Wesley-Trinity for Kannangara Trophy

By Aubrey Kuruppu

It is in the fitness of things that the Wesley-Trinity inter school match scheduled for January 12 and 13 at the Asgiriya Stadium will be played for the R. L. Kannangara Memorial Trophy.

It would be well nigh impossible to find another who has made such a tremendous contribution in diverse capacities, be it noted to these two Christian institutions as Ritchie Kannangara.

The unintiated and those less long in the tooth may be inclined to ask, "Ritchie who?'. If that were so, it would be a shocking injustice to a flannelled gentleman who, by all accounts, played his cricket with immeassurable grace and infinite style. Diminutive in stature, this left hand bat and purveyour of left arm medium pace, played for his alma mater, Wesley College, from 1914 to 1917, captaining the school in 1917.

Just as McGrath tragets the leading batsmen in the opposing team (Lara, Tendulkar, Atherton) for special attention, so Ritchie Kannangara picked on the leading adversaries of his day to make an indelible impress. Thus, he made 129 not out against Royal in 1916 and went one better in 1917, scoring 153. This was his annus mirabilis, the year in which he also charmed his way through an unbeaten 121 against Trinity (his haven to be in the hills) added a third century and, just for good measure, topped the inter school batting averages.

On leaving school he turned out for Bloomfield Cricket Club, the Ceylonese Upcountry team and All Ceylon. His national appearances were by necessity restricted by the fact that after the study of law, Ritchie Kannangara decided to embark on a teaching career. He threw in his lot with Trinity and the association was mutually rewarding.

Briefly, as coach of the senior team, and more lengthily as coach of the junior teams, he ensured a steady supply of impressive cricketers - everyone of them moulded in his image : that of a very "perfect gentile knight". In the case of Ritchie, the style was the man.

At Trinity, he lived life to the fullest, taking part in almost every field of activity. Headmaster of the Lower School and teacher of English in the Upper, in the case of Ritchie, the word's "well at the boding tremblers learned to trace/that day's disasters in his morning face" do not apply.

Stern he was when the situation demanded it. But more often than not, the twinkle in his eye was the perfect giveaway.

In the field of cricket, whatever he touched, he adorned. Borrowing a quotation from the celebrated Bertie Wijesinghe, twenty five years his junior: "Ritchie moved with smooth lithe grace ...... and then he touched the ball with flowing blade, wand like in his small hands... persuasion rather than force."

Ritchie played his cricket in an age when the game was played for sheer pleasure and strong bonds of friendship were extablished. Mercifully, the Guptas and the Johns had not yet begun to taint and tarnish the noble game. Present-day cricketers of Wesley and Trinity could with advantage adopt Ritchie Mannangara as their role model.

"He nothing common did or mean upon that memorable scene." (Andrew Marvell)

Police athletes hit come back trail

Police SC who are staging a comeback to track and field sports emerged champions in the Open and Novices Stake Services Athletic Championship held at the Sports Ministry Grounds, recently.

The blue shirts had some outstanding athletes in the past who did proud for the country at national level. A.C. Dep, S.A. Dissanayake, R.E. Kitto, W.T. Sanders followed by Satkunarajah, O.K. Hemachandra (Present Chairman Athletics), Ivan Boteju and T.D.S.A. Dissanayake to name a few.

Hemachandra, who is a reputed basketball player, with his personal interest is striving to revive the sport among the rank and file not only to win medals, but to make them fit, and motivate them to serve the department well on and off the field.

Police prize winners: RWPC 3884 Menaka, PS 28132 Damith de Silva, Mr. I. M. Ranasinghe (Coach), Supdt. of Police Lalith Lekamge (Director Sports), DIG O.K. Hemachandra (Chairman Police Athletics), RSI Susan Perera (captain), IP M.N. Jamaldeen (OIC Sports), RSI M.M.C. Manapperuma, WSI Dilruskshi,SI Nadeeka Amarasekera, SI Wijesena, PC 25324 Gunasekera, RWPC 2173 Samantha, RWPC 2808 Deepa, RWPC 2607 Devika, RWPC 3150 Manel, RWPC 3177 Nilanthi, WPC 2073 Chandrika, PC 24624 Pathirana, RPC 39762 Lasantha; RPC 36867 Sampath, SI Dewapriya, IP Jayalath, PS 9926 O.G. Somasooriya, RPC 39958 Chaminda, RPC 14 Genesh, PC 37431 Dammika, PS 12064 Dharmasena, RSI Sunil Priyantha, RSI Harsha Wickramasinghe, RPC 14472 Ajith, RSI Fernando, RPC 42227 Susantha, RPC 42232 Upali. (B.W.)

