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Contracts
for Lanka cricketers not renewed despite repeated appeals On February 28, the players contracted to the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka became 'free agents'. In essence their contracts were not renewed. The norm is for the contracts to be renewed before they expire. Board CEO Anura Tennekoon himself admitted as much. Despite repeated appeals to the management no contracts have been forthcoming as yet. They played the ACC final without a contract. The players who have yet to sign contracts have now gone to Sharjah to take on the in-form Kiwis and a full strength Pakistani side. When the Sunday Times asked Tennekoon his reply was, "They wanted some clauses changed and we had to consult our lawyers. But we have given them tour contracts". However he later admitted that tour contracts are given any way. The tour contracts Tennekoon refers to go into effect when the tour starts and obviously end once the tour is over. Fortunately Jayasuriya and his team have taken this setback in their stride as opposed to certain overseas teams who have threatened to go on strike over pay disputes. But to use a
hackneyed phrase kindness must not be taken for weakness. Obviously the
CEO and his staff would have been aware that the contracts were
to expire on the aforementioned date long before they did. The players
whose contracts will be renewed are: CCC
School of Cricket to tour India Imtiaz Ahamed Cricket Academy in Bangalore which is one of the premier institutions for cricket in India has invited the CCC U-17 team for a series of four matches for the "Crown Challenge Trophy". All matches will be of 50 overs each and will be played in Bangalore. CCC team will be led by Thomian cricketer Damith Warusawithana, a stylish top order batsman. His deputy will be Sankha Jayasuriya, U-17 cricketer from St. Joseph's College, who is a right arm medium pace opening bowler. Team's batting will depend on skipper Warusawitharana, Nalandians Sakura Wijetunga, Iresh Sandaruwan and Sandun Vithanage, who will be backed up by left hand opening batsman Tharanga Perera from Isipathana, Thusitha Ranatunga from Bandranayake College, Gampaha, Hiran Weranga from Thurstan College and Chamara Waduge, from Lalith Athulathmudali College, Ratmalana. Bowling will be spearheaded by Jayasuriya who will open the attack with Sandun Withanage and supported by Iresh Sandaruwan and Hiran Weranga for pace, while off spinners Thusitha Ranatunga, Dilan Nayanajith, Lahiru Silva and leg spinner Prasad Liyanage will support the pacemen. Two stumpers
who will be doing duty will be Chamara Waduge and Sakura Wijetunga,
both capable and experienced keepers, who keep for their respective
schools. The team is also expected to visit Chennai and will play St. Patrick's College in another limited over match. The CCC team will be managed by its experienced Coach Nelson Mendis. Sri
Lanka topples China in historic cliff-hanger In a ding dong battle with the ball moving about pendulum-wise were distinctly lucky to nudge China in a cliff-hanger. All credit must go to the Chinese team for their gritty display and also crossing the line. Lankans had to depend solely on the kicking boots of Kandy's dusky fullback, Radhika Hettiarachi who arrowed three good kicks from the front. Before long
China, will be a force to be reckoned with in the Asian region.
They played open rugby and making gaping holes in the Lankan defence.
But lacked finnesse. They have the basics, but lacked the knowledge and experience. A feather in his cap for George. The players were fit and strong and had the stamina and kept a fast pace from the kick-off despite the humid conditions. Where any other team may have wilted, the Chinese Republic have come up in a hard way on and off the field. Economically sound and whatever they do, be it sports or otherwise, they have the ability to match the best in the world. They will do likewise in rugby before long. Uncertain
terms It was poor tackling by the defence that resulted in this solitary try in the match. The Chinese threes ran the ball at every given turn. The entire back division co-ordinted well. In 12 minutes the Lankans were penalised on five occasions by Ref. Mathes Oakley (England). In some quarters as usual it was heard fans shouting. 'Well done Ref.'
But the Ref. was only enforcing the rules but not match-fixing.
To his credit he was fit and ran with the ball with open eyes and
allowed the game to flow. In rucking and mauling they lacked the usual flair. Even faltered in their own long throws. It was an unyielding assault and had the Lankans running for shelter in the process, virtually exhausted. Three quarters
constantly were trying to go solo. They walked into the tight defence.
Hard-running, Sanjeewa Jayasinghe hardly got the opportunity of making a sleek run as he was starved of "good" ball. Whenever got a chance he was brought down like a branch of an Oak tree by the Chinese defence. In the Asiad in Japan China lost to Sri Lanka by one point. Chairman of the selection panel Tikiri Marambe should take note of. Excuses are
not the panacea apparently common among the Lankan sportsmen here.
