• South African tour 2002

In search of the unprecedented

By Ranil Prematilake

It seems as if the thinking lines of the selectors have been focused on rattling the South Africans with raw pace or may be medium pacemen which comprise seven of the 17-member touring party reaching the African continent this week.

It has become the exception rather than the rule of persisting with young players of promise coupled with talent. Charitha Buddhika Fernando, one of the rare seam bowlers with the ability to swing the ball both ways finds himself in the dark despite a battery of his style of bowlers making the tour.

Hasantha Fernando can consider hismelf to be lucky in enjoying a long stay despite being categorised as a one-day specialist.

Ruchira Perera would have been a different component today, if staunch measures were adopted when he fell into a carefully laid trap. Well, it is so of ten said that a leader should be one who must have his own style and way of approaching various situations.

An individual with Arjuna Ranatunge's personality would have most certainly persisted on playing Ruchira rather than sidelining him.

The most unfortunate to get the axe is Micheal Vandort with a proven track record. The Kandy left handed top order batsman is left to wonder what requisites do really apply to be included in a squad comprising 17 members. One thing is evident, that is the selectors have proven their stubborn high handedness beyond reasonable doubt not adhering to the sports minister's disapproval. Who, for a change, had the correct formula in raising the objection?

The fast bouncy conditions prevalent have never been the islander's kettle of fish and the struggle was always on. However, memories were so bad for young wicket-keeper batsman Kumar Sangakkara who performed brilliantly in the last tour with some impressive knocks. A couple of years later Kumar formed a part of the backbone of the Sri Lankan batting line-up. Ironically, it has been nothing but praise from all coruers of the cricketing world and was more signified by his award of the Young International Cricketer for the Year 2001 presented to him in Australia.

The failure of English soil was compensated by impressive showings in the subsequent limited over triumphs from a spectator point of view. However, in reality no headway has been made in dealing with conditions alien to the sub-continent.

The local press has over and over again stressed the availability of Radella as an ideal preparational venue prior to embarking on tours of this magnitude. Nevertheless, such option has fallen on deaf ears and this is indicative of the degree of ignorance on the part of the cricket administrators in Sri Lanka.

The South African tour in all probability would be an addition to Sri Lanka's failures overseas, if the willow-weilders do not come up with prolific scores to cover up Muttiah Muralitharan's reliant bowling department. The champion off-spinner, it is no secret, has contributed to 28 of the 31 Test triumphs of Sri Lanka. Some consolation has come in the way of Dilhara Fernando assisting the experienced Chaminda Vaas to give respectability as a Test combination.

Rumours of the emergence of a young lad by the name of Thilina Thushara as the fastest of the bunch accomodated in the touring party is the only ray of hope.

Seniors are yet again under tremendous pressure to keep the flag flying high for Sri Lanka and by any means such a task cannot be regarded as achieveable through an average performance.

West Indies fight back

India were 190 for five wickets at close of play on day two in their second Test against West Indies now in progress in India. This was in reply to their opponents first innings score of 167 all out.

It was an eventful session at the MA Chidambaram stadium that enthusiastic crowds got to watch on the second day. With play only getting under way at 12.10 after overnight rain delayed the start, India scored 103 runs in a two and a half hour session while losing two wickets. At 134/2, just 33 runs behind with eight first innings wickets in hand the hosts are still in a strong position. Virender Sehwag, unbeaten on 24 overnight, rollicked his way to the fourth half-century of his career.

After sizzling the pacemen to the off-side fence on more than one occasion Sehwag began to take off-spinner Gareth Breese apart, unmindful of the fact that he was dropped at slip by Chris Gayle when he slashed at Merv Dillon. Brought into the attack in the 19th over of the innings, Breese saw his third ball to Sehwag disappear over the ropes at long-on despite not coming off the meat of the bat. Off the very next ball a forward defensive stroke from Sehwag was edged to Wavell Hinds at short leg, who could not get to the catch on time. Sehwag dismissed that bit of cricket by hitting Breese into the second tier of stands at long on. With that massive blow Sehwag reached 50 in just 53 balls - 44 of those runs came in boundaries. Pedro Collins, bowling a lively spell from around the wicket got the ball to move both in the air and off the wicket.

