In Brief

Perfect man, woman contest

The organisers are making elaborate plans to stage the Mr. Muscle Beach, the strongest man, the Beach Boy, Beach Queen, best lifter contest and the veteran muscle man. 

The contests will be staged at the Mount Lavinia Beach near the Mount Royal Hotel today (Sunday July 23) at 3 p.m. All participants should give in their names to the Fitness Kingdom Gymnasium Chandana Aluthge on telephone: 842680. 

Thusitha is no more

Thusitha entered sports journalism in 1962 and contributed as a freelancer to Lake House publications such as Janatha, Dinamina and Silumina.

Nanayakkara joined the permanent staff of Lake House in 1976 and was appointed Deputy Editor of the Kreeda Sports Weekly, which was launched in 1983.

Nanayakkara has been on several overseas assignments and was a versatile sports writer. He had a rare flair and his style of writing was appreciated by all. Last year Nanayakkara was honoured by the Sports Ministry with a gold medal and a cash award of Rs. 25,000 for covering the National Sports Festival, the country's biggest annual sports event, for 25 years without a break.

"Sam" overlooked?

The way the panel was picked for the international contests (one - dayers) raised many an eye brow.

Were they picked on seniority, ability or on merit? How come T.M. Samarasinghe a Test umpire, who was overlooked put aside the Test series against Pakistan and S. Africa, but not even considered for a game in the triangular series.

He was highly commended for his ability to stand by Aussie captain, Alan Border, when the Aussies toured Sri Lanka in 1992. He stood in Test matches against visiting teams. Samarasinghe, was assigned as the third umpire in India in the Willis World Cup in 1996.

It's sad to note that he was found not good enough to officiate in a solitary game when compared to the ones, who were appointed who put the game to shame with their dubious decisions. B.W.

Restricted bridge today

This event will be followed by an open pairs event for the President's Trophy on Saturday, July 29 at the same venue commencing at 9.15 a.m. Miss Karmine de Silva sponsored Mixed Pairs team event was won by Chelliah's team comprising, Mrs. Shihari Sarabavapahan Anton Selvanayagam Dr. Rose Peeris. Shans team comprising T. Shanmugalingam/Mrs Cera Fernando, H.A. Weerasuriya/Mrs. Shanthi Rasiah finished as runners up. 

NDB by 4 wkts

Batting first American Express Bank were all out for 126 in 25 overs with Arukshan Rajmohan and Anupa Minipura capturing 3 for 8 and 3 for 26 for NDB respectively.

In reply, NDB scored 127 for 6 in the 24th over with Ravi Jayasuriya remaining unbeaten on 25 and N. Perera 24.

American Express Bank 126 all out. (Roshan 21, Hemantha 15, A. Rajmohan 3 for 8, Anupa Minipura 3 for 26, L. Jansz 2 for 34). NDB 127 for 6 in 23.1 overs (Ravi Jayasuriya 25 not out, N. Perera 24, A. Sovis 19, A. Rajamohan 18).

Chess champions

Both Rushani and Tikiri scored 8 points each of the possible 8 rounds. 

This championships was conducted by the Sri Lanka Chess Federation in order to select players to participate in the Junior World Chess championships in Spain this year. 

'Tony Talks'

Dambulla Zone champs

Kandurata Development Bank scored 35 runs in 3.5 overs and in reply Hatton National Bank scored 34 in 5 overs. 

Six teams representing KDB, HNB, People's, Seylan, Commerical and Bank of Ceylon participated. 

The champion KDB team was led by M. Nandana Kumara.

Navy are progressing steadily

NAVY vs CR&FC: 

The Navy is a side to be reckoned with. They are no 'push-overs'. The CR learnt this. The Navy forwards played a great game. Had they run their three quarters when in an attacking position, they could have scored. The Navy stalled the CR with their superior tackling. "They lacked finish" is the usual saying. This is NOT the case. In their penultimate match in the 1st Round they lost to the Havelocks by 18 pts. to 23 pts. Navy led 8-5 at half-time. They need to be more positive in their approach - "We are going to win" must be their watchwords. Then their replacements are very important. Last week the Navy played the CH&FC with the reports that the CH were almost at sea against the Sailors! The Navy are progressing steadily.

