Monday Night Sports Roundup: Brighton John Dominates Essequibo; Shamar Apple Smashes Record 250
By| Delwin Neblett|HGP Nightly News |
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA – It was a weekend of record-breaking performances and high-stakes drama across the Caribbean. From the roads of Essequibo to the cricket pitches of Georgetown and the National Stadium in Kingston, Guyanese and regional athletes delivered standout performances. Here is your Monday night sports update.
Cycling: Brighton John Reigns Supreme in Jagan Memorial Essequibo Leg
Brighton John continued his sensational run of form in 2026, securing a commanding victory in the “Essequibo Leg” of the Jagan Memorial Cycle Race on Saturday. The event was organized by the Flying Ace Cycle Club in collaboration with Caricom Rice Mill and Builders Hardware.
The race saw cyclists battling from Supenaam to Freedom House in Anna Regina before returning to the start point. John outpaced the field to take the top spot, while rising star Alex Newton secured a solid second place, followed by veteran Robin Persaud in third.
Football: Barrow Shines in Jamaica Premier League Playoffs
National striker Nerron Barrow is proving to be the X-factor for title contenders Waterhouse FC in the 2026 Jamaica Premier League. After ending the regular season with a goal in a 4-0 drubbing of Dunbeholden FC last Wednesday, Barrow carried that momentum into the post-season.
On Sunday, in the first leg of the quarter-finals at the National Stadium in Kingston, Barrow opened the scoring with a clinical finish. Despite his efforts, Waterhouse FC played to a 2-2 draw against Cavalier FC, setting up a high-stakes second leg.
Street Football: Ballers Empire Crowned Guinness “Greatness in the Streets” Champions
The National Cultural Centre tarmac was electric on Friday night as Ballers Empire claimed the ultimate prize in the 2026 Guinness “Greatness in the Streets” Football Tournament.
The East Bank and West Demerara Zone Champions walked away with the $1 million top prize after defeating Georgetown’s Leopold Street 2-1 in a grueling Grand Final. In the third-place play-off, Bent St. B overcame Supenaam All-Stars 2-1 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
Cricket: Shamar Apple Blasts Record-Breaking 250 in GCA U-17
A historic feat was achieved at the Transport Sports Club ground on Sunday during the Georgetown Cricket Association’s Enline Security Logistics Inc. U-17 Tournament. West Indies U-19 wicket-keeper batter Shamar Apple decimated the Malteenoes Sports Club attack, smashing a magnificent 250 runs.
Apple’s innings propelled Transport to a massive 412-7 in their 50 overs. This marks the third double-century in the club’s history, following previous milestones by Shaheed Gittens and Emanuel Lewis. In response, Malteenoes reached 49-1 in 9 overs before heavy rain forced the abandonment of the match.
Cricket: West Indies Academy Dominates Day 1 Against Harpy Eagles
Over in St. John’s, Antigua, the Guyana Harpy Eagles faced a tough opening day in their 4-day warm-up match against the West Indies Cricket Academy.
Winning the toss and batting first, the Academy reached a formidable 423-6 at stumps on Day 1. The charge was led by unbeaten centuries from Rivaldo Clarke (165)* and Amari Goodridge (109)*. Veteran spinner Veersammy Permaul was the pick of the Guyanese bowlers, laboring through 28 overs to claim 3-113.
