SPORTS

England triumph again as Sri Lanka subside

England completed their second successive victory in the VB triangular series, beating a lacklustre Sri Lanka by 95 runs at the WACA. After starting badly England were indebted to Paul Collingwood (100) and Craig White (48) for enabling them to reach 258, and Andrew Caddick then took three top wickets to maintain the revival and put England on course for a win.

After a wayward first over, Caddick struck a telling blow in his second, inducing an edge from Marvan Atapattu which was held safely by Nick Knight at second slip. Atapattu's opening partner, Sanath Jayasuriya, gave Caddick a return catch as he got a leading edge trying to paddle the ball away to leg.

Caddick was well supported by Jimmy Anderson, who would have taken two wickets in an over but for missed catches by Alec Stewart, trying to hold a leg glance from Jehan Mubarak at full stretch, and Marcus Trescothick, who couldn't hold on to a top edge from Kumar Sangakkara as he ran down to deep third man.

Fortunately for England neither miss was expensive. Nasser Hussain held Mubarak at mid-wicket in Caddick's next over, before Anderson reaped just reward when Sangakkara was caught behind. That was 46 for four. Mahela Jayawardene and Russel Arnold put on 45 before Jayawardene, after making an attractive 30, couldn't get on top of a Craig White delivery, presenting Knight with a straightforward catch at square leg.

As in the previous game at Brisbane, Sri Lanka then drifted aimlessly behind the required run rate. Thilan Samaraweera, having taken 48 balls to make 27, was well caught by Stewart cutting at Blackwell, who added the wicket of Chaminda Vaas in his next over, Collingwood doing well to take a steepler at mid-wicket.

Arnold (44 off 82 balls) was caught behind slashing at Steve Harmison, who then caught Dilhara Fernando, heaving woefully at Anderson, nicely at third man. And it was Harmison who finished it off, clean bowling Pulasthi Gunaratne to end Sri Lanka's somewhat feeble resistance.

Earlier a maiden one-day international century from Collingwood hauled England back from the precipice. Collingwood was out for exactly 100 off the last ball of England's innings, having rescued them from the perils of 122 for six.

Tuffey sends India reeling  to 92 for 8

New Zealand fast-medium bowler Daryl Tuffey unleashed one of his finest bowling spells in his 12-Test career today, but probably the best ball he bowled, as India crumbled to 92/8 at Hamilton, went without a wicket.

The 24-year-old, who was bowling on his home pitch, bowled an immaculate line and length, and was so accurate that it was 39 balls before he conceded his first run.

He had already had his nearly traditional first over dismissal when Sanjay Bangar was taken by Jacob Oram diving forward in the gully. But it was a ball to Rahul Dravid, still the best looking of the technicians in this side, that almost defied description.

It certainly defied Dravid to get the bat on it. If this was the sort of leg cutter that Alec Bedser used to bowl so regularly it must have been marvellous to watch.

Watch was all Dravid could do. The ball cut cross him, having squared him up. He was unable to make any contact with the ball and it just passed over the top of off stump.

By this time, Tuffey had changed ends from his first spell which saw him go runless for four overs while taking Bangar's wicket.

India found themselves attempting to survive through the 38 overs required to be bowled due to the late start caused by the slow-drying outfield. It seems incongruous that a perfectly fine and sunny day should take so long to get started.

While Tuffey was disappointed not to pick up Dravid on that occasion, the batsman's confidence was slowly being ground down. Fast bowler Shane Bond got through Dravid's defences several times with balls that climbed just above the pads which should ensure he has a few bruises tonight.

Then Sachin Tendulkar was given the treatment with another leg cutter which again squared the batsman up. Tendulkar did have his edge taken and third slip Scott Styris completed a tidy catch.

Tuffey beat Sourav Ganguly before his over was finished, and he had still to be scored off.

Dravid took a single from him in his next over and then Ganguly cut a ball for four. But then, in an inexplicable shot under the circumstances, Ganguly looked like a cricket coach giving his slips cordon some practice hits and a craftsman at first slip as good as Stephen Fleming wasn't going to let the chance go.

