports in the Ministry of Sports, said the championships come just before the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations hosts their final CARIFTA trials next week before the Games are staged here over the Easter holiday weekend. “This is an exciting time for all of our track and field athletes throughout the country,” Munnings said. “We expect to see a number of athletes representing the

BAHAMIAN high jumper Donald Thomas (centre) with Cuban world record holder Javier Sotomayor (left) and his coach Luis Pinilo during a training session in Cuba. for him to excel on the podium. “I know I’m in shape and know with one or two corrections to my body position going over the bar, the sky is the limit. That’s the kind of shape that I’m in.” The 2007 IAAF World Outdoor Championships and 2010 Central American and Caribbean Championships champion said he would like to go to the Commonwealth Games

with fellow Bahamian Jamal Wilson because they both complement each other in competition. Thomas, however, said he would like to have his coach present for the games because he can pinpoint some of the technical things he’s doing wrong so that he can make the adjustment during the competition. “But my preparation is going good. Anything

shorter than gold would be a failure for me at the games,” Thomas said. “I know all of the other competitors are training just as hard for the gold, but I believe in my ability and what I did at Worlds was not an indication of where I’m at and what I’m capable of doing. “I’m still upset about last week, but I want to put that behind me. I have a bigger picture to look forward to at the

Commonwealth Games. I’m just waiting on them to announce the team, but I’m fit and ready to compete.” Thomas, 33, is a 6-foot, 3-inch former basketball player who has posted a personal best of 2.37m or 7-feet, 9 1/4-inches. He anticipates that it will probably take at least 2.30m (7-6 1/2) or better to get on the podium and at least 2.35m (7-8 1/2) for the gold.

AGM: BBFF executives return to office unopposed By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net LAST month, the Bahamas Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation hosted its annual general meeting and election of officers and all of the executives were returned to office unopposed. Joel Stubbs, who will head the federation for his second fouryear term, said they are pleased with the vote of confidence by the membership. “I thought we did very well,” said Stubbs of their previous term in office. “Anyone who would have graced any of our competitions would have seen us in action. I think we did a 180-degree turnaround. “So moving forward, I can say that this sport demands a lot of time and money, but the results are shown in the success that we have achieved, which is a contributing factor to our team getting back in office.”

Page 3

PAGE 5

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7, 2018

Thomas expects ‘nothing but the gold’ at Commonwealth Games By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net fter turning in what he called a “disappointing” performance at the IAAF World Indoor Championships in Birmingham, Great Britain, last week, Donald Thomas has his sights set on winning the gold at the Commonwealth Games in the Gold Coast, Australia, next month. While he awaits the final selection of the team by the Bahamas Olympic Committee, Thomas said he’s heading back to Havana, Cuba, where he will resume his training with world record holder Javier Sotomayor’s former coach, Luis Pinilo, in preparation for the games, scheduled for April 4-15. “If selected to the Commonwealth Games team whenever they select it, I expect nothing but the gold,” Thomas told the Tribune on his return from Great Britain. “That chapter (Worlds) has already passed. “I just have to work on one or two things in practice to ensure that my body is in position to pull it off. But I’m in great shape. I don’t think I would be going to Commonwealth if I didn’t think I can do it.” If selected, this would be Thomas’ third appearance at the four-yearly games and after tasting the thrill of victory in 2010 in Delhi, India, he wants to redeem himself following a ninth place finish in Glasgow, Scotland, in 2014. Thomas, whose last international success came at the Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico in 2011, said he’s hungry after he finished tied with two others for sixth place at the Worlds. “I’m not thinking that far ahead, but I know what type of shape I’m in,” said Thomas when asked what height he thinks it will take

Tennis,

BBFF executive officers (l-r) Kenny Green, vice president, Lillian Moncur, general secretary, Joel Stubbs, president and Wellington ‘Cat’ Sears, first vice president. Joining Stubbs on the executive team are Kenny Green, vice president, Wellington ‘Cat’ Sears, first vice president, Lillian Moncur, secretary general, Steven Robinson, secretary and Brittany Hamilton, treasurer. As they prepare for this term, Stubbs said they are looking forward to engaging more of the community, especially the high schools where they hope to formulate a national high school tournament. “We have all of the trainers in the various gyms and we hope that the schools will take advantage of them in their training,” Stubbs said. “We’re hoping that we can get some sponsorship where we can pay for discounted memberships for them to participate in their training.”

