Sri Lanka’s Cricket Coach Davenel Whatmore, who has requested an early release from his contract which expires in May next year, will stay on till the 3-nation triangular tournament in Sharjah next month.
The Cricket Board which has come under fire from several quarters, including the media and the public on the Whatmore issue, decided on Friday it would release the Lankan-born Australian Coach after the Sharjah Tournament. The decision was taken after a marathon executive committee meeting on Friday which lasted over 7 hours, amidst allegations of unfairness and ingratitude to a coach who had helped transform Lanka into a team of champions.
Earlier in the week, Dave Whatmore released a statement to the media citing personal and domestic reasons for his premature exit from his contract. However, it was evident that Whatmore’s reasons for his exit were much more than what was stated. When asked to comment on his relationship with the Cricket Board, the coach who was flanked by Board officials at a media conference refused to comment.
In the statement released to the media, Whatmore has expressed his gratitude to the players and also to the BCCSL for showing the confidence and foresight in securing his services an year and a half ago. This was seen a gesture of gratitude to the previous Cricket Board. It was not surprising that he had no word of thanks to present Cricket Board officials.
Amidst all the controversy, the coach continued with his training with the World Cup champions, as they prepared for the triangular tournament in Sharjah next month. In the latest move, medium pacer Chaminda Vaas was getting a couple of lessons from Sri Lanka’s Sprint Queen Susanthika Jayasinghe on his style of running. According to coach Whatmore, Vaas has experienced a slight problem in his run-up, especially during his second spell. The medium-pacer has realized his problem and sought the services of Susanthika Jayasinghe to correct it under the supervision of Whatmore and physiotherapist Alec Kontouri.
With Whatmore’s exit as coach certain, it will be left to the Cricket Board to decide on a replacement. Speculation is that at least two Sri Lankans are eyeing the lucrative and prestigious post. However, the Cricket Board President was quoted recently as saying that the post would be advertised worldwide. Some cricket observers feel it would be preferable to get a top coach from another cricket playing country, as it would minimise interference from officials or other influential quarters here and the coach could function independently.
Lausnne, Oct 9 (Reuter) - Olympic officials denied reports that the controversial Atlanta Games had lost money.
International Olympic Committee (IOC) director general Francois Carrard said the IOC had not yet received a final financial report on the Games, but denied media reports of a deficit.
“There are no figures on the table, under the table or in the drawers,” he said. “We have not had a final account yet. There is talk of a modest profit but there is no talk of a deficit.”
John Krinsky of the US Olympic Committee added: “I’m expecting good news, maybe not great news. But good news for me is anything (in the) black.”
The IOC has expressed concern that the privately-funded Games lacked the usual safety net of state financial support.
Atlanta was also heavily criticised for being too commercial. Some said the large number of private vendors clogging the city centre turned Atlanta into a huge flea market.
The IOC was unable to discuss the Atlanta Olympics in detail at an executive board meeting on Wednesday because reports on the Games organisation were not complete. Carrard said the IOC was not expected to probe financial aspects of the Games until it meets in Mexico next month, when most of the other reports should be finished.
Final accounts for the Games are not expected until December.
As well as excessive commercialism, the IOC is looking into shortcomings in Atlanta’s transport, accommodation and technology, which resulted in heavy media criticism.
Australia were 168 for 6 at the close on the third day of their one-off Test against India in New Delhi yesterday.
Australia faces defeat after their top order batsmen were skittled out in the post-lunch session of the third day’s play.
Trailing by 179 runs after the first innings, the Australians reached 79 for four in their second knock by tea, still needing 100 to avoid an innings defeat with six wickets in hand.
The task appeared difficult on a deteriorating Kotla wicket as the fired-up Indians scalped Ricky Ponting, Mark Waugh and skipper Mark Taylor in the afternoon session.
Ponting, lucky to survive before lunch when English umpire Peter Willey turned down an appeal for a catch at the wicket, was bowled by Venkatesh Prasad leg-cutter for 13.
Waugh and Taylor put on 47 for the third wicket as Australia moved to 72 for two, before the Indians struck back by removing both batsmen in the space of six runs.
Waugh, who made 23, was surprised to be declared caught behind by Willey when he attempted to cut leg-spinner Anil Kumble.
Then in the last over before tea, Taylor was snapped up in the leg trap off Ashish Kapoor for 37 to leave Australia poorly placed.
