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24th January 1999

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Have you heard ...

  • Desert Adventures
  • Perera honoured
  • Aravinda leads
  • Easy for Royal,Panadura
  • Desert Adventures

    Emirates and its Destination Management Company, Arabian Adventures, have released great value Dubai packages to encourage golf and tennis fans across the world to attend two major February events - the European PGA Dubai Desert Classic and the ATP Dubai Tennis Open. 
    Emirates is the official carrier for both events. The Dubai Desert Classic takes place from February 11 to 14 at the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club and the ATP Dubai Tennis Open from February 8 to 12 at the Dubai Tennis Stadium. 

    The Emirates/Arabian Adventures packages provide overseas fans with easier access to Dubai and the respective tournaments. Land arrangement prices start from US$ 305 per person for three night's hotel accommodation, airport meet-and-assist and transfers. Hotels are the Seashell Inn, Radisson, Le Meridien Dubai, Jumeira Beach Hotel and the Regent Palace.

    For the Desert Classic, Arabian Adventures also arranges complimentary entry visas to Dubai, admission badges to all four days of the tournament, complimentary official programme, draw sheets and picnic hampers. 

    Tennis fans can purchase packages with or without hospitality and opt for full season or limited access tickets. Hospitality packages entitle them to buffet lunches, afternoon tea and dinner at the stadium. Full season tickets provide access to all tennis matches on all tournament days, while limited access tickets are for the quarter-final and final matches only. Standard inclusions for both packages are seating in the North Stand, VIP Parking and transfers to and from the stadium. 

    As official carrier, Emirates flies in the star golfers and tennis players, the officials and international press. The Dubai Desert Classic is sponsored by Dubai Aluminium and organized by the Dubai World Trade Centre. The ATP Tennis's main sponsor is AGMC/BMW, and organizers are the Dubai Duty Free.

    Other major sports events that Emirates support include the Dubai World Cup (March 28), the Melbourne Cup, the Dubai Rugby Sevens and the UIM Offshore Powerboat Race. 

    Emirates now serves 47 destinations in 37 countries with a fleet of 15 Airbus and nine Boeing 777 aircraft. 


    Perera honoured

    International Hockey Federation at its meeting held in November 1998 at Brussels appointed Jayampathy Perera to the Umpires Committee of the World Hockey Governing Body. The appointed period is for 4 years beginning from January 1999. 

    Jayampathy Perera is the first Sri Lankan appointed to the rare honour. He is the only Sri Lankan who umpired in the Olympic Games at Los Angeles in 1984. He is the only one to achieve the International Class One Olympic and World Hockey Umpiring Grade. Apart from that he has officiated in three consecutive Asian Games-1978 Bangkok, Thailand, 1982 New Delhi and 1986 Seoul, South Korea. He has so far officiated in 68 international matches abroad. 

    He has held many a position in the Sri Lanka Hockey Federation as Vice-President, Hony. Secretary and Chairman Umpires Committee. 

    Some of the functions of this Committee is to appoint umpires to the Olympic and World Cup Games and other International Tournaments conducted by the FIH, organise and conduct seminars, lectures and uniformity in the application of the rules, upgrading of umpires. 

    He is a product of St. Thomas' College, Matale having represented in the Hockey National Championship for State Services and Nationalized Services. 

    He has also been the Secretary of the Colombo Hockey Association. 


    Aravinda leads

    Sri Lanka's Vice captain Aravinda de Silva continued to lead the latest Wisden rankings for batsmen. De Silva has accumulated 1953 runs at an average of 65.10 in 21 Tests played in the last two years. India's Navjot Sidhu has the next best average of 53.35 in 13 Tests. 

    Another Sri Lankan, Sanath Jayasuriya (52.60) occupies the third position followed by Sachin Tendulkar (52.56) , Rahul Dravid (52.19), Steve Waugh (47.23) and Mohamed Azharuddin ( 46.31) South African speedster Alan Donald heads the bowlers list claiming 127 wickets at an average of 19.81 in 23 Tests played in the last two years. 