Foundation to help Lanka sports a reality

By Bernie Wijesekera

Susanthika Jayasinghe's medal winning effort in last year's Sydney Olympic Games 2000 spurred the Lankans domiciled Down Under to start a Sports Foundation and the "Susanthika for Gold Athens 2004."

It was formally launched by Sri Lanka's High Commissioner H.K.J.R. Bandara in Melbourne, last month (Dec. 2000)

Its genesis to launch the Foundation to support sport in Sri Lanka, was at a dinner hosted by the Sri Lanka Association of NSW, to entertain the Lankan team for the Sydney Olympic Games.

Mr. Bandara, paid a glowing tribute for the trio who made it a reality - Dr. Olga Mendis, Dr. Quintus De Zylva and the indefatigable Eddie Gray. Bandara said that these three people with the enthusiasm and love for the motherland always had the vision to help their country of birth with the other members of the Foundation giving all support, who also believe in this line of thinking. In any walk of life if success is to be achieved there should be togetherness. This is what the members of the Foundation are doing to further uplift the image of Sri Lanka on and off the field Mr. Bandara, added.

The Sydney Olympics demonstrated to us how the Australians achieved their objective to be among the top five nations in the world - medal table. With a population of 19 million how identification of talent, coaching, money and working together is the secret behind their success story.

In Sri Lanka we have seen how in cricket, talent coaching and funds despite being minnows to topple some of the best in the world. The achievements in the field sans prejudices and petty issues has brought forth reconciliation. Australia's Prime Minister, John Howard said after Cathy Freeman's gold medal winning run - it could be tagged as a reconciliation run. This is what H.E. Bandara meant in his speech.

Mr. Bandara further said that these successes have inspired Olga Mendis, Dr. Quintus De Zylva and Eddie Gray to spend much of their time to ensure the establishment of the Foundation to help Sri Lanka sports. He commended their efforts. Special mention was made to Eddie Gray for his passion to see Sri Lanka excel in sports internationally at home and abroad. Gray had established, through the Athletics Sports Foundation, the Susanthika for Gold, Athens 2004 promotion. They plan to hold several events this year to raise funds to support sport in Sri Lanka.

Dr. Olga Mendis, told The Sunday Times that they were confident of filling its coffers not only by the Lankans living here, but also by the Australian fraternity who are supporters of Sri Lanka in general.

Aravinda won't go to S. Africa

By Marlon Fernandopulle

Sri Lanka tour managements request to send Aravinda de Silva to South Africa as a replacement for the injured Upul Chandana has been rejected by the former Sri Lanka vice Captain.

According to the Acting Chief Executive of the Board of Control for Cricket(BCCSL) in Sri Lanka Anura Tennekoon, De Silva has refused to go to South Africa as he feels he has not had sufficient practice.Currently Aravinda is playing for NCC in the Premier Division one Cricket tournament.The decision of De Silva has been conveyed to the South African tour Management and the BCCSL is awaiting a response. Aravinda de Silva's refusal to go to South Africa is viewed as a slap in the face for the National Selectors who earlier dropped the former vice captain from the squad.

Meanwhile National Selector Brendon Kuruppu has flown to South Africa with a view to selecting the Sri Lanka team for the New Zealand tour later this month.

Maharoof leads Wesley fightback

By Shanaka Silva

The Inter-School cricket match between Prince of Wales and Wesley ended in a listless draw at Campbell Park yesterday.

The feature of the second day's play was a determined 163 by the Sri Lanka under 15 player Farvez Maharoof with 24 fours and a six in the second innings which helped Wesley to stage a fightback in the second innings - 234 all out.

Wesley in the first essay made 63. Prince of Wales in reply declared at 173 for 8.

Wesley - 63 in 38 overs (T. Waduge 18, W. Samith 17; M. Bandara 2 for 20, K. de. Silva 2 for 3, B. Dananjaya 2 for 8) and 234 in 89.2 overs (F. Maharoof 163, Nuwan Fernando 16, K. de. Silva 3 for 35, B. Dananjaya 2 for 49, S. Cooray 4 for 62)

Prince of Wales - 173 for 8 in 51 overs (R. Peiris 67, Shanaka Perumpillai 22, S. Wijeratne 22, S. Cooray 14 n.o; F. Maharoof 3 for 24, R. Senadeera 2 for 25) and 50 for 3 in 12 overs (Roshan Peiris 10, B. Dananjaya 11, S. Wijeratne 13 n.o; M. Emtias 3 for 21).

