BCCSL open innings for ICC

By Leonard Ratnayake

The Y2K bug which threatened that the world would start everything again at zero, heralded that it is safer to begin everything in the bud, so happened the Youth World Cup - ôThe Future of World Cricketö.

It is, in fact at the dawn of a new millennium that the tournament organising committee for the U-19 Youth World Cup, of the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka took to the task and heavy work in staging the country's first ever and the biggest international sporting event ever. As said by the chairman of the interim committee to the BCCSL, Rienzie Wijetillake the Lankan cricket entity takes it with a lot of pride and honour to open the first innings of the International Cricket Council's top event in the calendar of a century - rather a new millennium.

'Future of World Cricket'

The motto 'The Future of World Cricket' very appropriately signifies that it is these buds that are yet to get exposure for them to blossom in time to come. It will be these names who would replace the cricket's greats like Don Bradman, Richard Hadlee, Ian Botham and Vivian Richards. The game of cricket, which we are eager to see and enjoy tomorrow, lies on the hands of these cricketers who are still aspiring to win a name and a place for themselves in the sport.

Competitiveness

It is a norm in the world that the young blood is enthusiastic and curious. It is this curiosity to learn and enthusiasm to perform, which would encourage these youngsters to be competitive in everything they do. A tournament of this nature has given these youngsters a chance to show their colours and blossom thereby to be encouraged for better performance to take the sport up in the good spirits for the future.

Unlike the professional cricketers, these youngsters who are still picking up the game, take it as a challenge that one faced with, to overcome. Their aim would be to match the likes of Arjuna Ranatunga, Aravinda de Silva, Sanath Jayasuriya and Muttiah Muralitharan who sparkled the little island in the world map. One would agree that cricket at this level should be given more international exposure and encouraged as they play a key role being the feeder for the national team. It gives them a motivation to become a national cap and an international Test cricketer.

Second Youth World Cup

This is in fact, the second Youth World Cup ever conducted by the ICC, after the first event was held in South Africa in 1998. But those who have heard about the Youth World Cup which was held in Australia 14 years ago in 1986, should not be puzzled since the World Cup tournament held in Australia was organised by the Melbourne Cricket Club and not the ICC. So this is the second World Cup which is now being held in Sri Lanka and conducted by the ICC. It is one of ICC's projects in the Development Programme headed by Dr. Ali Bacher of South Africa as the ICC's Development Manager. Ross Turner who is currently in Colombo said, it is this tournament which had brought 16 countries together for a Cricket World Cup for the first time with all nine Test playing nations participating.

Watershed

An event of this nature on our home soil would really be a big boost for the young cricketers who are going to take up the country's cricket tomorrow. It is in fact the injuncted president of the BCCSL, Thilanga Sumathipala who was instrumental in bringing in the tournament to Sri Lanka. Sumathipala said they had to exploit the status of being the world champions in order to get the tournament to our country. Also among the basic necessities demanded by the ICC, the strength and ability to organise such a large international event, and a satisfactory structure in the primary level of the game, had to be proved in getting the tournament to Sri Lanka. The initiators had hoped that this tournament would be a moral boosting event for the cricketers in the country and thereby help the development programmes. It was also aimed at attracting sponsors and marketing the game and finally to maintain the pride and honour which was won in 1996 with the world crown.

World Champions

It is interesting to see who would win the first world crown of the millennium as this tournament is the first world cup championship for any sport in the new millennium. Defending champions England are high in their hopes playing a tough team while hosts Sri Lanka are confident of making the final. The Australian and the South African camp have already captured media attention and the concern of the other teams to be tough contenders, while arch rivals India and Pakistan carry experienced sides, especially the latter consisting two Test cricketers. The West Indies are tipped to be the dark horses in the tournament. Whatever happens .... and whoever tries to predict the first world champions of the millennium, it would be known only when one side dominate supremacy over the other at the grand final on Wednesday, the 20th of January.

The 'Flying Eagle' swoops on 17 golds

Sri Lanka sent a contingent of 43 veteran athletes - eight women and 35 men to compete at the 13th Malaysian Open Veteran Athletics championships in December.

