John de Niese leads CRC

By Annesley Ferreira

Former Thomian John de Niese will captain the Colombo Rowing Club team in their quest for honours at the 65th Madras/Colombo regatta in Madras on Saturday August 14.

The women's team will also participate in this regatta with both teams leaving for Madras on Wednesday August 11.

The men's team will participate in the A & B Fours, A & B Pairs and A & B sculls while the women's team will row in the fours, Pairs and sculls.

The winners of the A fours will be awarded the Boat Race Trophy, the A pairs the Anverally Trophy and the A sculls the Mulla Trophy with the veterans fours winning the Friendship Trophy.

The men's overall champions will be awarded the Beepan Trophy with the women's winners being awarded the Madras / Colombo Centennial Cup.

The men's team will comprise John de Niese, K.E. Seneviratne, K.R. Jeerasinghe, A.E.W. Abhayaratne, M.V.P. de Silva, D.Devasagayam, D.S. Seneviratne, J.T.M. Cooray, M.U. Fatharally, K. Keerthisinghe, A.K. Gunawardena (Coach).

Women- M.R. Gunawardena, S. Mendis, M.S. Gunawardena, A. Premaratne, M. Amarasinghe.

Officials - Rohan Fernando, M.L. de Silva, I. Welikala.

Ports and HNB figure in draw

By Ravi Nagahawatte

Reigning champs Hatton National Bank had a tough time against Ports Authority before earning a honourable 39 all draw on the opening day of the Western Province Netball Tournament which commenced at Police Park yesterday.

The Ports Authority team provided the shocks from the start and rattled the much fancied HNB side by taking a surprise 11-9 lead at the end of the first quarter.

However that cracking start taken by the Ports Authority team did not prove to be a fluke as they continued their dominance by taking the second and fourth sets of the match. Their only set- back was when they were edged out 7-12 in the third set by HNB.

The Ports Authority team were spurred on by an energetic display by Muditha Dissanayake and Manoji Pathirana who shone both in attack and defence. The winning team comprised five national players while favourites HNB had six national stars in their line-up. Both teams have two more matches each before the winner will be dicided on points.

Ports Authority now meet Track Masters while HNB meet Speed Birds in two decisive matches which will be worked off this morning when the tournament commences at 9 am.

Meanwhile the HNB authorities have given notice that they will not be available on the final day of the tournament which is scheduled for August 15.

A total number of 82 teams participated in this tournament .

Apart from the senior matches several schools teams have entered teams for the Under 12, Under 15 and Under 19 Championships.

In contention for the Under 19 school's title are reigning champs St.Anthony's Balika Katugastota along with St.Joseph's Nugegoda, Holy Family Convent Bambalapitiya, Sirimavo Balika, Anula Vidyala Nugegoda, Kalutara Balika and Swarnamalee Balika.

The tournament is conducted by the Western Province Netball Association and sponsored by ICLM-IC Marketing Private Limited. .

Ranjit dies in Singapore

It is with deep sorrow that we record the death of attorney-at-law, advocate Ranjit De Silva, a former vice president of the Board of Control for Cricket in Singapore yesterday.

He was an outstanding sportsman having captained the University of Sri Lanka, Peradeniya in seven sports including cricket and soccer.

An Old Boy of St. Benedict's College, Kotahena, he passed out as an advocate from the Sri Lanka Law College, where he captained the Law College cricket XI.

He was a former president of the Lions Club of Modera/Mattakkuliya and was also a former executive committee member of the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka. He was also chairman of the Human Rights Centre and specialised in Labour Law and Human Rights.

Royal Household Golf Club royally restricted

Kevin Pilley writes quite an interesting story about Golf in the Royal Household and I reproduce some areas which I am sure you will enjoy reading. He says -

It is perhaps the most exclusive golf club in the world, members come from all walks of life and don't pay initiation fees or dues. The most privileged members are born into the club.

The club's two courses do not appear in any guide books or telephone directories. Nor are the members allowed to talk about the club to outsiders. When they sign their scorecards at the end of a round it is tantamount to signing the Official Secrets Act.

Photographs are not allowed at either of the courses of the Royal Household Golf Club in Great Britain - nine holes at Windsor Castle in London and nine more at the Queen's summer residence at Balmoral in Scotland.

The course at Windsor officially called Windsor Home Park was laid on the instructions of King Edward VII in 1901 by Muir Ferguson who made alterations four years later. The nine-hole layout has 18 tees and its fairways have been narrowed enormously since several acres were fenced off for grazing by the Queen's horses

One particular tee shot at Windsor can be quite intimidating. The drive must carry the Royal Family's pet cemetery in which are buried all sorts of animals from horses used by the Queen in ceremonial occasions to her beloved Corgi dogs.

The barking of the live Corgis along with the occasional trumpet fanfare are two other hazards faced by golfers at Windsor.

