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5th January 1997

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Tendulkar, Azharuddin in record stand

CAPE TOWN, Saturday, (Reuter) - A record sixth wicket partnership by any country against South Africa steered India towards safety on the third day of the second test on Saturday.

Captain Sachin Tendulkar and Mohammad Azharuddin both scored centuries in a stand of 222 that lifted India from 58 for five to 293 for six at tea.

It exceeded the previous highest sixth wicket partnership against South Africa of 206 by England's Ken Barrigton and Jim Parks at Durban in the 1964-65 series.

Azharuddin scored 115 and Tendulkar was unbeaten on 125 at the interval with his team 37 short of their target of 330 to avoid the follow-on.

Both batsmen were uncharacteristically dropped by the South Africans in the afternoon session Ñ Tendulkar on 80 and Azharuddin on 55 and 68 Ñ as they went on a thunderous attack.

They added 100 in the first hour after lunch with Azharuddin reaching his third century in four tests against South Africa in only 96 balls, hitting 16 fours and one six on the way. In all he batted five minutes short of three hours and hit 20 boundaris in his 109-ball 115.

.FLASH: India all out 359 (Tendulkar 169, Azharuddin 115)


Women's cricket on top gear

With a generous sponsorship package, Colombo Ladies Cricket Club, the champion women's team, have appointed Jayalath Aponso, as Coach.

He will be supported by two experienced coaches, Badra Seneviratne as Deputy Coach and Migara Liyanage as Traineer.

The Captain of the team is Vajira Premaratne with Champa Sugathadasa as Vice Captain


Havelange to retire in 1998

Rio De Janeiro (Reuter) - Joao Havelange reaffirmed that he would stand down as president of FIFA, international soccer's governing body, when his mandate expires in June 1998.

"I will be 82 by then and the descent to 86 is fast," he told the Jornal do Brasil daily newspaper in an interview. "I want to spend more time with my grandchildren and not have to worry about airline timetables."

He said he would not back any possible replacement. "I'm not going to propose anyone. I have a lot of friends and it would not be correct to give one of them my preference."

He promised that 1998 World Cup would be "a show of organisation in modern installations" and claimed that football could succeed where politics had failed.

"Only football has the power to solve the problems of international conflicts.... In Asia and the East, we have had football matches between countries in conflict."

Havelange claimed that he had an average of 800 hours' flying time year and said he had visited 186 countries since taking over as president in 1974.

He said that each of the 32 finalists at the 1998 World Cup in France would receive $1 million per game played from FIFA. "In the past, the teams spent a lot of money on the World Cup. Today, it is when they get their biggest income."


Arjuna roars again

By Marlon Fernandopule

An unbroken 317 run partnership for the fifth wicket between skipper Arjuna Rana-tunge (200 n.o.) and Hemantha Wickremaratne (102 n.o.) helped SSC to set the stage for an outright victory over Sebestianites in a Division One P Sara Trophy game at Maitland place yesterday.

The 32 year old Sri Lankan skipper was in cracking form as he made mince meat out of a hapless Sebestia-nite attack. Playing in his own inimitable style, Ranatunge drove and cut with power and precision in his 202 ball knock,which is the season's highest individual score. His double century was laced with 22 fours and 5 towering sixes. Hemantha Wickremaratne continued his good form in the current season as he played second fiddle to his captain and completed a well deserved ton.

SSC tightened their grip further as the visitors were left totering at 34/3 ,still needing 197 runs to avoid an innings defeat.

With usefull contributions from Ruwin Pieris(85)Avishaka Gunawardene (86 no ) and Hashan Tileka-ratne (71) NCC were well on their way to overtake Bloomfield s first innings total of 364.NCC were anchored by their 5 th wicketpair of Tileka-ratne and Gunawardene who added an invaluable 129 runs to be on course for a decisive first innings victory.

