The Sundaytimes Sri Lanka » Sports http://www.sundaytimes.lk Official website of the Sunday Times Newspaper in Sri Lanka Sat, 30 Jun 2012 19:33:49 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 Trinity maul Royal to win Bradby http://www.sundaytimes.lk/120701/sports/trinity-maul-royal-to-win-bradby-4887.html http://www.sundaytimes.lk/120701/sports/trinity-maul-royal-to-win-bradby-4887.html#comments Sat, 30 Jun 2012 17:51:19 +0000 anuradha http://www.sundaytimes.lk/120701/?p=4887 Kaneel Seneviratne, the Trinity skipper raises the Bradby Shield.

Halique Wadood of Trinity tries to make a break. - Pix by Indika Handuwala

A Royal College beast that had been bloodied in the first leg of the Bradby had its heart pierced by a surgical performance from Trinity College, who surged to a riveting 36 (3 goals, 3 tries) 20 (1 goal, 2 tries, 1 penalty) second leg victory to clinch the coveted shield at the Pallekelle grounds in Kandy yesterday.

It was a clash worthy of a Bradby-decider, with the lead changing hands a remarkable six times during the course of the match. Although the score reads heavily in Trinity’s favour, the game went right down to the wire, with Royal holding a 20-19 advantage at the 36 minute mark of the second half. That was when Trinity produced an offensive blitz, with three tries (two unconverted), to shock their historical rivals into oblivion.

Coming into the match with a 23-point deficit, having surrendered the first leg 34-11, Royal, to their credit, never laid down and accepted their fate, instead opting to offer every ounce of resistance they could muster. On the day though, Trinity, benefiting from tries by winger Dharshana Udalagama (3), Scrum half Halique Wadood (2), and centre Lochana Girihagama, had just too much ammunition for the Royalists to dodge. The Royalists did however, do their share of damage as prop and Vice Captain Eroshan De Alwis and lock Wasim Bawa sailed over the line for them.

The match burst into life right from the opening minute, as both teams seemed determined to get off to a strong start and end things early. Trinity though drew first blood in the 11th minute, with a frenetically-paced sequence of play. From a clearance into the Royal half, Trinity claimed possession of the ball and launched into the visitors’ 22 for Girihagama to score a try which was converted by Centre Thisila Karunatilleka.

Halique Wadood of Trinity tries to make a break. - Pix by Indika Handuwala

However, rather than vamping up the home side, the try had the opposite effect, with Royal injecting a new sense of urgency into their play. The result was a hard-fought try from Royal, as De Alwis used his teammates support to lunge over the line. From that point onwards Royal seized control of the first half, dominating possession and securing another try as Bawa bulldozed his way past Trinity’s defence.

As the teams came out in the second half, with the score 12-7 in Royal’s favour, there were ripples of anxiety among the Trinitians, who feared a potential loss in their own backyard!. Two minutes onwards and these doubts were vanquished when Udalagama, the beneficiary of an outstanding series of passes to the right of the field, scored with an exquisite finish.

With the game tied at 12 all, Full Back Rimze Jamaldeen thumped a penalty between the posts to restore Royal’s lead. However this was short-lived, as Trinity hit back a little over five minutes later. Wadood, who was one of the chief tormentors of Royal’s defensive line, completed another fantastic move, filled with fluent passes and sensible runs, to register another Trinity try, which Karunatilleka converted.

The crowd however, celebrated a bit too prematurely, as three minutes later Royal was once again ahead. The powerful Bawa yet again imposed his will over the Trinity defense to score a try which Jamaldeen was unable to convert.

Then it all fell to pieces for Royal. First in the 36th minute of the second half, when Udulagama went over for his second try of the game, which was unconverted by Karunatilleka; then in the 39th minute, as Udulagama intercepted a Royal pass deep inside Trinity territory to bolt with glee across an empty Royal 22, and slide through for an easy try. Finally, as time wound down, Wadood completed a furious counterattack to put the icing on the cake for the Trinitians who, though competing against Royalty from Reid Avenue, proved to be the true emperors of the day.

Referee: Dilroy Fernando.

]]> http://www.sundaytimes.lk/120701/sports/trinity-maul-royal-to-win-bradby-4887.html/feed 0 Easy win for St. Thomas’ Matale http://www.sundaytimes.lk/120701/sports/easy-win-for-st-thomas-matale-4843.html http://www.sundaytimes.lk/120701/sports/easy-win-for-st-thomas-matale-4843.html#comments Sat, 30 Jun 2012 17:10:16 +0000 anuradha http://www.sundaytimes.lk/120701/?p=4843 St. Thomas’ Matale beat Maliyadeva Model School Kurunegala by 7 wickets in their Inter-School Under-15 Division I cricket encounter played at Matale lat Wednesday.