Stubbs said they will be pursuing corporate Bahamas and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture to assist them in this venture because they want to reach out to a wider range of competitors to compete in the sport. “If we can get about 10 boys and girls out of the high schools, who are not interested in the basketball, or softball or track and field, to come into the gym and be properly trained in the sport,” he projected. “We just need to get them into the gym and give them about a hour to train and then get them prepared to compete in a national high school tournament. “This is a new format that the international body is introducing and we want to comply with what they are doing.”

Stubbs said he would be happy to address the various school assemblies to give the students the importance of lifting weights to assist in their growth and development. If schools are interested, Stubbs said they can contact the federation. As for the calendar of events, Stubbs said they are looking forward to staging a fun run/walk race that will provide the public the opportunity to mix and mingle with the bodybuilders. Details of the date and location of the event will be announced shortly. “We have a very good team of executives and I’m very proud of what we were able to accomplish last year,” Stubbs said. “We’re hoping that we can build on that as we look ahead to the next four years.”

SEE PAGE 3

NPBA: GIANTS, MINGOES IN WIN COLUMN THE Commonwealth Bank Giants and the University of the Bahamas Mingoes won the New Providence Basketball Association men’s division one double header played at the AF Adderley Gymnasium on Monday night. In the opener, the Giants routed the Caro Contractors Pirates 110-80 and the Mingoes outlasted the Leno Regulators 88-67. The NPBA will wind down its regular season action tonight with another double header before they stage their all-star activities on Friday and Saturday nights. The postseason will get underway on Monday night. • Here’s a summary: Giants 110, Pirates 80 Guard Michael Bain Jr, in 27:01 minutes, sparked the undefeated Commonwealth Bank’s attack with 25 points as he shot 9-for-20 from the field, 2-for-7 from behind the three-point arch and connected on 5-for-9 free throws. He also had five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Forward D’Shon Taylor had 17 points, seven assists, six rebounds and five steals, centre Gameliel Rose had 15 points, nine rebounds, three steals, two assists and a block shot off the bench. David Taylor, also coming off the bench, had 13 points, four rebounds and three assists and guard Darstyn Baker, in his start, contributed 11 points, six assists and four rebounds.

SEE PAGE 3

PAGE 2, Wednesday, March 7, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

Bahamas First General Insurance sponsors 47th CARIFTA Games BAHAMAS First General Insurance Company recently announced its sponsorship of the 47th edition of the CARIFTA Games scheduled for March 30 to April 2 at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium. Patrick Ward, Group President and CEO, presented a cheque to the CARIFTA 2018 Local Organising Committee. “Bahamas First is committed to supporting positive activities and opportunities for young Bahamians. We are happy to be able to sponsor this year’s CARIFTA Games as we host athletes from the Caribbean and showcase the highest display of youth track and field talent,” Ward said. “We recognise that this event also represents a unique sports tourism opportunity for The Bahamas and a tremendous opportunity for Bahamian athletes to perform on a world stage before a home crowd. We commend the CARIFTA 2018 Local Organising Committee for its commitment to a wellexecuted, world-class event and wish all of the competing athletes the very best of luck.”

SHOWN (l-r) are Kenneth Wilson, CARIFTA sales representative, Eldece Clarke, CARIFTA sales representative, Tonique Williams, deputy chairperson CARIFTA LOC, Patrick Ward, Group President & CEO, Bahamas First General Insurance Company and Leah R Davis, group marketing and communications manager, Bahamas First Corporate Services. Photo: Ronnie Archer

SPORTS NOTES BOWLING CITY BOWLING LEAGUE Derrick Burrows of the Asurewin Pocket Pleasers was the most valuable player of the City Bowling League with a 648 high three game set on Monday night at Mario’s Bowling and Family Entertainment Centre. David Slatter of Telco Enterprises was the runner up with a 645 second high set. Errol Morley of BEC Shockers downed the pins

for the high game of 247 followed by a 245 from Kelsey Rolle of Asurewin Pocket Pleasers. Driskell Rolle of Asurewin Pocket Pleasers was the ladies’ leader after she toppled the pins for a 212 high game and a 551 high three game series. Rolle was followed by Joy Lockhart of the Avengers with a 542 second high set. Marina McClain of Carib Construction struck for the second high game of 205. In team scores, Asurewin Pocket Pleasers def. the City