Earlier Gunawardene was involved in a 88 run stand for the 4 th wicket with Ruwin Pieris. Pieris compiled an elegant 88 while Gunawardene remained unbeaten on 86. Ruwan Kalpage claimed 2/90 for Bloomfield

Singha S C were well set to snatch an outright victory over Antonians SC. Trailing by 187 runs on the first innings Antonians did well to score a respectable 295 all out in their second innings. Priyantha Perera top scored for the Antonians with a polished 57. While N Devaraan remained unbeaten on 53.

Singha were left to score 109 runs for victory were 74/3 by the close.

At Maitand Place: SSC VS Sebestia-nites SC

Sebestianites SC - 222 & 34/3 (Promodya Wickremasinghe 2/17)

SSC - 453/4 Decl ( Aruna Gunawardene 36, Nisal Fernando26 Marvan Attapattu 60 Arjuna Ranatunge 200 n o Hemantha Wick-remaratne 102 n o P. Salgado2/42)

At Maitland Place : NCC VS Bloom-field

Bloomfield - 364 all out.

NCC - 281/5 - (Ruwin Pieris 85 Avishka Gunawardene 86 n o Hashan Tileka-ratne 71 Ruwan Kal-page 2/90)

At the P Sara Stadium : Singha SC VS Anonians SC

Antonians SC - 81 & 295 all out (Sarath Jayawardene 45 Vipula Sittamge 34 Priyantha Perera 57 N Devarajan 53 n o Bandula Herah 4/101)

Simgha SC - 268 & 74/3 (H Premasiri 32)


A Cheeseburger in each hand

BOXING

I got caught with a good right to the jaw and lots of body shots - Lloyd Honeyghan, former world welterweight champion, after attempting to stop three girls shoplifting from a florist

I truly believe that the confidence I have is unbelievable - Naseem Hamed

I feel naked without my title belt. Now I want something to hold up my trousers - Nigel Benn announces his comeback from "retirement"

The last time Bruno fought Tyson I had a bet on Frank, but I also had a bet on Elvis Presley sitting at ringside - John H Stracey, former WBC world welterweight champion

I'm like an old man in his slippers, I'm shuffling along at my own pace - Bruno in post-Tyson retirement

He might as well become a goalkeeper - he'll be saving so many shots with his face you just won't believe it - Naseem Hamed with career advice for Colin McMillan following the offer of a fight

I've had 38 fights, lost one and was never put on my feet - Gary Mason describes his heavyweight career

I felt like I had won the lottery, gone out and put it on a 10-1 outsider, and that one had come in as well - Robbie Regan winning the WBO bantamweight title

If I buy a ticket I spend 20 minutes signing autographs and I miss my train - ever-grateful Chris Eubank

I just want to shake your hand - Tyson congratulates Evander Holyfield after their epic heavyweight clash

I have the body of a man half my age. Unfortunately, he's in terrible shape - George Foreman, 48 years young

GENERAL

The code violation felt better than my first serve - Andre Agassi; Australian Open

It's like chasing a girl. The chase is the fun part. Then when you get there you find out how difficult she is - Jim Courier on the delights of being a tennis No 1

Washington, haring to the net like a terrier - Tony Adamson, Radio 5 Live

I never thought I'd play the Centre Court - Sir Cliff Richard, having led an impromptu singalong at rain interrupted Wimbledon

I think there are a few people expecting some bigger Christmas presents - Tim Henman earning £250,000 in a week in this month's Grand Slam Cup

The only way he'll get further than a mile is in a horse box - Ray Cochrane dismounting from "Taniyar" after a one-and-a-half mile race at Southwell. The horse was in fact Loch Song, a seven-furlong specialist, mistaken for his stable companion

I would prefer that he didn't start as favourite but it won't make any difference to him because he doesn't read the papers or listen to the radio or watch Des on the telly - trainer Jenny Pitman on Superior Finish, prior to the Grand National

I've not enjoyed 12 minutes so much for a long time. I think sex is an anti-climax after that - Rough Quest's jockey, Mick Fitzgerald, celebrates victory at the Grand National

Out there it's every man for himself - Alex Greaves, the first woman to ride in the Derby

It would be easier to stop a bowling ball on an ice rink than it was to stop the cue ball here - John Parrott on the tables at the UK championship in Preston