In taking the catch, the 110th of his Test career, Fleming moved past Sir Garfield Sobers on the all-time list and now shares 10th equal place with Bobby Simpson and Walter Hammond, heady company.

With Ganguly gone, and India 34/4, the pressure for Dravid to complete a rescue act mounted, but Tuffey was too good on the day and eventually he had more of a straighter ball, straighter at least under the circumstances prevailing, catch an edge which flew to wicket-keeper Robbie Hart's right. But another hometown player, Hart, dived full-length to pull in the chance.

At that stage Tuffey's figures were sensational. He had bowled 7.5 overs, six maidens and had four wickets for five runs.

Fleming then rested him, wisely as it turned out, as V V S Laxman, who played some fine drives through the off-side played at a wider, fuller ball from Bond which he pulled onto his wickets to give the fast man his second wicket after he had earlier unleashed a snarling ball that Virender Sehwag wanted nothing to do with.

It rose on him from just short of a length and Sehwag, caught in no-man's land, opted to turn his back on the ball. But the ball flew from the edge of his bat onto his shoulder and bounced out to short leg fieldsman Mark Richardson.

In his second spell after removing Laxman, Bond was given the treatment by Harbhajan Singh. The off-spinner unveiled an array of shots which were probably best suited to other sports, notably baseball and tennis, as he took five boundaries from Bond before the bowler got a yorker length ball through Harbajhan and into his wickets.

It only remained for Oram, who had bowled well without reward in his first spell, to come back and bowl the last over. He only needed one ball as Zaheer Khan was comprehensively bowled.

Play ended at that point. Tuffey ended with four for 12, Bond three for 33 and Oram one for 21.

Tuffey's bowling spell represented another significant performance in his career which has really blossomed in home conditions. Of his 41 Test wickets, which have come at an overall cost of 26.92, 34 have been taken at home, at an average of 20.08. His average away from home is 60.14!

But if you had a choice of top batsmen you would like to dismiss in front of your home crowd, then Tendulkar, Dravid and Ganguly would not be too bad as the prize.

There was another significant difference today, the wind he had to bowl into in Wellington during the first Test was nowhere to be seen or felt.

"I felt my rhythm was really good in the first innings bowling into the wind in Wellington.

"Without the wind today, and playing on my home ground - I really love bowling here and it seemed to come out nicely and the length was important," he said.

Tuffey said it was enjoyable bowling in partnership with fast man Bond.

"My job is to put it on the right length and right line and all I wanted to do today was make them play 90% of the balls and let the wicket get them out," he said.

The plan worked perfectly.

Archibald Perera's portrait to be unveiled

A portrait of Archibald Perera, rugby coach of St Peter's College Colombo for many years will be unveiled on January 3 2003, at 6.30 pm at the college at the request of Old Boys. It will be preceded by a match between an Old Boys team and the present college side. Old Boys interested to play are requested to contact Trinesh Fernando on telephone 0777735577 email trinesh@eureka.lk before 27 December.

Zimbabwe will stage World Cup matches

The Board of IDI (ICC Development International, the commercial arm of the International Cricket Council) has approved the staging of ICC Cricket World Cup 2003 matches in Zimbabwe.

The decision was based on the approval by IDI board members of the report and recommendations put forward by the ICC security delegation, following its three-day visit to Zimbabwe during late November.

Ratnapura mini tennis champs

RATNAPURA gave promise of becoming a nursery of future tennis champions when its juniors made a clean sweep of the titles in SLTA's first ever Mirinda All-Island Mini -Tennis tournament held last weekend at Green path.

The All-island championships, the first since the mini tennis program was launched in 1997, featured the best players from the program's seven regions - Colombo, Bandarawela, Kandy, Battaicaloa, Negombo, Panadura and Ratnapura . The best 12 boys and girls, all aged betrween 5 and 10 years, were chosen after a series of qualifying tournaments at the school and regional levels to represent the respective districts. The inaugural tournament is aimed at raising the profile of the popular Mirinda mini tennis program to a higher level as the SLTA continues its drive to expand the player-base into the provinces.