Electing to bat first Maliyadeva MS were bowled out for 125 runs in 30.5 overs with the Thomian spin trio, skipper and right-arm leg-spinner Pandula Udupihilla (4/29) and left-arm leg-spinner Amal Fernando (4/22) doing the major damage. Right-arm off-spinner K.D.S. Aravinda claimed 2 for 24. St. Thomas’ in their run chase, reached the winning target in the 16th over losing three wickets in the process. Maliyadeva MS 125 all out in 30.5 overs (A.M. Dulip 29, F.M. Mahesh 27, Pandula Udupihilla 4/29, Amal Fernando 4/22, K.D.S. Aravinda 2/24)

St. Thomas’ Matale 127 for 3 wickets in 15.4 overs

]]> http://www.sundaytimes.lk/120701/sports/easy-win-for-st-thomas-matale-4843.html/feed 0 Royal, St.Peter’s declared joint champs http://www.sundaytimes.lk/120701/sports/royal-st-peters-declared-joint-champs-4845.html http://www.sundaytimes.lk/120701/sports/royal-st-peters-declared-joint-champs-4845.html#comments Sat, 30 Jun 2012 17:11:02 +0000 anuradha http://www.sundaytimes.lk/120701/?p=4845 The Sri Lanka School Rugby Football Union has decided to award joint championship to St. Peter’s College and Royal College at the 2010 Milo Inter-school Rugby Tournament.

This came after the District Court of Colombo gave an order, dismissing with costs a case filed by parents and some supporters of Isipathana College players. They went to courts after the semi-final match between St. Peters and Isipathana was abandoned when unruly spectators pelted stones at players midway in the match. St. Peters were leading 14-0 at that stage.

SLSRFU ordered the match played again from the time it was stopped due to the disruption. Isipathana did not agree asking for a re-play as a new match.  Subsequently a group including parents players petitioned courts and obtained a stay order and the final was never played.
None of the petitioners was present in court while the lawyer informed that they have not given any instructions to proceed.

Susantha Mendis the Secretary of the Schools Rugby Football Association confirmed that they hope to claim for costs and are in the process of quantifying same  and will include a claim of losses arising from not playing the final  which  will include the loss of  gate collections. The SLSRFU has also decided to award joint championship to St, Peters College and Royal College. – VP

]]> http://www.sundaytimes.lk/120701/sports/royal-st-peters-declared-joint-champs-4845.html/feed 0 Proposed changes in club cricket format runs into heavy weather http://www.sundaytimes.lk/120701/sports/proposed-changes-in-club-cricket-format-runs-into-heavy-weather-4848.html http://www.sundaytimes.lk/120701/sports/proposed-changes-in-club-cricket-format-runs-into-heavy-weather-4848.html#comments Sat, 30 Jun 2012 17:14:32 +0000 anuradha http://www.sundaytimes.lk/120701/?p=4848

SLC is planning on cutting down the number of teams in its first class competition but smaller clubs oppose the move. - Pic by Amila Gamage

Speculation is rife that Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is contemplating on reshuffling its top premier domestic tournament for good. According to reliable information Sri Lanka’s First Class tournament will be cropped down to a 14-team competition replacing the two-tiered format which features 20 teams. While a good number of hands are in favour of the change, there are many who oppose to this possible alteration. They suspect that this possible change is a result of favouration and petrifaction of the amount of talent that is coming out from the outstations.

If the intended comes into act, possibly for the next season, many cricket playing clubs, especially the smaller ones fear that their existence in the cricket scene will be doubtful. Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), which replaced a frayed Seeduwa/Raddoluwa Cricket Club, is one such team that will feel the depths of this possible change if it comes into effect. The SLPA cricket club’s general secretary, Nalin Aponso detailed their grievances.

“Overall SLPA is a major facilitator of sports in the country. We have been involved with volleyball, netball, billiards and snooker and even have provided employment to many sports personalities. We have not got the opportunity to promote cricket in a big way until 2008, when our top management decided to recruit some top first class cricketers in order to build a strong team. During our initiative time Suraj Randiv was one of the employees at SLPA. Like that we recruited many top class cricketers and even went on to win the Tier B one-day championship last season. But what we are getting to hear is not so healthy. At a time when we are putting our fullest efforts to promote and help cricket as a government establishment, it’s saddening to hear that SLC is planning out to reorder the tournament. If it’s a policy decision taken by SLC we have to respect it but still it’s not fair by all the teams as all 20 teams have not being looked into equally. If that occurs regrettably we will have to rethink of our contributions to the sport as our aim is to play first class cricket,” said Aponso.

