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Rain foils Marians march to U 23 title
By Marlon Fernandopulle
Chilaw Marians led by Janaka Gunaratne will look up to the heavens as much as to their bowlers to clinch the Cricket Boards Under 23 Title after rain curtailed play to just three hours on the second day of the three day final at Maitland Place yesterday.
An early morning shower delayed the start of play by over two hours.

However after play began around noon the players were forced to the pavilion around 4.22 when the rains returned. Chilaw Marians resumed their innings from an imposing overnight total of 308 for 4 wickets and were on the look out for quick runs.However their attempt was curtailed when they lost Malintha Gajanayake (90) in the second over of the day. Apart from some useful contributions from Praneeth Jayasundera (22) and Omesh Wijesiriwardene (19) the rest of the Marians batsmen filed to get a start and they were eventually bowled out for 342. For SSC, it was their two medium pacers C Vidanapathirana (3 for59) and Dhammika Prasad (4 for 93) who bowled well to restrict the free flowing Marian batsmen.

Chasing 343 for a win SSC were rocked when they lost two quick wickets to medium pacer Manoj Chanaka even before their total had reached double figures. However after the initial shock the SSC batsmen recovered to 37 for two wickets before the heavens opened up and forced the players indoors once again.

Chillaw Marians who toppled some of the better known clubs and remain as the only unbeaten team in the tournament this year will hope for an improvement in the weather today after they lost to Bloomfield in last year's final. Chillaw Marians - 308/4 overnight 342 for 9 decl. (Malintha Gajanayake 90 Praneeth Jayawardene 22 Omesh Wijesiriwardene 19 C. Vidanapathirana 3/59, Dhammika Prasad 4/93). SSC - 37/2 at close (Jeewan Mendis 21 n.o; Manoj Chanaka 2/19)

Justice delayed is, justice denied
By Bernie Wijesekera
A juvenile Master S.M. Salih a young future prospect in Karate, has been performing consistently well in the 13 years Kate 'Z' category (Black Belt) He took part at the recent junior Karate nationals held on Aug. 29 to 31, organized by the Sri Lanka Karate Federation.

Salih took part in the Z Kate under 13 (Black Belt category). The youngster showing better ring craft and science won all eight rounds without much ado. On an unanimous decision by the three Refs and the judge he was declared the winner. As a usual practice in this sport the first three on the order and to bow in front of the judges after the decision.

Imagine after a long break the parents were watching the son's display but the officials (the 13 yrs. Z category) decided it should be re-contested again. It surprised everyone including some ardent supporters who are knowledgeable in the sport.

Apparently it was done at the behest of a powerful official of the Federation. His son failed to impress and lost to Salih. He should have done well to tell his son that the better performer won the event and abide by the judge’s decision rather than using his big whip, calling for re-contest.

Karate is not apparently a match-fixing sport like in a team event, but solely depend on the individual's skills. Why should officials or parents interfere and revoke a unanimous verdict. Its not promoting sport. Its not a false start like in athletics. Young Salih as a six-year-old has won many Karate events at provincial and national levels since 1998. In the W. Province championship, held in Dec. 2002 he got the better of this powerful official's son.

Imagine at the Nationals held in Aug. 2003 to avoid his son clashing with Salih the boy was placed in a higher category 14 yrs. Z for Kate event instead of 13 yrs.

Category for Kumitae. It was deliberate machination by this big un to help his son.
A protest was made by Salih's coach Shihan Bonnie Roberts to mete out justice but to no avail. Salih went for the next day's event Aug. 31 and languished the whole day.
Neither a reply was given nor the coach Roberts protest was entertained.

A protest has been lodged with the Minister of Sport Johnston Fernando at present plagued by problems due to mal-administration and nepotism. Alls not well with the Lanka Karate-Do Federation at this juncture. It's a clear evidence of mal-administration, apparently to help an official's interest at the expense of the sport. The Minister should hold an enquiry otherwise justice delayed is justice denied.

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