Leaguers 3-0; Checker’s Cafe def. CDM Knights 3-0; Giga Tech def. Carib Construction 2-1; Avengers def. Telco Enterprises 2-1; NUA Crusaders def. Bahamasair Flyers 2-1; BEC Shockers def. Ten Back Strikers 2-1; Brooklyn Strikers def. Island Game Strokers 2-1 and Clayton Gardiner & Associates def. E&U Watercoolers 2-1. BASKETBALL BSAA BASKETBALL POSTSEASON THE Bahamas Scholastic Athletic Association continued its

basketball postseason on Monday at the AF Adderley Gymnasium. • The results of games played are: Mini division sudden death playoffs - Temple Christian knocked off Freedom Baptist Academy 22-10 and Christian Heritage School defeated Teleos Christian School 13-8. Primary boys game one of championship - Temple Christian School def. Teleos Christian Schools 14-13 as Markai Pinder scored seven to lead the winners.

Martino Butler had a game high eight in a losing effort. Senior girls game one championship - Mt Carmel Preparatory Academy def. Teleos Christian School 14-12 as Alkeia Rolle scored a game high 11 in a win. Erin Williams came up with six in a losing effort. Senior boys game one championship - Teleos Christian School def. Mt Carmel Preparatory Academy 51-42 as Nathan Sullivan and Daniel Adams both scored 15 points in the win. Gregory McKay had a game high 21 in a losing effort.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, March 7, 2018, PAGE 3

HIGH SCHOOL TRACK & FIELD NATIONALS START TOMORROW FROM PAGE 1 best that the schools have to offer.” Rupert Gardiner, the meet coordinator, revealed that there will be a total of 67 schools, including 30 schools from Grand Bahama and the Family Islands, participating as they compete in the under13, under-15, under-17 and under-20 divisions for boys and girls. “When we first started this meet we always crowned an overall champion and so we want to bring that excitement back,” said Gardiner about the overall results. “We will crown the overall champions based on all of the divisions and we will also have a junior and senior high champions because we know not all of the schools can compete in all of the divisions.” While there were qualification standards set for athletes from New Providence and Grand Bahama to attain in order to earn their berths into the meet, Gardiner said they have made provisions to host a total of 20 athletes and two coaches from the majority of the Family Islands in an attempt to allow them to compete. Evon Wisdom, the sports director in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, said they are delighted to collaborate with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture because it’s important to provide avenues for the Bahamian athletes to compete in. He noted that their ministry is looking at producing a forum for the athletes to be able to represent

THE MINISTRY of Youth, Sports and Culture, along with the stake holders, held a press conference on Tuesday to announce plans for the 29th National High School Track and Field Chmpionships. Photo: Derek Smith/BIS the Bahamas at the international school team in various championships, including track and field. “We would like to congratulate the 67 schools. We believe that is one of the highest numbers ever that has participated in this event,” Wisdom said. “In particular, we want to thank the Family Island schools that are participating.” Out of the 67 schools, Mike Sands said it’s expected that some 900 athletes will compete in the meet which is scheduled to begin at 9:30am on Thursday and Friday with Saturday’s action getting underway at 3pm.

During the opening ceremonies on Friday, Sands said they are encouraging the schools to display their flags and their banners as the march pass takes place in their efforts to showcase their school pride. “We’re encouraging those alumnus, as well as Family Island persons to come and support your various teams,” said Sands, one of the meet organisers. “Also, this event will serve as a CARIFTA qualifier. “As you know the CARIFTA Games are several weeks away from us and as the host country, we are looking forward to putting forth a good solid CARIFTA team and we

hope that a number of qualifiers will come out of this event.” While the Big Red Machine seems to be the team to beat, Sands said that schools like Tabernacle Baptist Academy, coming off their victory at the Hugh Campbell Basketball Tournament for senior boys, have thrown down the gauntlet that they will be out to add the track title to their list of accomplishments this year. But he said there are other schools like the Queen’s College Comets and the CR Walker Knights who are always tough and with the CARIFTA trials