Another stalwart of cricket, Neil Perera, who served as a secretary when SLC was the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka (BCCSL) was fiery with the new development which is yet to trigger. He is also a patron of Panadura Sports Club for many decades.
“I was ‘thoroughly shaken’ when I heard that SLC is planning to change the domestic format. I was one of the people who attempted to promote cricket in the outstations since 1960. Unlike those days SLC is run by a set of lackeys who look into other benefits. If this is implemented, then SLC is doing an absolute injustice to small cricket playing clubs at top level, especially the ones from the outstations. You cannot suddenly change a decision overnight in favour of few clubs based in Colombo,” charged Perera (82) who also served as an executive committee member at BCCSL for 25 years.

The effect that infuriated these clubs is suspected to be the mode the SLC is going to pick the 14 teams for the proposed format. The ‘endangered’ clubs claim that SLC is single-handedly displaying favouritism over picking Nondescript Cricket Club (NCC) which is subjected for relegation next season after a bad season. Interestingly NCC has over ten Sri Lanka players in the side but due to national commitment none of them have played a domestic tournament at full during the recent past. But the grieved party justify the inclusion of Army Sports Club and three other clubs representing Kandy, Kurunegala and Galle regions. The inclusion of these three clubs according to Nishantha Ranatunga, the secretary of SLC is in a bid to promote cricket in the outstations but smaller clubs criticize this fact by calling it a blind side move to kill the sport in the outstations.

“We have to think the fact, if we are looking into the interest of the clubs or the nation. This was a proposal brought out by the cricket committee of SLC after serious observation and research. Many including the members of the executive committee are in support of this proposal. But I agree that there are loopholes in this plan which needs to have a serious study before its implementation. As complained by many this has nothing to do with an individual club or a faction. If the SLC has to take policy decisions it has to suit the best interest of the country and that’s what we are looking at presently,” Ranatunga stated.

]]> http://www.sundaytimes.lk/120701/sports/proposed-changes-in-club-cricket-format-runs-into-heavy-weather-4848.html/feed 0 Women’s ‘Mahalu Madama’ http://www.sundaytimes.lk/120701/sports/womens-mahalu-madama-4851.html http://www.sundaytimes.lk/120701/sports/womens-mahalu-madama-4851.html#comments Sat, 30 Jun 2012 17:17:42 +0000 anuradha http://www.sundaytimes.lk/120701/?p=4851 For those who do not know there is a pool for women to be in constant training for foreign meets here and abroad. The strange thing is that they have not taken part in any meet for the past two years but keep enjoying all the facilities that the authorites have been doling it out.   They enjoy all facilities such as a monthly allowance but where the action is it is No Go. It is now referred as a Women’s ‘Mahalu Madama’ (A home for elderly women) because some of them have turned grey as well!

Vivid with anger
There was an Olympic Run at the house by the same name but the big man was not invited for it.  This is an annual programme where certificates by the ruling body are given out to those who participate in it. The big man has started an inquiry as to why he was not invited. They say that the invitation was given but apparently has not been handed out to him. The big man is vivid with anger with the official body who had sent the invitation in the first place.

Getting late a fashion
All were waiting eagerly for the chief guest to arrive at a key outstation sports meet. He did arrive at last after about two hour’s delay. Due to this the entire programme had to be changed and some of the events had to be cancelled. Ultimately those who could not take part in the day’s events had had to be kept overnight so that the events could be held the next day. This delay has caused such a ruckus. The big question is how come a law enforcing officer could be so late. It is said that this big shot has been late for earlier functions as well!

Letter under threat
The Walking Race held in Anuradhapura is the center of conversation as an official who was late for it has submitted a letter from a judge to the effect that the delay was due to unavoidable circumstances. The judge concerned has been going around saying that he issued the letter as he had been threatened to issue it.

The forceful cyclist
A cyclist who is under a cloud of suspension had taken part in a race and had taken third place. This cyclist had been suspended for taking a banned drug. The strange thing is that officials did not know that this particular cyclist was under suspension and the cyclist had forced himself on the race and had ridden to be placed third as well!

Overseas programme for cyclists
A big inquiry is on to find out how some cyclists who are facing a ban enforced in 2008 had obtained certificates. It has now been revealed that three or four of these cyclists have obtained the certificates so that they could follow a coaching programmeto be held in a foreign country. Taking a close look at the situation it has been revealed that some of these cyclists have obtained only 11 points out of a possible 100 and are still clamouring to follow the overseas programme.

