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 29th November 1998 |
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Upekha, Mahela guide SSCBy Marlon FernandopulleA 187 run partnership for the third wicket between Upekha Fernando and Mahela Jayawardene helped SSC to a sizeable first innings lead against CCC at the end of the second day in the Under 23 final at Maitland Place.After a devastating bowling spell from opening bowler Ruchira Perera which reduced CCC to 52 all out on Friday, SSC consolidated their position and looked assured of taking the championship title when they hit up 372 in their first innings. Their third wicket pair of Fernando (135) and Jayawardene (93) tore the CCC bowlers apart with an entertaining stand. Fernando cracked 11 boundaries and a six in his 235 ball knock. Mahela Jayawardene who was surprisingly overlooked for the Australian tour followed up his double hundred last week with another exquisite 93 which included 10 boundaries and a six. Indika Gallage (3/53) and Romesh Fernando (3/61) were the pick of the CCC bowlers. Trailing by a mamoth 320 runs, CCC were soon in trouble after the SSC opening bowlers Ruchira Perera and Dilhara Fernando struck early blows to have them precariously placed at 9 for 2. However Damith Hunukumbura (44 n. o) and Bradman Ediriweera (37 n. o) weathered the storm. CCC - 52 & 93/2 (Damitha Hunukumbura 44 n. o, Bradman Ediriweera 37 n. o ) SSC - 205/2 overnight 372 all out (Shantha Kalawitigoda 24, Upeka Fernando 135, Mahela Jayawardene 93, Wesley Fernando 25, Ruchira Perera 29; Indika Gallage 3/53 Romesh Fernado 3/61, N Rupasinghe 2/74) Inter-school CricketAnanda crush KingswoodIt seems as if nothing short of an avalanche will stop Ananda this season. The Anandians went on to record their third win in-a-row for the season when they crushed Kingswood by 10 wickets in the inter school cricket match which concluded in Kandy yesterday. Ananda who scored two wins over Richmond and St.Anne's during the last nine days showed that their performances in the last two matches were no flash in the pan by toppling the Kandy school in their own backyard. Ananda's triumph was more creditable as they achieved it away from home. Kingswood - 92 and 184 all out ( R.Manasun 23, T. Madanayake 45, N.Pushpakumara 35; M. Pushpakumara 3 for 67, K.Fernando 3 for 33). Ananda 190 for 9 dec and 87 all out (L.Chaturanga 34n.o, L.Fernando 50n.o). –Saif Izzadeen Rizwan 121Zahirian M.Rizwan scored a stroke filled 121 as he helped his team to a healthy first innings score of 328 for 6 declared on the opeining day of their Inter-School cricket fixture against Sri Jayawardenapura MMV at Maradana yesterday. The right hander made things gloomy for the SJMMV bowlers and collected his runs through 15 boundaries and three sky-high sixes. He was well supported by M.Faroon (55) and the pair added 135 runs for the fifth wicket. SJMMV were struggling at 125 for 5 at close with Beruwala top scoring with 42 which was studded with six fours and two sixes. Zahira - first innings - 328 for 6 dec (M.Rilwan 72, M.Rizwan 121, M.Faroon 55; S. Beruwala 2 for 55) Sri Jayawardenapura MMV - first innings - 125 for 5 at close (V.Silva 29, G.Iroshan 25, S.Beruwala 42; M.Rilwan 2/5). – Ravi Nagahawatte So closePhew! What a match, as Prince of Wales were deprived of their fourth victory of the season by a mere 10 runs. Set with a victory target of 141 runs to win in 16 overs the Cambrians reached 131 for 8 as their inter school cricket match against Isipatana ended in an exciting draw at Moratuwa yesterday. Isipatana batting a second time around with a lead of 33 runs were bowled out for 107 runs. Muditha Fernando continued his good run with the bat by making a dogged 41 runs. For the Moratuwa school Pubudu Ranaweera (3 for 42) and Janaka Gunaratne (6 for 31) bowled well. This left Prince of Wales with the task of scoring 141 runs to win in 16 overs. Isipatana- 239 and 107 all out in 32 overs (M. Fernando 41; P.Ranaweera 3 for 42, J.Gunaratne 6 for 31) Prince Of Wales - (96 for no loss overnight) 206 for 9 dec in 81 overs ( R. Pieris 65, S. Fernando 66, S. Wijeratne 21. K. Cooray 5 for 37.) and 131 for 8 in 16 overs at close ( R. Pieris 54, J. Wannakuwatte 18 ; N.Atapattu 5 for 37) . – S.M.D Sirisena Draw at KotahenaSt. Benedict's set with an impossible victory target of 159 runs to win in 12 overs, settled for a draw against Maris Stella Negombo in the interschool cricket match at Kotahena yesterday. Maris Stella -174 for 8 dec in 80 overs (M. Jayawardena 33, I. Muthalif 32, L.Fernando 27, D.Rodrigo 21; A.Gunathilake 3 for 31, M. Fernando 3 for 55, S.Fernando 2 for 38) and 114 for 5 dec in 34 overs ( K. Bulathsinhala 35, M. Jayawardena 14 n.o, I. Muthalif 14 n.o) St.Benedict's -129 for 7 dec in 62 overs ( C. Perera 53 n.o, C. Devabandu 24; L. Fernando 2 for 31) and 31 for 4 in 12 overs at close ( R. Munasinghe 10, J. Savarimuttu 12 n.o. H. Dias 4 for 11) - (SI). Fitness row stirs more chaosBy Callistus DavyMore chaos and confusion has taken place in the Rugby Referees Society with the resignation of a second key official and the controversial appointment of another referee for the upcoming Asian Games in Bangkok. Mohan Balasuriya, a Committee member has tendered his resignation while referee S.W. Chang who recorded a fitness level of 9.5 has got the nod to blow in the Asian Games ahead of Dilroy Fernando who achieved a standard of 11.5. Chang is the second referee to record a low level at the controversial fitness test and get the green light for an international event after Roshan Deen went for last month's Singapore Asian championships in place of Anil Jayasinghe who scored better in the fitness test. Balasuriya, an ex-Air Force and Sri Lanka hooker, has resigned in support of Metha Abeygunawardena who quit the post of President in the Referees Society after the Rugby Union over-ruled the results of the fitness test and sent Deen to Singapore. Chang was narrowly selected over Fernando on a 4-3 count at a second vote with the chairperson of the meeting casting his vote after a 3-3 deadlock on a first vote. Chang will be officiating in what would be his last international event before taking up a higher position as Sri Lanka's first international assessor (judge of referees). But Fernando, The Sunday Times understands, had indicated earlier that he did not wish to stand in the way of Chang if it came to a contest. "Chang and I have a good understanding and I don't want to embarrass him for the sake of a foreign tour. I'll be happy if he gets selected", Fernando had confessed to a member of the Rugby Union. The latest dispute involving members of the Referees Society and the hierarchy of the Rugby Union took place just days after three top officials of the Referees Society, Abeygunawardena, Sam Samarasekera (Secretary) and Brigadier Japuna Jayawardena (Vice President) made representations to the Minister of Sports on the need to adhere to fitness levels recomended by the international body. But Rugby Union President Dr. Maiya Gunasekera, who was accused by Abeygunawardena of interfering in the affairs of the Referees Society, has told Minister Dissanayake that a referee who fails to reach a recommended level of a fitness test should not have his experience and blowing competency undermined. "I may be unfit to run at this moment, but if I am chased by a dog I can surely run", Dr. Gunasekera had told the Minister after he was questioned on why he approved an "unfit" referee, Roshan Deen. Ironically, at a referees meeting which was also attended by Dr. Gunasekera, it was recommended that a level of 9.0 for school matches, 9.5 for club matches, 10 for knock-out games and 11 for international tournaments be adhered to at the next season. Meanwhile senior referees, who spoke to The Sunday Times on condition of anonymity, charged that the Referees Society had chosen to ignore their performances on the foreign scene by offering no acknowledgements which they claim had come in for praise by overseas officials. In a hilarious episode it has also been alleged that a member of the Referees Society had presented himself to conduct a second fitness test on Chang with week batteries in the recording device. But Abeygunawardena, in an interview with The Sunday Times said that under his term of office justice had prevailed and no referee had been subjected to abuse or spectator violence during the concluded season. Fine gesture by Army, Air