• Lions rock Pathans
• CR & FC run riot over hapless Old Zahirians
• Havelocks toil
• Asian Test teams to face penalties
• Brothers do proud for Petes rugby
• Royal possessed the better outfit
• Grand Hotel grab Mayor's Cup at Nuwara Eliya
• Formidable Kandy to have gentle workout this season
• Rover pinpoints
• Back Manilal to resurrect football here
• India to play test in Pakistan after 12 yrs.
• Easy for Thailand
• Sampath and Thilan guide Seylan to win over Sampath
• Swim Pool
• Colombo Tennis
• Superb fightback by Police 

Lions rock Pathans

By M.Shamil Amit

Isipatana fluffed with a penalty plumb in front of the posts in the dying moment and thus Trinity, who had earlier lost to St. Anthony's and St. Peter's, pulled off a scintillating win over Isipatana in front of a record crowd at the Sugathadasa Stadium yesterday. 

It was another game where chances were grassed by both teams. But Trinity took advantage of the missed opportunities and fired across two penalties to win the rugby battle. Isipatana were able to put over only one penalty. The final score read Trinity: 6 (two penalties) and Isipatana: 3 (one penalty). At the short whistle the scores were level at 3-3.

Isipatana drew first blood in the first half when in the 12th minute fly half Roshan Peiris made no mistake with the kick, but Trinity was not to be outdone. In the 20th minute skipper and full back Thisal Jayawardana's kick was on target. But from then on it was a matter of missed chances. 

In the 29th minute ace place kicker Roshan Peiris missed a sitter right in front of the post with that it was half time.

On resumption Trinity skipper Thisal Jayawardana put Trinity in the lead with a penalty in the fifth minute of the second half. With Trinity in the lead they went on the attack but fumbled with knock ons. They had possession of the ball in the lineouts and scrummage but to no purpose. In the eighth minute Thisal Jayawardana missed another penalty then again in the 26th he missed another penalty and that put paid of chances in Trinity taking a more secure lead. Isipatana also rocked the boat when in the 18th and 25th minute Roshan Peiris fluffed with two easy penalties. 

With a ding-dong battle on at this stage Isipatana got their chance to equalise in the last minute. Roshan Peiris had one of the easiest kicks in his life to put over but, to the amazement of his supporters, he kicked it astray. 

Discipline is much to be desired when the game is on. Players should be taught to play a clean game and not use their fists. Most of the spectators were not happy with the rugby that was dished out.

Referee: Aruna Jayasekera.

Isipatana won the junior game 20-17.

CR & FC run riot over hapless Old Zahirians

By Bernie Wijesekera

Old Zahirians playing in the top division for the first time played well in patches against a seasoned CR team, who outplayed them in all departments of the game, with their mobile back division. CR who indulged in cohesive rugby which paid rich dividends. Winning much of the good ball their backline made gaping holes in the Zahirian defence.

Asanga Rodrigo manning the last line of defence, constantly formed the overlap to score four smart tries. Asanga himself converted two of them. The red shirts infused a lot of young blood in this opener, impressed quite a lot. Centre Nandilal Perera from Southern Province scored two tries and converted four of them. Flanker Chintaka Abeysuriya scored a try. E. Ekanayake (two) Bohoran and Wegodapola ( a try each) were the others who touched down.

In the second half, Anjula Weerakkody,the hard running winger, who came as a replacement, breezed through the defence to score two tries with blinding speed.

Havelocks toil

The sailors with a never-say-die approach fought a relentless battle in the loose to contain their opponents 12-6 at the breather.

It was the better rugby skills of the Havelocks which helped them to overcome their rugged opponents.

Havies scored through prop Shafie Hassan and winger Lakala Perera. Fullback Kodagoda put over one of the tries and fired the two spot kicks over the crossbar to give the visitors a hard fought victory.

The sailors scored their solitary try through skipper Ranatunga off a third phase attack. Karunaratne who served from the base of the scrum was injured. Sham Pradeep converted the try and put over the two penalties.

Referee Nizam Jamaldeen. (BW)

TODAY: Kandy SC vs Air Force at Katunayake; Army vs Police at Galle Face.