One thousand four hundred and eighty (1480) veteran athletes from 13 states of Malaysia including Brunei, Darussalam, two from Great Britain and Hong Kong and 20 other Asian countries had entered for participation at this championships held at stadium Bola Sepak, Cheras, Kuala Lampur. Among them was renowned veteran athlete Austin Jayatilake from Kuliyapitiya, Kurunegala district who had the opportunity of participating at the Malaysian Open championships for the fourth time, who secured 17 gold medals and one silver to his credit at these meets, winning 200, 400, 800 and 1500 metre running events and 4x100 and 4x400 relays.

At one of these meets he got one silver medal only once as he was beaten to second place on the very first meet in Malaysia in the year 1995, by the Malaysia's star athlete T. Merican. He beat him in later years in the 200 metres by training on the main road from Kandy to Digana after which he continued successfully in the 200 event too winning golds beating his opponent.

Austin is very famous with the Malaysian groups and they call him the 'Flying Eagle' of Sri Lanka as he finishes every event at the finishing line with outstretched hands.

Jayatilaka participating at the 10th World Veterans Championships held in Miyazaki, Japan in 1993 in the 60-65 group gained the third fastest timing in the 800 metre heats clocking 2m. 24.6 secs. for which event 35 athletes competed. Austin was however unlucky to be beaten to seventh place in the finals for which 24 competitors ran.

Altogether 197 countries participated at this World Championships.

He had been taking part successfully in school and university athletics meets from 1949, and had created new records in 100 metres and 1500 metres at Calcutta University and had captained the college team in West Bengal State of India. He had been concentrating in 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1500 metres running events since his schooling and had been placed first in almost all five events at various meets held in Calcutta.

Time was however catching up on him, but Austin had other ideas after his university career. At an age where many would have given up hopes, Jayatilake changed course to veterans events on the advice of Ranjith Weerasena, President of the Veterans Athletics Association, Sri Lanka, and a Vice President of the A.A.A.

He was soon dominating in his 4 favourite events winning all in every veterans meet. Incidentally now Austin is a Vice President of this Veteran Association and the President of the Kurunegala District A.A.A. Veterans' athletics championships are held once in two years and Asian Championships also every other year in the Asian countries.

Jayatilake, an old boy of Ananda College, Colombo, commenced his career in sport way back in 1995, under the guidance of world renowned Czechoslavakian marathon runner Emil Zatopec and Bob Mathias, American high jump champion, in Calcutta, which helped him immensely to gain supremacy in athletics.

With all this guidance, together with obedience to the masters and hard work put in this field he had dominated the five running events winning almost all.

He later outshone all professionals within a very short period and was awarded a scholarship for university education in Calcutta. Jayatilake was granted honorary membership of the East Bengal Sports Association, Calcutta, which was the leading sports association in West Bengal State.

At the Calcutta University Austin set up new records in 100 and 800 metre events during 1956/1958 seasons, winning the Championship shield for four years in succession in the City Commerce Faculty. He completed his education at the university equally well gaining a first class in the Bachelor of Commerce Degree. He is a Calcutta University Blue.

He had set up four new Sri Lanka veterans meets records in the 200, 400, 800 and 1500 events in the 60-65 age group at the 10th Annual Veterans Championships meet held at the Sugathadasa Stadium Colombo on Dec. 9 and 10, 1995.

He is the only brother of the former M.P. for Kuliyapitiya, Minister of Educational Services and Rehabilitation late Mr. Lionel Jayatilake.

Bad light cramps Wesley-Joes game

By Champika Fernando

The inter-school cricket encounter between St. Joseph's College Maradana vs Wesley College Borella was called off due to bad light at Darley Road yesterday.

Continuing from their overnight score, the Josephians scored 193 for the loss of eight wickets for their first inning and invited the visitors to take their second turn. Wesley were shot out for 148 runs in their first inning due to two brilliant bowling spells from Anuka Wijesinghe and Danuka Pathirana who captured five and three wickets respectively. Anuka Wijesinghe gave away 41 runs away while Pathirana gave away 31 runs.

Danushka Dissanayake top scored with 42 for the Wesleyites and was well supported by Fareez Maharoof and Azri Jaldin, who scored 27 and 25 respectively.

