In Brief

Royal group of 66 meet

The Annual General meeting of the Royal College Groups of 1966 (Gross) win be held on Saturday, July 15 at Rohan's Restaurant Union Place, Colombo 2. The organisers have requested all Royalists who entered the College in 1966 be present at 8.30 p.m.

Mercantile Badminton

The 'Dulux' Open Individual, which is one of the most popular Championships in the Mercantile Badminton calendar conducted by the Mercantile Badminton Association, will be worked off at the St. Joseph's Indoor Stadium, Colombo from July 21-24.

This year too the CIC Paints Ltd. is sponsoring the Championship. According to the President of the MBA, Mr. Gamini Jayasuriya there will be a repetition of a parallel tournament, as they did last year, to give an opportunity to the first round losers, to vie for a place in the Plate. Winners will get cash prizes too in addition to the Trophies and certificates. Several firms have offered to give gift packs as well, as a gesture of goodwill.

The Championship will have participants drawn from MBA's total membership of 152 Mercantile Firms and the biggest attraction would be the anticipated tussle between Sri Lanka's top ranked National Players to bring themselves and their respective Companies the honours. Entry forms have been already sent to the member Firms. Entries will be received by the Tournament Secretary, Mrs. Sriyani Deepika, No. 305/26, Gonamaditta Road, Kesbewa, Piliyandala. (office tele: 679000) upto 10th July 2000.

Horse Racing in August

Sri Lanka Turf Club is planning to conduct horse races on 12th and 13th of August at the Nuwara Eliya Race Course. There will be five Thoroughbred horse races, one 3/4 bred horse race, two halfbred horse races and one pony race each day commencing from 9.30 am. Entries for the race meet will close on July 15, 2000.

Kelaniya CC officials

Lucian Merrinnage was elected the President of the Kelaniya Cricket Club at its annual general meeting held recently.

The other office bearers elected were:-

Senior Vice-President: Anura Suriyapperuma; Vice-Presidents: R.P.M.M. Rajapaksa, Roy Kulatunga, P.M. Wimalasena and Ignatius Alwis; General Secretary: Siripathy Dissanayake; Asst. Secretary: Kingsley de Silva; Treasurer: Janaka Kollannage; Asst. Treasurer: Chandra Bogoda; Cricket Secretaries: Nimal Perera and Ramesh Joseph; Committee Members: Kanishka Jayasinghe, Lalith Landegedara, Preethi Karunathilaka, Ranjith Suriyapperuma, D.L. Weerasinghe and T.H. Amarasinghe.

SLCTB by 3 wikts

SLCTB beat Bank of Ceylon B by 3 wickets in their over 40 limited overs cricket final played at the Shalika grounds, Narahenpita.

Bank of Ceylon B batting first were all out for 125 and SLCTB reached their target losing 7 wickets. Bank of Ceylon 125 all out in 35 overs. (C. Peiris 51, S.Silva 15, Ranjith Rupasinghe 3 for 10, Tudor Balasuriya 3 for 15.) SLCTB 126 for 7 in 32 overs. (Nimal Pala Wijesekera 40, M.F. Laheer 24 , Ranjith Rupasinghe 23 not out, Kamal Dissanayake 10 not out, S. Paramanathan 3 for 22.)

Open pairs bridge winners

Dr. Rose Peiris and Anton Selvanayagam won the open pairs bridge event sponsored by N. D. Karunatilleka conducted by the Bridge Federation at its Headquarters at the Race Course.

Asantha de Mel and K. P. Baskaran finished as runners up followed by M. P. Salgado, Asoka Warnasuriya, Mrs. Karmini de Silva, M. Chelliah, Mrs. Fainza Macan Markar,Mrs Shanthi Rasiah, Mrs Cera Fernando, T. Shanmugalingam. Eleven pairs participated in this event.

