Indian jockeys and horses in top form

Channaka de Silva reporting from Nuwara Eliya

Indian jockeys and Indian horses reigned supreme at the Nuwara Eliya Turf Club yesterday winning both thoroughbred races on the opening day of this year's seasonal horse racing here.

Chandran Rutnam's Aragon, brought down specially for the races, was ridden majestically to a domineering victory in the Division II race by Indian rider R.B.Shinde, proving that they were simply superior to the local challenge.

Champion motor racer Suranjith Premadasa's Baroness ridden by S. Kogulan finished second, ahead of Indian rider S.Kapoor who rode Ajantha de Zoysa's Rampage. In the Division I race, De Zoysa clinched victory with another Indian rider M.Solomon who finished first on Royal Athlete ahead of local jockeys. A.Suresh and Periasamy, who finished second and third respectively on G.Kodituwakku's Dancing Brave and Baby-Un-Me, owned jointly by Rohini de Mel and Kumar Abey-wardena.

Turf Club President Dha-mmika Attygalla's horse Blue Baron won the day's first event when jockey L.Dhayalan clinched it easily in the Ponies Class 1+2 event.

Gyselle of Praveen Herath, Enjoy of Dan and Rajan Dissanayake, Ginger Spice of Helmut Hendricks were the other winners on the opening day.

Results: (Read as: Horse, Owner, Trainer, Rider)

Ponies Class 1+2 (Handicap), 5 Furs- E.L.F.de Soysa Cup:

1. Blue Barron - Dhammika Attygalle, Denzil Jayawardena, L.Dhayalan; 2. Saddam - Charminstar Pereira, Charminstar Pereira R.Ravi; 3. Red Cloud - Ajantha de Zoysa, C.de. Silva, A.Kumar.

Halfbred horses in Group I: Upali Wijewardena Cup: 5 Furs: 1. Gyselle - Praveen Herath, Denzil Jayawardena, R.Yogarajan; 2. Crystal - Ajantha de Zoysa, C.de. Silva, K.Kogulan; 3. Brave Heart - Nigel Austin, George Anthony.

Thoroughbred Horses Div. II. The Sporting Times Cup:

1. Aragon - Chandran Rutnam, M.de. Lanerolle Jr., R.B.Shinde; 2. Baroness - Suranjith Premadasa, C.Brodie, S.Kogulan; 3. Rampage - Ajantha de Zoysa, C.de. Silva, S.Kapoor.

Halfbred Horses in Group II: Capital Radio Cup: 5 Furs:

1. Enjoy - Dan and Rajan Dissanayake, Charminstar Pereira; 2. Ruhunu Kumari - Ajantha de Zoysa and Kumar Abeywardena, C.de. Silva; 3. Regent Queen - Dan and Sanjay Dissanayake, S.Peeth-ambaran.

Thoroughbred Horses Div I: Ahmed Mahir Didi Cup: 5 Furs: 1. Royal Athlete - Ajantha de Zoysa, C.de. Silva, M.Solomon; 2. Dancing Brave - G.Kodituwakku, C.Brodie, A.Suresh; 3. Baby-Un-Me - Rohini de Mel and Kumar Abeywardena, C.de. Silva, Periasamy.

Ponies Class III: Pepsi Cola Cup: 5 Furs: 1. Ginger Spice - Helmut Hen-dricks, C.Brodie, L.Dhayalan; 2. Cigar - Rajan Sellamutthu, S.Pre-ethambaran, K.Ganesh; 3. Bright Destiny - Char-minstar and Shalini Pereira, Charminstar Pereira.

Jayasundare heads karate body

W.Jayasundare was elected president for the second time in the National Karate Do Federaton of Sri Lanka at their annual general meeting held at the Young Men's Christian Association in Fort.

Dhammika Ariyaratne was elected as secretary while Ajith Abeysekare was voted for the post of treasurer.