AIRFORCE vs CH&FC: 

The Airforce are playing an improved game, especially on their home grounds. They must work on their 3rd Row defense and their three quarters must be able to counter the opponent's extra-man in the three quarter line. As I said before the Airforce must play with their forwards and not run the ball too much with their three quarters. Gain ground and keep the pressure on your opponents. MOST IMPoRTAnT: POSSESSION - ensure good possession from your own ball.

POLICE vs CR&FC: 

The Police must have the WILL to win. Their strength too is in their forwards - NOT their three quarters. More forward ploys must be practised. The Kandy three quarters stopped them from moving in their game the previous week. The same happened against the CR&FC. The Police led the game slip. They persisted in working their three quarters who could not gain any ground. They have a very strong set of forwards who have great scoring potential. This is hardly tapped. As I said in my review of the 1st Round, Chintaka Perera needs to get over his injuries. Due to him being conscious of these, he missed tackles, knocked on, passed forward and to add to all this, when he should have kicked up, he kicked into scrum-half Bohoran's hands who darted for a fantastic try for the CR&FC. I believe that this Police outfit have good potential. Use the younger players.

HAVELOCKS vs ARMY: 

The Army played a fantastic game. Their forwards were fit and dominated the loose. Apart from being fit the Army forwards are also strong. Their 3rd Row play was exemplary. The Havelocks staged a 'walk-out' which is unbecoming of such a Club. I feel that disciplinary action must be taken against those responsible for such an act. Such acts will only weaken a team and their team spirit. Congratulations to the Army on a fine victory.

KANDY vs ARMY:

A very close win for Kandy as the scores indicate. A great effort by the Army playing in Kandy. Nalaka Weerakkody contributed all points which is a fine achievement. The soldiers have to work on their three quarters - they must prove penetrative in attack. From a rugby view point, one of the best games this season. Kandy are playing much better in this 2nd Round and are much fitter too. Other clubs, now look out.

AIRFORCE vs HAVELOCKS:

Havelocks proved superior in this game with a runaway victory 43 to 13. Nevertheless, the Airforce must not be discouraged. Learn from your shortcomings and rectify them. Study your opponents and have a positive game-plan. For the Havelocks a good come-back from last week. 

What Price an Olympic representation 

By Annesley Ferreira

Olympic aspirant totally left out is young Conrad Francis who trained hard in Australia, hoping he would be "considered" as a choice to represent his country. He was out of luck for having gone to Australia for his training. Why? had he stayed in Sri Lanka he would have had the chance to be the schoolmate of the son of the NOC Secretary - where the difference would have been made! The selection process is yet another sordid saga - these columns have discussed the bizzare conclusion for not selecting Conrad Francis.

More bewildering are those representing Sri Lanka as officials:

[a] Prema Pinnewela, Manager, former secretary of the NOC, presently AAA secretary, enjoying his selection because his wife is the senior additional secretary in the Ministry of Sports.

[b] Sunil Gunawardene, chef-de-mission, president AAA, vice president NOC and more importantly, coordinating secretary to the Minister of Sport. Recently one of his track trainees suspended for heving taken performance enhancing drugs.

[c] K.G. Badra Gunawardene, woman chaperone of the contingent, assistant director, Ministry of Sports, and the wife of Sunil Gunawardene.

[d] Tory Jayawardene, administrative official, 80 years old, chairman, National Sports Council and National Olympic Selection Committee.

[e] Secretary to the Ministry of Sports,

[f] Additional Secretary, Ministry of Sports, wife of Prema Pinnewela

[g] Director of Sports.

[h] National Coach, Dervin Perera

Why do we need shooters and sailing competitors? These reprensentation are totally useless and a waste of funds in sending them to Sydney. For a number of Olympiads this rationale has been questioned, but the ignorance of the NOC, the Ministry of Sports and the minister are so much, it is immpossible to argue this ridiculous participation. We would expect our readers to understand our position on these two selections. They are simply ridiculous.