Asian Test teams to face penalties

• Yellow cards in cricket

ISLAMABAD - The four Test-playing nations of Asia - India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are planning to enter an agreement whereby the country which refuses to play any of the other three would face penalties. This and a number of other decisions were taken at the special general meeting of the Asian Cricket Council, which met in Lahore with its president, Lt-Gen Tauqir 

Zia, in the chair this week.

The meeting also finalised the schedule of this year's Asian Test Championship with India playing Pakistan in Pakistan from September 13 to 17. 

The house asked the chairman of the Asian Cricket Foundation, Jagmohan Dalmiya, to suggest penalties for countries who skip a scheduled series. Dalmiya has been given two months to complete this task. 

India had earlier this year cancelled a Test tour of Pakistan and in April pulled out of the Sharjah Cup where Pakistan were one of the participating teams. 

The meeting, that continued throughout the day after a 10 am start, was attended by delegates from all member countries including India. The Indian officials, besides Dalmiya, were A C Muthiah, president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, and its secretary, Jaywant Lele. Zakir Hussain Syed, the Pakistani secretary of the Asian Cricket Council, said that this was clearly the most important decision taken at the meeting. "After

this landmark decision, the International Cricket Council will have to follow suit," he said. "The future of cricket in Asia is very bright especially now when a thaw has been created in Pakistan-India cricket relations." 

The development programme for the region was also approved in the meeting after a long discussion, which Zakir Syed described as a "scientifc package" that covers all areas including coaching and infrastructure.

He said that the major beneficiaries of the package would be the non-Test playing countries and also Bangladesh, the newest entrants to the Test fold. The development plan also includes the appointment of a development manager, three development officers and two consultants. The three development officers will come from Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka and will be interviewed by Tauqir, who also heads the Pakistan Cricket Board. A central coaching academy is also planned with three countries - UAE, Malaysia and Nepal - keen to establish the institute. 

Meanwhile, Tauqir minced no words in saying that if India wanted a resumption in bilateral cricket ties, they would have to come to Pakistan first. "If they want to resume bilateral cricket, India should come to Pakistan. If they don't play against us here we are not playing them in their country." A quadrangular series involving Pakistan, India, Zimbabwe and West Indies is being planned for late February next year, Tauqir said. The series, to be 

staged in both India and Pakistan, has been proposed 

as Zimbabwe will be touring India at that time while the West Indies will be in Pakistan. 

Pakistan have also appointed Karamat Bhandari, a High Court judge, to probe allegations that two of the 1999 World Cup matches against Bangladesh and India were fixed. Pakistan had lost both those matches. 

The ACC meeting was originally scheduled to be held in Sharjah on April 15 but was postponed following a request from some member countries. The development plan which was approved today will be given final shape in a March meeting of the ACC to be held in Kolkata, India. 

-Tehelka.com

Yellow cards in cricket 

Australia has forced further discussions of the issue within the International Cricket Council next month. But it will face entrenched opposition from England, which fears that a system of bookings and sendings-off might lead to escalating disciplinary problems. 

The England and Wales Cricket Board remains wedded to the new disciplinary system of five-run penalties, introduced into the laws last year after being championed by the late Sir Colin Cowdrey. 

"We are not in favour of red and yellow cards," an ECB spokesman said yesterday. "We are keen to see the run-penalty system given every opportunity to have an impact." 

-The Guardian

Brothers do proud for Petes rugby

By Bernie Wijesekera

They gave an impressive performance getting the better of Trinity to win the match after six years, in a rousing contest. 

Dilan's brother Sanjeewa, captained the Peterites in 1995, defeated Trinity in the league and in the KO. tournament. Sanjeewa leading from the front gave a similar performance against Isipatana winning in the league tie and Kayoed then in the knock out. 

According to an official of the Peterite rugby committee they have instilled in the players to maintain the spirit of the game at all costs on and off the field. He said, they have gone to the extent of formulating a player's code for them to adhere at all times. 

Play and enjoy the game. Play by the rules. Do not argue with the referee. Control your temper and not allow temper tantrums to get the better of you even if you are at the receiving end. Never give up. Fight to the bitter end. If you don't lose then you don't know how to win. Be fair at all times. Learn to take defeat. This in turn will help to face setbacks in future life. 