Gamini Wijebandara , K.Ramachandran and Daya Samarasekara were elected vice presidents. (RN)

Lumbini sounds warning

By Ravi Nagahawatte

Lumbini Maha Vidyalaya sounded a warning to all schools with an impressive display on the opening day of the school's All Island Ten-a- Side Rugby Tournament at Longden Place yesterday.

The lads from Havelock Town knocked the daylights out of Kingswood College 'B' whom they drubbed 35-0 before booking their berth in the Cup quarter finals. Lumbini MV will be up against tournament favourites, Isipatana 'A' , today when the day's proceedings commences with the Cup quarter finals. The rest of the teams which qualified for the Cup Championship are: Wesley 'A', St.Joseph's 'A' , Kingswood 'A', S.Thomas' Mount Lavinia 'A', Prince of Wales 'A', and Thurstan 'A'.

A total of 24 teams qualified from provinces for the main tournament, but in a sad move three teams pulled out at the 11th hour.

"They have not informed us about their intentions in not taking part. These schools have also not put forward anything in writting," said N.J.Mudannayake, Secretary of the Sri Lanka School's Rugby Association.

Armed with experience, will Lanka defend world cup?

By Saif Izzadeen

Veterans Roshan Mahanama and Hashan Tillekeratne were recalled to the 15-man Sri Lanka squad for the1999 World Cup which was named last Monday.

Both Roshan Mahanama and Hashan Tillekeratne were not in the 19- man provincial squad which was named about a month ago. However the Sri Lanka cricket selectors have opted for experience and have recalled Mahanama and Tillekeratne

Avishka Gunawardena and Hemantha Boteju were members of the Sri Lanka cricket team which toured India for the three-nation one- day tournament. The tournament was won by Pakistan. Both these players were in the 19-man provincial squad.

Dashing left hand opening batsman Sanath Jayasuriya and the controversial off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan return to the Sri Lanka squad after missing the three-nation Asian Test Championship and the three-nation one-day tournament in India.

The seventh World Cup in England will start on May 14 at Lords where defending champions Sri Lanka take on the host nation England.

Taking a look at the history of the six previous World Cups, the first one was played in 1975 in England. The finalists were England and West Indies. The Windies led by Clive Lloyd won the tournament very convincingly.

The 1979 World Cup was again held in England .The finalists were West Indies and Australia. For the second time the West Indies led by Clive Lloyd won the tournament.

The 1983 World Cup for the third year in a row was played in England. This time the finalists were India and West Indies. India led by that great all-rounder Kapil Dev made the two-time champions West Indies led by Vivian Richard's eat humble pie by winning the tournament for the first time.

After India won the World Cup in 1983 the tournament moved out of England and was played in the subcontinent for the very first time in 1987. The finalists were traditional rivals Australia and England.

The final between England and Australia was played in Eden Gardens, Calcutta amidst a large crowd although the host nation India were not playing. The tournament was won by Australia led by Allan Border.

Then the 1992 World Cup was played in Australia for the very first time. The finalists were Pakistan and England.

Pakistan led by Imran Khan won the tournament for the very first time at Melbourne.

The last World Cup which was held three years ago was won by Sri Lanka led by Arjuna Ranatunga who beat the Australians convincingly by seven wickets at Lahore in the final.

Looking again at Sri lanka's 15-man squad named on Monday, we see 11 members of the 1996 World Cup winning squad retaining their places.

The Sri Lanka team on paper looks very good and if they play to their true potential Sri Lanka should be able to retain the trophy which they won in 1996.

However one question which many Sri Lanka cricket fans are asking is will the defending champions miss the services of Dave Whatmore as the coach in England?.

Dave gave Sri Lanka the professional touch and also the mental toughness which enabled them to win the most coveted prize in world cricket three years ago.

Two outstation teams in Lemonade Cup quarters

Two outstation schools are among those who have qualified to play in the Lemonade Trophy limited overs quarter-final cricket matches fixed for Tuesday (April 27) in Colombo. This competition is conducted by the Sri Lanka Schools Cricket Association.