We are the only country that determines our medal count before the Olympics or medal prospects. If that were to be true, since the 1980 Olympic games we would have amassed so many medals, we would only have been behind the US, USSR [CIS] etc. This is not an attempt to ridcule or downgrade our own attempt to win medals, but the sad reality when comparing our own performance as against Olympic and world records. The late Duncan White remains the Olympic medallist for the past fifty-two years. In our next issue we will discuss our chances in the two events that claim has been made that we win medals in the 100 meters hurdles and 4x400 meters relay. We have compared the recent US Olympic trials and some of those in Europe and Asia and wonder if our participation is worthy of representation in these numbers and at such great expense, except for the gratis tickets that we receive to the Sydney Olympics. In keeping with the ideal of Olympism "the important thing in the Olympic games is not to win but take part" and for that reason we believe that those who have toiled for the past four years should go. However, our reprsentation is further saddened as the one who had toiled most is not given representation - young swimmer Conrad Francis.

[In association with C. Vijitha Fernando, Trustee, Duncan White Sports Foundation. The views reflected in this piece does not form any part of the Foundation's position on the selection of our Olympic contingent to the Sydney Olympiad.]

AFC grants massive sponsorship to Sri Lanka

By Leonard Ratnayake

The new sponsorship is intially for one year and is to be considered for a longer period in due course. The sponsorship package was handed over by Carlos Nohra, Business Development Manager of AFC Marketing Ltd. to former FFSL president Manilal Fernando, who was present on behalf of the current President DIG Bodhi Liyanage. DIG Liyanage failed to attend the meeting as he is involved in handling of the security situation in Colombo.

Speaking at the press conference Manilal Fernando said that the sponsorship package that the FFSL has received this time is bigger than what they had earlier got from the Ceylon Tobacco Company. He said the new sponsorship is a strong committment by AFC Marketing which is based on honour. The representative of AFC Marketing, Nohra said that they are proud to be associatted with the FFSL which has shown good signs of being flourishing soccer nation and would look forward to better performances in the future"

The new sponsor of the FFSL is a well known figure in soccer and the sports arena. AFC Marketing are the proud sponsors of the Asia Cup annual soccer tournament and has been associated with the game for the last eight years. Probably they will be committed to the game for a longer period in the future as well. They also sponsor the Asian Tiger Sevens tournament. They are also associated with golf and basketball in the region. In the latest involvment in sports AFC Marketing has been able to win the bid for broadcasting rights of the 2003 and 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup tournaments.

Meanwhile it was revealed that only 12 teams will be selected to vie for the Super League soccer tournament next year. This year's Super League tournament was abandoned after much discussions by the executive committee of the FFSL following vehement opposition from interested parties on the basis of selection of the teams.

Manilal Fernando said the basis for picking professional teams for the super league tournament is transparent and was based on the professionalism they had shown whilst playing. The FFSL executive committee has decided to appoint a committee to monitor the professionalism of the clubs. The FFSL is confident that they can stage the tournament in July next year after assessing and deciding the professional 10 clubs and 2 services team to play in the Super League, during this year's Premier League starting in September.

Earlier the Executive committee of the FFSL increased the number of teams playing in the Super League to 16 following opposition to the basis of selecting the teams, but later decided to trim it down to 12. The sponsors had pointed out that teams participating in the competition should be professional clubs. Only J League tournament, the Asia's biggest accomodate 18 clubs, where it has started with 10 in 1993 and many other countries has started only with 12 and even less.

In a new project by FIFA to set up three goal offices in Asia, Sri Lanka has been chosen as one of the venues while Malaysia and Dubai are the other countries with FIFA goal offices. Manilal Fernando says with the construction of the FFSL headquarters being over, the FFSL will be able to allocate space for an international office to function here. The new project is expected to fund the development activities of the region with specific measures to the countries which needs help most.

Rover pinpoints.....

Talk of the town

Heard this 

Hopping mad

TT in trouble

Totally ignored

He was completely ignored and not even a pass was given to him to witness a single Singer Triangular Limited overs match, between Sri Lanka, South Africa and Pakistan. However, the spouses of officials received complimentary tickets. 