One particularly well directed delivery came in with the arm, straightened a touch, beat Sehwag's bat and knocked the off stump out of the ground. Sehwag's entertaining 61 came off just 63 balls and included a remarkable eight hits to the fence and three sixes. Rahul Dravid, attempting to equal Everton Weekes' record of five centuries in as many Test matches was cleaned up by the delivery of the day when he was on just 11. A peach of an inswinger, hitting the deck at just the right length zipped past the bat of Dravid at express pace and clattered the timber. An overjoyed Jermaine Lawson had the first wicket of his Test career.

Sachin Tendulkar, coming to bat at his favourite ground enjoyed a mixed session. While several deliveries from Carl Hooper reared from a length or bounced awkwardly, Tendulkar defended without conviction. However, when the bowlers erred in line or length, Tendulkar was quick to pounce on the chance and send the ball to the fence. On 21 when the players left the field for tea, Tendulkar still has much work to do. As ever, the unsung hero, Sanjay Bangar was a pillar of strength at his end, notching up 33 off as many as 135 balls.

•  Premier Championship

CCC 196 all out

CCC were all out for 196 in their first innings against Sebastianites in their Premier championship game that commenced on Friday at Maitland Crescent.

CCC 1st innings 196 all out (A. Polonowita 56, N. Perera 3 for 53 P. Siriwardena 2 for 20).

Hathurusinghe 5 for 32

A fine spell of bowling by Chandika Hathurusinghe (5 for 32) helped Moors to bundle out Moratuwa SC for 144 runs in their first essay in another Premier Division game played at Moratuwa on Friday.

Moratuwa SC first innings 144 all out (A. Ranaweera, L. Fernando, 26, C. Hathurusinghe 3 for 32, J. Welagedera 2 for 22, Moors 71 for 2 (M. Faizal 32 n.o, Chaminda Hathurusinghe 2 for 25.

Bloomfield 66 for 3

As a result at the match getting off to a late start, Bloomfield were 66 for 3 at stumps on day one against the Chilaw Marians at Reid Avenue.

Bloomfield 1st innings 66 for 3 (I. Daniels 26 n.o, O. Wijesiriwardena 3 for 15).

Colts gain upperhand

Eric Upashantha triggerred a SSC collapse which saw Colts gaining the upperhand by close of play on day one at Maitland Place on Friday.

Scores: SSC 121 for 9 wickets at close (S. Perera 29, M. Silva 23, H. Wickramaratne 16, E. Upshantha 5 for 40, D. Liyanage 2 for 35).

Evenly poised at Oval

Bowlers dominated day one of the game between Tamil Union and NCC at the P. Sara stadium on Friday.

Scores: Tamil Union: 150 all out (M. Gajanayake 40, N. Perera 41, R. Pushpakumara 3 for 41, I. Amerasinghe 3 for 36).

NCC: 66 for 5 wickets at close. (S. Pradeep 21 n.o., P. Gunaratne 2 for 21, G. Wijekoon 2o for 14).

Sri Lankan Golf Festival

The seventh annual Sri Lankan Golf Festival takes place from 24 October 2002, with over 200 players from 15 countries converging on the Victoria Golf Club in Kandy.

The tournament is open to amateurs and enthusiasts, with separate events for men and ladies. The competition consists of two Stableford rounds where each competitor is required to play a round on two consecutive days. Points will be allocated for each player's gross and nett Stableford scores over the two rounds with the competition being played under R & A rules.

The array of prizes on offer includes 12 business class and eight economy class air tickets to SriLankan Airlines destinations, together with three holiday packages in Sri Lanka, while mementos and surprises are also in store for every participant,

This annual Golf Festival, which customarily takes place during the off-season, is also aimed at attracting golf lovers on an exciting holiday package to Sri Lanka. Marketed as a "golf holiday in a tropical paradise that's like nothing you've experienced before", the response this year has been very encouraging, says Chandana de Silva, head of corporate communications at SriLankan Airlines.

The airline, in its drive to attract more visitors to the country during the off season has begun marketing special packages incorporating eco, sport and adventure tourism, all of which contrast against the perennial sun, and sea vacations.