St. Peter's, the league champions, will meet Ananda in the quarter final at the Premadasa International Stadium, S.Thomas' will meet Kalutara MV at the CCC Grounds at Maitland Place, St. Sylvester's, who beat the much fancied Nalandians will take on Lumbini MV at the NCC Grounds, Maitland Place and St. Sebastian's will meet traditional rivals Prince of Wales at the P.Sara Stadium.

The semi-finals will be played at the NCC and CCC grounds on April 29 with the final scheduled for Sunday (May 2 ) at the SSC Grounds.

Aussies play hard on the field, but hearts melt for the needy...

By Bernie Wijesekera

The Australian cricketers, really play hard on the field with a relentless team effort to be on top wherever they play, be it at home or abroad. But off the field they possess abundant fellowship to help the needy on humanitarian grounds. This fellowship is not confined to the domestic scene alone, but they believe in helping the less affluent away from home, too.

Sri Lankan groundboy, Siripala, who served with the CR and FC and later was attached to the Cricket Board, was one of them to benefit from the Aussie team that toured Sri Lanka in 1996.

Mark Waugh asked The Sunday Times at the ACB office, how Siripala the simple bloke was getting on? He's keeping fine and going strong, despite his pencil-slim figure. Better known to the Lankan fans as 'Pala', Siripala served the Aussies as baggageman on many trips to Sri Lanka and proved to be a trusted friend and part of the Aussie team. He was very popular and his honesty has borne fruit and he did proud for the country.

Steve Waugh, the present Aussie captain and a man of few words is a real taskmaster on the field, but a great humanitarian. He spends much of his time away from home - in India helping the leprosy home for children, and is a key figure collecting funds with his personal approach to alleviate suffering among the poor victims with his helping hands.

In his book 'Images of Waugh,' Steve has written a chapter on Siripala the trustworthy baggageman.

"The Aussies were scheduled to play a match against Sri Lanka in Colombo during the 1996 World Cup, in February and March, but skipped for security reasons. Five months later they made a tour and were worried about a backlash. This fear combined with our Board's insistence on tight security, meant for too much of the tour and the Aussies felt like prison escapees, such was the Police presence around us.

"In its wake there was no free movenment on this tour with curtains closed even in the buses to and fro from the grounds, with six commandos with automatic rifles.

"This was one reason Swampy - Geoff Marsh sported such a huge grin and caressed his new-found friend, while our baggageman of many trips to Sri Lanka Siripala looks on."

Steve, gives a fine description of Siripala in his book which makes interesting reading to the local fans and sportsmen.

"This man has to be pound for pound, the strongest man on earth. He regularly lifts two cricket coffins at once with arms that make Olive Oyl look like Rod Marsh. Siripala has become well liked and respected by all the Australians. We discovered he was living in a shed with his wife, daughter and mother-in-law with no future plans to build on his block of land because his wage was so pitiful. We decided to help".

Poverty and wealth do co-exist, in any walk of life. To overcome misery one has to help another fellow being in his hour of need, in this sensual world, plagued by hatred, jealousy and the ponchant to win at all costs. This is the cause for most of the ongoing problems on and off the field.

The Aussies making a trek to Kalutara saw for themselves the misery that Siripala had to undergo in silence. After enjoying his hospitality with a king coconut, they in turn played the role of good samaritans, though away from home, something rare - apparently not happening these days. After the tour they decided to donate U.S $ 1,500 for Siripala to start building the four walls of his house, to make life more comfortable for him and live with dignity.

It's a fine gesture indeed by the Kangaroos. The Aussies undoubtedly play hard on the field, but don't believe in festering after the game, forgetting all over a pint of Victoria Beer, says Mark Waugh, who enquired about Siripala.

Most sportsmen or even others fail to realise that form is temporary, but class permanent. This is one reason why Sir Don Bradman, the living legend of the 20th century is respected world-wide, for his simplicity in life.