]]> http://www.sundaytimes.lk/120701/sports/womens-mahalu-madama-4851.html/feed 0 Do as the Ruler Says http://www.sundaytimes.lk/120701/sports/do-as-the-ruler-says-4870.html http://www.sundaytimes.lk/120701/sports/do-as-the-ruler-says-4870.html#comments Sat, 30 Jun 2012 17:39:13 +0000 anuradha http://www.sundaytimes.lk/120701/?p=4870 Looking at the former Sri Lanka Coach Davnell Whatmore — who has exchanged his blue jersey for a green one — writhing in anger made me feel a bit uncomfortable while watching the proceedings of the first Test between Sri Lanka and Pakistan at the Galle Stadium.
He seemed to be turning purple while looking at some of the decisions that were given by the umpires during the match. He was quite animated and could not hide his true feelings. To me, watching the match, I had to agree with that poor chap as even I was of the view that some of the decisions were atrocious, to put it in a much-civilised manner.

At the same time, at the back of my mind, I was thanking former Pakistan Captain Imran Khan, who championed the idea of having neutral umpires to stand at all international matches, because if those decisions were given by local umpires they would have prompted the first cricket war between two countries.

In the exchanges of skill in the middle the Lankans were more disciplined and focused and deservedly won the game. But if all the decisions that were given during the four full days of the match were correct it would have been easier for the Pakistan team to accept defeat.

If that was the case, from which divine deities do we ask for intervention? Whoever it is, that divine power we seek solace from should also have a thorough knowledge of the game of cricket and moreover, should be neutral. Yet in these modern times reality says that divine intervention may not be the most plausible answer, but the ICC-mooted Decision Review System (DRS).

The ICC claims that the Elite Panel of Umpires hired by them to stand at international cricket matches generally hits the mark over 93% in reading right and the DRS was introduced to up that number and take their stake to the high nineties. Yet going by the number of mistakes that were made during the just concluded Galle Test, I feel the ICC’s claims should be challenged.

The DRS was initially put on the road in 2008 on an experimental basis when Sri Lanka were taking on Ritchie Rich of World Cricket India. The host Sri Lanka got eleven right DRS calls in the series to India’s one. Since that moment, the ICC might as well have withdrawn this facility. But it took the DRS system to the next stage. In June 2011 a compromise was struck when the world governing body agreed to make DRS with Hot Spot (according to availability) mandatory in all Tests and ODIs, with ball-tracking removed from the compulsory list.

But the joy was short lived. In October 2011 the ICC said the DRS was no longer mandatory, leaving it subject to bilateral agreement between boards, buckling under heavy Indian pressure. This is the spot where we are in today.

If the ICC decision remains at its present status and the hosts have to finance the Hot Spot aspect of DRS, and if India is not involved in the said series, the others could have the system in operation, to have the game of cricket cater to the cricket connoisseurs of technologically advanced today. We believe in this because cricket is considered a spectator sport and television magnates, especially in the Indian subcontinent, just embrace cricket.

Thinking back, in Sri Lanka the two Test series against England had partial DRS with the visitors we learn bearing a part of the costs. According to SLC sources the cost of the DRS full package is around Rs. 15 million. And Sri Lanka Cricket says it can’t afford the facility. We ask the SLC that if it is the cricket that matters, and they survive there because of cricket Rs. 15 million is not too big a bill in comparison to the other wasteful expenses that the SLC incurs.

After the game Pakistan’s stand-in skipper Mohammed Hafeez lamented, “One thing I want to say is that it is time for the highest authorities to make a decision about the DRS. It should be compulsory for every game. I feel as a player, not having the DRS puts a lot of pressure on you and that pressure goes to the umpires.

“If this technology can improve this game, then why not? The authorities should either go for it [DRS] or not (use it) at all.”
The DRS can be used to improve the game. Yet one cannot make any headway till the present ruler of cricket – India — opposes it. Maybe it is one ruse that India is using to demonstrate who the master in world cricket is. Maybe India must be remembering how England and Australia bullied them during the good old times.

But what India must learn is that these are ideas that go through a process which has been conceived by the Cricket Committee of the ICC. Certainly the Cricket Committee of the ICC has a better understanding of the game than its executive committee put together. But in reality it is interesting to note what transpires.

The application of the DRS, which was recommended by the ICC’s Cricket Committee and by its Chief Executives Committee, met an expected and swift end at the ICC’s Executive Board meeting in Kuala Lumpur, last week. It is believed the issue was discussed at the meeting but was not put to a vote. This came to pass a day after India publicly and plainly repeated its opposition to the DRS, when most other countries supported it.

