Barbados can proudly boast of having the best junior squash teams in the Caribbean after they captured the Overall Championship Title for a second consecutive year. The Girls and Boys both reclaimed their championship Titles today after defeating Guyana in both finals.
The Girls team got started in the morning defeating Guyana’s girl’s team 4-1. Meagan Best and Amanda Haywood easily dismissed their opponents, Madison Fernandes and Rebecca Low in 3 straight games; 11-2, 11-1, 11-0 and 11-3, 11-2, 11-4 respectively. Jada Smith-Padmore went up against Guyana’s fast-improving Kristen Gomes but served her a 3-1 defeat 11-7, 5-11, 11-6, 11-2. Sumairaa Suleman had a tough battle on her hands against Abosaide Cadogan but she pulled through winning in 5 sets; 9-11, 11-7, 11-5, 10-12, 11-8. Rebekah Nicholls was unable to secure a win against Georgiana Fernandes losing 1-3; 5-11, 8-11, 11-8, 2-11.
Later in the afternoon, Bajan cheers filled the atmosphere at the Liguanea Club after the boys pulled off an ecstatic victory over Guyana 3-2. Khamal Cumberbatch and Josiah Griffith both dismissed their opponents 3-0. Cumberbatch was just too much for Rithew Saywack who went down 11-3, 11-3, 11-6. Same went for Griffith who dismissed Alex Cheeks 11-2, 11-3, 11-8. Aidan Parris in a thrilling 3-1 victory over Michael Alphonso 7-11, 14-12, 11-8, 11-7 sealing the deal for the Bajan lads. Chemar Burnham and Darien Benn were defeated by their Guyanese opponents Daniel Islam (3-0) and Shomari Wiltshire (2-0) respectively.
The team will be returning home tomorrow Sunday laden with hardware, 6 Golds, 2 Silvers, 2 Bronze, Girls Team Gold, Boys Team Gold and Overall Championship Trophy. Team coach Rhett Cumberbatch and team manager Katheryn Stewart led the Champions. The juniors were accompanied by many parents and supporters who filled the atmosphere with exciting cheers and chants adding to the vibrant atmosphere.