Boteju & Aslam for Asian Snooker C'ships

Sri Lanka's National Snooker Champion Susantha Boteju from Otters SC and S.H.M. Aslam of Moors will represent Sri Lanka at the 17th Asian Snooker Championships to be held at the Century Hong Kong Hotel from July 10th to 15th.

This championships is conducted by the Asian Confederation of Billiards Sports sponsored by the Hong Kong Billiards and Snooker Control Council.

Boteju is already participating in a tournament in Guangzhou, China and he will fly to Hong Kong for the Asian championships.

Aslam who will be participating in a international tournament has been drawn in Group C and will play alongside Sam Chong of Malaysia the seeded player while Boteju will play in Group F with the experienced seeded player in Chan Kwok of China.

Alltogether 40 players from 18 countries will play in eight groups in the championships.

D.G. Daluwatta the respected International referee will officiate in this championships with Sarath de Alwis as the Manager.

Sajjad Mawzoon the President of the Sri Lanka Billiards and Snooker Association will be Sri Lankan delegate at the AGM.

Royal's glorious hour at Bogambara...

The second-leg of the prestigious Bradby Shield tie between Royal and Trinity played over the weekend was one of the finest contests seen in the schools rugby scene this season. It was a grand finale to a somewhat trouble-riddled schools season. Unlike the unruly behaviour one witnessed in the match between Trinity and S.Thomas' which took the gloss off a hard fought match at Pallekelle.

Kandy, apparently has a stigma for bad crowd behaviour be it at school or club games. But things have taken a turn. It's only a friendly game and should be played in the correct spirit and allow everyone to enjoy and leave the venue without let or hindrance. It was not a "Black Saturday" at Bogambara in this traditional contest which has gone from strength to strength, since its inception. There was a large gathering to witness this contest, with some of the past stalwarts who were there in their numbers. One of them was legendary Mahes Rodrigo. It was a keen contest where both teams indulged in open rugby which was most eye-catching. There was never a moment of unruly behaviour from whatever quarter, nor unwarranted jeering. But they cheered the game and the players.

To this effect the players contributed much. In the melee the Referee. may have erred, but took it in the correct spirit. Ironically the fans kept their mouth shut but had their eyes open. Seeing was believing.

Determination

Well, Royal came for this grand finale with grim determination, though confronted with team problems. The Reid Avenue school was somewhat dejected, after few hiccups in the earlier games. But it was cured, at Bogambara when they fought a relentless battle to regain their good name for this healthy and beautiful sport than riches. The way they played after losing the first tie in Colombo 32-25 and taming the 'lions' in their own den speaks well for their courageous display. The past was all forgotten. The winner and the vanquished embracing each other, in the end.

Trinity, no doubt took the field as favourites, with evergreen Quentin Israel to guide them with a shrewd game plan, even in wet conditions not akin to their style of play. But still the threes ran the ball, to confuse the Royal defence. With a sleek line they were still able to score a single try and four penalties coming from fullback Tisel Jayawardena's toe. With the "Go Royal go" echo, the Reid Avenue schoolboys, too decided to run the ball, than solely depending on their forwards they scored two dandy tries where the ball changed several hands. Trinity looked a solid outfit. But on this day the Royal team was made of steel, to keep their opponents at bay, to win this second leg on a thriller. Royal, blundered when they opted for a short-tap when they should have fired the penalities over the crossbar.

Experience is the best teacher for both teams for a better future - if they decide to indulge in this beautiful sport. Trophies and records are forgotten as years go by. But it's the game that matters in the end. This second leg match will be one to be remembered. Both teams displayed clean and hard rugby, but not dirty play.

This contest is being sponsored by Singer (Sri Lanka) Ltd., since 1989 and has spurred tremendous enthusiasm indeed.