just a week ago, it adds to the excitement for the nationals. “I can not speak on behalf of the BAAA, but with CARIFTA so close and we are hosting it, we would see a number of qualifiers come out of the meet,” said Sands, the immediate past president of the BAAA. “So we’re hoping that we will have a number of qualifiers because we are hosting CARIFTA this year.” Sands also revealed that the meet will provide an incentive for the teams as the winners of the under-20 boys and girls 4 x 100 and 4 x 400 metre relays will get free accommodations

to participate in the 124th Penn Relays, scheduled for April 26-28 in Philadelphia. Superintendent Mark Barrett of the Royal Bahamas Police Force said they will be out in full force to enforce the laws and advised the public to come out and enjoy themselves in the family atmosphere at the national event. And Kevin ‘Chick’ Rolle, who heads the security team at the National Sports Authority, said they are urging the public not to bring their big bags for safety purposes. He noted that they will be screening the perimeter of the stadium to ensure that it is safe and sound.

NPBA: GIANTS, MINGOES IN THE WIN COLUMN FROM PAGE 1 Forward Jeffrey Henfield had seven points and guard Herbert Knowles helped out with six points off the bench. Small forward Scottie Farrington, in 31:56 minutes, also had 25 points to lead the 6-6 third place Caro Contractors. Farrington was 9-for-18 from the field, 3-for-6 from the three-point line and 4-for-7 from the foul line. And he pulled down 14 rebounds.

Tevin Hudson chipped in with 17 points, nine rebounds, eight assists, three steals and as many block shots. Domonique Fernander added 12 points and 10 rebounds, Donathan Johnson came off the bench with nine points and four rebounds and Craig mith Jr had eight points. Mingoes 88, Regulators 67 Kemsy Sylvestre canned a game high 26 points to lead four other players in double figures in the feature game. Sylvestre, playing 33

minutes and 34 seconds, shot 8-for-12 from the field and 10-for-11 from the free throw line. The starting forward also had 12 rebounds, six steals, five assists and two block shots. Guard Ujamma Johnson and small forward Romero Cornish both came off the bench and scored 14 points apiece to help out. Johnson added four steals with two rebounds and Cornish had four rebounds. In their starting roles, guards Justin Smith had 10 points, eight rebounds and

three steals and Ramon Dames had 10 points as well with seven assists, four steals and three rebounds. Rashad Stubbs added eight points with five rebounds. The University of the Bahamas opened a 26-18 first quarter lead and they held onto a 33-28 advantage at the half. By the end of the third, Caro Contractors had fallen behind 68-53. The Mingeos went on to outscore the Regulators 20-14 in the fourth. Guard Kenneth Pratt came off the bench and in

21:49 minutes, went 6-for13 from the field and 1-for-1 from the foul line for a side high 13 points. He also had nine rebounds. Forwards Cordero Thompson had 11 points and five rebounds and Hakeem Walkes added 10 points. Renardo Baillou followed with eight points and 15 rebounds and Cruz Simon had eight points as well with five rebounds. TONIGHT 7pm - University of the Bahamas vs Caro Contractors.

8:30pm - Commonwealth Bank vs Rockets All-Star Activities Friday, 7pm Skills Challenge Three Point Shootout Slam Dunk contest Finals Skills Challenge Saturday, 7pm Coaches- Exec Three Point Shootout All Star Game - Best in D1 vs Best in D2 @ 8pm Half Time Finals of Three Point Shootout Finals of Slam Dunk Contest