Rover also learns that a big-mouthed official of the Cricket Board even went to the extent of depriving SS from writing the history of the Sri Lankan's 100th Test. 

Rover scores

Why quit in haste

The talk going the rounds says that Anita had sharply criticized NaAsu of its administration in the second part and perhaps withdrawn in view of the Iossifidis' leaving Colombo after their tour of duty, requiring some commendation from Naasu for her to pursue a swimming coaching career in Australia. 

While the caller commended Anita's great contribution to swimming while stationed Sri Lanka, the caller was disappointed expecting some sort of self-respect and professionalism in this respect. "I have no truck with Anita, but her valued criticism of Nassu would have benefited swimming and Naasu enormously." 

Saying of the week 

The above comments were heard at the Triangular series between Pakistan, Sri Lanka and South Africa. 

If the said commentator is not conversant with the terms, then he should just say another four scored by the batsman. 

But certainly not a lofted drive all along the ground, for four. First learn your basics before trying to be an expert and become a laughing stock. 

Holiday in Malaysia

Dilantha had come from Japan to Malaysia to take part in the events. 

The six who went to Malaysia from Sri Lanka included two children of a VIP, a Buddhist priest, a SLAMs member and two journalists, one from Lake House and the other from ITN.

Deserted

Kicked out and brought back

He is supposed to be a top accountant, but in truth, is not so.

Power taken over

Where is the much talked about press freedom Mr. Media Minister in depriving a leading national newspaper of its representative from covering the Sydney Olympics.

NAASU drowing

Not done

This left one contender in tears and wondering whether its worth going for the Olympics and what the sport has come to.

It seems that these swimmers are studying in international schools and if so, what manners do they possess!

Doctor Thurairajah to fly Cathay Pacific 

Thurai Wins

Doc. C. Thurairajah was in cracking form and with full throttle he handled the joystick with commendable skill and in perfect weather he came through to take a creditable winning score of one under par 71 and the much coveted 'A' Division classic. Coming close behind was the flashy young man Jehan de Saram.

Koreans win

Once again B.C. Lee and S.S Kim appeared in the limelight with praiseworthy scores. B.C. Lee was outstanding. He was firm and positive on the greens and his excellent putting helped him collect a winning score of nett 67 and an airline ticket to some gorgeous destination. Kim was tremendous too with a great score of nett 69.

Merchandani excels

Kumar Merchandani was absolutely brilliant with a 12 under par nett 60 score. His accuracy must have frightened the hell out of him through the 18 holes. His nett 60 is probably the lowest score achieved by any golfer this year and my only wish is that such a performace will not intoxicate him. Dilanka Pieris with another very creditable score of nett 65 came 2nd. There is no doubt the Handicap Committee will pounce on both soon and some chopping of handicaps will be done.

Seniors shine

Two new seniors have crept into the old fold. Dr.K.K.U Perera and Shirley de Silva were thoroughbreds a few years ago but now with age creeping on limbs fail to take the strain and hips dont 'hula' that efficiently. Both will be quite prominent in this Division for many more years and to emphasize their intentions they cracked below par rounds. 

Doc. Perera struck a flashy net 67 and De Silve flashed nett 69. I was told quite confidentially at the 19th hole that both will get one way tickets to the Maldives from a source that desires to remain anonymous.

Turbulance

A crop of regulars ran into frightening turbulence. Unable to stay by the straight and narrow they strayed out of bounds, hit the ponds removed earth but still happily played on to crack superb centuries all before lunch.

Cathay well supported

A large contingent of golfers participated vieing for those attractive airline tickets. Cathay Pacific's new Country Manager Mark Sutch was beaming pleased with the success of his sponsorship.

Lucky to get away from Match Ref.

According to an umpire, who officiated in one of the matches, the Lankan bowlers, who kept on appealing were constantly overdoing it. 

And even continued to reappear after the umpire has revoked the first appeal.

One particular player seemed to be acting as if he was taking part in a teledrama. 

The player concerned even made certain gestures and thereby raised the spectators.

According to the umpire, he was very lucky to escape the attention of the Match Referee for appealing constantly and putting the game to shame. 