Everything went without a hitch and a boost for the sport. With its chairman Hemaka Amarasuriya, to lead from the front, Singer is one of the main wires in promoting sport in Sri Lanka, put aside rugby. Kandy rugby has benefitted much from its continuous support. The only drawback was the facilities afforded to the media, which had much to be desired.-(BW)

Lewke's presence gives Thomians invincibility

By Bernie Wijesekera

S. Thomas' College Mt. Lavinia rugby team, under Gavin Jayasekera, signed off the schools rugby season to emerge as unbeaten champions. They played their last match for the season against Wesley College. They did win, but it was a luckewarm performance rugby-wise, one could expect from a champion side.

Even the ardent Old Boys agreed, who were there in their numbers to cheer them. It was nice to see them cheering and encouraging the gritty Wesleyites who couldn't match their counterparts heavy 'eight', but played a ferocious game in the loose, tackling them to a standstill. The Thomians were all at sea in the first half. Even Warden A. Pakiyanathan, agreed and commended the Campbell Park School. They lost but it was a gutsy display.The scoreline was no indication, how the game went about.

This is not the first time that the Thomians have remained unbeaten in the schools rugby scene. They perfomed a hat trick. In 1989 under Rizvie Suhaib. In 1990 under Narein Perera, who now turns out for the CH and FC. Then in 1991 led by Charya de Saram. In 1992 under grantite hard Savantha de Saram again emerged champions but lost one game.

The Thomians were coached by Quentin Israel, a schrewd tactician, who has now shifted to Trinity. Savantha and Charya at present turns out for the CR and FC hails from a sporting stock. Their father Michael Sproule was an outstading lefthand bat. Whilst Narein Perera's father Neville an old Wesleyite played rugby for the CR and FC.

The present Thomian team is being coached by Nimal Leuke, who has done a good job with his charges, stressing much on discipline and hardwork to achieve its objective.

National Level

The Thomians had the tradition of producing some outstanding cricketers at the national level, who have done proud for the country .They have also churned out some fine rugby players who have excelled for the country. Players of yesteryear Roshan Perera, a hooker, now settled in England was here on a short holiday. Dazzling wing three quarter Michael Jaysekera, Kolitha Gunatilleke (hooker), 'lock' Chaminda Rupasinghe etc. They all played for the Havies, barring Roshan Perera (CH and FC).

If the Thomians are excelling in this sport, it is attributed the Old Thomians Rugby Union. At present it's being headed by Nihal Samarasinghe. The OTRFU, comprise of old Thomians, who have donned the college jersey. They are helping and promoting the game at grassroots level, samarasinghe added. They have organised a junior inter-house tournament for the kids at U-13 and 15. They are taught not only rugby skills, but also to conduct themselves and play it in the correct spirit and maintain a high standard of sportsmanship on and off the field. Its at this level they must be taught to behave Samarasinghe added.

It's sad to note that in some quaraters today even school boys tend to misconduct themselves on and off the field thereby degrading the institution and this beautiful sport. It attributes to win at all cost. That means standards have dropped on and off the field? You are right.

What is the remedy? The heads of schools must take action even going to the extent of banning the player concered. It will be a deterrent to others. It's their responsibility to preserve the good name of the institution, he added. Its at this level the youngsters must be taught the basics and be law-abiding citizens for the future. Otherwise, they are going to have problems, whilst going for narrow gains which will not help them in the longer run.

The parents, too have a responsibility towards this end. The kids learn their first lesson at home, not at school. They watch in their numbers their children in action. They, too should not lament after a game, but encourage them to face setbacks in life, but not going for temporary gains. All forgotten as times go by But its treasured how you play the game, Samarasinghe added. This is the main objective of the Old Thomians Rugby Union - not only to develop the sport at the school but also to inculcate the spirit of the game which matters in the end, Nihal concluded.