    West Indian Curtly Ambrose ( 21.07) who claimed his 350th wicket recently is placed second with 75 wickets in twenty Tests. Sri Lankan off spinner Muttiah Muralitharan (22.27) is eighth in the list having captured 122 wickets in 19 Tests.-MF 


    Easy for Royal,Panadura

    Royal College, Panadura, achieved an eight wickets win over Piliyandala Central in their Inter School Cricket encounter Played at Piliyandala. 
    A fighting innings of 73 runs by Prageeth Lakmal and match bag of 7 for 46 runs by Wasantha Hemal contributed for the Royal victory. 
    Royal Panadura - 223 (P. Lakmal 73, D. Mahesh 27, A. Perera 24, A. Weerasinghe 2 for 52) and 43 for 2 (P. Deshabandu 20 not out) Piliyandala Central - 122 (T. A. Weerasinghe 47, G. Dilruk 3 for 5, H. Wasantha 3 for 29) and 144, T. A. Weerasinghe 38, K. Perera 23, H. Wasantha 4 for 17, G. Dilruk 3 for 38).-MJ 


    No.7 and 10 in demand

    By Gamini Perera

    The numerical figure of 7 is usually attributed to luck. But, in football the world over, the number Ten is a perfect score in a scale of one to ten. No. 10 carries a very special significance in football. It is therefore interesting to take a closer look of some of the megastars who have donned the No.10 jersey.

    It was at the turn of this century, a dress code for football was introduced. A law was implemented, which demanded that all soccerites wear a jersey with a number distictively displayed.

    This law was two-fold. Firstly, it was to help the spectators to identify the players. This was a time when spectators were increasing in their numbers and their attendance was soaring at matches. Secondly, the introduction of a numerical identification would help the referees to identify the players without much difficulty.

    Particular allure

    When the great Pele wore the No.10 jersey and began his illustrious career, it gave a particular allure to the number. Pele wore the No. 10 jersey right through his glorious career.

    It is of interest to know that it was Pele who created this new fad. The No. 10 under normal circumstances had been worn only by a deep-lying mid-fielder. It was a time when Brazil switched from the traditional 2-3-5 formation to the 4-2-4. It was this new formation which pushed Pele forward into a striking role.

    It must be stated, that it was also the inherent skills and the ability of the genius in Pele, to move back into the midfield and still be on hand up front to score the goals. This was eventually the birth of the new No. 10.

    Pele model

    Naturally, there were many who followed the Pele model. Of the numerous players who chose to adopt what Pele introduced, those international stars who became successful wearing the No. 10 jersey and doing proud to same are worthy of mention.

    Even in our own land, those who had worn the No. 10 jersey had always been play-makers as well as victors to their respective clubs and to Sri Lanka at national level.

    Eusebio of Portugal, Zico of Brazil, and Platini of France are three legendary players in their own right, who displayed the inherent ability with the No.10 jersey to dictate the destiny of their respective teams.

    More recently, this glamourous number has adorned the jerseys of several other football heroes, who have lifted the sport from the mundane to the sublime. They have captured the hearts of soccer fans the world over.

    Unpredictable genius

    In recent times, Diego Maradona whose unpredictable genius was instrumental in Argentina winning the World Cup in 1986 in Mexico is one who had worn the No. 10 jersey with aplomb.

    Maradona, though lacking Pele's athletic physique has proved to be the modern exponent of the role perfected by the game's greatest player ever - Pele. 

    The next best is that versatile Dutch playmarker, Ruud Gullit. Ruud was one who could play in virutually any position. He was one player, who through the last few years, exerted an extraordinary influence in the revival of his country's fortunes in world soccer.

    There have been other players who have been able to do justice to the No. 10 jersey, though not in the same manner of Pele, Maradona or Gullit.
     

    Lineker and Matthaus


    Two notable players who belong to this category are Gary Lineker of England and Lothasr Matthaus of Germany.

    Of the duo, Lineker of England has left the international scene.

    Though not in the classical mould of a No. 10, Matthaus through the years has proved to be Germany's driving force. His vast experience has had a decisive influence over his team's performances.

    Colombia's Carols Velderrama, a supreme ball artist too belongs to the category of the No. 10s.

    A former South American, Player of the Year, Valderrama known as the "White Gullit'' for his frizzy blond hair is endowed with first class touch skills and could be easily compared with the best in the game today.The next in line is Enzo Scifo who dazzzled as Belgium made the semi-final in 1986.

