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Rohana wins Bangladesh title in style
Anura Rohana our unmatchable Golf Champion who just recently won the National Open followed by the Silver Medal at the Asian Games picked another plum when he gained a smashing victory in the Bangladesh Open to make it the third win in consecutive years. He was given a warm reception and rousing applause at the award ceremony at the Dhaka Golf Club.

The best from India, Pakistan, Bhutan, Nepal and Bangladesh participated in the gruelling 4 round competition where Anura Rohana outmatched stiff competition with excellent rounds of 71, 69, 72 and 69 making a total of 7 under par 281, an absolutely magnificent performance. The runner-up came ten strokes behind him. Lalith Kumara, the other member came trailing behind to take 6th position with scores of 74,70,78 and 75.

Anura Rohana's success is all the more creditable particularly as he has had no opportunities for competitive play since his return from the Asian Games a few months ago. He mourns the lack of opportunities and his colleagues are as mournful. I just cannot comprehend why the Golf Union and the Royal Colombo Golf Club cannot get together and bring in a rescue operation to open the gates for these remarkably talented young men to have opportunities of playing competitive golf to improve their skills.

Its no use having receptions and jumping on the band wagon. These are worthless efforts. I am fearful that if this attitude continues further, some drastic pressure will come down on the authorities. But of course the comforting thought for these neglected few is that there are possibilities with bright prospects that as soon as the new Course comes up in the neighbourhood of Colombo, the crop may be captured and given a better deal of improving their skills. -Tita Nathanielsz

Studying weather patterns would have helped BCCSL
The Division One Premier Trophy 50-over tournament was marred by fickle weather. Even the two semi-final games between Galle CC and CCC at the SSC Grounds and other game between Bloomfield C&AC and Colts CC had to be abandoned due to wet weather after lunch.

Both games were poised for a close contest. But eventually the winners were decided on the preliminary round matches. There should have been an extra day to overcome bad weather. This should have been enshrined to rules pertaining to this tournament - at least in the semis - in fairness to the participating teams. Isn't this bad planning?

The tournament committee of the BCCSL should have studied the weather pattern or got the advice of the Meteorological Department. One-day cricket is not played in miry conditions but in sunny weather for both players and fans to enjoy. Why rush tournament. Even the sponsors are not going to get that mileage.

This has happened in the past, too. It's being continued. Imagine international teams being invited during the monsoons. In the process the visiting teams enjoying a holiday all over the world among the cricketing nations there is an off-season, for the players to relax and be with their families. But in Sri Lanka cricket is being played right round the year. This is bad planning. As a result the game has suffered.

Take the Lankan team participating in the VB triangular series in Australia. They had a six-week tour in South Africa in trying conditions. The players were exhausted. They returned on Dec. 8. After two days took wings - Down Under. The players hadn't any time to be with their families - a weather beaten lot.

How could one expect a reasonably good performance? Even a human body needs a rest, put aside material gains. The World Cup in S.Africa will immediately follow this Aussie tour. Here again, planning has much to do. It should have been better if some young prospects included for the Aussie tour and given the seniors a much-needed rest. (BW)

Scrabble League Moratuwa branch
The Moratuwa Branch of the Sri Lanka Scrabble League will be inaugurated in January 2003. Those who wish to join are requested to request for membership forms from: Prof. Merrill Perera, 70 Koralawella, Moratuwa. Tel: 65-7131 or Mrs. Phoebe Silva, 27/2, Moses Lane, Koralawella, Moratuwa. Tel: 074-212805. Scrabble will be played on Saturday afternoons at the Lions Service Centre, Moratuwa from around 2 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.

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