Colombo were fancied to win the titles, but were surprisingly upstaged by Ratnapura's players who took title honours in both the Boys and Girls championships.  In the Boys final Ratnapura overcame Colombo 4 matches to 2 in a best of seven contest, while in the Girls final, Ratnapura won over Battcaloa, 4/1.

"Ratnapura's success is creditable, as they don't have anything like the facilities Colombo has. So, the reasons for their success have to be the tremendous enthusiasm of their youngsters and the commitment of coach Seevali Wickremaratchchi," said K D Y Pathiraja, national co-ordinator of the mini tennis program. ''If the enthusiasm and commitment is maintained there's reason to believe Ratnapura can be developed into a nursery of future champions." In the round-robin segment of the Boys' championship, Ratnapura finished second to Batticaloa in Group A to qualify for the semi finals. The Group B semi-final qualifiers were Colombo and Negombo.  

In the best of seven semifinals, Ratnapura defeated Colombo 4 matches to 2 while Batticaloa overcame Negombo 4/0. In the final Ratnapura beat Batticaloa, 4 matches to 2, avenging their defeat in the Group match.  In the third-place play off, Colombo beat Negombo, 4/0.

Ratnapura won the Girls championship more comprehensively than their boys' team. They went through the entire tournament undefeated, beating Colombo and Negombo in the round-robin matches, Kandy, 4/2 in the semifinals and Colombo for a second time in the final, 4 matches to 2.  Kandy took third place by overcoming Batticaloa, 4/1

The champion boys' team comprised S T Nandasena, S Nelundeniya, T Dhanushka, C Sandeepa, A K B Wanasundera, M Nanayakkara, M Wickremasinghe, S Sampath, K T Dhammeratchchi, S K Daniel, T H Adihetty and I P Jayasuriya,

Girls team: D T Samson, B N Weerakoddy, N G Jayatilleke, Y R Dissanayake, I Wickremasinghe, D Wickremasinghe, T Pieris, C N Vitharne, K A G Wathsala, C L Dissanayake, P A Chandrasiri, Y D P N Dissanayake.

Coach: Seevali Wickremaratchchi.

The chief guest was Ashok Fwarup, Country Manager, Pepsi International. 

Chivas Regal December monthly medal

Periceyl (Pvt) Ltd, the Sri Lanka joint venture between Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka and group Pernod-Ricard France, the owing company of Chivas Regal teamed up with the Royal Colombo Golf Club conducting the Chives Regal December monthly medal on December 7.

The competition was over 18 holes. In a tie, the winner was adjudged on the basis of the best medal score over the back nine and so on.

The tournament was open to all members of the men's section having a current RCGC handicap and did play off their handicap. The handicap categories were.

1. Group A Handicap 0-09

2. Group B Handicap 1-18

3. Group C Handicap 19-28

4. Seniors

The awards ceremony was held the same evening at 7.30 p.m. at the Royal Colombo Golf Club, Following are the results.

Division A - Handicap 0 to 09

Winner : Mithun Nandasena 70

Runner Up: Lallith Ramanayake 71,

Division B. - Handicap 10-18

Winner : Chaminda Galagedera 68

Runner Up: Bandula Weerasinghe 69 B/B9

Division C - Handicap 19 to 28

Winner : Dhevan Peiris 66

Runner Up : M. Hiroyama 69.

Seniors

Winner : K. B. Ambanpola 76

Runner Up: W. Barsenbech 77,

Longest Drive 8th Hole : A. Ahamed   275yds

Nearest to the Pin 9th Hole: Chaminda    Galagedera 4-2"

Wooden Spoonist : Anil Panagoda 124 nett

•  Rugby Review 2002...

Bleak future - authorities ignorant

By Ranil Prematilake

The future of Sri Lankan rugby football continued its clueless destiny in the year/season gone by, namely, the 2002 calendar year despite glaring inadequacies in a system facing breakdowns due to deteriorating standards in the administration of the game. To make things worse the supreme organ governing the sport (The ministry of sports) has turned a blind eye on the issue as a whole.