Ronnie O'Sullivan, 20 years of age, but his shoulders are much older - "Whispering" Ted Lowe, BBC2

The trouble is, all year I haven't had the ability to go faster than possible - slowpedalling Chris Boardman

Anybody short of Jesus Christ could coach this team and we wouldn't win - Bryan Cox of the Miami Dolphins

OLYMPIC YEAR

I'm performing like a sack of potatoes - Jonathan Edwards, winning the Golden Gala Grand Prix triple jump on his last jump

Britain have got real strength in depth. There's Iwan Thomas - he's injured at the moment - David Coleman on Britain's 4x400m relay team

She's letting her legs do the running - Brendan Foster, BBCI

What a wonderful result this would be for British beach volleyball - Dougie Donnelly sums up the glamour of the Olympic Games

We're here to mine gold, not pick coconuts - Herb Elliott sets out Jamaica's stall

If anyone sees me go anywhere near a boat you have my permission to shoot me. I do not want, ever, to get in a boat again - Steve Redgrave takes his fourth consecutive rowing gold medal, and with it, supposedly, retirement

I was once told you're a world champion for a year, but an Olympic champion for life. That about sums it up - Redgrave on the lure of Olympic competition

This is a victory for all the nerds out there - Amy Vam Dyken of America winning the 50m freestyle event

This man, surely, is not human - David Coleman greets Michael Johnson's world-record time in the men's 200m final

The silver medal behind Michael is like the gold medal behind everybody else - Roger Black celebrates a 400m silver behind Johnson

We are more important than the Catholic Church - Juan Antonio Samaranch, International Olympic Committee life president

The worst thing about playing for Great Britain is the sleeveless shirts. It means you have to shave your armpits before every game - Karen Brown of the women's hockey team

It takes a lot of effort to organise the Games as badly as Atlanta did - Fanni Pali-Petralia, former Greek sports minister

FOOTBALL

It wasn't difficult to play well because football has only one language - Colombian Faustino Asprilla on his Newcastle debut

By the end he was knackered-o. I think that's the Spanish for it - Kevin Keegan's view of Asprilla's first game

The tackles are coming in thick and thin - Alan Brazil, Radio 5 Live

They've nicknamed me Ena Sharples because my head was never out of the net - Ian Thain, non-League Keith's goalkeeper, after conceding 10 goals in a Scottish cup tie against Rangers

There's nobody fitter at his age, except maybe Raquel Welch - Ron Atkinson lauds Gordon Strachan, 39

Manchester United take more in programme sales than we take on the gate - Lawrie McMenemy, Southampton

You know Dennis Wise. He could start a fight in an empty house - Alex Ferguson

If someone had a swing at me he obviously doesn't know how good I am at fighting - Alex Ferguson scotches rumours of an altercation at the FA Cup final

A team is like a nice clock; if just one piece is missing the clock is still beautiful but doesn't work the same - Ruud Gullit, Chelsea

If I walked on water, my accusers would say it is because I can't swim - Berti Vogts, Germany coach

You don't have to have been a horse to be a jockey - Arrigo Sacchi, Italy coach, defending a meagre playing record

They will either kiss my bald pate or throw tomatoes at it - Sacchi anticipates Euro 96

Love is good for footballers, as long as it is not at half-time - Richard Moller Nielsen, Denmark coach

Pearce with the kick, the last throw for England - Brian Moore, England v Switzerland, Euro 96

I was about to say, before something far more interesting interrupted... - John Motson, France v Bulgaria

Stoichkov is pointing at the bench with his eyes - David Pleat, Radio 5 Live

He's a nice man with a nice family so it will make it difficult to kick him - Tony Adams facing Arsenal teammate Dennis Bergkamp

We'll only be remembered if we win it - Alan Shearer, England

He has been the proverbial brick door - Barry Davies on Mathias Sammer

Why didn't you just belt it son? - Gareth Southgate's mother reflects publicly on her son's penalty miss