This goes to prove that the ICC is a toothless organisation. Though the rest of the cricket community is convinced, along with them, that the DRS can be used for the betterment of the game, the ICC does not want to cross paths with India. Yet countries like Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Bangladesh will say that they cannot afford the system in their bilateral series.

Then we come back to position zero. The ICC must sit tight and think of ways of footing the cost of the DRS and offer it to all top cricketing nations as part of its mandatory service. Then cricket will be the winner and the quality of the game will surely go up a few notches.

If every other country is using the DRS other than India (when they are part of a tour), the rest of the world along with the ICC would cut a new niche. Then as time goes by even the rich kid down the lane may begin to cry out for a hidden toy.

]]> http://www.sundaytimes.lk/120701/sports/do-as-the-ruler-says-4870.html/feed 0 In goes Bandara and out comes another Bandara http://www.sundaytimes.lk/120701/sports/in-goes-bandara-and-out-comes-another-bandara-4874.html http://www.sundaytimes.lk/120701/sports/in-goes-bandara-and-out-comes-another-bandara-4874.html#comments Sat, 30 Jun 2012 17:41:32 +0000 anuradha http://www.sundaytimes.lk/120701/?p=4874

Vidyartha was the dark horse of this year’s schools league tournament. But they face an off-the-field battle which eventually could change the entire composure of the league tournament. - Pic by Ranjith Perera

The school rugby season is over and the league winners have virtually been decided. Virtually because Trinity College, the table leaders, now have to wait for the off field battles to be completed. Off field antics are not limited to the few crowd invasions that have occurred in a couple of matches. The issues are of a technical nature remaining from the process of protests which have a bearing in announcing the winners of the A, B and C groups in Division 1.

The school tournament is adorned with off field protests every year when rugby talks so much about the spirit in which the game is played. We have even had schools seeking redress in courts to stay at the top league. One year the number of teams was increased to 12 so that the tournament was played. We have had issues of player’s eligibility being challenged and another case of a court order being obtained to halt the Schools Knockout Tournament in 2010. The recent decisions where order was given including costs opens a window to include loss incurred and is reported separately.

Delaying the finalization of table leaders for groups A B and C in Division 1 are a spate of complaints some of which are official.
Speaking to the Secretary of Schools Rugby he confirmed that they have received complaints. On being asked whether the complaints were made within the stipulated time: he explained that the SLSFA President and the committee was of the view that the nature of complaint being about non eligible players the three day period was not adequate.  As rumors will continue to float they decided to look into the issue and arrive at a decision that will be fair to the schools involved.  The complaints on inquiry appear to be speculative except probably in the case of the C division where there are two different dates of birth in two different years.  The others seem more hopeful as in the field of play where most kicks are expected to hopefully land somewhere.

The speculation is that some players may have not had the necessary O’ level passes or that they changed schools because they did not have the required passes.  I am told that a certain Kandy school has forty two players in the pool and some play in matches while they may not be there for others. In some matches they have not played up to five who have played previously. This particular school has around five Bandara names in the list and leads to fantasizing theories that another Bandara of a previous era took the field as a substitute. Bandara in the hills is as common as Perera, Fernando or Silva in the city of Colombo.

In the case of \ a 1 ‘B’ Colombo School the occurrence is that an experienced player who has been on the bench due to an injury comes in for a crucial match. This leads to the presumption of being overage or non eligible on the O level criteria. If you trace back to the origins of creating a doubt the sources are parents who may have a child who has not found a place or has been removed from school.   Very often it is a team that has been relegated because they did not play well and possibly a master who may have an axe to grind. The best in the form of a spin is from a schoolboy who had lost his place and attributed same to importing a non eligible and in the hills.
Why does this happen and what hope have we got as the issues of switch is more prevalent in the lower divisions especially when they travel out of home. The future will possibly require a cage in the playing enclosure to ensure that those who come for the list check are securely kept. That possibly will be the technical zone that will prevent coaches walking around and creating chaos. Talking of technical zones in school matches one finds that this is not policed adequately and often leads to confrontation with the substitution official who is responsible for managing the zone. Various excuses are made including an additional who runs into the field claiming to be the team doctor despite being over the numbers stipulated. The ingenious one I saw was the numbers being correct on the bench the coach stands under the post.

Overseas, Wales came very close to making history by beating Australia. Wales lost 19 to 22 in the second test and the third test by 19 to 20. Australia won the 2nd test  through a Mike Harris Penalty after the siren was sounded while in the last match Wales who lost by one point conceded 14 out of a total of 23 penalties.  Scott Quinnell former Welsh number 8 blasted Wales’ “atrocious discipline” as they let Australia off the hook during the 20-19 third Test defeat. The Wales great was fuming at the penalty count as another opportunity to secure a first away triumph in a 43 year history slipped away.  He said “It shows how far we have come but how far we have to go to be able to compete at the highest level?”