The course winding through the heather and bracken over the grounds of Balmoral Castle in Scotland is played by those on duty when the Oueen visits the Highlands in August and September for the annual Braemar Games. Jimmy Gibb designed the nine-holer in the early 1920s.

A third Royal Household course was located at Sandringham in England between the two world wars but was ploughed up in 1940.

The Royal Family has a golf history albeit scant in the 1920s and 30s and the sons of King George V were avid players. Edward VIII took on visiting heads of states, military leaders and distinguished politicians on his home turf at Balmoral during his brief reign.

Edward scored what is believed to be the Royal Family's only hole in one at the 265-yard sixth at Royal Wimbledon Golf Club in London when he was Prince of Wales and Captain of the club.

Royal Status

There are 20 clubs accorded "Royal" status in England. The oldest is Royal Blackheat founded in 1608. The Berkshire Golf Club near Windsor had its "Royal" status revoked years ago when the King's caddie was refused entry into the clubhouse.

Scotland has 10 "Royal" clubs including the Roal and Ancient. Wales has two Northern, Ireland four and Africa six. There are eight in Australia four in Canada and three in India including Royal Calcutta - the oldest Club in the world outside the United Kingdom. There is also the Royal Colombo Golf Club in Sri Lanka established in 1879. The Royal Household Golf Club boasts the most exclusive membership. Today anyone serving the Royal Family - from bodyguards to civil servants to maintenance people to ladies in waiting to the royals themselves - are eligible for membership.

When the Queen or any member of the Royal Family is in residence at Windsor or Balmoral only members of the Royal Household Golf Club and their families are allowed access to the course. When the Royals are out of town guests are allowed but only with members. And guests pass a rigorous government security check.

At Windsor the regiment or battalion occupying Combermere Barracks and Victoria Barracks is allowed a limited number of associate membership and they may play the course on weekdays if the Queen is not in residence.

Golfing Prince

Prince Andrew is the only member of the Royal Family who plays golf. He took up the game in recent years and is a 10 handicapper. He is a keen observer of the game and has made many visits to the British Open. Andrew reportedly is unbeaten at match play at Windsor.

The Royal Household Golf Club has its own idiosyncratic code of course etiquette. Members of the Royal Family are allowed highest preference according to the descending line to the throne. Prince Charles has priority over everyone except the Queen of course and she doesn't play. His sons Princes William and Harry must be allowed ahead of the Duke of York.

For commoners a royal steward has priority over a royal equerry (horseman) who has precedence over a toastmaster who has precedence over a footman but not a lady-in-waiting. The royal bag-piper has no standing on the course. And contrary to popular opinion slow play is not punished by beheading.

More thoroughbreds from India for August meets at N -Eliya

The Sri Lanka Turf Club will hold its August race meet this year on Sunday August 15.

There will be eight races run on that day and the new features of the day will be three races for thoroughbred horses. These races are being sponsored jointly by Poonawalla Stud & Agri Farm, Pune, India and Monaro Master Divers PVT and also Chandran Rutnam.

With the recent increased arrivals from India further new horses will make their debut, namely: "Libo Queen" and "Greatway" both owned by Gamini Kodituwakku. Helmut Hendricks has entered thoroughbred's for the first time, namely "Be Busy" and "Stability". Mrs Shantha De Zoysa has entered "Savage," a newcomer. Entries for 41 runners have been received and it will be a very competitive racing.

"Libo Queen" is the star attraction as he has raced in Class (1) in India and it will be interesting to observe how the handicapper will place him in the free handicap.

Sponsors for the other races include Dr M.S Noohu, Gamini Kodithuwakku, M/s Chariot Fast Foods, Asian Wings Ltd. and Sporting Times Co. Ltd. The races will commence by 9.30 am. Rajah Sannathurai, Hon. Secretary states that there will be several exciting races.

Prosepectus For August Race Meeting.

Poonawalla & Monaro Promotion Cup.

For Thoroughbred Horses (H'Cap) (Div. 1) 8 FURS

Winner Rs. 30,000 -2nd Rs 6,000/= 3rd RS.4,000/=

Chandran Rutnam Cup for Thorougbred Horses( H'Cap) {Div.2} 7 FURS Winner Rs.20,000/= 2nd Rs 6,000/= 3rd Rs.4,000/=

Master Divers Cup for Thoroughbred Horses {H'cap}[Div.2] 5 FURS Winner Rs.10,000/= 2nd Rs.6,000/= 3rd Rs. 4,000/=

Horses in Div.1. (eligible to enter.)

Gamini Kodituwaku Cup for 3/4 bred horses (H'Cap) 7 FURS

Winner Rs. 7,000/- 2nd Rs. 4,000- 3rd Rs. 2,000/-

Dr. Noohu Cup For halfbred horses (GR. 1) (H'Cap) 7 FURS

Winner Rs. 5,000/- 2nd Rs 3,000/-3rd Rs. 1,500/-

Chariot Fast Food Cup for Halfbred horses (GR.2) { H. Cap} 5 FURS

Winner Rs 5,000/- 2nd Rs. 3,000, 3d Rs. 1,500/-

Asian Wings Cup for Ponies Class II (H'cap) 5 FURS

Winner Rs. 2,000/- 2nd 1,000/- 3rd Rs 750/-

Stewards Cup for Ponies Class III. (Free H'cap) 5 FURS.