The only way we will be going to Europe is if the club splash out and take us all to Eurodisney - Dean Holdsworth, Wimbledon

I was shocked when I was first introduced to the fans because they brought out a sheep, cut its head off and then smeared blood over my forehead - Manchester United's Ronnie Johnsen on life with Besiktas, Turkey

If the players want to make it hard for me, I am happy to make it twice as hard for them - Wendy Toms, the first female referee to officiate in a professional game

The score is Sunderland nil. Leicester nil, the temperature is nil and the entertainment value is not much above nil - Sunderland v Leicester, Radio 5 Live

I think having Wasps around here as well gives us that little buzz around the place Ñ Ray Wilkins on the QPR-Wasps groundshare This is an unusual Scotland side because they have good players Ñ praise for the Under-21s from Javier Clemente, Spain's coach

There are some great defenders here, I just don't know their names Ñ David Ginola of Newcastle and France

That may be okay for the homeless, but not for an international striker Ñ Pierre van Hooijdonk, offered £7,000 a week to stay at Celtic

It took a lot of bottle for Tony to own up Ñ Ian Wright on the Arsenal captain's confession to alcoholism

It's sod's law. Now I've got time to improve my golf it's the wrong time of year Ñ Howard Wilkinson when sacked by Leeds

That's a nice change of feet Ñ Peter Brackley, Ch4, Juventus v Napoli

I know where he should have put his flag up, and he'd have got plenty of help Ñ Ron Atkinson at Stamford Bridge

The referee was booking everyone. I thought he was filling in his lottery numbers Ñ Ian Wright

GOLF

This has to be one of the finest courses Chris Bonington ever built. The PGA are providing oxygen on the first and 10th tees, so it's just a matter of putting on crampons and going out there Ñ Mark Roe assesses the high-altitude Santo de Serra, venue for the Madeira Island Open

I let the reins of the horse go and let him run Ñ Greg Norman finds form with an opening 63 at the Augusta Masters When I embraced him at the end I said to him, ÔI don't know what to say, but I want to give you a hug' Ñ Nick Faldo, who overcame Norman's six-shot lead in the final round to win by five

I am not going to fall off the end of the world because I lost, nor am I going to head-butt an official Ñ Norman

This will help me in terms of money, my ranking Ñ and women Ñ Roberto Carretero becoming the first qualifier to win the German Open

If I win this week it will be an absolute bleeding miracle Ñ Brian Barnes, British Seniors champion, on the US Seniors Tour in July

It's amazing how many people beat you at golf now that you're no longer President Ñ George Bush

Do you want me to go through my card? Ñ Robert Allenby after a one-shot appearance in the Volvo Masters

MOTOR RACING

Looking at McLaren makes you realise how important a car is in Formula One Ñ Jonathan Palmer at the Brazilian Grand Prix He's a good, solid little pedaller Ñ Eddie Irvine on Jacques Villeneuve

This is lap 54. After that it's 55, 56, 57, 58.... Ñ BBC's Murray Walker

I'm watching two places at the same time, believe it or not Ñ Walker versatility

I've got a pretty wild imagination but it doesn't cover next year's driving plans Ñ Frank Williams on speculation regarding his drivers at the British GP

There's only one second between them Ñ one Ñ that's how long a second is Ñ Walker logic

I feel like I've been to Mars and back in the last 10 days Ñ Hill reacts to his axing from Williams

Maybe he doesn't like Schumachers Ñ Michael's brother Ralf expresses disappointment that Hill had not joined him at Jordan

We really wanted to put one on him Ñ Villeneuve, Canada, explains the importance of beating Damon Hill at the British GP with a British car and pit crew

I didn't hear the question so I'll say yes Ñ David Coulthard, pre-race interview at the Belgian GP

The conditions at the Nurburgring are much better than last year when the weather conditions were indescribably bad: driving rain, heavy mist and bitter cold Ñ Murray Walker

Villeneuve ahead of Michael Schumacher! We didn't see it happen and therefore, I trust, neither did you Ñ Murray Walker at the German GP