    Gheorghe Hagi of Romania and Igor Protasov of Russia, two other players with class would bring our list of those great footballers who did jersey No. 10 proud.

    Cruyff and No. 14

    Johan Cruyff took much of the credit for the success of football in the Netherlands. The moment he entered the field wearing the Number 14 on his back, the alarm signal went off in the opponent's defence. The slight, boyish figure with the shoulder length hair was finally to emerge as the Megastar of the World Cup.

    Johan was Footballer of the Year, and an exciting film was running in the cinemas called Number 14. Eveyone in Holland and in the entire European football community knew that it was really the story of Johan Cruyff.

    While still a small child, Johan was to be seen fervently knocking a ball around in the Ajaz Stadium, even more frequently than the professional players. His father had died young and his mother, who lived near the stadium, was employed as a cleaner at the ground. While she was busy cleaning the dressing rooms her tiny son kept himself amused by playing ball.

    The football ground was his second home, and at the end of the day this was to pay off.

    When his club colleague and team mate in the national squad, Keizer was already an established international, Johan was still a junior.

    Johan signed on

    Rinus Michels gave way to his emotions and signed Cruyff on, despite certain physical shortcomings. His first wage was a mere 100 guilders.During his last year at Ajaz it had increased to roughly a million.

    Number 14 was Cruyff's international trademark and a constant reminder of his days on the reserve bench.

    This number was to become his talisman, as No. 10 was to Pele.The No. 14 brought Johan Cruyff fame and fortune.

    In the years ahead, too, the jersey with the No.10 would be worn by many and naturally these players are bound to be burdened with a huge responsibility. They will have to match the style and that creative talent exhibited by their versatile peedecessors.

    Whether they will be able to emulate those gigantic feats of those who wore it with geat success is left to be seen.

    But, one thing is certain. They will be the focus of attention. For, such is the aura that the Number 10 has in the world of football.


    Atrocious weather - a damper on racing.....

    Eight-year-old Bobby Grant wins Dipper Novices Chase in very heavy 'going'

    By Ismail Khan

    Atrocious weather conditions in the United Kingdom, Ireland, France and the Continent robbed horse racing of its planned out programmes allowing only Newcastle, Northern England and Lingfield, All Weather Flat, to go through their programmes, and that too on very heavy going.

    The centres that were chopped off due to inclement weather were - the ambitious well laid out programme at Ascot, the one at Warwick and Naas, Ireland. Even during the coming weeks there is a big doubt over National Hunt meets being put through because as I write this piece news is trickling in that the situation in Britain is becoming worse. There is rain, sleet and in some places snow is falling heavily. Let's hope everything will be hunky dory as time goes on allowing us the privilege of enjoying in our favourite past-time.

    In any case All Weather Flat programmes are sure to run the whole gamut as these courses were especially prepared for contingencies like these. So, there's that little silver lining at the end of our racing rainbow, which should keep your spirits alive.

    Now then Saturday last 16.01.99 Newcastle went through its planned out programme though in the slush the principal race being the Northern Echo Dipper Novices Chase a Grade Two event for 4-year-old and upwards run over 20 furlongs and 17 fences, which went to C. Grant trained Bobby Grant. 

    An 8-year-old novice chaser Bobby Grant had fair form been placed in most of his recent outings, the latest being at Wetherby where he finished a well beaten third to Ardent Scout on 28/12 beaten nearly six lengths. So, at a rating of 114 which was second best and with 11.5 to shoulder with Ron Supple astride he made light work of his opposition to give them a sound beating having 2 1/2 lengths to spare over the runner-up Course Doctor on whom his rider tried forcing tactics which eventually failed very badly.

    The winner at 9/2 was snapped up largely at most Colombo betting shops punters going for the jockey Ron Supple more than the horse Bobby Grant. The almost odds-on 10/11 favourite No Retreat with good form to back him up never at any stage of the race looked like getting his act together finally coming a-cropper halfway round.

    Horse to follow from this event - both the winner Bobby Grant and the runner-up Course Doctor. They have many more wins in them and in the mud too. So follow them when the 'going' is heavy mostly in North England courses where they are based.