Had the Match Ref. noticed his appealing and reappearing he would have been taken to task not only with a warning but he would have even suffered a fine for his conduct.

Play hard but don't behave in a manner which could tarnish the image of this gentleman's game by trying to humiliate the umpires with unwarranted appealing.

Use your bowling skills, bemuse to capture the wicket, but certainly not with the assistance of the umpire. 

It simply isn't cricket! (BW)

'DS' Old Boys at cricket today

The tournament will be held on July 23, Sunday (today) at Chandra Silva Stadium, Rajagiriya. 

According to the '85 Batch President Anura Rajapakse, their main object is to provide their Alma mater a modern and well-equipped school library and request all old boys and their families to join in and make this event a success. 

A Singer Cup of Joy for Lanka

It is not an easy task to perform consistently to win five games on the trot in any one day tournament. South Africa and Pakistan rate amongst the top bracket teams in both forms of the game. The Pakistan batsman looked a jaded lot. They were suffering from "too much cricket." Their bowling was not at full strength without Akram, Saqlain and Shoaib Akhtar who were not on tour, plus Waqar Younis who missed a majority of the games. They never posed a threat to the other two nations.

The Sri Lankans remained focused right throughout the two weeks. They did not err in any areas. Sanath Jayasuriya handled his men well. The fielding was excellent. The bowlers did not waver and the batsmen scored runs and scored them quickly.

Kumar Sangakkara was the find of the competition. He batted with authority on each of the five times he visited the crease. The knocks he played were not scratchy. They were studded with elegant strokes to different parts of the field. He kept satisfactory in this area there is more brushing up to be done, but overall he fulfilled his duties by the team. Certainly the young man provided some fresh breadth to the side.

Avishka Guna-wardena also came good on this occasion. After falling for a duck in the first game he hit his straps and was able to string together four valuable knocks. He was selecting the correct deliveries to play his strokes on most occasions and that was what helped him.

The South Africans were not able to put their act completely together when they played against the host nation. In the first and second outings their batsmen let them down failing to counter the Sri Lankan spinners. In the finals it was a reverse action.

Sri Lankan got off to a dream start. The opening stand of 84 runs in 12 overs raffled the visitors and delighted the crowd. The two left handers, Gunawardena and Jayasuriya, flaying the ball to all parts of the ground was a pulsating sight.

Then Jayawardena, Sangakkara and Arnold took charge of affairs in mid-stream. It was natural for the rate to drop after a couple of wickets. The stand of the match was produced by the other left hand pair Sangakkara and Arnold who hoisted 80 runs off just 83 deliveries. Vaas came in latterly and thumped some husty blows which helped swell the score. 294 runs in fifty over was formidably and unless they bowled and fielded badly a win was on the cards.

Five out of the six bowlers tried went for over five runs an over. Only Paul Adams received respect, giving away just 29 runs in ten overs and bagging the scalp of Gunawardena.

Kirsten and Hall got off to a steady and methodical start. Then when Hall and the in form Kallis departed in quick succession the runs only trickled. The Sri Lankan spinners kept the scoring at bay. An asking rate of nearly six an over is never easy to maintain. It requires one top order batsman at least to maintain a steady pace of scoring if such a target is to be reached. Kirs-ten was steady, reaching 76 runs off 94 deliveries, but that was not quick enough. Then, trying to accelerate off Muralitharan he was stranded down the pitch and Sanga-kkara performed the last rites. Rhodes, Klusner and Pollock tried valiantly but in the end the ask was too much. Thro-ughout the tournament there was criticism on many umpiring decisions being poor. The final went the same way. The South Africans were at the receiving end of at least two bad calls. Pity, it did mar the game. Maybe we might have had a tighter finish. The honour of being named "man of the match" went of Muttiah Muralitharan who for the umpteenth time ran through the opposition batting line up. To pick up five wickets in a one day game is quite a rare feat and the off spinner had a rich haul which included Kirsten, Hall, Boje, Klusener and Pollock.

Also, with three Test matches forthcoming it was the ideal tonic to get a psychological advantage.

Congratulations to Sanath Jayasuriya, Dav Whatmore and the team. It was a totally professional effort.

Return to Sports Contents