GOALKEEPER Andre Boyce will captain the Barbados men’s hockey team while experienced defender Dionne Clarke is at the helm of the women’s team side for this month’s Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in Mexico from November 14 to 30.
Both teams are bidding to return to the medal podiumafter both captured bronze atthe 2006 event in Santo Domingo and in 2010 in Puerto Rico.
Boyce, who plays for All Stars, is one of eight survivors fromthe team that made the trip to Mayaguez four years ago. The others are Neil Franklin, Jabari Walcott and Shonkeel Whartonof Deacons; Kris Holder of UWI; Rohan Thomas of YMCA, Keenan Knight of Empire and Aaron Forde of Combermere SchoolOld Scholars (CSOS).
Franklin, a 28-year-oldright-back who plays for Deacons, was upbeat about the men’steam chances.
“We have got a solid teamand I like our chances. We havea team of youth and experience and we are ready for the challenge. We are good enoughto get a medal,” he said.
Both teams can expect a rough baptism as they have been grouped with Mexico, gold medallists in both the men’sand women’s competitionsin Puerto Rico.
The men, who are also grouped with Jamaica, willplay Mexico on November 18.
The women, who will clash with Mexico on November 15,are in a zone that also comprises Cuba and Jamaica.
Seven players on the women’s squad are returning. They are Clarke, Charlia Warner and goalkeeper Sheena Nicholls of Massy United Insurance Empire; Keisha Jordan and Katrina Downes of CSOS; Cher Kingof Combermere; and Takirsha Cambridge of Maple.
Clarke, a centre-back, midfielder Warner and forwards King and Jordan were alsopart of the team in 2006in Santo Domingo.
Warner, the daughter of former long-serving Barbados player Rosanna Warner,was quietly confident the girls would make their presence felt.
“We can medal again.The girls are ready forMexico,” she said.
The women have one overseas player in Joanna Davis, who is based in England.
The women’s team is being coached by former Barbados defender Peter Chase while former national player Dominic “Superman” Hill is dictating the strategy for the men’s side.
The teams
Men – Andre Boyce (captain), Aaron Forde, Akeem Rudder, Andre Boyce, Che Warner, Dwayne Atherley, Jemar Small, Justin Catlin, Keenan Knight, Laurando Davis, Neil Franklin, Paul Gill, Chetwyn Henry, Kris Holder, Rohan Thomas, Shonkeel Wharton and Jabari Walcott. Antonio Forte is the manager and Tyrone Walkes, assistant coach.
Women – Dionne Clarke (captain), Shontelle Sargeant (vice-captain), Charlia Warner, Keisha Jordan, Camille Pounder, Cher King, Cherise Moore, Katrina Downes, Patrina Brathwaite, Takirsha Cambridge, Venessa Chewitt, D’Jamila Edwards, Sheena Nicholls, Tammisha Small, Ayanna Wilson and Joanna Davis. Corlette Kellman will manage the team with Allison Haynes as trainer.