When you're up in the air heading towards the barrier there's not a lot you can do Ñ airborne Johnny Herbert

I told the team before the race, that we could do it. They said they would come and pick me out of the guard rail Ñ Villeneuve overtakes Schumacher on the outside of a turn, Portuguese GP

It's like having a baby. You don't remember the nine months, you just see what you've got, and it' s been worth it Ñ Hill's wife Georgie sums up the title

I've been up Everest the easy way with Williams, so now I'm trying the hard route Ñ Hill anticipates next season with Arrows

RUGBY

I don't think they could promote blanket sales in Alaska ÑKen Arthurson, Australian Rugby League chairman, on the British body's attempt to set up a rebel competition in Australia

We have self-belief in each other Ñ Gavin Hastings promotes Scotland

Being dropped and Take That splitting up on the same day is enough to finish anyone off Ñ Martin Bayfield on missing selection for England v Scotland

You're never allowed the silliness of falling under a table, not when you're captain Ñ Will Carling retires as England's leader

When England run out next season without Carling at the head it will be like Trafalgar Square without Nelson's column Ñ Jack Rowell, England's manager

Winning the final is all-important. Playing attractive rugby does not come into our thinking Ñ Tony Russ, Leicester coach, prior to the Pilkington Cup final with Bath

We wanted to show that we have some fantastic athletes in rugby league Ñ Shaun Edwards, captain of Wigan, whose team won union's Middlesex Sevens

We've got to have a few thugs, thugs in terms of dishing it out, if needed Ñ Scott Gibbs launches an appeal for former league internationals to be brought back to the Wales union side

If Rupert Murdoch told you to go down to Central Park tomorrow and expose yourself you would Ñ a call received by rugby league's chief executive Maurice Lindsay on Ch4's Nightsports

CRICKET

Shane Warne's idea of a balanced diet is a cheeseburger in each hand - Ian Healy, vice-captain of Australia

We didn't have metaphors in my day. We didn't beat about the bush Ñ Fred Trueman, Radio 3

If you have a good team but a bad management, you can maybe get along. But if you have a bad team and a bad management you get f***** Ñ Brian Lara explains how West Indies lost to Kenya in the World Cup

Any suspicious person not stopping at a security check will be shot Ñ a Pakistani official describes crowd-control methods at the same tournament

Imran and I are not on talking terms. Yes, I once said he should be stoned to death, but I think in this case he was in the right Ñ Sarfraz Nawaz's comment on the Imran v Botham-Lamb case

I'm quicker than him now with my coat on Ñ Fred Trueman when asked by a fan whether he was as quick in his prime as Denis Lillee

We couldn't beat a team of Eskimos Ñ Ian Botham's opinion of England

He could show the youngsters how to roll a joint, but that's about it Ñ Ian Chappel on what Botham could offer to England's management

It took us less than 30 seconds to re-appoint Athers Ñ David Lloyd, England coach, on the captain's re-selection

Sean Pollock there, a carbon copy of his dad. Except he's a bit taller and he's got red hair Ñ Trevor Bailey, Radio 4

Above two boards Ñ Yawar Saeed of Pakistan, asked whether the behaviour of his team in the field had been above board

England might now be the favourites to draw this match Ñ Vic Marks, Radio 4

It's pretty lonely out there at the moment. You'd be all right if you could talk Alsatian, you could have a chat with the groundsman's dog but that's about it Ñ Phil Tufnell bemoans the size of county crowds at Lord's

The red nose has gone and I've put the unicycle away Ñ Alistair Brown secures 118 v India and a new image

My dignity would be compromised if I carried on with this team Ñ Navjot Sidhu avoiding selection for India

Here comes Caddick again to bowl from the pavilion end. Well, I don't suppose he'll mind if I read the scores between his balls Ñ Henry Blofeld, Radio 4

With the retirement of Dickie Bird something sad will have gone out of English cricket Ñ John Major

- Jim Munro (The Sunday Times)


Sanath, the cricketing folk hero from Matara

Dear Sanath,

When I look back in retrospect,the year1996 was one year in the recent past in which my spirits rose sky high because of a bunch of cricketers like you for having won the World Cup when the odds were 200 to 1.