The last recognised pair of Steve Waugh (two) and Michael Bevan (one) were at the crease when tea was taken. (AFP)
Colombo University emerged the overall Inter-University swimming champions with an aggregate of 170 points followed by Peradeniya (107), Moratuwa (69), Kelaniya (46), Sri Jayawardanapura (45) and Ruhuna (31) in the meet concluded at the Ananda College swimming pool.
The menÕs championships was won by Peradeniya who pipped Colombo by 3 points 88 to 85 and Moratuwa 52, Sri Jayawardenapura 45, Ruhuna 31 and Kelaniya 12.
The womenÕs championships was won by Colombo with 85 points, Kelaniya 34, Peradeniya 19 and Moratuwa 17.
In all, seven new Inter-University meet records were set-up, with C.R.S. de Saram of Colombo with four, while A.D.M.V. Abeywardena also of Colombo having four new meet records to his credit.
50 metres back stroke women - S.M. Fernando (Colombo), R. Batuwangala (Colombo), S.R.S.D. Kumari (Kelaniya).
4 x 50 metres Individual Medley men.
A.M.D.V. Abeywardena (Colombo) New Meet Record, H.B.S.K. Bandara (Peradeniya), H.D.H. Perera (Moratuwa).
50 metres breast stroke women - R. Batuwangala (Colombo), P. K. L. Andaraweera (Peradeniya), Manik Upatissa (Peradeniya).
200 metres breast stroke men - A.M.D.V. Abeywar-dena (Colombo) New Meet Record, D.M.L. Dissanayake (Kelaniya), G. Hewamadduwa (Moratuwa).
50 metres dolphin stroke men - C.R.S. de Saram (Colombo), New Meet Record, S.B. Prasad (Ruhuna), S.L. Pathirage (Peradeniya).
200 metres free style women - S.M. Fernando (Colombo), M. Upatissa (Peradeniya), S.R.S.D. Kumari (Kelaniya).
50 metres free style women - L.R. Fernandesz (Colombo), T.R. Liyanasuriya (Colombo), S.M.K.T. Samarakoon (Kelaniya).
200 metres back stroke men - E.B.J. Bandara (Peradeniya), J.M.S.C. Samarasinghe (Peradeniya), M.A.N. Chandratilleke (Colombo).
50 metres dolphin stroke women - S.M. Fernando (Colombo), R. Batuwangala (Colombo), S.R.S.D. Kumari (Kelaniya).
4 x 100 metres free style relay men - Peradeniya, Sri Jayawardenapura, Colombo.
4 x 50 metres free style relay women - Colombo, Kelaniya, Moratuwa.
100 metres free style men - M.S. Gunatunga (Sri Jayawardanapura), S.B. Prasad (Ruhuna), W.A. Mahinda Kumara (Ruhuna).
100 metres free style women - L.R. Fernandesz (Colombo), T.R. Liyanasuriya (Colombo), Menik Upatissa (Peradeniya).
100 metres back stroke men - C.R.S. de Saram (Colombo), New Meet Record, J.B.J. Bandara (Peradeniya), B.G.S. Udaya Kumara (Peradeniya).
200 metres free style men - K.H.A. Gunaratne (Sri Jayawardenapura), W.A. Mahinda Kumara (Ruhuna), W.M.S.A. Bandara (Sri Jayawardanapura).
100 metres breast stroke men - S.L. Pathirage (Peradeniya), M.D.H. Perera (Moratuwa), D.M.L. Dissanayake (Kelaniya).
50 metres breast stroke men - A.M.D.V. Abeywardena (Colombo), New Met Record, S.L. Pathirage (Peradeniya), G.M.E.R. Niroshan (Sri Jayawardanapura).
50 metres free style men - C.R.S. de Saram (Colombo), New Meet Record, M.S. Ganthune (Sri Jayawardanapura), S.D.C.P.K. Devapriya (Peradeniya).
400 metres free style men - S.D.C.P.K. Devapriya (Peradeniya), K.H.A. Gunaratne (Sri Jayawardanapura), B.G.S. Udaya Kumara (Peradeniya).
4 x 50 metress medley relay women - Colombo, Peradeniya.
100 metres dolphin stroke men - S.B. Prasad (Ruhuna), M.D.H. Perera (Moratuwa), H.B.S.K. Badara (Peradeniya).
4 x 50 metres medley relay women - Colombo (New Meet Record), Peradeniya, Moratuwa.
CH&FC celebrated a hundred years of rugby on October 5 at their Maitland Crescent premises, Cinnamon Gardens.