Paul scores 25, Rockets top Thunder for 16th straight win By CLIFF BRUNT AP Sports Writer OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Chris Paul scored 25 points and the Houston Rockets beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 122-112 last night for their 16th straight win. James Harden had 23 points and 11 assists, and Trevor Ariza added 15 points for the Rockets, who are on the second-longest win streak in franchise history. Russell Westbrook scored 32 points and Carmelo Anthony added 23 for Oklahoma City, which is in a logjam of teams trying to fight their way into third place in the West. Oklahoma City had beaten several of the league’s top teams this season. The Thunder have two wins over Golden State, a victory over Toronto and a win over Cleveland this season. The Rockets avoided that fate by going 17 of 33 on 3-pointers and 29 of 34 on free throws. The Rockets led 54-45 at halftime as Harden posted 13 points, seven assists and five rebounds. Anthony had 19 points for the Thunder and Westbrook had 14, but All-Star Paul George went 1 for 7 from the field before the break. The Thunder closed the gap to three in the opening minutes of the third quarter, but the Rockets dominated the rest of the way and led 87-74 at the end of the period. Houston made 7 of 10 3-pointers in the quarter. Houston extended its lead to 19 midway through the fourth quarter.

TIP-INS Rockets: Forced eight turnovers in the first quarter. ... Shot 52.5 percent in the first half. ... Improved to 33-1 when Harden, Paul and Clint Capela all play in the same game. ... Lost to the Thunder on Christmas Day while Paul sat out with a groin strain.

Thunder: G Corey Brewer made his Thunder home debut. He played his first game with the team last Saturday in Portland. He finished with 10 points in just over 23 minutes. ... Anthony passed Jerry West to move into 20th in NBA history in scoring. ... Anthony returned after resting in

Oklahoma City’s previous game at Portland. UP NEXT Rockets: Play at the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday. Thunder: Host the Phoenix Suns on Thursday.

HOUSTON Rockets guard James Harden, centre, shoots between Oklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Huestis (34) and guard Russell Westbrook (0) in the first half of last night’s game in Oklahoma City. (AP)

PAGE 4, Wednesday, March 7, 2018

THE TRIBUNE

REAL MADRID BEATS PSG 2-1 TO REACH CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QUARTER-FINALS By JEROME PUGMIRE AP Sports Writer PARIS (AP) — Paris Saint-Germain’s dream of joining Europe’s elite with a Champions League trophy will have to wait another season, as Real Madrid delivered a brutal reality check by cruising through to the quarter-finals with a 2-1 win last night. Cristiano Ronaldo’s powerful header — his 12th goal of the competition — and a deflected effort from midfielder Casemiro either side of a close-range finish from PSG’s Edinson Cavani sent Madrid through 5-2 on aggregate. Peaking at the right time, Madrid can be confident of challenging for a third straight title and 13th overall. PSG still has not reached the semi-finals since its lone appearance in 1995.

PSG’s ambitious club motto of “Dream Bigger” should perhaps now be revised. On this evidence, and last season’s humiliation at the hands of Barcelona, PSG remains a club more hopeful than convincing. Despite huge investment from cash-rich Qatari owners QSI since 2011, PSG has not been past the quarter-finals in that time. “We needed our heads and our hearts today. But we didn’t have both, we didn’t play as well as Real Madrid,” dejected PSG coach Unai Emery said. “Madrid deserved to go through. I think they controlled 60 per cent of the game and we didn’t do enough with the 40 per cent we had. Losing to Real Madrid itself isn’t a disappointment, but being knocked out in the last 16 is.”

Trailing 3-1 from the first leg, PSG’s fragile defence crumbled and its attack offered little threat without the injured Neymar. The biggest bang from this PSG side was from the fireworks constantly let off by a section of fans behind one goal. Cavani’s goal gave PSG some hope with 20 minutes left. But with midfielder Marco Verratti already sent off, scoring two more to force extra time was beyond a lacklustre PSG side. Instead, midfielder Casemiro’s deflected shot looped past stranded goalkeeper Alphonse Areola in the 80th. He was gifted the ball after midfielder Adrien Rabiot dealt poorly with Lucas Vazquez’s cross. To compound a miserable night for PSG fans, who so badly want to believe this side can conquer Europe, Verratti showed terrible

JUNIOR BASEBALL LEAGUE OF NASSAU

REAL Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo, left, makes an attempt to shoot the ball as PSG’s Thiago Silva tries to stop him during the round of 16, 2nd leg Champions League soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid at the Parc des Princes Stadium in Paris, yesterday. (AP) composure to in getting sent off midway through the second half. He got a second yellow card, having protested vehemently with referee Felix Brych after not getting a free kick. “Our fans got behind us, I apologise to them,” Rabiot said. “We tried but we couldn’t do it.” Ronaldo had already done his usual damage. The Champions League’s all-time leading scorer was given far too much space and leapt triumphantly to beat Areola with a downward header in the 51st minute. He had netted twice in the first leg. Ronaldo is hitting top form at a crucial time and has scored in nine Champions League games in a row, matching Ruud van Nistelrooy’s record. This was a huge test for a PSG side desperate to prove it belongs among Europe’s elite, especially after spectacularly failing last year — becoming the first team eliminated after winning the first leg 4-0. Barcelona won the return 6-1.