Play begins at 7.00 a.m. each day with a flight of 3 players of mixed handicaps teeing off at eight minute intervals. Each player should be a member of a recognized golf club affiliated to the R & A or the USGA and evidence of recognized handicap must be presented. In the handicap events, the players will play off their own handicap subject to a maximum of 22 for men and 24 for ladies.

SriLankan Airlines has held its golf classic on six previous occasions and intends the Golf Festival to be an annual event on its promotional calendar.

Corporate Communications department

SriLankan Airlines Limited

• Rs.5m. to play virtually one rugby match

Busan - what a costly shame

IN THE wake of the abysmal Asian Games failures, rugby officials are beginning to confess the inherent inadequacies that make it impossible for Sri Lanka to be competitive in international rugby.   Manager Brian Baptist, from the scene of the disaster in Busan, says, ''No excuses, we were beaten by a better side (Taiwan) than us." No great revelation  but candid all the same. Tikiri Marambe, chairman selectors, points to a poverty of resources here and the abundance at the disposal of other countries as reasons why we aren't as good as those we contest against.

They won't exhaust of ideas lay blame on the resources factor, a thing the administration can do little about and so, can't be blamed for. One official likened the SLRFU predicament to ''running a five-star hotel on a tea boutique budget".

The burden of their song: had the SLRFU the same generous resources of  say Japan, South Korea or Taiwan, then, our rugby will be right up there; without it we'll be... well, the cannon fodder we were in Busan. In the Fifteens, Sri Lanka lost all of their three matches, conceding 255 points at 85 points per game, a horrendous average. In the Sevens, Sri Lanka finished fifth out of six, winning one in four matches.

Embarassing

The statistics may be awesomely embarrassing, but the results were prettymuch expected _ that is, if you ignored the optimistic sounds made by some union officials about the bronze medal being only one match away. That match: Taiwan. Since Sri Lanka won over Taiwan back in 1990, there has been an enduring notion that we can be realistically in contention for Asia'sNo.3 slot, together with Taiwan and Hong Kong. Twelve (12) years down the road and the notion remains just that, though remoter from the reality of1990.

At the last Asian Championships in 2000, Sri Lanka finished seventh, out of eight, losing to Thailand and Singapore and defeating newcomer China by a solitary point.  What became of our ambitions to be Asia's third best?  A case of crying for the moon. The truth is, Sri Lanka isn't considered goodenough to even walk the same field that Taiwan or Hong Kong treads. Lofty aims of finishing among the top three are for the likes of Japan, S.Korea,Taiwan and Hong Kong, the top four at the 2000 Asiad.  Sri Lanka compete in the second division along with Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and China, thewinner taking fifth place in the Asian standings.

Against that recent history, you didn't have to gaze at a crystal ball to find out what was in store for us at Busan. Of course, officials, includingthe manager, publicly admitted Japan and South Korea, two of the four teams competing in the Fifteens, were write-offs, meaning these games were surrendered even before the Busan-bound flight left the Katunayake tarmac.What this entailed in economic terms was, splashing nearly Rs5 m. for just one match, against Taiwan.  Having to juggle with ''tea boutique budgets"such extravagance borders felony. But then the notion born in 1990 _ of being third best in Asia _ was hard to suppress as opportunity presented itself _ an opportunity, officials reasoned, that ought not to be weighed against money. Only Taiwan stood between the bronze and us.

Pleasing prospect

The prospect was pleasing _ that is, if you believe that Sri Lanka didn't win the Cricket World Cup, Susanthika Jayasinghe an Olympic medal and McDonalds hasn't come to Colombo. Some nave union officials believe the world hasn'tchanged since 1990 _ that the Taiwanese are as easy-beats as they were a dozen years ago.  Try arguing that the Taiwanese of 2000 are different from the 90s and theseofficials will rush to point to two days in late 2000. That was when SLRFUbrought down a Taiwanese team and announced to the media and public twoTest series against Chinese-Taipei, a misnomer, really. And when thenational Sri Lanka team won both matches, 34/27 and 46/30, notsurprisingly, oblique claims of being third best in Asia were heard. TheTaiwanese might have had a hearty chuckle under their breaths, andmurmured, ''boast while you can _ but not for too long".