ForceBy Bernie Wijesekera, reporting from Ratnapura....Embilipitiya M.V. who are making an impact in schools' junior rugby circuit emerged champions when they defeated St. Luke's College by 14 points, (two goals) to 7 (a goal) in the under-13 final, in the St. Luke's 150th anniversary invitation tournament worked off at the Ratnapura Esplanade, on Nov. 26 At the interval the winners led 14-0. This under-13 9-a-side invitation tournament part of their 150th anniversary celebrations focused tremendous interest among the school in the district and spectators including the disabled solders who were there in their numbers to watch the exhibition match that followed between the Sri Lanka Army and the Air Force. It was a well organised tournament by St. Luke's organising committee, headed by its principal, Hemachandra Gunatilleke and its master-in-charge of sports, Duminda Kumara well supported by the Sabaragamuwa Rubgy Union headed by diehard rugby supporter Arjuna Dharmadasa. The game is fast developing in the district with more than 1,000 schoolboys drawn to the scrum, said K.S.P Karunaratne, secretary Sabaragamuwa schools section. According to Kumara, rugby is the first love among St. Luke's schoolboys. St. Luke's emerged runners-up in the 'B' division in 1998 all-Island championship (under-13). Embilipitiya M.V topped in Group 'A' defeating schools like Mahanama, St. Joseph's and Zahira 'B'. They lost in the quarter finals to S. Thomas' after leading 7-0 at the break - 14-7 in a thriller. Embilipitiya took to rugby in 1997. The exhibition match between the Army and Airmen, turned out to be a rousing game of fast open rugby, dished out to the avid fans. The soldiers won in the end by 21 points (three tries and two penalty goals) to 6 (two penalty goals) after leading 10-nil at the interval. The scoreline was no indication of the run of play. The army back divison co-ordinating with better rugby skills outplayed the Airmen. Rajapakse, Knowlton and Narantota scored a try each. Evergreen Wijesiri fired over two penalties. The Airmen constantly probed the soldiers defence, but lacked finesse. Fullback Anthony put over two penalties. Referee, D. Nimal. The schools' final was refereed by Nimal Fernando. Former Director of Education, Mahendra Dassanayake was the Chief Guest. Both the Army and Air Force teams, must be commended for making the trek to play in this exhibition match despite exigencies of duty, to honour St. Luke's 150th anniversary. Great personalities like Sir A.F. Molamure first Speaker of the National Assembly and Sir Nicholas Attygalle - the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ceylon started their school career at St. Luke's. Rover pinpointsIt so happened, so they say?It is true that the sun shines on those who cross the perimeters of high-rise buildings with the help of a vault or otherwise when they could just cross the line. This very interesting story does not go back centuries but to be precise, only to a few days. Where things happen to the very word 'quality' an enthusiastic macho man tried his luck in pursuing a career beyond a career which is rather unusual. From the land he came with an orange so tasty as the two-legged hopper would prefer to grab it all. When his over-enthusiastic ideals tried to run over the limits of manhood, he came tumbling as Bill Lawry's mates succumbed at the hands of John Snow, the pacie. For this man, the sky was the limit with no limitations even when confronted by the country's top heirarchy, from whom he thought could obtain the finest grapefruit even after a day's showdown on the exercise table. But the grapevine overtook him as down came a blackbird and pecked off his nose. The fall of Samson was by no means a justice. It was a perfectly planned exercise even if it had to happen on Delilah's lap. When it happens it takes a heavy toll. Everything therefore happens whether Delilah prefers it or not. When the great Dane rises and Anthony comes to his support, the fall of Samson is so simple. The eager old Samson tried to do all the tricks of the Trojans, even Helen, the Queen of the Trojans, had no time even to blink. It so happened they say. Rover scores againRover predicted that if a cricketer wants