“Maybe tonight they weren’t so good, but it’s also because we played very well,” Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane said. “Obviously it became harder for them when we scored the second goal.” In the night’s other match, five-time champion Liverpool eased into the last eight, drawing 0-0 at home to two-time winner Porto after winning the away leg 5-0. The atmosphere was electric at Parc des Princes in Paris, with thick smoke engulfing the stadium a prematch pyrotechnics were set off. PSG’s exuberant fans were asked to “stop letting off flares” over the stadium loud speaker just after the interval. This was all part of a concerted effort to motivate the players. The club’s communications department had released a video, urging fans to rally behind the team seemingly as a matter of urgency for the city itself. Neymar also posted a video on Twitter, with the words “Vous allez le Faire” (You will do it).

Banners around the ground encouraged the team and some fans had already taken matters into their own hands. Late into the night before the game, a small group of PSG Ultras let off bangers, chanted “Paris” and banged a drum outside the Real Madrid team hotel. But all this bluster seemed more like bluff. After a fairly even first half, Ronaldo headed wide early in the second half — a warning sign. Moments later he headed home Vazquez’s pinpoint cross from the left after a quick break down the left from the impressive Marco Asensio, astutely selected ahead of Gareth Bale by Zidane. “Tactically we played the right way, we believe in what we’re doing,” Zidane said. “We closed them down high up the pitch.” Madrid could have had further goals breaking forward on counterattacks, with Asensio and Ronaldo hitting the post.

JUNIOR BASEBALL LEAGUE OF NASSAU

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, March 7, 2018, PAGE 7

Only 1 test in, aggression spills over in SA vs. Australia By GERALD IMRAY AP Sports Writer DURBAN, South Africa (AP) — Despite initial reassurances from members of both teams that the game was being played in the right spirit, the on-field aggression spilled over in the first test between South Africa and Australia, with video footage emerging of an ugly confrontation between players on a staircase leading to the dressing rooms. The incident involved Australia’s David Warner and South Africa’s Quinton de Kock as players came off for the tea break during the fourth day’s play on Sunday. Leaked stadium security camera footage shows Warner being held back by teammates while he directs comments toward de Kock as players walk up a staircase that leads to both dressing rooms. South Africa captain Faf du Plessis then emerges from the dressing room area wearing just a towel around his waist to apparently try

and calm the situation. Australia captain Steve Smith and other teammates are also trying to defuse the situation and calm Warner. The incident started out of the view of the camera and it’s unclear what sparked it, but it’s given a sour feel to the start of a four-test series between teams who both play an aggressive brand of cricket, but had to admit after the video footage was leaked to the media overnight in Durban that the war-ofwords had clearly crossed the line. Players on both teams could face disciplinary procedures, with the incident being looked at by match officials. While on-field comments intended to unsettle the opposition are common in test cricket, and even has a term dedicated to it — “sledging” — the exchange between Warner and de Kock appears to have got personal, with family members brought into it. Warner is alleged to have made comments about de

things are not on from both sides.” While doing their best to play down the incident, the teams disagreed on the level of Australia’s on-field aggression during South Africa’s second innings, though. Smith denied his team made “personal” comments about de Kock, while South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis said it was, indeed, personal on the field. Whatever provoked the confrontation off the field, it’s highlighted again the place of sledging in cricket, and it’s not the first time that a test has been undermined by the verbal battle. Interestingly, South Africa batsman Aiden Markram and Australia wicketkeeper Tim Paine, who both were present during the Warner-de Kock confrontation on the staircase, said later the same day that there was nothing outof-hand with the on-field verbals. Both teams had to backtrack on that, though, when the video came to light later when the CCTV camera