His call is justified because this is rugby among two teams that is in the first seven in the world. Compare this to the many instances that one hears of pronouncements  in Sri Lanka ,both in club as well as in schools , that  the penalty counts of around  25  to 30 are high . That is despite the fact that we are among the 2nd tier in both national and youth rugby standing in Asia. Obviously skill levels are not five star and more mistakes are likely.

Vimal Perera is a former Rugby Referee, coach and Accredited Referees Evaluator IRB

]]> http://www.sundaytimes.lk/120701/sports/in-goes-bandara-and-out-comes-another-bandara-4874.html/feed 0 Zen captures the Ridgeways in style http://www.sundaytimes.lk/120701/sports/zen-captures-the-ridgeways-in-style-4881.html http://www.sundaytimes.lk/120701/sports/zen-captures-the-ridgeways-in-style-4881.html#comments Sat, 30 Jun 2012 17:42:43 +0000 anuradha http://www.sundaytimes.lk/120701/?p=4881 Young golfing sensation Zen Dharmaratne, ironically a citizen of Malaysia produced a scintillating performance in the traditional South West Monsoon Meet at the Royal Colombo Golf Club Ridgeways Golf Course over the last two weekends.

Ever since the late Pin Fernando arguably the best Amateur Golfing member Sri Lanka has ever produced, won the Aggregate Gold Medal and Squadron Cup in 1978 off a ‘scratch’ handicap Zen Dharmaratne is the first to equal this feat by winning the double of returning the best 4 round total gross score as well as the total nett score off a ‘scratch’ handicap defeating the entire field playing off competitive handicaps.

In 1978 the late Champion Pin in addition to the Aggregate Gold Medal and the Squadron Cup also won the Victoria Cup for the 2 Saturday rounds (1st and 3rd) best nett score total and nearly completed a clean sweep when he was runner up in the Calcutta Medal.
However Zen’s performance is outstanding with the progress of the game and at the age of 21 to win the double of 4 round gross and nett off a ‘0’ handicap is spectacular furthermore Zen won the 4 round Aggregate Gold Medal by a staggering 40 strokes from the 2nd best Damindra Fernando and the other promising youngster Sachin de Silva a further 6 strokes behind in 3rd place. In the competitive Squadron Cup 4 round Aggregate nett score off handicap Zen was 6 shots clear of the runner up Gerard Fernando on 286. It also maybe fair to say that Zen Dharmaratne’s 4 round total for the Gold Medal at 4 under par is possibly the best Gross score returned in its history.

The Calcutta Medal for the best nett score in the 1st round was won by Sanka Mediripitiya with a nett 67 by 1 stroke from the runner up Gerard Fernando. Lalin Samarawickrama who played some consistent Golf over the 4 rounds to finish 4th in the Squadron Cup returned the 3rd best score of 69 in the Calcutta Medal. Harsha Abeywickrama and Lalith Ramanayake are the only others who returned sub-par score of 70 in the 1st round.

The Victoria Cup was won by Nishan Navaratne who tied with Zen Dharmaratne on a 2 round total of nett 138 by virtue of a fantastic nett 64 in the 2nd round to pip Zen on the post.

The Havelock Trophy which was played in May is a 2 ball better ball Foursome partnership tournament conducted on a Stableford points score basis attracting several teams of 2 including mixed pairs (ladies and gents) turned out to be extremely competitive and very high scoring. The partnership of Nihal Keppitipola and Ranjith Thabrew totaled a fantastic 46 points to defeat Nimal Perera and Sarath Piyaratne who scored 43 points.

Royal Colombo Golf Club South West Monsoon Meet 2012  Competition Detailed Results
Calcutta Medal
Winner-  Sanka Mediripitiya 67 Nett
Runner Up – Gerard Fernando68 NettLalin Samarawickrama    69 Nett
Harsha Abeywickrama/Lalith Ramanayake 70 Nett
Victoria Cup
Winner -Nishan Navaratne138 (74,64)
Runner Up- Zen Dharmaratne38(71,67)
Damindra Fernando/Gerard Fernando 140 Nett
Squadron Cup
Winner- Zen Dharmaratne 280 (71,72,67,70)
Runner Up- Gerad Fernando 286 (68,76,72,70)                    Chamath.J.Kulasinghe 289
L.T. Samarawickrama 290
Harsha Abeywickrama 292
Aggregate Gold Medal
Winner-  Zen Dharmaratne 280 (71,72,67,70)
Runner Up-  Damindra Fernando 320 (78,80,76,86)
Sachin de Silva 326
Zhuang Lizhon 327
Harsha Abeywickrama 328
Bandula Weerasinghe 329
Dr .C. Thurairaja 331
Results of the Monthly Medal  June 2012
Division A – Handicap 0 to 09
Winner: Zaffar Sikkandar73 Nett B/B 9
Runner Up: Lallith Rohith 73

