The 2026 Rally on the Rock Tournament continued to deliver high-octane drama at the WER Joell Tennis Stadium today as the second day of competition saw a new set of champions crowned across the singles and doubles divisions.
In the women’s singles draw, Tschana Wade produced a clinical performance to claim the title in the 3.0 Open 35+ Division, while Micelle Leotaud demonstrated remarkable endurance to sweep the honours in the combined 3.5 Open 35+ and 50+ Division. The elite bracket saw Anita Warhurst rise to the occasion, showcasing the tactical precision required to be named the champion of the Women’s Singles 4.0 Open Division.
The men’s doubles events were equally competitive, with veteran pairings proving that experience remains a vital asset on the Bermudian circuit. Owen Stewart and Adam Barboza secured a hard-fought victory in the 3.0 Open 65+ Division, while the pairing of Edgar Griffith and Duane Simons dominated the combined 3.5 Open 50+ and 65+ ranks.
The afternoon session highlighted the depth of talent in the mid-tier divisions, as Aman Sanganeria and Nicolaas van der Westh navigated a tricky field to win the Men’s Doubles 3.5 Open 35+ Division. The day concluded with a masterclass in power and teamwork from Marcel Bouwens and Rian Michelsen, who emerged victorious in the Men’s Doubles 4.0 Open 35+ category to cap off a prolific second day of action in the capital.
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Rally on the Rock Opens at the WER Joell Tennis Stadium
IslandStats.com
The high-octane growth of Bermudian pickleball was on full display as the 2026 Rally on the Rock Tournament got underway at the WER Joell Tennis Stadium.
Under clear skies and in front of a burgeoning crowd, the opening day of competition saw several divisions crown their champions. The elite end of the bracket delivered on its promise of high-intensity rallies, most notably in the Men's Singles 5.0+ Open category. Joshua Arnold emerged as the standout performer, navigating a challenging field to claim the championship title with a display of clinical precision and power.
The technical depth of the local circuit was further highlighted in the Men's Singles 4.0+ Open Division, where Nathaniel Alexander secured the top spot on the podium. His victory was mirrored in the senior ranks by Gary Perry, who took the honours in the Men's Singles 3.0 Open 60+ age group, proving that the competitive fire remains undiminished across all demographics.
In the women's draw, the doubles partnerships provided some of the day's most compelling tactical battles. Patricia Mills and Sasha Fisher triumphed in a competitive five-team field to win the Women's Doubles 4.5+ Open, while the pairing of Leslie Jackson and Maclean Smith secured the title in the 4.0+ Open 50+ division.
The 3.5 Open divisions saw Victoria Powell and Val Stevenson claim the 50+ crown, while Sue Chiappa and Karen Patricia Brine demonstrated exceptional teamwork to win the 60+ and 65+ combined division. Earlier in the day, Tracy Shott and Deborah Sagurs set the tone for the veteran classes by winning the 3.0 Open 50+, 60+, and 65+ division.
The 35+ age groups also saw new champions crowned as the sport continues to attract a diverse range of athletes. Febby Budi claimed the Men's Singles 3.0 title for the age group, while Donn Trott secured victory in the 3.5 Open 35+ division. On the women's side, Olivia Langille and Tschana Wade were the class of the field in the 3.0 Open 35+ doubles.
Rounding out the singles honours was Albert De Matas, who produced a resilient performance to win the Men's Singles 3.5 Open for the 50+ and 60+ combined groups. As the tournament moves into its second day, the focus shifts to the mixed doubles events, where many of today’s individual champions will return to the court looking to add to their medal tallies.
Sunday, March 15, 2026
Cup Fever & Title Tension on IslandStats Football Show
IslandStats.com
Bermudian football fans are set for a high-octane briefing this evening as the IslandStats.com Football Show airs at 6:00 pm to dissect a weekend that could define the destination of three major trophies.
With the domestic season reaching its boiling point, the panel will provide expert analysis on the confirmed FA Challenge Cup final pairing and the razor-thin margins currently separating the leaders in both the Premier and First Divisions.
The headline of the show will undoubtedly be the fallout from the FA Challenge Cup semi-finals. Following Saturday night’s high-intensity clash under the floodlights at Bernard Park, Devonshire Colts have officially booked their place in the grand finale after stunning the PHC Zebras with a clinical 2–0 victory.
The panel will also be breaking down this afternoon’s second semi-final between holders North Village Rams and St. George’s Colts. With a spot in the season's flagship final at stake, the discussion is expected to focus on whether the Rams can continue their historic cup pedigree or if the East Enders can repeat their league heroics from earlier this month.
In the top flight, the conversation centers on the Dandy Town Hornets, who currently sit atop the Premier Division with 37 points. However, the chasing pack is far from beaten.