AUSTRALIA’s batsman David Warner leaves the field on day three of the first cricket test match between South Africa and Australia at Kingsmead stadium on Saturday. (AP) Kock’s mother and sister on the field while de Kock was batting, and de Kock apparently responded with comments concerning Warner’s wife, leading to the staircase incident. “Obviously Quinton got quite personal and provoked quite a personal response from Davey (Warner),” Australia captain Smith said. “Those

footage was leaked to a South African media outlet. Cricket South Africa and Cricket Australia said they were both were aware of the incident and awaiting more details. The incident is being investigated, first by the match officials and then, possibly, by the International Cricket Council if the governing body feels it needs to explore it further. “It’s rather unfortunate that the incident took place and certainly not in the spirit of the game,” South Africa team manager Mohammed Moosajee said. “The match referee had spoken to us after the day’s play.” The fourth day of the first test was characterised by on-field aggression from the Australian bowlers and fielders, who were in firm control of the test at that point and rounded off a 118-run win on Monday. Warner was at the centre of a loud, taunting celebration by the Australians when South Africa’s top batsman, AB de Villiers, was run out for a duck

THE WEATHER REPORT

5-Day Forecast

TODAY

ORLANDO

High: 74° F/23° C Low: 44° F/7° C

TAMPA

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

A passing shower in the afternoon

Mostly cloudy with showers around

A morning shower; partly sunny

Mostly sunny

Partly sunny and pleasant

Partly sunny

High: 86°

Low: 68°

High: 79° Low: 65°

High: 78° Low: 64°

High: 81° Low: 68°

High: 86° Low: 69°

AccuWeather RealFeel

88° F

63° F

79°-62° F

84°-64° F

84°-68° F

91°-72° F

almanac

ABACO

High: 76° F/24° C Low: 67° F/19° C

10-20 knots

High: 78° F/26° C Low: 50° F/10° C

10-20 knots

FT. LAUDERDALE

FREEPORT

High: 79° F/26° C Low: 54° F/12° C

E S

WEST PALM BEACH

The higher the AccuWeather UV IndexTM number, the greater the need for eye and skin protection.

The exclusive AccuWeather RealFeel Temperature® is an index that combines the effects of temperature, wind, humidity, sunshine intensity, cloudiness, precipitation, pressure and elevation on the human body—everything that affects how warm or cold a person feels. Temperatures reflect the high and the low for the day.

uV inDex toDay

TONIGHT

High: 70° F/21° C Low: 50° F/10° C

High: 79° F/26° C Low: 61° F/16° C

MIAMI

High: 79° F/26° C Low: 56° F/13° C

10-20 knots

KEY WEST

High: 79° F/26° C Low: 64° F/18° C

High: 86° F/30° C Low: 68° F/20° C

High: 78° F/26° C Low: 71° F/22° C

tiDes For nassau Low

Ht.(ft.)

Today

11:44 a.m. -----

High

Ht.(ft.) 2.3 -----

5:48 a.m. 5:58 p.m.

0.1 0.0

Thursday

12:18 a.m. 12:35 p.m.

2.5 2.1

6:42 a.m. 6:47 p.m.

0.3 0.2

Friday

1:12 a.m. 1:30 p.m.

2.4 1.9

7:40 a.m. 7:41 p.m.

0.5 0.3

Saturday

2:09 a.m. 2:29 p.m.

2.3 1.9

8:40 a.m. 8:38 p.m.

0.6 0.4

Sunday

4:08 a.m. 4:28 p.m.

2.3 1.9

10:39 a.m. 0.6 10:36 p.m. 0.4

Monday

5:03 a.m. 5:23 p.m.

2.4 2.0

11:32 a.m. 0.5 11:30 p.m. 0.3

Tuesday

5:53 a.m. 6:12 p.m.

2.5 2.1

12:19 p.m. 0.3 ---------

sun anD moon Sunrise Sunset

6:27 a.m. 6:15 p.m.

Moonrise Moonset

11:48 p.m. 10:23 a.m.