Tall scoring

The Nalanda-S. Thomas' inter-school match ended in a draw at Campbell Place yesterday.

The feature of the first day's play belonged to Thomian batsman Jeewan Mendis who scored an unbeaten 114 to help his team total 236 for 8 dec in the first innings.

Nalanda in reply hit up a mammoth 351 for 8 and declared. Gamini Chandrakumara playing in his first game made 106 with 13 fours and three sixes while Sanjaya Gangodawila made 75 and Amila Kiriella (78) boosted the total.

The visitors in the second innings made 143 for no loss. Openers Arjuna Rajawasam (80 n.o) and Hashan Peiris (53 n.o) batted confidently.

S. Thomas' - 236 for 8 dec (Jeevan Mendis 114 n.o, Heshan Peiris 26, Arjuna Rajawasam 19; Ishara Dilshan 3 for 69, Manjula Perera 2 for 30, Dilhara Jayasundara 2 for 69) and 143 for no loss (Arjuna Rajawasam 82 n.o, Heshan Peiris 53 n.o)

Nalanda - 351 for 8 in 96 overs (Gamini Chandrakumara 106, Sanjaya Gangodawila 75, A. Kiriella 78, M. Porage 32; J. Mendis 4 for 100).

Draw at Reid Avenue

By Bruce Maurice

The Royal-Dharmaraja inter-school game ended in a draw at Reid Avenue yesterday.

Royal continuing their overnight score of 116 for 3 made 159. The highlight of the Royal innings was a 100 runs partnership for the fourth wicket between Arunprakash and Ratnayake.

The Rajans in their second innings made 190 for 5 and declared with M. Wijekoon making an unbaten 101. He received good support from N. Wickremaratne who made 50.

Dharmaraja - 142 and 190 for 5 dec. (M. Wijekoon 101 n.o, N. Wickremaratne 50; A. Kariyakarawana 3 for 12)

Royal - 159 (Dhanushka Perera 32, Y. Arunprakash 50, Ganganath Ratnayake 40; A. Jayasundara 5 for 41, N. Wickremasinghe 5 for 41) and 66 for 2 (Dhanushka Perera 48)

Draw at Bambalapitiya

By M. Shamil Amit

The St.Peter's- Isipatana inter-school game ended in a draw at Bambalapitiya yesterday.

Isipatana - 175 (Malinda Abeyratne 90, Rohan de Silva 21, Dilan Anuradha 15; Kaushal Lokuarachchi 5 for 50, A. Gallage 3 for 38) and 154 for 5 dec. (Chanuka Perera 54 n.o, Mulinda Priyankara 36, Thejakith Rodrigo 23, Chirantha De Silva 15 n.o; Kaushal Lokuarachchi 2 for 65)

St.Peter's - 160 for 8 dec (Ruchira Fernando 31, Malin Silva 30, A. Garumanna 30, Mahesh Perera 25, Kaushal Lokuarachchi 23, Channaka Perera 2 for 32, I. Vindana 2 for 14) and 68 for 2 (Mahesh Perera 36 n.o, G. de. Silva 16; Chanaka Perera 2 for 19)

Ranesh saves Joes

By S. M.D. Sirisena

An unbeaten 67 by Ranesh Perera saved St. Josephs from certain defeat at the hands of St. Sebastian's in their inter school cricket match which ended draw at Moratuwa yesterday,

Resuming from the overnight score 92 for 4, St Joseph's were all out 145 in reply to St. Sebastian's first innnings total of 304 for 6 dec,

In the follow-on St. Joseph's were 223 for 9 . At once stage St. Joseph's were in deep trouble at 108 for 6, but Ranesh Perera and Vitharana (15) put on 46 runs for the seventh wicket and figured in an unbroken 37 partnership for the eighth wicket with D.Senanayaka (18)

St. Sebastian's - 304 for 6 dec (Sumalka Perera 45, Malinda Fernando 93, Yohan Gunasekara 39 no, Lasitha Fernando 44no, P. Pathirana 4 for 107

St Joseph's (overnight 97 for 4 ) 145 all out in 57.4 overs ( D.Pathirana 34, Chintaka Aravinda 17, Lasitha Fernando 4 for 32, Suranga de Silva 2 for 10 and 223 for 9 ( D.Morrel 53. D.Pathirana 18, Ranesh Perera 67 n.o, A.D.S.Vitharana 15, D.Senanayaka 18, Lasitha Fernando 2 for 56, Yohan Gunasekara 2 for 26

Ranawaka 103

By Aubrey Kuruppu

Loss of playing time on the first day deprived the Antonians of a win over Kingswood in their inter-school match at Katugastota yesterday.