PHC Zebras have 34 points, and will be looking to bounce back from their cup exit to keep the pressure on the leaders.
Devonshire Colts with 32 points, now are a domestic double-threat, the Colts remain within striking distance with games running out.
The show will also address the grim reality for the Boulevard Blazers, whose relegation to the First Division was recently confirmed, leaving the remaining bottom-half sides in a frantic scramble for safety.
The First Division race has narrowed to a dramatic two-horse race between Somerset Trojans and Robin Hood. With both clubs having already secured promotion back to the top tier, the focus has shifted entirely to the silverware.
The Trojans currently hold a slender advantage, but with Robin Hood’s Keishen Bean in record-breaking scoring form, tonight’s panel will debate who has the tactical edge heading into the final round of fixtures.
From goal-scoring charts to the "great escapes" at the bottom of the table, the IslandStats crew remains the heartbeat of the local game.
Saturday, March 14, 2026
Bermuda’s Walking Football League Launches
IslandStats.com
The historic gymnasium at Bermuda College was the scene of a poignant sporting milestone this weekend as Leroy "Curly Joe" Wilson officially launched his much-anticipated Walking Football League.
In a morning defined by nostalgia and community spirit, the ribbon was cut by none other than West Ham United legend Clyde Best, who was joined by Wilson and Randy Rochester, CEO of Polaris Holding Company Ltd. The ceremony marked the beginning of a new chapter for veteran athletes on the island, transforming the "beautiful game" into a sustainable, low-impact pursuit for men over 50 and women over 40.
Clyde Best, a pioneer for Black footballers in the UK, has been a vocal supporter of the movement since Wilson first introduced the concept in 2020. Speaking at the launch, Best emphasized the physical and mental benefits of the sport for those who may have hung up their boots years ago.
"It’s nice to see the older people being involved. This will help with your fitness, keep you safe, and keep you sharp. Your joints are probably not going to hurt as much as a regular match."
The league is more than just a local pastime; it is the cornerstone of Wilson’s vision to field a Bermudian national team at the 2027 FIFWA Walking Football World Nations Cup. Following a successful inaugural tour to Liverpool last November—where the squad secured a memorable 4–2 victory—the new domestic structure is designed to sharpen the island’s elite talent.
Sponsor Randy Rochester reaffirmed Polaris’ commitment to the project, noting that the league provides a unique "signature event" that aligns with the company’s focus on health and community presence. With Polaris’ backing, the league will feature six-a-side matches with strictly enforced rules: no running, no physical contact, and the ball must remain below head height.
The competition currently features three established ten-member teams, with Wilson actively recruiting for three more to round out the inaugural season. Matches are scheduled to take place every Saturday morning, alternating between the Bermuda College Gymnasium and CedarBridge Academy.
As the first whistles blew on Saturday, it was clear that the competitive fire still burns brightly among Bermuda’s veteran footballers—only now, it’s being channeled one step at a time.
Friday, March 13, 2026
Quality Gymnastics Ready to Leap into New Jersey Spotlight
IslandStats.com
A powerhouse contingent of 13 gymnasts from Bermuda’s Quality Gymnastics has arrived in New Jersey, ready to test their mettle at the prestigious Crystal Springs Shamrock Showdown this weekend.
The squad, led by former Olympian and head coach Frederick Nicholas, is set to compete in what is widely regarded as one of the most competitive fixtures on the regional calendar. For many of the young athletes, the trip to the Garden State represents a significant step up to the national stage.
The team has spent months preparing under the elite tutelage of Coach Nicholas, whose experience at the highest level of the sport has become a cornerstone of the club’s recent success. His guidance is expected to be a decisive factor as the gymnasts navigate the high-pressure environment of a US-based invitational.
The traveling group showcases the depth of talent at Quality Gymnastics, featuring athletes across a broad spectrum of competitive tiers:
XCEL Silver, Gold, and Platinum: Representing the foundation of the club's technical progress. Junior Olympic (JO) Level 6: Highlighting the elite developmental pathway of the squad.
The 13 athletes selected for the showdown include: Annie Archibald, Courtney Burgess, Tyla Foote, Aleyah Pacheco, Ty-Leah Trott, Gemma Vickers, Elliyah Burgess, Lily Hall, Raelyn Robinson, Jasmyne Walters, Isabella Daniels, Ashanti-Sarai Darko, and Eleanor Garcia.
A representative for Quality Gymnastics emphasized that the weekend is about more than just scores on a leaderboard.
"We are incredibly proud of our gymnasts. This experience not only highlights their hard work and talent but also provides invaluable growth and motivation for their future in the sport."
The club’s participation underscores a continued commitment to providing Bermudian athletes with international exposure, ensuring they are prepared for the rigors of global competition. As the Shamrock Showdown gets underway, all eyes will be on this talented group to see how they handle the bright lights of New Jersey.