Last

New

First

Full

Mar. 9

Mar. 17

Mar. 24

Mar. 31

CAT ISLAND

High: 78° F/26° C Low: 73° F/23° C

8-16 knots

7-14 knots Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

Statistics are for Nassau through 1 p.m. yesterday Temperature High ................................................... 81° F/27° C Low .................................................... 57° F/14° C Normal high ....................................... 78° F/26° C Normal low ........................................ 65° F/18° C Last year’s high ................................. 79° F/26° C Last year’s low ................................... 64° F/18° C Precipitation As of 1 p.m. yesterday ................................. 0.00” Year to date ................................................. 5.81” Normal year to date ..................................... 3.20”

ELEUTHERA

NASSAU

earlier in the day. Australia spin bowler Nathan Lyon also was charged by the ICC — and later fined 15 per cent of his match fee — for his role in celebrating de Villiers’ dismissal, when he intentionally dropped the ball on de Villiers as the South African lay on the ground. Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc and South Africa batsman Theunis de Bruyn had a series of exchanges during one over, and Starc was apparently involved in a verbal altercation with some supporters near the boundary during the day’s play. Yet, despite the embarrassing incident and the clearly bitter feel to the four-test contest now, there was no sign that the sledging would slow down. “I think that’s how we play our best cricket,” Aussie skipper Smith said. “We’re aggressive ... we’re hunting as a pack.” Du Plessis said: “If I play cricket against Australia I expect it. If I don’t hear it, I’m disappointed.”

ANDROS

SAN SALVADOR

GREAT EXUMA

High: 78° F/26° C Low: 73° F/23° C

High: 78° F/26° C Low: 72° F/22° C

High: 81° F/27° C Low: 71° F/22° C

W S

LONG ISLAND

insurance management tracking map

High: 80° F/27° C Low: 72° F/22° C

8-16 knots

MAYAGUANA High: 78° F/26° C Low: 74° F/23° C

Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

CROOKED ISLAND / ACKLINS RAGGED ISLAND High: 78° F/26° C Low: 72° F/22° C

GREAT INAGUA High: 81° F/27° C Low: 72° F/22° C

N E

High: 78° F/26° C Low: 73° F/23° C

6-12 knots

4-8 knots

marine Forecast ABACO ANDROS CAT ISLAND CROOKED ISLAND ELEUTHERA FREEPORT GREAT EXUMA GREAT INAGUA LONG ISLAND MAYAGUANA NASSAU RAGGED ISLAND SAN SALVADOR

Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday:

WINDS SW at 10-20 Knots W at 8-16 Knots SW at 8-16 Knots NW at 8-16 Knots SSW at 7-14 Knots W at 8-16 Knots SE at 6-12 Knots SW at 8-16 Knots SSW at 8-16 Knots WNW at 8-16 Knots WSW at 10-20 Knots WNW at 8-16 Knots SW at 7-14 Knots WNW at 8-16 Knots SE at 4-8 Knots SW at 8-16 Knots S at 6-12 Knots SW at 7-14 Knots SSE at 6-12 Knots SSW at 8-16 Knots SSW at 6-12 Knots WNW at 8-16 Knots SE at 6-12 Knots WSW at 6-12 Knots SW at 8-16 Knots WNW at 8-16 Knots

WAVES 6-10 Feet 5-9 Feet 1-2 Feet 1-3 Feet 8-12 Feet 4-8 Feet 5-9 Feet 4-7 Feet 5-9 Feet 4-7 Feet 5-9 Feet 4-8 Feet 2-4 Feet 2-4 Feet 4-7 Feet 3-5 Feet 4-8 Feet 3-6 Feet 10-14 Feet 6-10 Feet 3-5 Feet 3-5 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-2 Feet 3-5 Feet 3-6 Feet

VISIBILITY 6 Miles 10 Miles 8 Miles 8 Miles 10 Miles 7 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 8 Miles 7 Miles 6 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 8 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 8 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 8 Miles 8 Miles 10 Miles 8 Miles 10 Miles 8 Miles

WATER TEMPS. 74° F 74° F 78° F 78° F 77° F 77° F 78° F 78° F 75° F 75° F 76° F 76° F 77° F 77° F 79° F 79° F 79° F 79° F 78° F 78° F 75° F 75° F 79° F 79° F 77° F 77° F

PAGE 8, Wednesday, March 7, 2018

THE TRIBUNE