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Jayasuriya
making steady progress-Kontouri
Sri Lanka Cricket Captain Sanath Jayasuriya who is recovering steadily from his dislocated shoulder is expected to work on some bat drill exercises in a few days as he prepares to be fit for the ICC Champions Trophy tournament this month. Speaking to The Sunday Times on Sanath's progress Sri Lanka Physio Alex Kontouri said I removed the sling earlier this week and was quite satisfied with the progress Sanath has made in the last few days. He is currently on a routine Physiotheraphy schedule twice a day with the intention of strengthening his muscles around the shoulder and repairing the damaged ligaments. Kontouri who is working round the clock with the skipper intends to have Sanath at the nets this week. He will start knocking the ball around with the bat and do some bat drill like exercises in the nets this week. However the guy will have a batting session only on September 8, the physio said. According to the physio it is only after Sanath has a good batting session at the nets that the team management will have to decide on his inclusion for the lung opener of the ICC Champions trophy on September 12. Currently Jayasuriya is working hard in the Gymnasium and is expected to join his colleagues and commence his road running next week. Although his movements are restricted it is important that he keeps the rest of the body in prime fitness if he intends to play in the next weeks ICC Champions trophy tournament. -MF Murali
in Jaffna for peace Large crowds are expected to gather at Central College in Jaffna to witness the match which is being played against a Jaffna combined team. Muralitharan will be playing along with wicket keeper Romesh Kaluwitharana and fast bowler Ruchira Perera. Murali told journalists that he is visiting Jaffan after two decades. The last time he visited Jaffna was 21 years ago with his family. He said that sport could promote peace. Soldiers
out to topple CR CR was last year's runners-up to Kandy SC in the final. The Red Shirts, who did well to defeat Kandy SC in the second-leg and thrashed Army 40-17 at Galle Face, to emerge worthy runners-up in the league. But in this do-or-die battle, the soldiers are bound to bounce back to give CR a run for their money with their robust play in the loose. Playing at Nittawela, the soldiers lost by a try to KSC in a hard fought game. At times Kandy were seen back pedalling. The rugged soldiers believe in playing a hard rugby. They have self belief in themselves and are committed to the sport, but not indulging social rugby. Coach Asanga Seneviratne said the players are now more conversant with the rules and has learnt the latent skills. In the process they have minimised their lapses and play to the whistle. They will be at full strength with the return of Ajith Peiris (after a two-week suspension). There are few players in the national squad too. K.H. Karunaratne, Kapila Knowlton and A.P. Fernando, and hard running Naushad in the wing. It's going to be a terrific forwards battle. The rugged soldiers could do much spoiling in the loose. But the CR "eight" has much experience and know-how. Led by granite-hard No. 8, Savantha de Saram, Hawk-eyed wiry Pavithra Fernando, Shamly Nawaz, Roshan Perera and Sumedha Jayasinghe and Viraj Prasanna (hooker) has the edge. CR's defence, too, is sound with utility player skipper Asanga Rodrigo, manning the last line. His ability to form the overlap to support the penetrative CR backline, could make gaping holes in the Army defence. Though CR possess a cohesive back division, at present playing at their peak. But much will depend on their lasting power in the second half. The soldiers will take the field as underdogs and could spring a surprise. In 1962 the Army after winning "C" Division title, qualified to meet CH&FC in the Clifford Cup KO final for the first time. Under Bertie Dias, which team included Dr. Larry Foenander, Lucky Witharane, Oshmund, Edwin, Jayaratne, C.S. Fernando (international soccer player). Imagine CH team (was an all European side) led by Chris Evert. The game was played at Race Course. The gutty soldiers had all cylinders firing to hold CH to a thrill 6-all draw. According to Brig. Douglas Ramanayake, the Chairman of Army rugby, the rules at that time didn't permit the soldiers to share the trophy, but the defending champs retained the Clifford Cup. Unlike today when the rules permit only two foreign players (professionals) to play for a club. It was an all star-studded foreign CH team. The soldiers had them on the run. It's going to be a boiling cauldron at Longdon Place where 30 players will fight tooth and nail to get on top. The 31st figure on the field - the referee, will control the game. He may have to face a verbal barrage from the touch line questioning some of his decisions - especially coming from the elite stand. At times he may make human errors whilst controlling 30 players. Unlike a cricket umpire, he is not assisted by an electronic eye or being paid for adjudicating the game. In the end the game is what matters for all to enjoy. This hotly contested match between two well-drilled teams should be played in the correct spirit sans temper tantrums. To make it a reality the crowds should do well to cheer both teams and maintain its traditions of this beautiful sport. |
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