    Newcastle opened the day on a not so promising note the favourite Cadillac Jukebox being beaten 7 lengths by Dangerman the second choice, at 2/1. The claimer who rode Cadillac Jukebox I thought did not do justice to the horse who is just coming to form having a good 3rd against him at Catterick on 7/1 behind Uniform in a 18 horse event. If he was given the necessary assistance, I thought he would have spread-eagled the field, that is not taking away anything from the eventual winner Dangerman who ridden by Ron Garritty ran a capital race. Horse to follow Cadillac Jukebox the runner-up. He will win hands down anywhere next outing but with a good rider on his back.

    The next race went to D. Whillams trained 11-year-old Peter who beat Parson Boy running away by 18 lengths. Ridden by Peter Niven, Peter made every post a winning one in this 30 furlong Ranside Catering Handicap Chase over 24 fences. Peter ploughed through the slush well and he is one to follow when the going is heavy anywhere in Britain. Of course if he has Peter Niven on his back so much the better.

    That brings us to race number three at Newcastle which went to G.M. Moore trained 7-year-old Major Sponsor who beat Lord Lamb 13 lengths, simply drawing away from the poor lot. This Hennessy Cognac Novices Hurdle Qualifer was run over two miles and 9 flights.

    The horse to follow from this event-the winner Major Sponsor who is sure to repeat on heavy going.

    The Renate Services Handicap Chase over 20 furlongs and 17 fences went to J. Jefferson trained Danbys Gorse at 11/2 from Burnt Imp. Although beaten 3 lengths by the winner, Burnt Imp was not disgraced. He is the one to follow next time out.

    Race number five was won by L. Lungo trained Birkdale who gave rider Ron Supple the first of his two winners. Birkdale beat Seven Towers by 7 lengths over a distance that the runner-up did not like very much. Over an extended distance Seven Towers will place to good advantage. Birkdale was one of the few favourites which obliged.

    The Northern Echo Dipper Chase was won by, as I said earlier, Bobby Grant from Course Doctor. Horse to follow - Bobby Grant. Incidentally Ron Supple completed his double on Bobby Grant.

    The last race on the Newcastle card Saturday last 16/1 was won by Enborne ridden by S. Durack who took the Shoveler National Hunt Open flat race over two miles by 2 1/2 lengths from Ron Supple ridden Head For The Hills who valiantly tried to upset the odds on the 11/2 choice the winner. The favourite in the event Supreme Fortune at 7/4 ridden by claimer A. Dempsey did not act well on the heavy going and should be noted when the going is soft or good to soft. Horse to follow - the runner-up Head For The Hills who will run well over an extended trip - maybe 20 furlongs of a flat or even a novices hurdle.

    So that was that at Newcatle Saturday last. At least we must be thankful for the stewards to have agreed to run the races even on the heavy 'going' at this centre. I hope next weekend's racing would be gone through unhampered. This is Yours Sincerely signing off till next week. Happy hunting till then.


    South African heroes grasp the reality of faith

    By Bernie Wijesekera

    Faith and Christianity have played a decisive role for them to reach the top. S.A. skipper Hansie Cronje, - a sportsman par excellence, Jonty Rhodes - the world's greatest fielder and Shaun Pollock one of the finest allrounders in modern day cricket, at the age of 23, vouch that faith has been a cornerstone for their success in sports.

    They played a decisive role for S.A. to emerge as one of the frontline cricketing nations after their admission to the portals of the ICC. It's not a miracle, but it's the truth. 'Truth is the greatest religion'

    Bill Lawry, the well-known cricket commentator, gives a lucid description of Cronje. He is a gentleman, but also a tough character. Undoubtedly he is a man of steel, an able leader, who leads by example but still a humble man. He is the most successful captain after he took over the reigns from Kepler Wessels, born in S.A. but also opened batting for Australia. Both are Christans and have faith in Jesus.

    The turning point in Hansie's career in life occured in 1992, while on his way for a cricket match, when he was involved in a fatal car accident, in which a small girl was killed. He was deeply shocked by the accident and the impact and grief that such a young life lost caused him to question the purpose of his life. It made him to think to himself where will I go if I died. That was the day that he turned his life to Faith (over to Jesus). 