In India, for the multitudes of people the name Sri Lanka spells magic. Sri Lanka for them is the resplendent emerald island which is a dreamland full of cavalier cricketers like 'Jeye-Soo-Reyaa'.

Now you and your team members by your cricketing skills have made every one forget our ignominious past. Even mere armchair critics and spectators have become a part of the Cinderella syndrome built around our cricket team.

As I expected, you were the most talked about cricketer from Sri Lanka. One of them inquired from me about a story they had heard that the bat you were using had a steel implanted blade which enabled you to hit the ball out of the ground and out of sight. They never believed it and said it was invented by the Pakistanis after your exploits in Singapore. But they are now convinced the Afridi is using one; like his birth certificate his bat has been manufactured by a mechanic.

Amithabachchan is no fool: he Is an actor adored by millions of Indians. It is only a superstar like Amithabchchan who is able to discover another superstar. He knew that the most popular cricketer today was you, who are admired by millions in India and Pakistan for your extraordinary skill in co-ordinating eye, hand and footwork, in timing the ball. When Bachchan invited you to Bangalore as a judge of the Miss World Beauty Queen contest, the elitist in Colombo sniggered .

For the Indians, whacking Waqar, Amir and Saqlain out of sight was the treat of the year. It was close to the ultimate Indian dream of defeating Pakistan and bringing the West and the East Pakistan under the Indian Flag. For Pakistanis the innings you played at New Delhi permanently retiring Manoj Prabhakar, and the miracle you performed at Calcutta hy bowling number of Indian batsman round their legs, was an inconceivable feat. This prevented the Pakistanis from being subjected to the ultimate humiliation. That is to witness a final between India and Australia played in the Garden City of Lahore. At the finals when vou ran and the stumps were broken and when the umpire handed over the decision to the Electronic eye, there were wild screams right round the Gadaffi Stadium.- Hemantha Warna-kulasuriya


Cambrians draw with Wesley

By S.M.D.Sirisena

Prince of Wales, Moratuwa made 189 for 9 against Wesley in their Inter-School cricket match which ended in a thrilling draw at Campbell Park yesterday.

At one stage the Cambrians were sitting pretty with 82 for no loss, But the middle order batsmen collapsed sensationally from 82 for no loss to be 147 for 7. Hemantha Fernando batted with great determination to hit an unbeaten 51 with nine hits to the ropes.

In the second innings Wesley were 151 with Tilanga Fernando top scoring with 55 which included five boundaries.

Scores.

Wesley - 191 and 151 (Dharsika Jayakody 24, Tilanga Fernando 55, M.Zainudeen 35; Nilantha Cooray 4 for 53, Sanjeeva Pieris 5 for 40).

Prince of Wales - 134 and 189 for 9 (Nilantha Cooray 60, Kalum Fernando 27, Hasantha Fernando 51 n.o; Dharsika Jayakoddy 6 for 54,Manjula 2 for 40).

Konara hits 95

Ananda skipper Indika Konara hit a blazing 95 against Maliyadeva in the Inter-School cricket match which ended in a draw at Ananda Mawatha yesterday.

Ananda scored 233 for 7 in reply to Maliyadeva's 215 for 7. Both teams occupied the crease for a day each.

Scores

Maliyadeva - 215 for 7

Ananda - (overnight 26 for 1) 243 for 7 in 121 overs (Rajitha Basnayake 37, Tilina Kandambi 32, Getendra Perera 21)

Gunewardena 113

Dhammika Gunewardena of Maris Stella, Negombo became the first centurion in the current Inter-School cricket season when he hit a power-packed 113 and guided his team to an innings win over Zahira Maradana at Maradana yesterday.

Scores

Zahira - 130 (M.Rizwan 33, M.Muzim 24, M.M.Muhail 21; Ranga Dias 2 for 23, D.U.Gunawardena 3 for 23, C. Cruz 84) and 138 (M.Muzim 64, R.Zaruk 23; Ranga Dias 7 for 48, Lalith Anthony 2 for 14).