In addition the National Sports Council established with the motive inter-alia of arresting any deteriorating standards of a sport too have followed in the footsteps of the ministry, for at least upto date no constructive measure has been divulged to revamp the game in this country.

It is common knowledge that the Sri Lankan rugby image in the international circuit (more particularly Asian region) has suffered a blow.

It must also be mentioned that criticism levelled from all corners of the commercial capital that the prospering of Kandy Sports Club is the cause, is nothing but an immature, irresponsible allegation made by sections who are rather happy about casting aspersions on unfounded or illogical theories to cover up their own inability to face upto a real life challenge in the present day context.

One does not have to go far as the concepts of Rugby Union and Rugby League have drawn enough and more complications but the operative fact is that both versions of the game have taken the battle to their hands and are surviving the challenges instead of complaining and doing nothing to retreat.

Sri Lankans have always been generous at criticism but very poor at making alternative solutions and same applies to rugby football as well.

Rugby in the present day context is a mixture of technical shrewdness and physical strength and cannot be alienated from the other, thereby both these aspects demand equal attention for a success story. The national coaches have realised this fact and are at a loose end as to how such considerations could be proceeded with. As far as the sports governing body is concerned, the shop is closed for the term as there remains no international tournament to partake in through invitation as the word 'quality' or if I may state non-participation without any malice involved but through sheer concern as to the future standing of our rugby.

Spectator interest

The diminishing interest continued its decline as opposed to a healthy presence at inter-school encounters which generated entertaining rugby of a high calibre. In fact not less than five schoolboy ruggerrites made it to the national team during the year.

This remarkable feat was achieved by Rajith Jayasundera, D. Pushpakumara, Laxman Dissanayake, P. Liyanage and A. Walpola. What was of more concern was the poor turnouts even at the so called top fixtures where the leading teams locked horns. For example, the CR-Havies encounter which draws a capacity crowd witnessed ample vacant spaces in the terraces. This is an issue which flows from the lacunas in the administration and thus needs addressing connectively with the lapses.

Remedial measures

Suggestions would be aplenty in re-surrecting the system. However, more importantly there is an urgent demand for competent personalities of the game to make their contributions.

How can that cause be sufficient is a foregone conclusion and the relevant authority is by all means in a ideally suited position to implement such measures. Sadly nothing has been done so far. Will there be a novel approach for the 2003 season as in the recent past? The rugby loving public in this country waits for a positive change merely contemplating and hoping for the best in the coming year.

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Negombo CC celebrates golden jubilee

The golden jubilee anniversary of Negombo CC was held at Hotel Royal Oceanic, Negombo. The chief guest was Speaker Joseph Michael Perera, Jayaraj Fernandopulle MP, Mayor of Negombo, Newton Fernando and Gampaha District Cricket Association President Lucien Merringe,  Lorence Amarasena D. I. G. Sabaragamuwa region and past president Negombo Cricket Club were guests of honour.

Speaker Joseph Michael Perera congratulated the members of the Negombo CC for the good work done and also for improving the infrastructure of cricket in Gampaha district, which has been the leading club in Gampaha district.

Incumbent president Eustace Fernando gave a brief history  of the club and remembered the founder members Alex Abeysinghe, the first president, Gaston R. de Vaz, secretary, Kelvin Wijeysinghe treasurer and the late Stanislaus Fernando, the former Josephian cricket coach.

Eustace Fernando said he was very happy to inform the gathering that the club had won the Daily News trophy twice under the captaincy  of the late Dr. Ossie Peries and Gladston Dias in 1958 and 1975 respectively.