Tale of lies

Several calls requested to report on an interview made by the President of the AAA and the Co-ordinating Secretary to the Ministry of Sports on the many inaccuracies, and to exaggerated and bloated assumptions on events that one cannot possibly check, while Rover's policy is not to engage in such disputes, two callers' viewpoints prompted to make this observation on the purported success of the present AAA President. Rover acknowledges the contribution made by him but not of this scale, an exaggeration made to the unsuspecting sports minded public that read our Rover's Column, Rover quotes one caller's specific disagreement as follows:

"In the preamble of this article, the AAA President says that he equalled Duncan White's record of 22.2 in the 200 metres but am unable to find in any record book or news items when this was done. The AAA President has a vivid imagination to narrate events that occurred some 28 years ago as if that they happened only 28 days ago. He should become a historian and give up track coaching and heading the AAA." Another caller had this to say, "If not for the timely intervention of the then AAA Secretary, Eddie Gray and the generosity of Raju Coomaraswamy of the United Nations that made it possible for the AAA President to run at the 1972 Munich Olympic Games". The caller continuing stated that "Gunawardene Arrived in Munich with a pair of sprint shoes that he used in Cinder Track running and was dangerous for the ultra modern: "Mondo" Synthetic Track that was introduced for the first time at an Olympic games. Eddie Gray noting the danger and through his vast influence brought down the latest and the most modern track sprint shoes from the United Kingdom and Raju Coomaraswamy's representative at these games paid for it."

In so far as his highly claimed successful Gold Medal at the 1974 Teheran 4 x 400 metres relay event was because of the superb runs by Premachandra, Sahabandu and the blistering anchor leg of Wimaladasa that made the Gold Medal a reality. Since the Gold Medal cannot be separated into four parts, the Organizing Committee presents a Gold Medal to each of the four relay members - thus the Gold Medal success of the AAA President is only one-fourth of the success of this successful event. The AAA President makes out as if he was the sole runner that made the difference in this 4 X quarter run which is far from the truth stated in his interview."

Other callers had many views of the present state of affairs of track and field administration and one wondered that this sort of conflict of interest is condoned and shown a blind eye only in Sri Lanka. The ministry in charge of sports has in its midst those who violate the sports law with impunity and the Minister himself presents a blind to all that's foul in the AAA and the nationl Olympic Committee. Rover is unable to present every caller's disagreement over the recent interview, but shall endeavour to accommodate their views as and when appropriate. Rover thanks all these callers for their concern in this respect and encourages providing this sort of information so that Rover can keep highlighting them for the benefit of our large sports readership. (Rover)

Rover pin points

Bad form

Next to the Esala Perehera the Bradby Shield encounter is arguably the biggest happening in Kandy each passing year, has been so for many years now.

After the Trinity-Thomian encounter at Pallekelle it was decided that the Bradby 2nd leg would take place at Bogambara, even though the Stadium just cannot cater to the capacity crowd.

Which brings us to the question. How the better seats are sold, and whether those who travel from Colombo are not given equal treatment in the issue of tickets.

Typically un-typical Kandyan hospitality, what! One chappie who had just arrived at the grounds said that he felt he was at the nearby prison watching through some bars - except that the IRCs had a better view.

Which brings us to the astounding conduct of at least some of the Royal first xvners after the match. Smoking and drinking after the Bradby by players is as old as the shield maybe, but everything was done quite openly, if done at all.

There was one tall boy smoking on the bandstand at the Royal celebrations; others slouched over the bar table with their arracks. Shame. But more shame on the seniors, the-ex-Royal rugger players, for permitting this bad example.

No notice

It happened at the third women's athletic meet held at the Sugathadasa Stadium. At the conclusion of the meet the big mouth athletic chief pulled another joker from his hat. He called for all techincal officers officiating at the meet to elect the office bearers of a technical committee. No constitution, no notice was given. Only those present had a say with his choice being elected the President. How crazy.

Shame

Sri Lanka was sixth in the Asian region after the 16th Asiad, now it nearly finished last with only a hair's breadth win over China by a single point 28 to 27 and finished in the one before the last position. Reason according to Rover is that the Sri Lanka team did not have their best players. Boasts were that we will win the Plate and not come empty handed. What happend was that we lost to Thailand for the first time with a Kiwi coach and to Singapore the wooden spoonists. Come, come the Coach and selection Committee should resign as Rover learns that there was a split in the team.