It was an all-day and all-night carnival with the heralding of the celebrations commencing with their Chairman Surath Wickremasinghe declaring open this occasion.
The day began with the Inter-Club Sevens where the clubs were permitted to play foreigners without restrictions and Kandy did well to play their maximum of Kitinoni Ratudrada Etonio Qvoro and Apsi Nagata formerly of CH&FC to win.
This tournament was interlaced with a Ladies Sevens where a CH&FC invitation ladies team comprising of a team of Police lasses took on an Army A & B and another Police team. Finally the Army A & B featured in the ladies championship to the delight of Juppana Jayawardene, the brigadier for the Army “A” team to triumph.
It was a great occasion for the past captains of CH&FC to have the honour of being awarded beautiful mementos to mark the occasion by the chief guest Cubby Wijetunge, who is a great rugby enthusiast.
The great day ended with a dream dance where there was a galaxy of stars including members of the diplomatic corps.
Former Indian cricketer Kapil Dev (a keen golfer with a handicap of 8), and current Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram will add sparkle to the Deutsche Bank Classic Celebrity Pro-Am golf tournament to be played at the Royal Colombo Golf Club on October 26.
This will be the first time in Sri Lanka that a celebrity Pro-Am tournament is being played at the Ridgeways.
These two golfers will play alongside two Professionals in Nandasena Perera of Sri Lanka and Faisal Qureshi of Pakistan and leading Amateur Tissa Chandradasa.
The sponsor of Australia’s domestic one-day series is lobbying the Australian Cricket Board to sanction a world record one million Australian dollars jackpot prize.
A batsman hitting a six onto one of the designated signs at the various grounds stands to win up to 100,000 A dollars this season.
The jackpot begins at 100,000 dollars and increases by 10,000 dollar increments for each match it is unclaimed.
Last year, New South Wales batsman Steve Waugh netted 140,000 dollars when he struck a straight six off Western Australia allrounder Tom Moody at the WACA ground in Perth. It was the first time the jackpot had been won in three seasons.
The ACB rejected Mercantile Mutual’s initial approach for a one million Australian dollar jackpot, fearing the attention surrounding the lucky player may ultimately disadvantage him.
But the sponsors said they plan to continue to lobby the ACB and hope to gain a positive response in time for the 1999-2000 season.
The 20th annual Hockey “sevens” conducted by the Mercantile Hockey Association and sponsored by Unilevers Ceylon Limited for the 15th consecutive year will be held on October 20 at Havelock Park from 8 a.m.
The divisions and teams participating are:
A division Bristol Trophy
Group A - Singers, Commercial Bank, Ceylon Cold Stores, Hatton National Bank A.
Group B - Arpico, AirLanka, Bartleets, Ceylon Tobacco.
B division - Singer Trophy
Hong Kong Bank, John Keells, Airport & Aviation, Forbes & Walkers, Smith Kline, Beecham Mackwoods.
C. division - J.M.J. Perera Trophy
Seylan Bank, Colombo Hilton, Hatton National Bank B, Upali Group.
D division - Edmund J. Cooray Trophy
Cargills, Nestles, Trans Asia Hotel, Standard Chartered Bank, Unilevers.
E division - Ceylon Cold Stores Trophy
Hayleys, Sampath Bank, Lipton & Brooke Bond, Idac, Pelwatta Sugar Industries.
Last year’s champions:
A division - Singers.
B division - Ceylon Cold Stores.
C division - Forbes & Walkers.
D division - Seylan Bank.
E division - Cargills.
Meanwhile, the awards to the League and knock-out 1996 tourneys too will be made on this day.
League 1996 - A division Panadol Trophy - Singers
B division - M.H.A. Trophy - Hong Kong Bank.
C division - Phoenix Industries Trophy - Seylan Bank.
D division - John Keells Trophy - Cargills.
E division - W.C. Wishart Trophy - Sampath Bank. Knock-out 1996.
A division - A. X. Cruz Motha Memorial Trophy - Singers.
B division - AirLanka Trophy - John Keells.
C division - Cobamills Trophy - Seylan Bank.
D division - Mercantile HA Trophy - Cargills.
E division - Wally F.de. Silva Trophy - Hayleys.
T.P. Gunawardena, the Personnel Director, Unilever Ceylon Limited and Mrs. Asokie Gunawardena will be the chief guests with Hemaka Amarasuriya, Chairman Singers and Mrs. Anoma Amarasuriya as guests of honour.