Coach Tony Amit said he was not happy with the performance. Winning by two points over China, without crossing their line, nothing to crow about. Galle
Rugby Club to join the big league Rugby was introduced to Ruhuna, by Former Havelocks S.C. and Sri Lanka forward, Kumar Abeywardena. Presently Kumar, is the president of the Ruhunu Rugby Union. He is doing much to promote the game. Today rugby is a popular sport among the schoolboys in the district. One of the lads found a place in the Sri Lanka Under 19 youth team, to Japan. Initially two former Royalists and die-hard supporters of the sport Udeka Tennakoon and Hemaka Amerasuriya helped them at grassroots level. The club was fortunate to get the support from Hoodvian Garment's CEO Mr. Ramei who gave them a long-term sponsorship package including job opportunities at their factory in Koggala. It became a reality, thanks to rugby promoter Malik Samarawickrema, who used his good offices to make the package a reality. The lads never looked back since then, Last year the Combined Ruhunu team, defeated a strong Royal 'Sevens' side in the final in an invitation tournament, in a rousing contest. Haren Kaluarachchi led Royal. According to Abeywardena, the boys were keen to play in the top league. A vote was taken and the majority wanted to join the top league. Kumar said, they may get battered and bruised, but the boys are keen to play. Mr. Ramei feels that they should continue to play in the ' B' div. for another season, when contacted by The Sunday Times. Abeywardena's fervent hope that Malik, Will be to get a couple of players, who are sitting on the bench, in Kandy and scrum down for Galle RFC . The youth players in the development squad who are being trained by Hisham Abdeen could play for the Ruhunu club. Galle district lacks a playing field, barring the Esplanade. It's now only being utilized for cricket. The former Minister of Sports, Lakshman Kiriella, after a sympathetic hearing promised them to overcome this long-felt need. He called upon the Ruhunu RFU hierarchy to find a location so that it could be aquired to be used for other sports too, besides rugby. In the past this was the venue for the poor man's sport - soccer, where Galle district produced some of the best national players. -BW
Rover Pinpoints..... This lapse has left the affilates of the billiards and snooker association in disarray and many are wondering as to why the Minister of Sports is allowing such association to run at their whims and fancies which involves much money given to, for the promotion of the sport among the schools and the outstations. No place
to practise - A tidy sum
Sports rule
flouted - Mental
skills for Rugby referees a must But if one takes a public opinion poll in the local scene, but apparently the fans will say that rugby is the most popular sport to enjoy a pleasant evening for a family come rain or sunshine. The fans say there is excitement, thrills aplenty its not a drawl in the end. The game lasts only 90 minutes. A head of a leading school in the metropolis said, a keenly contested school rugby tie helps us to cover all the expenses for the entire season. George Ayoub manager/trainer NSW (Australia) was here on a training seminar on an invitation extended by the Central Prov. Rugby Refs. Society, to educate and train the Hill Capital referees. It was exclusively carried in the S.T. last Sunday. He said, a successful Rugby Ref. must prepare physically, psycologically and emotionally for each match. Initially it will help them to to be in control which attributes for their success or failutre. Rugby being a physical game with a high degree of physical contact and a high level of emotions. Its here the
Ref. has a challenging task to maintain a high standard. He must
be - firm with kind words and could sort out problems with the assistance
of the two linsmen. A referee has to forget all other chores be it home or otherwise when he takes the field. His commitment on the field to make decisions; changes attentional focus; control his reactions to what is going on; predicts where the play will go; deals with people runs and runs and runs - making decision all the while. Attributions: He should possess composure, confidence. Be Prepared: Positive self-belief, ignore distractions, have rapport with players, linesmen and others, be fair and consistent, know your rules (how many of the local refs. are conversant with the rules). This leads to unwarranted problems. George, gave much attention to this area, in his training programme. Be comfortable at all times. Perform within the 'bubble' or 'cocoon' be able to move on once a decision or action has taken place. What Sport Psychology: Technique and skills are required to help in preparing for a match. Goal setting: Coping with distractions. Be realxed: Attentional focus: Imagery and mental rehearsal, Diary/Log Book Checklists. Sports psychology, skills and strategies to rugby refereeing is a 'must'. Its time the Refs. Society focus much attention and educate the referees and the cadets with proper training. This will hep overcome many problems and for the game to progress which is gaining grownd islandwide. Some of the excerpts from the. Referees Page from the IRB bulletin (more to follow in these columns). - (B.W.) |
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