to play for Sri Lanka quickly he should join a leading Club. How true it proved to be. Seven have been picked for a tour. It will no doubt border on ten at the next picking with plenty of cross- overs that is. In the long run it may be14, but never 15. Pleaded guilyFour cricketers in a lower division have pleaded guilty, but punishment has been stayed for another date since they had admitted their bad behaviour. How strange, what price discipline! Sports Law ignoredTwo foreigners have been appointed by the Sports Ministry to hold office in a body for indoor sports. It had never happened before. Rover learns that they could only serve as consultants. What ails footballSri Lanka were beaten by the Indians in the Freedom Cup final. Cause: Lop-sided attitude of the coach in changing players at his choice. Why not a foreign coach if the poor man's game is to go places. Challenging the bossSome senior rugby referees were on a campaign to see that a certain high ranking member of their society who is seeking to contest the post of President does not get elected next month. They refuse to believe that he has resigned from the National Selection Committee and claimed that he is also connected to coach his team in the A division domestic tournament. This is a classic case of young blood challenging the war veterans. 20 sailors to face the starter todayThe Ceylon Motor Yacht Club at Bolgoda will be a hive of activitiy with the conducting of the Caltex Cup sailing championships to be held today, Sunday November 29. The Caltex Cup has been a much sought after trophy during its existence of 38 years in Sri Lanka. The Caltex Challenge Trophy is a single fleet race, GP 14, Enterprise where the boat handicap and personal handicap will apply. About 20 sailors are expected to come under the starters orders which will either be crewed or manoeuvred single handed on a 75 or 90-minute course, starting with good wind at 11 a.m. In the afternoon an exciting Optimist race on a shorter course will see about ten boats in the fray for the age group of 6 to 12 with the youngest being a five and a half year old battling it out for supremacy. Two of the Ceylon Motor Yacht Club stars Lalil Jeerasinghe and Janaka will not be seen in action as they are in Bangkok in training for the 13th Asian Games where Caltex is the official partner of the region. Fitness test for Aravinda, MuraliSri Lanka's Aravinda de Silva, Muttiah Muralitharan and two others will have to undergo a fitness test before their selections are confirmed for a cricket tournament in Australia, the cricket board said on Saturday. The board on Wednesday included the four players in the 15-member squad for the one-day Carlton and United Series cricket tournament starting on January 3 involving Australia, England and Sri Lanka. It said their position would be reviewed after medical examinations which would be carried out by December 23. The Ceylon Motor Yacht Club at Bolgoda will be a hive of activitiy with the conducting of the Caltex Cup sailing championships to be held today, Sunday November 29. The Caltex Cup has been a much sought after trophy during its existence of 38 years in Sri Lanka. The Caltex Challenge Trophy is a single fleet race, GP 14, Enterprise where the boat handicap and personal handicap will apply. About 20 sailors are expected to come under the starters orders which will either be crewed or manoeuvred single handed on a 75 or 90-minute course, starting with good wind at 11 a.m. In the afternoon an exciting Optimist race on a shorter course will see about ten boats in the fray for the age group of 6 to 12 with the youngest being a five and a half year old battling it out for supremacy. Two of the Ceylon Motor Yacht Club stars Lalil Jeerasinghe and Janaka will not be seen in action as they are in Bangkok in training for the 13th Asian Games where Caltex is the official partner of the region. More Sports * Medals tee-off * India's finest hour * A perfect start to the Ashes series * In brief * Leuke's son too likes to follow the oval ball * All systems 'go' for Pacific Rim Rugby * India tops CEAT cricket ratings * Meet and greet cricket idols * Unusual sports news *
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