Pressurised

Rover learns that strict orders had gone from a woman held in high esteem at the Ministry of Sports to the schools to send their athletes for the women's nationals.

Fearing much, the schools obliged getting junior girls to run at the third women's nationls. Who is bluffing whom.?

What discipline

A rugby player from a leading Buddhist school in Colombo assaulted a referee, watched by many spectators. What the school authorities did without suspending the player concerned, was to strip him of the prefectship and allow him to continue to play. What discipline.

Vaulted

A pole vaulter of repute Rover learns has gone to UK for training with Sports Ministry funds. He was due back, but has not returned still. Rover wishes to know whether he has done the vanishing trick. Only time will tell.

How come

How come the former President of the AAA attended the Marketing Management meeting held in Indonesia, when his term had ended.

Tale carrier

The tale carrier attached to the Ministry of Sports, is showing that he has powerful clout backed by the Minister himself by asking a newspaper to nominate anyone other than the one nominated to cover the Sydney Olympics. Rover learns that three other names have been suggested to go. Where is democracy, media freedom.?

No uniformity

A reception was held in Kandy after the second Cricket Test, where the Sri Lankans came in national dress, some in T-Shirts and some in blazers , while Pakistan came in one uniform. How stupid.

No press facilities

The second leg of the Bradby Shield was played at Bogambara. No facilities were provided for the medie as the person put in charge was a player himself representing Trinity in the 50's. Rover learns that the Principal may be not be aware of it.

Suprises galore

First it was the Kandy District Association, then the Regional Board, now comes the Central Province Cricket Association. Why this hurry.? Who is behind this,? We are kept guessing. How strange.

NOC doomed

Rover learns that the NOC is only a table head now, with the Ministry of Sports taking over their duties. What politics can do. Hats off to Prema and Roy who did not bow down to political pressure.

Not qualified

The Mercantile Amateur Athletic Association's election of office bearers were held. The President elect qualifies himself, but how come a Vice President was elected who was from nowhere.? Who was he representing since his firm has closed down? Over to you Mr Minister.

Whose bill

Much controversy has surfaced as to who is going to pay the electricity bill amounting to Rs. 111,675.99 owed by a popular sports body. The Secretary has said that this bill is not owed by the present management. Was not this secretary serving the officials earlier in other capacities.? If no payment is made items belonging to the body are to be sold by auction. Can this be done?

Sri Lanka's new look outfit

In a cricketing world that now regularly witnesses new faces being introduced, Sri Lanka plays the current one-dayers minus their legendary pair Arjuna Ranatunga and Aravinda de Silva. This did happen just under a year ago when India and Australia turned up to play a tri-nation tournament. Many felt both players still had more to offer to their nation's circket and not before long de Silva was playing in both forms of the game whilst Ranatunga found a berth in the test side.

This latest move by the selectors not to include both players for the series in progress almost makes it certain that it means the end of an era. It is near impossible to replace players of their calibre overnight. What is required is greater combined contributions from all to fill in the void created.

Three players who got the nod last year-Indika de Saram, T.M. Dilshan and Chamara Silva find themsleves out of the reckoning at the present moment, with de Saram and Silva not even in the squad. Kumar Sangakkara is the latest recruit to the big league. T.M. Dilshan showed much promise in the games that he played. His strongpoint was sound technique. He may be suffering temporary loss in form, but his overall cricketing ability makes him too good a player to keep out for too long.

Although Russel Arnold did not fare well against the Pakistani's in the test series he is a player who should be persisted with for a while. Lunging out at deliveries outside off stump is what is getting him into trouble. He has to work at leaving some of those deliveries and also playing the ball close to his pad and body. His strength is in the ability to place the ball into gaps. Something that does not come naturally to many players.

Avishka Gunawardena is a player who murders attacks on his day. What he needs to do is convert them to be more regular. Consistency is what he lacks. Whatever the opposition his approach does not change. Experience will teach him the art of dealing with varied attacks.