What union officials refused to acknowledge was that the two 'Tests' were against Development sides, and didn't include any from the team that finished third in the 2000 Asiad.  The manager told me that the tour to Sri Lanka (in2000), barely six months after the last Asiad, was the first step in theTaiwan RFU's plan for the next Asiad, to be held next month in Bankok. Some local officials dismissed the visiting manager's sentiments as ''sour grapes", but his tongue wasn't exactly in his cheeks, as the 56/18 hammering in Busan proves.It is not wrong to think that self-delusion led the SLRFU to make such ahuge investment on what was clearly a hopeless cause. And to have presented the case for participation on the grounds that there was a realistic chanceof a bronze was fanciful, and that's putting it mildly. Others will describe as being downright dishonest.

If the selling-line to compete inBusan had been presented as necessary experience before next month's Asiad(the only - honest claim that could've been made), then, the trip was never going to take-off _ for no other reason than it being an unaffordable drain on union's funds. The SLRFU finances were always going to be strained in finding money for the coming Bankok Asiad, but the Busan bill has only compounded the problem.  In fact, there's now talk of Sri Lanka missing out of the Asiad because there's not enough money in the bank. One hopes this doesn't come to pass because the Asian RFU has much respect for theSLRFU, if not so much for its rugby certainly for its history, counting over 100 years. Clearly, the Busan bashing is another example of how far behind we are to the rest.

Bickering

Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia were teams we beat routinely in the 1970s and 80s. Yet at the last Asiad we lost to Thailand (28/38) andSingapore (12/15) and won 28/27 over China. Admittedly, financial support for rugby is greater in other countries, but that can't be the only reason.While other countries work off meaningful plans, the SLRFU spends much of its time and energies bickering over what they think are good for Sri Lanka rugby, but to no practical avail. They yet continue to argue about whether foreigners should be allowed to play for local clubs - an issue that wasexperimented with in the early 90 and found unfeasible. The case for pushing back the club season to the far end of the year is yet argued over.  Any old reason is good enough to make a noise over. Or to be more precise,any chance for rugby's different factions to score points over the other.

The lack of togetherness is sad. The shameful results overseas isn't the only consequence of an argumentative administration; the others are less visible. It will be only a question of time when it begins to impact on the nursery, the envy of many Asian countries. Mercifully, schools rugby still flourishes, thanks not so much to the SLRFU as the enthusiasm of the schools themselves. As well, the development program is opening new frontiers. The logical follow up would be for the union to encourage formation of new clubs and different tournaments to absorb the huge out pourings from schools into the higher levels. Two new clubs were inducted to the A division, but both were so hopelessly out of their depththat the quality of the tournament has suffered, reducing further they already diminished spectator interest.

More appropriate

The presence of Old Zahirians and Galle RFC in the top division will surely be questioned. Putting them in B division would be more appropriate, but, through years of neglect by the administration, second division rugby is as good as dead.  Undeniably, Sri Lanka rugby is going to seed and needs urgent revamping. It is tempting to suggest an interim committee, but if a government-appointed administration didn't help rid factionalism in cricket, it's not likely to succeed in rugby. The bickering notwithstanding, the one saving grace about rugby is that its reins have always been in the hands of ex-players of some standing.

And unlike cricket, which dabbles in high finances, rugby'scap-in-hand financial system is not going to attract corporate wizards, as cricket does. - Perhaps, the constitution needs to be modified.  Perhaps,a major restructuring is needed.  There's a ray of hope for a change.Former national captain Priyantha Ekanayake and SLRFU recorder, NeilWijeratne, have been appointed to the sports council, and one hopes theycould inspire some sort of ministry intervention to get rugby out of at rough of its own making.

Caltex to support Seevali

The Seevali College boxing team from Ratnapura have been national champions in boxing for the past few years , but they have accomplished this with not even the basic facilities for boxing. Many media institutions in the past had highlighted the conditions in which these talented children were training and bringing honour to their alma mater and the country. Caltex, having got wind of the needs of these children decided to step in as a socially responsible organization in providing to this talented team.

On Wednesday, October 09, a two -year sponsorship package covering boxing gear, equipment and other expenses was signed between  Kishu Gomes, managing director, CLLL and D.M. Gunaratne, principal, Seevali College at a simple ceremony held at the school. Nimal Dayawansa, mayor of Ratnapura and Dinesh Punchinilame, coordinating secretary to the minister of small holder development were also present at this event.