Maris Stella - 284 for 8 (Dhammika Gunawardena 113, C.Cruz 84; M.Finaz 3 for 91, I.Zahir 2 for 13).

Karunaratne 57 n.o

Nalanda who were set a victory target of 230 in 28 overs by S.Thomas' Mt. Lavinia in their Inter-School game at Campbell Park were 107 for 3 at the end of the second day and the game petered out into a tame draw.

Nalanda who continued at their overnight score of 53 for 4 were all out for 164, Amila Perera was the main wicket-taker with 6 for 43. Leg spinner Suranga Pieris was also amongst the wickets with 3 for 29.

In the second innings the Thomians were 156 for 4 at which they score they declared. Bhathiya Karunaratne hit an unbeaten 57 with four fours and one six. This is Karunaratne's fifth half century for the season. Skipper Nilanka Pieris (65) batted attractively to have four boundaries and three sixes in his knock. Karunaratne and Pieris figured in a fourth wicket stand of 96.

Sanjeeva Rodrigo (57 n.o) and Mevan Porage (23 n.o) put on 53 runs for the third wicket in the Nalanda second innings. Rodrigo batted belligerently to have nine fours and one six in his knock.

Scores.

S.Thomas - 235 and 156 for 4 (Roshan Weeraratne 22, Upekha Fernando 23, Bhathiya Karunaratne 57 n.o, Nilanka Pieris 65)

Nalanda - (overnight 53 for 4) 164 in 66 overs (Dhanuska Fernando 22, Sriyantha Silva 25, Sukitha Pieris 27 n.o, Kaniska Gamanayake 20; Amila Perera 6 for 43, Suranga Pieris 3 for 29) and 107 for 3 (Mevan Porage 23 n.o, Sanjay Rodrigo 57 n.o)

Fernando 72

St. Joseph's made a bold reply by scoring 242 with C.Fernando being the main run-getter with 72 in their drawn Inter-School cricket match at Moratuwa yesterday. This was in reply to St. Sebastians first innings score of 224.

The Joes batted with great determination to overhaul the St. Sebastians first innings score with M.Fernando (29) and A.De Mel

Scores

St. Sebastian's - 224 and 218 (B.Mendis 62, T.Jayawardena 25, Nimesh Perera 47; M.Perera 4 for 33)

St. Joseph's - (overnight 75 for 5) 242 (C.Fernando 72, M.Fernando 29, A.De. Mel 55; Nimesh Perera 4 for 84, D.Seneviratne 3 for 47)


NOC schol for Francis

By Annesley Ferreira

The second male swimmer to benefit by way of a scholarship arranged by the National Olympic Council (NOC) is 15 year old Conrad Francis of St. Joseph's College Colombo.

Francis a specialist in the butterfly stroke who has many age group records to his credit will leave for Australia possibly next week for his two year scholarship.

This scholarship will no doubt benefit this up and coming youngster who has represented Sri Lanka at four Asia Pacific meets in China India, Korea and Sri Lanka and won Diplomas.

Last year he also represented Sri Lanka at th SAF Games in Madras.

The first Sri Lankan to benefit by this scholarship is diver- cum- swimmer Gihan Ranatunga of S. Thomas' College Mount Lavinia who is presently in Australia and will be back here on a short holiday on January 15.

Earlier too, swimmers Shehani Gunasena and Upeksha Silva benefited by way of this scholarship in 1994 and 1995.

Francis is being coached by Ranil Gunasena and Ruwan Manawadu having learnt his basics from Shirley Abeysena.

The Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports S.B. Dissanayake has agreed to the report submitted by the National Sports Congress which specifies that:

1- All National sports bodies have one constitution.

2. - All National Sports bodies have a five year plan.

3 - All National coaches to be incorporated to the respective sports selection committees.

4- Coaches to follow a code and conduct.

.5- One uniform for all sports for local and foreign tours.

6- One logo.

7 National Sports Day to be celebrated from 1998.

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