    Despite being one of the world's foremost cricketing nations, it puts him under pressure. In the midst of this he still has the time to go out of his way to meet people help them in their hour of need, including the media. Lawry says his pleasant character and humble nature has been a powerful witness in this unpredictable world of international sport. Hansie, despite a tight schedule with other Christian members of the team has the time to pray and be with the Lord, Lawry adds.

    The other player is mercurial Jonty Rhodes - the acrobatic fieldsman, who has won accolades worldwide - including in Sri Lanka, when he scored a match saving test 100 at the Moratuwa Stadium. The Cricket world loves Jonty. He hails from a family where his parents played a vital role for his upbringing with a religious background. His popularity could be seen when crowds, young' uns cry for his autograph. He, too was brought up in an Anglican background. According to Rhodes, cricket is an up and down game. If you succeed then you are happy if you fail which is more often than not, then you get stressed out. That's part of life when everything is temporary. "I think that's the greatest witness." It's living on your faith because you can easily say things in the press, but at the middle out there when someone drops a catch, your true character comes through.

    Mark Taylor, the most successful Aussie test captain - a world class opener has to comment about the trio. Hansie Cronje is a highly respected cricketer. He has led the team from the front especially in the overs game. Jonty Rhodes is a live-wire in the field where he ranks among the best in the world. Nobody enjoys the game than him. Shaun Pollock is a genuine allrounder with both bat and ball and in the field.

    Alan Donald ranked as White Lightning by the world press. He says that his team-mates Hansie, Jonty and Shaun are dedicated not only in their cricket, but also in the Faith, which has helped them immensely. They are wonderful guys to play with. Hansie, has changed a lot after that fatal accident. That's what changed his life and made him a dedicated Christian.

    Steve Waugh, the current Aussie vice-captain in test cricket and one day skipper, rated high in the Wisden (the Cricketer's Bible) and acclaimed as the best and one of the most influential figures in the Aussie cricket circuit. His comments are worth reading. "Hansie is a good player to play against. He plays hard, but still adheres to the rules of the game. He lifts the morale of the players around him. We generally have a chat after the game. He generally takes seriously about the game on the field, but all is forgotten; that's why cricket is a great game of character building. He commands the respect from his players and always humble about most things. He hasn't a big head". 

    Jonty Rhodes, a very good player to lift others around him. He is the key to their side, whenever they are on the field. Even when he is 12th man he lifts the morale of his team-mates.He's very unselfish and sets an example to the others in the team. He is a good batsman at the top when the chips are down.

    This scribe testifies to Jonty's faith and humble ways. He autographed a snap saying 'Bernie thanks for the kind words'.

    What Steve had to say about Pollock. ' He's a quality bowler. A guy give'.

    "God has given me the gifts and it's upto me to use them well" says Pollock. Finally Shaun adds 'I think I've been given God to play cricket and until I get inklings to go another way, I will continue playing cricket for the Lord's glory'.

    Many great sportsmen believe that simplicity and faith go hand in hand on the longer runs. Thus Hansie, Jonty and Shaun have won admiration for their success in sport, but still lead a simple life as everything is temporary. 


    'God's gift to you is life. What you do with it is your gift to God'

    St. Anthony's, Katugastota reigns supreme in U-13 cricket

    By Shane Seneviratna

    St. Anthony's College Katugastota emerged joint champions in the Horlicks Trophy All Island Division I Under 13 Tournament final concluded at the Police Grounds, Kandy. 

    This is the fourth year that St. Anthonys have emerged champs in this contest. In the first year they won the title under the captaincy of Nafees Nizam beating Matara St. Thomas College in 1995. 

    This was followed in 1996 when they emerged joint champions with Maliyadeva College, Kurunegala, under the captaincy of P.D. Ranawaka. 

    In the third year (1997) they became joint champions once again, this time with St. Sebestian's Moratuwa, under the captaincy of Nipuna Ratnayake. In the year 1998 they became joint champions with St. Peter's College, Colomobo. This team was captained by allrounder G. K. G. Madiwala. 

    Mr. Ranjith Colombage, an Old Sylvestian, who was a fine allrounder in his time, has been coaching St. Anthony's since 1995. To date he has been responsible for the victories achieved by the team. 

    St. Anthony's is the only school that has won the Division I title four successive years and has thus created a record in junior cricket. 