Division   B -  Handicap 10 to 18
Winner: Ceasar Fernando70 Nett B/B 9
Runner Up: Wasantha De Silva 70

Division   C -   Handicap 19 to 28
Winner: Chamath Kulasinghe 70 Nett
Runner Up: A. I. Gooneratne73 B/B 9
Seniors
Winner: A. S. Abdeen 65 Nett
Runner Up: P. B. Kalugalagedera        70 B/B 9
Master
Winner: Mahasena Jayathilake        68 Nett B/B 9
Runner Up: Rahula Senaviratne 68

]]> http://www.sundaytimes.lk/120701/sports/zen-captures-the-ridgeways-in-style-4881.html/feed 0 Moratuwa SC, Army and Air Force upset fancied teams http://www.sundaytimes.lk/120701/sports/moratuwa-sc-army-and-air-force-upset-fancied-teams-4899.html http://www.sundaytimes.lk/120701/sports/moratuwa-sc-army-and-air-force-upset-fancied-teams-4899.html#comments Sat, 30 Jun 2012 17:56:15 +0000 anuradha http://www.sundaytimes.lk/120701/?p=4899 Ragama CC’s Dananjaya de Silva in action against CCC. -Pic by Ranjith PereraSix fourth round matches of the Under 23 inter-club cricket tournament which is in progress now saw six teams – Moratuwa SC, Bloomfield, Moors, Ragama CC, Army and Air Force – take first innings lead when play ended on day two in the matches played around the metropolis.

Moratuwa SC’s lead was initiated by Chathura Hemakumara who on the first day cracked a ton to guide his side to a modest score of 239. Chathura’s 107 ball knock comprised 17 boundaries and NCC in their turn ended the day on 111 for 6. NCC resuming on their overnight score lasted only 19.1 overs as they were restricted to 172 with Malshan Mendis along with Anushka Perera and Shanuka Dulaj doing the damage. Moratuwa SC batting the second time ended the day on 243 for 6.

Navy fought back after Moors had dominated the proceedings at Welisara. They had Moors chasing a target of 137 runs on the back foot on 87 for 6 when play ended on day two.Earlier in the day Moors resuming on their overnight score 204 for 9 added a further eight runs being bowled out for 212. Navy batting the second time, thanks to half tons from Duleeka Tissakuttige, Yoshan Kumara and Chanaka Ruwansiri, made 283.

Bloomfield managed to secure a close first inning lead over Tamil Union at Reid Avenue. Bloomfield restricted Tamil Union, resuming from their overnight score of 56 for 2, to 173. Army too got the better of Colts at Panagoda. Army in reply to Colts score of 115 was struggling on 97 for 7 but came back to make a score of 146.

Bloomfield’s Shaluka Silva in action at Reid Avenue. - Pic by Ranjith PereraAir Force resuming from their overnight score of 88 for 2 was helped by Angelo Emmanuel (102) and Supun Navaratne (75) who together put on a valuable 174 runs for the third wicket enabling them  to take a comfortable first lead over Chilaw Marians in the match played at Rifle Green.Air Force resuming on their overnight score of 88 for 2 went on to make a mammoth score of 394 in reply to Chilaw Marians score of 280.

At Moratuwa
Moratuwa SC 239 (Chathura Hemakumara 100, Shanuka Dulaj 37, Hashan Perera 23: Aamil Anaz 3 for 37, Irosh Samarasooriya 3 for 46, Imesh Udayanga 2 for 58) and 243 for 6 (Pawan Devinda 57, Kusal Mendis 53, Chathura Hemakumara 31, Hashan Perera 23, Anushka Perera 23: Imesh Udayanga 4 for 38, Dushmantha Chameera 2 for 44)
NCC (111/6 overnight) 172 (Imesh Udayanga 92, Lahiru Udara 22: Malshan Mendis 3 for 51, Anushka Perera 2 for 4, Shanuka Dulaj 2 for 17)