D.M. Gunaratne told the gathering that he was proud that his school was the only one to have had the honour of sending a student for the Commonwealth Games this year. He thanked Caltex for stepping forward to assist the college boxing team.

Sumith Edirisuriya deputy principal and secretary of the school's Boxing Association gave a brief history on how boxing came to be a popular sport at Seevali.

Kishu Gomes, managing director, CLLL emphasized the overwhelming welcome reception the school gave Caltex as a sponsor and said it showed just how important this sponsorship is to the school.

An exhibition boxing match between K.A.C.N. Alexander and H.P.K.M. Sugathadasa, two students that have brought much acclaim to their school brought the ceremony to close.

Cricket to be introduced at the 2006 Asian Games

By Hishan Welmilla

THE 14th Asian Games was concluded with a grand finale at the city of Busan in South Korea last Monday. China as expected led the Games medal tally with 150 gold, while claiming 84 silver and 74 bronze. South Korea, the host nation won the battle against Japan for the second place taking 96 gold medals. They won 80 silver and 84 bronze medals. The Japanese had to be satisfied with 44 gold and 73 and 72 silver and bronze medals respectively.

Doha, a city of the Gulf state Quatar will be the next host to the Asian Games which is scheduled to be held from December 1-15, 2006. According to Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad TL Thani, Chairman of the Doha 2006 Asian Games organising committee, they hope to stage a cricket tournament at the next games.

They feel that offering cricket among more there 30 sports events at the next games would be a strong draw for Asian cricket giants - Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan and several other cricket playing nations in the region. The final line-up of events for the 15th Asian Games would be decidedly by the  OCA which meets in Kuwait next January.

Apart from cricket, the Doha organisers intend adding a few more sports to the 2006 Asian Games. They want to cut down seven sports from this year's, line-up and they are bodybuilding, rugby, modern pentathlon, rowing, canoeing, baseball and softball.

Doha will be the first West Asian host since the 1974 games at Teheran, the capital of Iran.

Sri Lankans had a successful mission at this games compared to the last games as far as the total medals are concerned. They won six medals (2 gold, 1 silver, 3 bronze) but unfortunately missed three gold medals opportunities this time. Most of the medals were recorded in athletics (2 gold, 2 bronze) with two surprise medals from individual golf (silver) and individual men's kata (1 bronze). Sri Lanka's contingent comprised 119 athletes for 17 events but was disappointed that the expected results could not be obtained. Sri Lankan's were placed 21st in the overall medal tally, far away from their neighbour, India who claimed the 7th place with 7 gold medals.

Susanthika Jayasinghe, Damayanthi Darsha won the two gold medals for Sri Lanka in the women's 100m and 400m events respectively. Sri Lankans missed another gold medal opportunity in the women's 200m when Susanthika Jayasinghe skipped the final as a result of an injury. Lankans had to be satisfied with a bronze medal in the men's 400m in which they have won a gold at the last Asian games in Bangkok in 1998. Sugath Tillekeratne won that medal for Sri Lanka but failed to retain his Asian title this time. Rohan Pradeep Kumara bagged a bronze. The last medal for Sri Lankans' at the games was recorded in the men's 4x400 relay.

Sri Lankans were the favourites in the event after the first semi finals but chances went abegging with the mishandling of the baton change. The four athletes, Sughth Tillekeratne, Rohan Pradeep Kumara, Ranga Wimalawansa and Prasanna Amarasekera who represented Sri Lanka will go into history by winning a medal at the men's 4x400m event after 28 years. Sunil Gunawardana, Kosala Shabandu, W. Wimaladasa, A. Premachandra won a gold medal in this event in 1974 at the 7th Asian Games held in Teheran.

Anura Rohana and Edward Rayappan won medals in golf and Kata respectively. It was disappointing to see the performances of Sri Lanka's 15 a side rugby team. They missed out a golden opportunity to win a bronze medal when they were outclassed by Taiwan with a 56-18 margin.

As in the previous international meets, the Lankans have a lot to learn from their mistakes. The officials should take most of the blame for not handling the athletes and the players in a proper way. Further, Sri Lanka was left with dark patches once again when gymnastics and kabaddi players went missing.