First a gentlemen then a sportsman. everything in life is temporary. St. Peter's had some fine sportsmen, be it rugby or cricket. They may not have donned the Lankan jersey or played Test cricket, unlike at present, but they played and enjoyed the game rather than going for material gains unlike some of the present day sportsmen. As for rugby there were brothers Maurice and Len Silva, Hemish and Rodney Paternott coming to my mind along with the likes of Darrell Wimalaratne Angelo Wickremaratne, Ronnie Gunaratne of yesteryear. 

Then there were two cricketers who I have seen and enjoyed to the hilt with their trail-blazing performances - lefthanded Clive Inman - a world class batsman, who thrilled the fans here and in the meadows of England. Sad to mention today he is struggling to eke out a living in London. 

The other player - Dr. H.I.K. Fernando, one of the best 'keepers' in Asia or for that matter during his time could be tagged as the best among the world. A bachelor, who got married to a pair of gloves like his NCC team-mate Vernon Prins, who got married to a pair of pads. Clive and H.I.K. could have walked into any international team. 

According to sources Sanjeewa and Dilan are the first two brothers, who led the Petes and had tamed the 'lions' under their leadership. The Peterite spirit is really high and Dilan should be able to equal his brother's feat of defeating the rugby crazy Isipatana team with a spirited team effort. The team is being coached by S.W. Chang and assisted by Sunanda Fernando. 

Royal possessed the better outfit

Studying your opponents before a game is a priority and I feel that Royal failed to do that. The day before the game a former well known Isipatana player told me that their three-quarter line is suspect in tackling but their forwards were strong and nippy! This was true of the Isipatana three-quarters where Royal should have capitalized but failed to do so due to some poor handling and slightly slow service from the base of the scrum by Asela Wickremasinghe. 

Skipper Harin Kaluarachchi was outstanding and with Rajith Jayasundera played fine attacking roles. Dev Wijewardene was a tower of strength with his booming kicks. The Royal pack scrummed down very well - technically - and always pressurized the Isipatana pack. No. 8 Suren Mendis needs to plan his moves. More Line-out work for Royal - throws must be spot-on. Basics are important here.

Dushanth Lewke seemed suffocated in the 2nd Row. On vital scrums he should have been moved to No. 8. This lad has a knack for scoring tries. Royal can learn much from this game. Shamil Mohamed played very well - a player worth watching. For Isipatana, the golden rule is - "Take the penalties if that puts you in the lead." Instead they threw away a fine opportunity of scoring 3 points and tried to run the ball amongst their forwards.... which miserably failed - especially against the Royal pack!

Their scrums were untidy as they were hustled by the Royal pack. More scrum practice. They had their chances of scoring but lack of finish deprived them of a couple of tries. Initially their fly-half was not confident enough with the Royal flankers unsettling him. A change by their Coach saw the game change with Isipatana on the attack. Fly-halves have forgotten the 'chip' over their opposing three quarters. If they witnessed the Sri Lanka/Thailand game last week, Nalin Dissanayake's 'chips' were a treat to watch which resulted in 2 fine tries by winger Sanjeewa Jayasinghe.

About the game itself - a game of lost opportunities for both sides - neither side deserved to win or to lose. So the result was fitting. Rugbywise, some good tactical kicking by both teams to relieve pressure. Spectators who were at the grounds earlier witnessed excellent rugby by the Royal Under-17 team who scored a 27 points to nil win against Isipatana. Despite heated situations the game itself was rousing and entertaining. 

Grand Hotel grab Mayor's Cup at Nuwara Eliya

By V.T. Rajah - Our Badulla Sports Correspondent

Twelve teams participated at this tournament organised by the Nuwara Eliya Football Association. Mr. Navin Dissanayake M.P. for Nuwara Eliya was the chief guest and distributed the awards. The only goal for the winners came from the boot of S. Nanayakkara. M. Rafeek, Prasath Kularatne and T.R. Hiller played well for the winners while S. Sagayaraja and P. Dissanayake excelled for the losers. Messrs. Anura de Silva along with C.A.B. Marasinghe and P. Palliyaguru officiated. 

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