Antonian allrounder Prasad Ranawaka took the spotlight making a stroke filled unbeaten 103 supported by Samson Burke who also joined in the leather hunt.

Buddhika Ekanayake was Kingswood's saviour with a half century in the second innings when the lads from Randles Hill were fighting for survival.

Kingswood - 108 (R. Ariyadasa 16, K. Dissanayake 20, B. Katudeniya 23, G. Gunatilleke 16; P. Rambukwella 2 for 20, T. Silva 2 for 5, P. Ranawaka 2 for 22) and 110 for 8 (B. Wkanayake 54, K. Dissanayake 22, C. Seneviratne 22; T. Silva 2 for 18, P. Rambukwella 2 for 12).

St. Anthony's - 176 for 5 dec (P. Ranawaka 103 n.o, S. Burke 37, N. Nizam 15; U. Silva 2 for 15, H. DIssanayake 2 for 40)

Wijeya Newspapers at football

Fourteen teams will battle it out for supremacy in the inaugural seven-a-side inter department football tournament of Wijeya Newspapers Ltd., to be played on Sunday (January 14) at the Henry Pedris Park.

The champions will be awarded the D.R.Wijewar-dena Memorial Trophy, while awards will also be made to the best goal-keeper, best player and the highest goal scorer respectively. The teams participating are: Advertising, Lankadeepa, Newsline 'A', 'B', Accounts, Despatch A & B, Typesetting, Sunday Times, Transport, Electrical, Security, Process, and Circulation.

Young Rangers win title

From M. Shamil Amit

Young Rangers annexed the Sir Cyril De Zoysa Trophy defeating Golden Arrows in the final of the Inter-Club cricket tournament match at the Kalutara Esplanade yesterday.

Young Rangers - 214 in 46.5 overs (Dayantha Pushpakumara 41, Dinesh Vindaka 79, Samantha 35; Lasantha Kumara 4 for 47, Chandrika Niroshan 3 for 39, Sujith Ravindra 2 for 31)

Golden Arrows - 191 in 43.3 overs (Roshan Kotalawela 58, Jayanath Sandakan 53; Ruwan Chandana 2 for 35, Parakrama Wijesinghe 2 for 25, Jayaprithi Gamage 2 for 24). Man of the match: Dinesh Vindaka.

Easy hockey win for Air Force

Air Force trounced Malays 7-0 in the Pioneer Cup hockey match played at BRC Grounds yesterday.

M.D.H. K. Fernando (2), T. Panditharatne (2), T.M.S.D. SAbeyratne, G.H. Ganegoda and T.M. Karunaratne (1 each) scored the goals for the Airmen.

In a Bacon Cup match Colts beat Kotalawela Defence Academy 7-0 after leading 3-0 at the breather.

Shan Thomas (4), H. Maldeniya, Paranitharan and Udara Perera (1 each) scored for the Colts.

-BM

Premier League Cricket

SSC take control over Tamil Union

By Bernie Wijesekera

SSC sans nine regulars, six on national duty and three others including captain Hemantha Wickremaratne for personal commitments, did well to take control on the second day in the Premier League three day match against Tamil Union at the Sara Stadium yesterday.

SSC batting first helped by poor catching did well to amass 315 runs, thanks to a gallant 86 by former Sri Lanka skipper Arjuna Ranatunga. Arjuna who was unbeaten on 68 overnight, profited by fielding lapses boosted the total. Batting with composure Arjuna, kept the batting together. He made his runs in 163 balls which included eight fours. Left arm spinner Niroshan Bandaratilleke, bowled a marathon spell to return 6 for 97 in 39.4 overs.

Tamil Union in reply were at sea and were struggling at 118 for 7. But a fine knock of 52 by Anil Ridigammangedera, batting at No 5 (with three fours and a six) helped them to total 147. SSC were leading by 168. But acting skipper Tilan Samaraweera opted to bat again instead of enforcing a follow-on.