At Welisara
Navy 65 (Buddika Alwis 22: Maduka Liyanapathirana 5 for 17, Shehan Jayasuriya 4 for 27) and 283 (Duleeka Tissakuttige 87, Yoshan Kumara 68, Chanaka Ruwansiri 67: Lakshan Rangika 3 for 53, Maduka Liyanapathirana 2 for 64, Shehan Jayasuriya 2 for 68)
Moors (204/9 overnight) 212 (Shehan Jayasuriya 71, Maduka Liyanapathirana 38, Chamikara Edirisinghe 29, Ashan Priyanjana 21: Dulanjana Mendis 4 for 58, Dilan Chandima 3 for 47)

At Reid Avenue
Bloomfield 178 (Sheshan de Silva 23, Nipun Karunanayake 23, Tharuka Silva 19: Madusanka Ekanayake 4 for 53, Chathuranga de Silva 2 for 11, Mateesha Perera 2 for 40, Dinuk Jayasinghe 2 for 43) and 166 for 7 (Sheshan de Silva 49, Ruvinda Shamen 31, Nipun Karunanayake 26: Chathuranga de Silva 3 for 30, Mateesha Perera 2 for 24)

Tamil Union (56/2 overnight) 173 (Kithruwan Withanage 75, Ashen Silva 19, Chathuranga de Silva 19: Shaluka Silva 4 for 48, Koshan Dhanushka 3 for 33)

At CCC
Ragama CC 204 (Dananjaya de Silva 91, Charith Fernando 40, Lahiru Milantha 21: Prabath Jayasuriya 4 for 58, Sachin Peiris 3 for 65) and 275 (Dananjaya de Silva 76, Lahiru Milantha 38, Udara Jayasundara 33, Rumesh Buddika 30: Sachithra Perera 4 for 72, Duhan Vimukthi 3 for 69, Sachin Peiris 2 for 63)

CCC (75/9 overnight) 77 (Sangaran Nandalal 18: Nisala Tharaka 3 for 16, Lahiru Jayaratne 3 for 30, Kaushalya Gajasinghe 2 for 0) and 69 for 3 (Adeesha Nanayakkara 29 .o.)

At Panagoda
Colts 115 (Shihan Kamileen 38, Akila Dananjaya 21, Chthuranga Kumara 19: Janith de Silva 4 for 32, Chathura Damith 4 for 42) and 113 for 6 (Hasitha Wickramasinghe 60 n.o., Imal Liyanage 20 n.o.: Chathura Damith 3 for 29, Janith de Silva 2 for 28)
Army (79/4 overnight) 146 (Geeth Nanaayakkara 49, Suresh Peiris 31: Nilochana Perera 4 for 23, Julian de Zylwa 3 for 27)

At Rifle Green
Chilaw Marians 260 (Waqas Barkath 67, Lahiru Sangeeth 51, Sameera Sandaruwan 33, Chatura Jayan 23, Rukshan Shehan 19 n.o.: Buddika Sandaruwan 3 for 27, Rosco Thattil 3 for 41, Shohan Rangika 2 for 38) and 88 for 4 (Shihan Jainudeen 24: Lasanda Rukmal 3 for 38)

Air Force (88/2 overnight) 394 (Angelo Emmanuel 102, Supun Navaratne 75, Praboda Arthavidu 64, Asanka Gihan 43,Shohan Rangika 33: Chathura Jayan 3 for 61, Shehan Chathuranga 3 for 74, Amila Premasiri 2 for 50, Asad Ajireen 2 for 66)

]]> http://www.sundaytimes.lk/120701/sports/moratuwa-sc-army-and-air-force-upset-fancied-teams-4899.html/feed 0 Wesley beat Royal in hockey final http://www.sundaytimes.lk/120701/sports/wesley-beat-royal-in-hockey-final-4903.html http://www.sundaytimes.lk/120701/sports/wesley-beat-royal-in-hockey-final-4903.html#comments Sat, 30 Jun 2012 17:57:24 +0000 anuradha http://www.sundaytimes.lk/120701/?p=4903 Imad Muzamil the right inside enabled  Wesley College to defeat Royal College by one goal to nil and win the Cup Final of the seven-a-side hockey championships conducted by Zahira College to celebrate their 120th anniversary.

The goal by Muzamil was scored in the seventh minute of play.  In the Plate Final, Nalanda Vidyalaya defeated S. Thomas’ College, by one goal to nil in a penalty shootout after the game ended in a nil all draw. The goal was scored by centre half Akalanka Ishan.

In the semi-finals, Royal College defeated Joseph Vaz, Wennappuwa 1-0, while Wesley College defeated Zahira 3-0.Imal Muzamil of Wesley College was adjudged the best player, while Pramodya Nipuna of Nalanda won the award for the best goal keeper. – BM

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