    Mr. Colombage has been responsible for producing cricketers like Nafees Nizam who represented the Sri Lanka U-15 team in the Mini World Cup Tournament held for the first time in England. Tyronne de Silva was also one of Mr Colombage's products. Tyronne was the under 13 Schoolboy Cricketer in 1997. 

    The St. Anthony's team is pictured here. (L-R) Standing - S. Malalagama, N. J. Chitrasena, D.C. Jayasekare, M.I.R.Izlan, H.M. Rikaz, M.P. Karunatilake, L. Pattapola, K.P. Paliyakkara, S.G. Weerabahu, C. A. Kulatunga, D.C. Silva, ( L-R) Seated - I. S. Mutukumara, Mr. D. Chandrasoma (M.I.C.), S.V. Wijesiri, K.G. Madiwala, (C) Rev. Father, Hilarion Fernando, (Rector) P.D. Vitanage (V.C), M. Imran, Mr. R. Colombage (Coach) D.C. Perera. 


    Allrounders: A rare breed 

    By Ramesh Joseph

    What constitutes a great all-rounder? 'Broadly, he may be a batsman who can bowl , a bowler who can bat". However, this is not enough. For, will you call a batsman who just turns his arm-over a bowler and vice-versa?

    It will be apt to say, broadly a batsman who can bowl well, a bowler who can bat well, may be termed as an allrounder.

    Actually, he should be a supremely gifted player who by his individual effort, with either bat or ball, can swing a game around on its axis, transforming defeat into victory.

    Wasim Akram (Pakistan), Carl Hooper (West Indies), Steve Waugh (Australia), Chris Cairns (New Zezland) and Shaun Pollock (South Africa). These are good allrounders who have put their best foot forward in both the major departments of the game and have endeavoured their best to seize the game by the throat.

    There are other young cricketers who are now fast developing into to allrounders such as Lance Klusener (S.Africa), Jacques Kallis (S.A.), Robin Singh (India), Nathan Astle (New Zealand), Azhar Mahmood (Pakistan), Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka) and Amir Sohail (Pakistan).

    However, it must be admitted that compared to the giants of the last two decades, the all-rounders of the present era are not a patch on them, being several notches below.

    Allrounders of the class and calibre of Ian Botham, Kapil Dev, Imran Khan and Sir Richard Hadlee ruled the roost. Stands in the stadia around the world have reverberated to the thunderous applause for their electriflying feats.

    The present times, however, witness less number of outstanding all-rounders and their performance are not stupendous by any standard, particularly when compared with the past-masters.

    While today, Sri Lanka, India, England and Zimbawe- have no allrounders worth the name, South Africa abounds in such gifted players. Apart from Shaun Pollock, Lance Klusener and Jacques Kallis, there are two more in captain Hansie Cronje and Pat Symcox the tall off-spinner. However, Cronje bowls in short spells and that too not regularly, and Symcox has been in and out of the side.

    Shaun Pollock, is commonly thought to be the most awkward customer to bat against. One of the tallest cricketers amongst the present lot, he combines rhythmical start with appreciable pace and bounce. Batting at No.7, he can plunder runs and can turn the tide when the team is in desire straits.

    A sturdily built right hand batsman, Carl Hooper is an impossible player to contain. As they say, an on-drive is the hall-mark of a good player, no one executes it quite as well as Hooper. His defence is impregnable, but then suddenly without warning, the tempo of his sedate innings will change to despatch the ball. As an off-spinner with a short start, he is very cunning and brainy as he can fox a batsman with a straight one and a leg-cutter without changing the action.

    After the retirement of Imran Khan, Wasim Akram filled the breach ably and excelled both in batting and bowling whenever conditions were right. He is a wonderful cricketer in a purple patch, a time when he could do no wrong. His greatest asset is his inswinger and away-swinger which he bowls at will, and when bowling over the wicket his yorker is lethal. 

    Steve Waugh, the most experienced all-rounder amongst the present generation, never gives less than his best. He constantly plays strokes against the best of the bowlers and bowls his cutters with accuracy and ability to surprise.

    From amongst the younger ones, Lance Klusner, Jacqes Kallis and Azar Mahmood appear to have a bright future. All these three are medium pace bowlers and promising batsmen.