Winner Rs 1,750/-, 2nd Rs 950/=, 3rd Rs. 700/-.

Rover pinpoints.....

What a name?

A leading sports controlling body which is in a mess already was heard to be called all kinds of names around the clubs who are affiliates of this sport. The most common nickname being Nickleeson.

Missing lamp.

The traditional Olympic day run was held in the Hills recently with a large number participating showing how successful the organisation was. But also could it be true that when the runners returned they found the oil lamp missing.

Dance to the baila.

The house warming ceremony for the newly built three storied building was held in the hills a forninght ago. Present on this occasion were all the exco members who wound up dancing the baila. Mokuda Unne Series 2.

Whose conern is it?

Two ladies who had come to witness the inter Association Netball championships were bitten by a stray dog at the Sports Ministry grounds last Sunday.

One lady had rushed to the closest private hospital who wanted her to pay Rs 30,000 to examine her and for medicines, which gave her the shock of her life. However she made her way to the Central Hospital and got the injection necessary and advice at no cost.

Rover learns the other lady was wiser making her way to the Central Hospital at once.

The talking point was when this was brought to the notice of the Security Officer he point blankly replied that this is not his concern. Rover also learns that a leading figure from the Netball Federation had brought this to the notice of the Sports Minister who was the chief guest.

Bootlicker volunteers by force.

Rover learns that the bootlicker looking for cheap publicity had telephoned the big wigs at the Radio Sri Lanka (SLBC) and inquired whether he could conduct a seminar for the cricket commentators for the forthcoming three nation and Australia Test series. Rover feels that the bootlicker should be given tuition first for his mispronounciations.

Well said!

Dav Whatmore said it all: "My discussions on the new contract were done with Mr. Skandakumar". The cricket coach was responding to a question by a reporter at a news conference last Monday. His remarks can now lay to rest speculation as to who persuaded him to re-take the job he quit three years ago.

Talking of discipline

Rover learns that several past cricketers and administrators have been shaken by the appaling conduct of Aravinda de Silva who earlier in the week abused and threatened a mediaman. One has said that the sacked vice captain should tender an apology. But another has regretted that the Cricket Board, to whom the cricketers are answerable, have never been able to enforce accepted codes of conduct for its employees. How true, Aravinda de Silva himself seemed to have felt honoured by showing this bat to a spectator in an out-burst of retaliation as he admitted the other day on a television show.

Why the sudden change?

Table tennis players who were training under the Chinese coach got down by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports for the forthcoming South Asian Federation Games (SAF) Rover learns have been changed. These players a few of them juniors have been put under Mahinda Ellepola. Does the Ministry know about this and what action do they hope to take?

Protest against threats

The Free Media Movement has issued the following press release at the abusive language and alleged threats directed at Reuters'photographer Anuruddha Lokuhapuarchchi.

We strongly protest at the abusive language and threats directed against Anuruddha Lokuhapuarachchi, Reuters, Photographer, and Treasurer, Free Media Movement, by Aravinda de Silva, former Vice Captain of the Sri Lanka cricket team. Mr. Hapuarachchi was subjected to these insults when he was covering the first practice session of the Sri Lanka Cricket team with the coach Dav Whatmore. We consider it an obstruction of the media in carrying out its professional duties.

We are aware that in the recent past, there have been various conflicts in the field of Cricket, and that today, these conflicts have become politicized. We do not wish to have any involvement in this situation. It is the responsibility of the authorities concerned to find a solution. However, we feel, no one has a right to impose restrictions or intimidate media personnel carrying their legitimate duties.

The Free Media Movement, therefore, strongly condemns the actions of Aravinda de Silva and calls upon all those concerned, to ensure that such incidents do not take place in the future.

Izzamudeen heads Wrestling Coaches

M.F.M.Izzamudeen was elected the President of the inaugural Coaches and Referees' Association for Wrestling at the meeting held at Asoka Vidyalaya.

Present at his inaugural meeting were 29 former grapplers who had been involved in the promotion of the sport.

The others elected on this day were:

Patrons: The Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, S.B Dissanayake, and Hemasiri Fernando, President, National Olympic Committee,

Vice Presidents: H. Obeysekera, R. Rodrigo, R. Wijeratne, Tudor Perera, J. Piyaratne,

Secretary: W.S Boteju,

Assistant Secretary: M.B Nagaratne,

Treasurer: S. Perera,

Assistant Treasurer: Edwin Perera,

General Committee: N.H Lakshman Neville Devasiri, Sarath Perera, A. Dissanayake, S. Baptist.

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