Bajans’ win too little too late

KINGSTON – Barbados men’s hockey team won their final match of the International Hockey Federation’s World League qualifier in the Jamaican capital Sunday night, but it still wasn’t good enough to keep them out of the tournament’s cellar spot.

The Bajans fought tooth and nail, in a 1-1 tie in regulation, before stopping the Dominican Republic 4-2 to finish with two points, one less than their opponent.

Favourites Trinidad and Tobago defeated host Jamaica to win the second First Round qualifying tournament.

The Trinidadians brushed aside the Jamaicans 3-0, inspired by a second half brace from Akim Toussaint to claim the top spot.

T & T went into the tournament decider leading the four-team round-robin with five points, the same as Jamaica, but with a better goal-difference.

After a scoreless first-half, Toussaint put T&T ahead with a 45th minute field goal and 15 minutes later, teenager Tariq Marcano doubled the advantage.

Toussaint sealed the issue in the 67th with his tournament high fourth goal.

Trinidad and Tobago ended the tournament with eight points, three more than the Jamaicans who had defeated Dominican Republic 2-0 via penalty-shootout after a 2-2 draw as well.

As tournament winners, T&T secured the lone spot available to the Second Round starting in February in Chula Vista, California, their second qualification to the second round after the inaugural World League competition in 2012. (CMC)