The University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus made a bold statement on the regional stage Friday, securing its first-ever victory at the 2026 UWI Games with a commanding basketball performance — even as the campus suffered defeat in cricket on the opening day of competition in Trinidad and Tobago.
According to Antigua.news, the Five Islands Frigates are competing in the UWI Games for the first time since the campus's establishment, representing Antigua and Barbuda against fellow UWI campuses in what marks a landmark moment for the institution.
The Frigates opened their campaign on the cricket pitch against the Mona Campus, posting a respectable 143 for 3 from 20 overs after electing to bat first. Asher Cornelius was the standout performer with a brilliant 81 runs, anchoring the innings and helping set a competitive target.
Mona, however, proved too strong in reply. The campus chased down the total with considerable ease, finishing on 144 for 2 in just 12.3 overs to claim an emphatic eight-wicket victory.
Five Islands responded decisively later in the day. The Frigates overwhelmed The UWI Global Campus 67-34 in a one-sided male basketball contest, claiming their first win at the Games and signalling the team's considerable potential despite their newcomer status in the tournament.
The Five Islands delegation is scheduled to continue competition Saturday across several disciplines, including lawn tennis, table tennis, male football and male volleyball.
The 2026 UWI Games bring together students from campuses across the UWI system in a celebration of sport, school pride and Caribbean unity.