The 21st annual open six-a-side cricket tournament conducted by the Mercantile Cricket Association and sponsored by Union Assurance Limited will be held on October 19 and 20.
This tournament which attracted 41 teams last year will possibly attract more this year. It will be played at three venues: MCA, BRC, and the Health grounds at Castle Street.
The winners and runners-up will be awarded the Union Assurance Trophy plus a cash award, while special awards will be made to the best batsman, best bowler, man of the final and player scoring the highest number of sixes in the tournament.
Last year John Keells were champions with Nawaloka as runners-up.
Zulki Hamid of John Keells won the best batsmenÕs award and the highest sixes award, with Oscar Wanigasekera also of John Keells winning the man of the final award and T. Nonis winning the best bowlers award
Hatton National Bank Narrowly beat Las Vegas by 39 goals to 36 in the Western Province open Netball A division league final at Police Park.
HNB’s victory was spear headed by centre Shenika Herman, who won the Netball Queen title for her spirited performance.
Shenika was ably supported by Jayanthi Somasekeram and Thushari Kodithuwakku in the wing.
On the way of reaching the final, both Hatton National Bank and Las Vegas were given a fight by Swarnamali BMV Kandy who were beaten in close margins of 38-34 and 39-31 goals, respectively.
This A Division final was preceded by the E Division final, between Speedbirds and Colombo Municipality at 3.30 p.m.
Meanwhile, Kandy emerged B Division champions with 25 points and Kalutara District finished as runners up with 20 points.
Hatton National Bank, in search of a triple, won the mixed final defeating Henry Pedris Playgrounds by 18 goals to 9. In the semi-final, Henry Pedris Playgrounds beat AirLanka by 14 goals to 11 and Hatton National Bank beat Police Familians by 17 goals to 11.
Hatton National Bank also bagged the C Division title defeating Gunasena Playgrounds by 22 goals to 16. Earlier, Gunasena Playgrounds beat Stayfan by 17 goals to 12 and Hatton National bank beat St. Joseph’s Nugegoda by 15 goals to 14.
What has gone wrong with tennis in Sri Lanka?
The answer is simple, says a keen tennis observer.
Past officials do not support the promotion of the game in any way, pick loop holes in the administrative set-up in order to get back to power to enjoy the luxury that they had before.
The Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, should enforce a new amendment to the Sports Law, enabling an elected President to work for a period of four years to put his ideas into motion, was one suggestion made by an official. Once the President’s term of a four year period is complete, he should be debarred from getting himself re-elected to a lower position such as a Vice President, Secretary or Treasurer.
This is in keeping with the style of election to the National Olympic Committee where officials could hold office for a four year period.
The Pioneer Cup hockey tourney for men conducted by the Colombo Hockey Association involving nine teams has already commenced at the Astro Turf at Reid Avenue.
The teams participating are, CH & FC, Malays, NCC, Army, CR &FC, Colts, Old Anandians, Old Bens and BRC.
The semi-finals of this tournament will be played on October 15 and 16 with the final fixed for October 27 at 4.30 p.m.
Meanwhile, the Bacon Cup with ten teams in the fray got underway on October 10, with all matches being played at the CH & FC grounds, Maitland Crescent.
The teams participating are, NCC B. AirForce, NYSC, Old Anandians B, Malays B, CR & FC B, BRC B, Old Bens B, Colombo University, CH & FC B.
The semi-finals will be played on October 18 and 21 with the finals scheduled for October 27 at 3.30 p.m.
Ranjith Weerasena and P.H.D. Waidyatilleka were re-elected to the Asian Veterans Athletic Association at the general assembly held in Seoul, Korea over the weekend in conjunction with the 9th Asian Veterans Athletic championships meet.
Weerasena polled 17 votes and was re-elected as Vice President (Stadia). Waidyatilleka, a highly respected person in the Asian Body and founder Vice President of the AVAA who stepped down in favour of Weerasena in 1992 at the general assembly held in Singapore, retained his position in the AVAA Council with the highest number of votes (20) in the contest.
K. Satchithananda too vyed for a post in the Council and lost as he could muster only 10 votes out of the 24.
Arjuna Ranatunga had been retained as skipper of the Sri Lanka team for the Sharjah Champions Trophy three nation limited overs tournament from November 7 to 15.