    Sri Lanka has really no genuine allrounders. Actually, Sanath Jayasuriya started his career as a leftarm spin bowler and a lower order batsman, but suddenly he exploded on the cricket scene as an explosive opener. This eventually limited his scope as a bowler. However, efforts are now afoot to develop Jayasuria as a bowler by giving him longer spells. But his image as an attacking batsman will be more durable.

    India produced a number of worthy all-rounders of class. However Indian cricket then suddenly experienced a drought for a considerably long time before and after the golden era of Kapil Dev. The drought continues till today.

    In world cricket today, while we have a galaxy of scintillating batsmen for the openers' slot and for the middle order positions, truly great allrounders have become a rare commodity. High class versatality is at a discount, really.


    George Gunn: Who scored 777 n.o.

    By Marcus Joseph

    From the commencement of this noble game of cricket, England has produced many cricketing greats, but amongst all of them the name, of George Gunn is recognised as one of crickets strongest figures. 

    Nottingham, the county he played for as far back as 1903, in later years, somewhere in the mid-forties, included renowned cricketers of the calibre of Joe Hardstaff and R. T. Simpson, but Gunn's achievements are unparalleld. 

    He possessed a genius for batting, and seemed to delight in annoying bowlers and fielders - his contemporaries said he could score a century in an hour or in four hours under the same conditions, depending on his mood. 

    Recuperating from TB in Australia in 1912, he replaced an injured batsman and scored a century on his Test debut. There were so many interesting stories connected to this legendary figure particularly after his retirement from his brief Test career and first class cricket. 

    Here is one:- In 1919 a local amateur cricketer challenged George to a single wicket competition for a £100 side wager, a considerable amount those days. When George refused the invitation the amateur persisted and badgered George for weeks. Eventually, determining to teach the amateur a lesson he accepted the challenge. (An extract from the book 'County Champions'). 


    Lanka Bell shines at Rugby Sevens

    By S. Sivendran

    Lanka Bell the " babes " of mercantile rugby sevens fielded a team at the Mercantile Seven - a - Side rugby tournament and became the cynosure of everyone with their splendid performance at this tournament even thoughLanka Bell was established in Sri Lanka only about two years back and with its limited talent sans outstanding schoolboy rugby players and national players.

    They did well to end up within the best eight teams out of twenty-nine teams that took part in this tournament and qualified to play in the cup championship and made a great impact in this tournament. The Lanka Bell players also created a great impression in the manner in which they conducted themselves on and off the field and proved themselves to be good ambassadors and flagbearers of Lanka Bell in their smart blue and red rugby outfit.

    On the 14th Lanka Bell lost to Sampath Bank "B" by 7 points to 10 points, but went on to beat Bits and Bites by 5 points to nil and Seylan Bank "B" by 14 points to 10 points in their Group Roundrobin matches and earned its elevated place among the best eight teams to compete for the cup championship. The second best teams played for the Plate championship and the third team in each group played for the Bowl championship.

    Lanka Bell in its first ever entry into the cup championship quarter-finals was pitted against John Keells "A", one of the most senior teams in the mercantile rugby tournament and who have been dominating mercantile rugby sevens since its inception with several Sri Lankan players in addition to some of the best schoolboy rugby players to boot. Inspite of its limited rugby resources Lanka Bell played gamely and lost to John Keells "A" by 54 points to nil. Though defeated they were not disgraced as John Keells "A" went onto win the cup championship by winning the semi-finals and the finals.

    The team that made Lanka Bell proud at this tournament comprised Manosh Premachandra (Captain), Lionel Gunawardane, Hussain Onali, Shirley de Silva, Rodney Mendis, Pradeep Udayakumar, Fahim Mohamed, Nishtaque Ahamed, Ranil Fernando and Mirzadeane. The manager of the team was S.Sivendran and the coach was Chandrashan Perera.

    With the coming of the new managing director of Lanka Bell Vijendran Watson, who is an ardent rugby enthusiast and who was a great promoter and benefactor of rugby during the early nineties, when he was the managing dlrector of Mobitel before he left to Australia, Lanka Bell rugby is sure to grow from strength to strength which will benefit outstanding schoolboy rugby players in particular and Sri Lanka rugby in general. In the years to come Lanka Bell rugby will be a power to be reckoned with, with him at the helm.

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