Suranjith Silva was the most successful SSC bowler with 4 for 40. SSC in their second innings were 68 for 1 at stumps. Ranatunga again batted well to remain unbeaten on 31. He was missed on 30 when keeper Indika Galagoda fluffed an easy stump off Bandaratilleke. Ian Daniel was on 30 (with four fours). The match will be continued today.

SSC - (overnight 257 for 7 contd.) 315 in 107 overs (Upeka Fernando 70, S.M. Perera 46, A. Ranatunga; N.Bandaratilleke 6 for 97, L. Dias 2 for 9) and 68 for 1 at stumps in 21 overs (I. Daniel 30 n.o, A. Ranatunga 31 n.o)

Tamil Union - 147 in 50.2 overs (G. Ramyakumara 11, Indika Galagoda 11, N. Bandaratilleke 14, A. Ridigammangedera 52; R. Perera 2 for 35, M. Aslam 3 for 24, Suranjith Silva 4 for 40).

Overall lead of 97 by Sebs

Sebastianites having gained a first innings lead of 25 over Moors were 75 for 3 with an overall lead of 97 runs with seven second innings wickets in hand by stumps on the second day of their evenly poised Premier League match at Braybrooke Place yesterday.

Moors starting the day on two runs for the loss of one wicket prospered through a 105 run fourth wicket stand between skipper Bathiya Perera (47), and Nilantha Cooray (60) before a dramatic collapse saw them being skittled out for 180. The home side having been well placed at 4 for 143 lost their remaining six wickets for 37 runs to concede the initiative to the visitors.

Moors vs Sebastianites at Braybrooke Place

Moors 2/1 wicket cont, 180 all out.

(Bathiya Perera 47, Nilantha Cooray 60, Manoj Fernando 11, Nandika Ranjith 10 Umal Irandika 2/31, Nimesh Perera 4/31)

Sebastianites 205 & 72/3 wkts at close.

( Nilanka Peiris 17, Gihan Randeligama 24, Nilan De Silva 12, Roshan Jaymon 17 n.o.) ( J.K)

Panadura secure lead

By M. Shamil Amit

Panadura SC secured a first innings lead over Singha SC in their Premier League match at Panadura yesterday.

Batting first Panadura made 245 with Chamara Silva being the top scorer with 60.

In reply Singha SC were all out for 196. Batting a second time Panadura were 184 for 7 at close.

Panadura - 245 (Pubudu Wickrema 47, Chamara Silva 60, Roshan Wimalasena 35, Amila Perera 25, Ishara Silva 21; Dinesh Perera 4 for 47, Thilina Thushara 3 for 59, Hasitha Rajapakse 2 for 47) and 184 for 7 (Sunenda Kumara 71 n.o, Amila Perera 27 n.o, Sarath Jayawardena 34; Chamara Soysa 3 for 29, Dinesh Perera 2 for 52)

Singha SC - 196 (Gayan Sanjeewa 21, Mahesh Kumara 25, Thilina Thushara 47 n.o; Chaminda Weerasinghe 3 for 35, Sarath Jayawardena 2 for 32, Charitha Buddika 2 for 59)

CCC vs Colts at CCC

Colts - 130

CCC - (overnight 124 for 4) 403 for 8 dec. (B. Ediriweera 36, M. Vandort 75, Lanka de Silva 96, Hemantha Boteju 61, Tharindu Mendis 44, A. Polonowitha 20; D. Hettiarachchi 3 for 94)

NCC vs Navy at NCC

NCC - 400 for 9 dec. (P. Hewage 58, A. De. Silva 49, H. Tilakaratne 157, S. Pradeep 24, R. Tissera 26, R. Pushpakumara 17, M. Bandara 24; Indika Perera 3 for 99)

Navy - 216 (Ian Dinuka 36, S. Weerasiri 28, M. Dissanayake 27, L. Hewage 68, N. De. Silva 17; R. Pushpakumara 2 for 41, A. Ganegama 4 for 42, M. Bandara 2 for 39, H. Tilakaratne 2 for 48) and 4 for 1)

Bloomfield vs Police at Bloomfield

Police - 120 and 48 for 3 (C. Liyanage 19 n.o; D. Gamage 3 for 27)

Bloomfield - 378 (K. Dharmasena 157, P. Dissanayake 36, C. Dissanayake 20; K. Gangodawila 37, P. Wickremasinghe 42 n.o; D. Gunawardena 2 for 77. N. Soyza 3 for 83).

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