Chamara Silva needs to produce more long innings when he gets the opportunity. The way he handled Glen McGrath on that first night when he played in a one day international was so very impressive. A player with a lot of guts. He needs to tighten his techniqie so that the long innings will be then forthcoming. Indika de Saram has had his fair share of chances. Yet he is to produce an innings of conviction. Often he throws his wicket away. That is due to lack of concentration and a faltering temperament. He has been around for a while and should he not get this part of his game sorted out then he may miss a great opportunity.

Kumar Sangakkara has got off to an auspicious start to his international career. He looks a very well organized player. Just watching him makes you feel that the man knows what he is about. Although not that causal, he produces glimpses of that Engliah Champion, David Gower. He possesses a good eye, sound footwork, temperament, good timing and the ability to pick out the bad delivery to punish. Should he continue to improve and make the most of every experience then a bright future awaits him.

His wicket-keeping needs some brushing up. Maybe he should spend some time with one of Sri Lanka's past best, like Russel Harmer, Mahesh Gunathilake or Guy de Alwis. There is no doubt they will have a lot to tell the youngster. It is only a wicket keeper who can give any advanced education to an already somewhat established keeper.

Two already established players whose recent performances need mentioning are those of Marvan Atapattu and Nuwan Soysa. Atapattu is now reaching the peak of his batting prowess. A player with a near flawless technique, he has shouldered his batting responsibilities with a lot of maturity. He has also established himself in the No. three slot, the most vital position in the batting order.

Nuwan Soysa who is being used sparingly by the selectors has kept away from injury for a while. Touch wood!! He certainly looks much stronger than a year ago.

The ability to generate bounce because of his height and high arm action makes it difficult for batsmen to handle. Now as he gains in experience he should add more variation to his armoury of deliveries and then he can get up to be amongst the best in the world.

As Avishka Gunawardena, T.M. Dilshan, Chamara Silva, Indika de Saram, Russel Arnold, Kumar Sangakkara, gradually become household names of cricket, the old order is changing to give way to a new look outfit.

Miracles on the Golf Course

The Year 2000 has been exceedingly kind to golfers here and abroad with the magical Hole in One. responding to create history in UK and shocks in Colombo.

British golfer Paul Chana beat massive odds by firing 2 Holes in One in one single outing of 18 holes - one stroke as miraculous as the other.

The young amateur carded an ace on the first hole of 142 yds on the Huntercombe Golf Course during a tournament and the excitement, cheering and celebrations had hardly faded before he struck again when his tee shot on the 10th took the cup after a 179 yard journey to make 2 miracles in one round.

The Royal and Ancient golf's governing body quotes odds of 42,000 to one for a golfer to score one ace in a lifetime.

To achieve it twice the Hole in One Society estimated the odds at 13 million to one.

Upali's Ace

Upali Wickremaratne is generally a pleasant golfer who quite often gravitates towards playing impossible recovery shots when he gets into quicksand.

He can be firm and positive but this talent had nothing to do when on the 9th hole of 156 metres he curled off the tee and miraculously came in with the morning breeze to hit the green and make his ball snake its way into the cup.

Elmo de Silva and Nihal Ranasinghe clung to Wickremaratne in jubilation and Wickremaratne signed throughout the afternoon at the l9th.

Willie strikes

William Barsenbach is a stable, well balanced and tremendously positive golfer. On the short holes he is deadly precise and it is very rarely that one hears that he has strayed from the green with his tee shot.

Shelton Jayasinghe and Pat Dias witnessed the accuracy of his tee shot on the 163 yard 4th hole and they also saw to what extent the Almighty moved in to contribute to the end result.

The trio became speechless and then burst into a spritely dance to celebrate another miracle.

It is reported that the celebrations became quite elastic with Barsenbach claiming that he was rushed into a rupee crisis.

Wickremaratne and Barsenbach are now unique record holders.

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