Bradman lives by example, and is respected even by t present day sportsmen be it in Australia or elsewhere. He commands respect. This was one reason why Mark Taylor stopped at 334 not out at Rawalpindi against Pakistan. Had he pushed a single he could have been the highest run-getter for Australia. Records are secondary, but class permanent. Mark Taylor, who retired at his peak as captain despite overtures made by Prime Minister John Howard and ABC to carry on is a rare character. He is one of the most popular figures among the Aussie fraternity. He too is involved in fellowship work helping the world body UNICH. When the Aussies come in September '99 for a three-Test series here, Siripala is assured of further help, to develop his new home.

Undoubtedly many of our Sri Lanakn sportsmen too help the less affluent at home. Fine gestures indeed! But the Aussies hold out their helping hands away from home and Siripala has been one of them. 'Siri' when contacted confirmed this.

'Orients nearly drown Otters'

The more fancied Otters Basketball team faced stiff opposition from the Orients BC who gave a spirited and gallant display in the Over 40 Cager final for the Scanwell Freight Express Trophy Tournament concluded recently at the Police Courts, Colombo 5. The final scores were 25 to 23 in favour of Otters' BC. At half time the scores were level at 13 each.

Midway in the second half Orients went on to lead 17 to 16. It was the all -round play of Francis Silva, who was selected the "Best Player of the Tournament", which enabled the Otters' to finally overcome the Orients who gave a plucky display led by skipper Nihal Perera who was well supported by ex -Sri Lankan Caps Vincent Loganathan, Nawfel Mahroof and Bernard Silva: Ms. Jayanthan Jeevaratnam & Sisira Fonseka controlled the game. Overseas Reality RC won the Consolation finals.

Nemantha Hatar-asinghe, Executive Director of Scanwell Freight Express Colombo Ltd,an ex- Sri Lankan cap, was the chief guest and Mrs. Hatarasinghe gave away the awards.

Otters BC - 25 Malsiri Perera 9

Francis Silva 8

Remigeus Perera 5

Orients BC - 23 Jayantha Ranawana 6

Vincent Loganathan 9

Nawfel Mahroof 5

Cricket Board open to abuse: Jayasinghe

By Bernie Wijesekera

Ninty-five percent of the Cricket Board Constitution is open to abuse - especially in Sri Lanka, where we are adept at finding loopholes, to further our own ends.

This was stated by former Sri Lanka and Leicestershire professional cricketer Stanley Jayasinghe, when interviewed by The Sunday Times, for his comments regarding the recent general meeting which ended in a pandemonium to put this gentleman's game to shame.

Mr. Jayasinghe continuing said the Minister of Sports too revels in the ambiguities in it.

This is something I have constantly harped on. With the sole exception of late Gamini Dissanayake, no politician has been genuinely interested in promoting the game, other than themselves.

The very selectors, who are appointed by the Sports Minister himself wobble at the knees, whenever the Minister openly or blatantly over rules selection committee decisions and imposes his own, as was the case recently.

The present mess that the Sri Lanka cricket has fallen into could have been averted if politicians and their henchmen had steered clear of cricket administration.

The glory brought by our cricketers in the last World Cup in Lahore in 1996, has been nullified and the game has been degraded by power-hungry politicians infiltrating the administration of this gentlemen's game.

Mr. Jayasinghe, who served Sri Lanka cricket well, be it at home or abroad, even going to the extent of sacrificing his benefit match at Leicestershire, to play for the country. He believes in calling a spade a spade and never went behind sacrificing his principles for personal gains.

He started his career as sports journalist at the Times of Ceylon and was held in high esteem for his constructive criticism which was made in good faith for the betterment of the game.

He went as manager with the Sri Lanka team to New Zealand. He firmly believes that the job of the players is to play in the middle and been interfere with the management or its administration. "I may have not been a popular official in some quarters, but adhered to the rules on that tour. A weak management can cause lots of problems and indiscipline Mr. Jayasinghe said.