The Donovan Andree trophy was won in 1985 under the captaincy of Lal Jayasinghe in 1999 and at the under 23 All Island tournament Negombo emerged champions Nuwan Priyankara leading the side. In the new millennium under Mevan Fernando's captaincy Negombo won the limited overs tournament and announced the champions trophy. Incidently Mevan Fernando represented Sri Lanka in the under 19 world cup held in our country and captained Maris Stella College who won the Lemonade Trophy in the same year displaying  St. Peters College, Bambalapitiya to be the runners up. Brother Graham and Wendall Labrooy played for Sri Lanka, Ranga Dias represented Sri Lanka in the under 19 world cup held in 1998. Ranga's brother Sandun Dias represented Sri Lanka in the mini world cup under 15 along with Isum Perera.

Negombo CC achieved all these throughout these years without a ground of their own or a club house. He thanked all past presidents and ex-co members for their dedicated services to.

Finally Fernando appealed to the speaker as chief guest and guests of honour to go all out and get the Kadirana grounds for the club.

Controlling body for motor sports in Sri Lanka

Motor sports in Sri Lanka which had been under the control of an interim body appointed by the then government was once again handed over to an elected body, after almost four years. At an annual general meeting summoned under the auspices of the Ministry of Sports, chaired by the Director General of Sports  Milton Amerasinghe, the following were returned uncontested:

President: Mr. Suranjith Premadasa - Southern Motor Sports Club.

Vice Presidents: Mr. Pubudu Wickrema Sri Lanka Association of Racing Drivers and Riders and Mr. Ananda Jayasekera Sri Lanka Motor Cycle Club, Secretary: Mr. Ranjith Jinasena Ceylon Motor Sports Club, Treasurer Mr. Tharindhu Perera Southern Motor Sports Club.

The committee will consist of two representatives from the above mentioned Clubs as well as Up-Country Motor Sports Club, Kandy Motor Sports Club and Ruhunu Motor Sports Club.

In keeping with the wishes of the present minister of Sports to depoliticalize sports, a case taken by the then members of the Sri Lanka Association of Motor Sports against the former minister of sports and the sports ministry officials and the interim council, was settled in courts.

The above elected Officials with vast experience in the sport, (as active competitors and organisers) have vowed to develop the sport to international standards.

A motor sports development plan is being drawn to be presented to the ministry and the clubs in the near future.

Seven-a-side soccer tournament

The Soccer Veterans Association conducted the annual seven a side Football Tournament on Sunday 10 November, at the Sports complex at Reid Avenue, Colombo.

Thirteen teams participated with veterans in the ages of between 40-65 displaying their skills in the game of football and projecting the discipline, which was an example to all sportsmen who were present to witness the tournament.

The guest of honour was Manilal Fernando, FIFA Com Member along with the newly elected president of the Soccer Veterans Association, SSP Sunil Perera who hosted the flags, commenced the tournament at 10.00 a.m. There were over 150 soccer veterans apart from the spectators at this event at which the past memories of soccer came alive.

The event brought in a better understanding and fellowship amongst the soccer veterans in sharing the past soccer glory, reminding their importance on the field of the days, they put on football boots.

The chief guest Prasanna Gunawardena, Mayor of Colombo, witnessed the finals between Colombo Veterans and Sri Lankan Air Lines.

The Colombo Veterans emerged winners with 6 goals to nil displaying their skills on the field.

The chief guest in presenting the Veterans Trophy to the winners said that, though he has taken over the reins of the mayorship recently he was proud to note the commitment in the soccer veterans to the game of football and that he would assist and support the association whenever the need arose. He also commended the organisation of the tournament, which was headed by Chandradasa Perera Asst. Director, Sports of the Colombo municipality for a job well done.

This tournament was successfully conducted due to the main sponsorship received from Sunil Kaluthota who is ever willing to support the soccer veterans at all times.

The Lotteries Board, Ceylon Cold Stores, Marie De Classique Attire (Pvt) Limited sponsorships are acknowledged with thanks.

The Colombo municipality and the media, Rupavahini made all arrangements, which made the event successful.

The Soccer Veterans Association further plans to conduct the seven a side soccer matches in the outstations.

The new committee headed by President Sunil Perera (S.S.P) plans to recognize those who have brought honour to football at a fitting occasion which will be notified to the public.