The other members of the Sri Lanka picked by the selection committee and approved by the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports S.B. Dissanayake are: Sanath Jayasuriya, Romesh Kaluwitharana, Aravinda de Silva, Roshan Mahanama, Asanka Gurusinha, Hashan Tillekaratne, Chaminda Vaas, Muttiah Muralidaran, Ravindra Pushpakumara, Kumar Dharmasena, Upul Chandana and Sajeewa de Silva.
Meanwhile, the selectors have picked on Marvan Atapattu to lead the Sri Lanka “A” team against the West Indies “A” tour here with Sanjeewa Ranatunga as vice captain. The Minister has approved the team.
The Sharjah tour itinerary:
Nov. 7 - Sri Lanka vs New Zealand.
Nov. 8 - Sri Lanka vs Pakistan.
Nov. 10 - Pakistan vs New Zealand.
Nov. 11 - New Zealand vs Sri Lanka.
Nov. 12 - Sri Lanka vs Pakistan.
Nov. 13 - Pakistan vs New Zealand.
Nov. 15 - finals.
A Triangular cricket tournament involving the editorial staff of Sunday Times & Midweek Mirror will be played at the Stanley Jansz Memorial Cricket grounds today at 9.30 am.
The three teams involved are The Sunday Times news desk, The Sunday Times sub-editors desk and the Midweek Mirror,
The news desk will be led by M. Ismeth, the SubÕs desk by Wasantha Siriwardena and the Midweek Mirror by Victor Anthonypillai.
The teams are: News desk: M.Ismeth (C) Ranjith Perera, Kumara Dayawansa, Anthony David, Annesley Ferreira, Arshad M.Hadjirin, Chandimal Mendis, Shyamal A.Collure (W), Marlon Fernandopulle, Gemunu Wellage, Suresh Tissarachchy, Lakshman Gunathilake, Asantha Sirimanne, Champika Thushara and Kapila Bodhipaksha
SubsÕ desk::- Wasantha Siriwardena (C), Ameen Izzadeen, Sanath Weerasuriya (W), Sarath Weerawansa, Samantha Kodithuwakku, Sandun Kodithuwakku, Mohan Samaranayake, M, Mahasenan, Ajith Wasantha, Priyantha Kalupahana, Ramesh Kandasamy, Jayasundara Bandara and N. Kuruwita Arachchi.
The Midweek Mirror: Victor Anthonypillai (C), Keith Noyahr (W), Deepal V. Perera, Pushpakumara Mathugama, Roshan Abeyawickrema, Priyantha Abeygunasekera, Shermil Fernando, Aruna Wickramarachchi, Ashley Cooray, Gerwin Kapugamage, Ujitha Tharoshan, and Brian Jeganathan
Anuskha Rajiyah who wants a double will encounter top seed Dinili de Silva in the under-16 girls’ singles final this afternoon in the Junior Tennis Nationals, conducted by the Sri Lanka Tennis Association and sponsored by Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation and co-sponsored by Blue Star Marine at the National Tennis Centre Courts at Greenpath.
Rajiyah bagged the girls’ under-14 singles title on Friday defeating Dahanaya Gunawardena in two straight sets 6-0, 6-0.
Bottom seed Lahiru Jayasekera also booked his berth into the boys’ under-18 finals downing Dhevan Peiris in straight sets 6-4, 6-1.
Jayasekera will battle Rajiv Rajapaksa in the boys’ under-18 singles final this afternoon.
In the two finals worked off on Friday, Ruwantha Cooray, the Number six seed made it his winning debut, defeating the bottom seed Yaveen Jayasekera in the boys’ under-10 singles final.
Cooray beat Jayasekera 9-4, having earlier beaten the top seed M. Jayasundera in the semi-finals.
In the boys’ under-16 singles semi-finals Dhevan Peiris, “The dark horse” beat Number six seed Samitha Ranaweera 6-3, 6-1 and Number four seed Renuk Wijemanne defeated bottom seed Janak Gunatileka 6-4, 6-1.
Dinuka Ranaweera entered the boys’ under-12 singles final with a win over Dilshan Abeygunawardena 6-0, 6-1 and will meet Harshana Godamanne in the final.
Godamanne beat Deshika Dias in a three setter, 4-5, 7-6 (8-6), 6-3.
Top seed N.S. Paramanathan booked his berth into the boys’ under-14 singles final, with a win over Roshan Peiris 6-3, 6-2 and bottom seed Basitha Kariyawasam beat Ravi Munasinghe also in a three setter 2-6, 6-2, 6-2.