Matthaeus perfect coach

Bayern Munich's veteran libero Lothar Matthaeus would be a perfect successor to Germany head coach Erich Ribbeck, Franz Beckenbauer was quoted as saying.

"Lothar is predestined to become head coach," Beckenbauer told weekly Sport Bild. "He knows how to read the game, analyse it and rate it."

Ribbeck, who was appointed after Berti Vogts stepped down last September, has a contract running until Euro 2000.

Royal champs beat STC 2-0

Royal beat their traditional rivals S. Thomas' by 2 goals to nil to win the Colombo District Schools under 19 boys hockey title at the CR&FC grounds (Hockey grounds) at Longden Place.

Wesley finished in third place.

Earlier in the semi-finals, Royal beat Wesley 2-1 in a single series penalty strokes and S.Thomas' beat Ananda 4-1 on penalty strokes.

Yasodhara BMV bagged the girls uder 19 title defeating Visakha Vidyalaya by a solitary goal to nil with St. Pauls winning the third place.

In the semi-finals, Visakha Vidyalaya beat St. Pauls 1 nil and Yasodhara BMV beat Bishops 4-1.

Nalanda beat Ananda 1 nil to win the boys under 17 title with President's College Maharagama finishing third.

In the semi-finals a Nalanda beat President's College 1 nill and Ananda beat Isipatana 1 nil in extra time.

This tournament was conducted by the Colombo District Schools Hockey Association.

Rover Pinpoints....

At it again

The bragger is at it again! This time he has gone on record stating that on policy he has decided to stop giving commentaries on Radio by watching TV.

Now comes the news that this same bragger is doing the very same thing; watching TV on another TV Channel talk about double standards!

Last laugh

The talk about town is that the Sports Editor of The Sunday Times is Rover. To all those guilty people out there; you are sadly mistaken. Its not the Sports Editor- and Rover wins again. Still, the mystery man who reports on all the misdeeds is on the ball and will keep you well informed.

Media Committee

Rover learns that a media committee has been set up at the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka. Invited to serve on this committee are journalists who do not write against the Cricket Board, guess who!

These journalists are also in lucks way with tickets to the World Cup. Just rewards?

Scared to lose?

Even schoolboys are scared to lose matches these days. In one inter-school encounter a team that took on Wesley College, refused to play on the second day. Even the umpires were helpless. And so the match was called off and most dejected were the Wesleyites. They were on the verge of winning.

"Small" men get no attention

Ravindra Pushpakumara, the lad who rose from humble beginnings, had invited three ex-Cricket Board Presidents and the current hierarchy of the present Board to attend what could have been a most memorable event for him - his wedding.

The three former Board Presidents, Upali Dharmadasa, Tyronne Fernando and Ana Punchihewa honoured their invitations by being present to wish the couple a new innings in life. But the big guns in the present Board failed to turn up. The couple was expecting these honoured guests from morning till late afternoon.

Chandrapala first

Sujeewa Chandra-pala of Central Province and W.M.Irin of the Sabaragamuwa Province won the men's and women's 10th National Cross Country race conducted by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

Chandrapala won the event in 42 minutes 59 seconds while Irin won her race in 23 minutes 59 seconds.

The order and timings of the others who finished the race are:

Men - R.M.R. Ratnayake (Uva), G.P.S. Mendis (Southrn), D.M.S.G.Dassanayake (Uva), Neel Samantha (Western), A.U.Priyantha Kumara (Central), Ranjith Totahewa (Southern), K.A. Pusphakumara (Uva), W.P.Samara-koon (Central), Laus Harischandra (Western).

Women - P.H.J. Sujeewa Nilmini (Sabaragamuwa), Sharman Stauter ( Central), D.H.Mangala Somaratna (Sabaraga-muwa), D.N.de. Silva (North Central), Sujeewa Premaratne (Sabaragamuwa) K.L.L. Gunawardena (Central), W.A.D. Mallika Chandrakanthi (Sabaragamuwa), Nilanthi Rupika Rajapaksa (Sabaraga-muwa).

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