Mahiskha Seneviratne won the girls’ under-10 singles title defeating Tasha Hettiarachchi 9-0.
The boys’ under-8 singles crown was won by the top seed Dinusha Wijesundera who beat the unseeded, “The danger boy” Ravinath Talagala who entered the final in two upset wins over the high seeded players.
Dharmapala and Siri Piyaratne MV created the only upsets in the Schools Invitation Six-a-Side tournament which commenced at Campbell Park yesterday. The tournament is organized by Old Wesleyites Sports Club for the 4th successive year.
Siri Piyaratne scored a comfortable 18 run victory over Wesley, while Dharmapala edged out Royal by 07 runs.
Asanka Perera (Lumbini MV) and Danushka Gamage (Kingswood) were the top scorers for the day hitting up 39 each, while St. Sebastian’s notched up the highest total of 82 against Isipatana.
St. Peter’s and Joseph Vaz were the only two teams to qualify for the Quarter final stage after yesterday’s games.
The tournament continues today.
Lumbini MV bt Raddoluwa by 08 runs
Lumbini 46/5 (L. Perera - 21) Raddoluwa 38/0 (S. C. Mackey - 25 n.o.)
President’s College bt Mahanama by 08 runs
President’s - 84/3 (N. Perera - 21, A. Perera 39 n.o.) Mahanama - 76/2 (P. Ratnayake - 21, H. Wijekumara 22)
Nalanda bt. St. Benedict’s by 24 runs.
Nalanda - 65/4 (S. Kalawitigoda - 22, R. Nilangaratne 2/10) St. Benedict’s 41/4 (M. Candappa - 24 n. o., N. Kumar 2/2)
Sri Piyaratne MV bt Wesley by 18 runs.
Priyaratne 70/4 (S. Sisira 20) Wesley 53/2 (M. Zainudeen 32 n. o.)
Prince of Wales bt D. S. Senanayake by 39 runs.
Cambrians 74/3 (N. Cooray 27, H. Ruwan 22) DSS - 35/5.
Maris Stella bt St. Mary’s Mathugama by 3 runs.
Maris Stella 73/3 (L. Croose 34, n. o., C. Yapa 2/3) St. Mary’s 70/3 (S. Silva 28 n. o.)
Thurstan bt Mazenod by 02 runs.
Thurstan 76/2 (H. Botejn 29 n. o.) De Mazenod 74/2 (R. Laksiri 21 n. o., S. de Alwis 21 n. o.) H. Botejn 2/14)
Joseph Vaz bt Sri Jayawardenapura MV by 26 runs.
Joseph Vaz 82/3 (S. Premakumara 18 n. o.) SJMV 56/5.
St. Peter’s bt Kingswood by 01 run
SPC 60/2 (R. Nonis 18 n. o. Kingswood 59/1 (D. Gamage 39)
St. Sebestian’s bt Isipatana by 42 runs.
SSC 82/0 (A. Mendis 38 n. o., P. Jayawardene 28 n. o. Isipatana 40/5 (K. Madugalle 18 n. o., N. Wijesinghe 2/2)
Dharmapala bt Royal by 07 runs.
Dharmapala 66/4 (S. Devapura 27) Royal 59/2 (T. Amarasuriya 31)
St. Mary’s Kegalle bt Zahira by 03 wickets.
Zahira 54/5 (Z. Thahir 18 n. o., P. Ariyadasa 2/5) St. Mary’s 55/2 (S. Ekanayake 18 n. o.) ÐMF
Four hundred and fifty six teams, involving 6000 players, will be seen in action at the Uyanwatta Stadium in Matara on October 17, 18 and 19 at the John Keells Inter Schools Volleyball championships final round 1996.
Twenty four teams from each district will battle it out in 16 courts at the stadium.
Other than the championship trophies on offer, awards will also be made to the best setter, best spiker and best player in the age groups of under 14, 16 and 18 boys and girls.
The final of all age groups are fixed for 4 p.m. on October 19.
News has reached the Sports Editor of “The Sunday Times” that the Colombo District Netball team which is currently touring Australia, is only involved in playing friendly games.
Two teams from Colombo left for Perth to participate in the Australian Open championships.
This tournament was held from October 6 to 12, but there was no tournament.
The team was accompanied by a senior official of the Netball Federation of Sri Lanka.
The Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, S.B. Dissanayake had approved both these teams for participation. What a waste of money?
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