The Josephians in reply reached 193 runs for eight wickets before they declared. Danuka Pathirana (42 ) and Sanka Rupasinghe (39) top scored for the hosts while S. Colombage and C. Sumathipala shared the best bowling figures for the visitors.

Wesley were 46 for at stumps for the loss of three wickets. Wesley College - 1st inning 148 in 77 overs and 46 for 3 (Danushka Dissanayake 43, Fareez Maharoof 27, Anuk Wijeratne 5 for 41, Danuka Pathirana 3 for 31)

St. Joseph's - 193 for 8 dec. (Danuka Pathirana 42, Sanka Rupasinghe 39, Colombage 5 for 68, Sumathipala 2 for 23)

Draw at Mt.Lavinia

The inter-school cricket match between S.Thomas' and St.Benedict's ended in a tame draw at Mt.Lavinia yesterday.

St.Benedict's replying to S.Thomas' first innings score of 190 for 9 were bowled out for 134. Benedictine R.Marasinghe carried a lone battle against the S.Thomas' bowlers when he made 85. However it was not enough at the end.

S.Thomasö - 190 for 9 and 15 for 1.

St.Benedcit's - 134 (R. Marasinghe 85, S.Fernando 15; Jeewan Mendis 4 for 28, Tharindu Fernando 2 for 14) - (SI)

Ananda-PoW tomorrow

The Inter school cricket match between Ananda and Prince of Wales will be played at Ananda Mawatha on Monday and Tuesday. The match was postponed due to bad weather.

Raymond, Liza are top seeds

By Annesley Ferreira

Raymond Benc of the Philippines and Liza Perera of India are the top seeds in the boys and girls under18 singles event at the 17th ITF Junior Tennis Nationals commencing on January 17 (Monday) at the National Tennis Centre Courts at Greenpath.

Raymond tops the seedings with 75 points followed by Chen Chi Chun of Chinese Taipei and Parantav Chathuvile and P. Ravi Krishnan of India all on 65 points each.

Sri Lanka's challenge will be from Sanjay Paramanathan, Dinuk Ranaweera and Kishan Kuruppu, all three are in the Davis Cup pool. Kuruppu is residing in Canada and has obtained special permission from the ITF to turn out for for Sri Lanka in the Davis Cup competition next month.

Perera of India, with an aggregate of 105 points, is followed by Witayaviraj Thasha of Thailand and Saduni Wijeratne of Sri Lanka, residing in Nepal, with 15 points. Maheesha Seneviratne and Narusi Narummi of India are on 10 points each.

In all 12 countries will be participating in the nationals from UK, Bangladesh, India, Canada, Maldives, Australia, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, Philippines and Japan.

The official hotel will be Ceylon Inter-Continental and the official ball: Fischer.

In all 64 boys and 32 girls will figure in the boys and girls singles, for which the draw will be held today (January 16) at 5 p.m. at the SLTA Office.

The doubles event will be sponsored by Aggreko.

A consolation event for the losers in the first and second round will also be held.

The winners and runners-up in the boys and girls singles will be awarded 40 and 30 points respectively while the runners up of the doubles event will be awarded 30 and 20 points respectively.

Ian Daniels-star of the week

By Leonard Ratnayake

Young blood and the inexperience displays greater commitment than the professionals or the experienced in sports. This has been the highlight of the Under 19 Youth World Cup matches during the past week.

Matches in the tournament so far were highly competitive and there were many oustanding performances from many youngsters who are striving to do their best for their countries.

Herewith are the details of how they have performed so far in the competition.

Ryan Hinds of West Indies, playing in only two matches accumulated 169 vs England with bowling figures of 10-4-19-1. Hynds also made 58 against Zimbabwe and finished with bowling figures of 3-0-11-0 and was outstanding as an allrounder during the week.

Jacques Rudolph of South Africa played only in one match and scored a dashing 156 runs in 140 balls. Rudolph also chipped in with bowling figures of 2-0-4-1.

But the man who was the cynosure of all eyes throughout the week was Sri Lanka's opening batsman and part-time bowler Ian Daniels. He was unbeaten in all three innings: 73* vs Ireland,

25* vs Namibia and 40* against Australia to see his country through to the final eight. He also excelled in bowling finishing with figures of 10-5-15-1 vs Ireland, 3-1-4-1 Vs Namibia and

3-0-11-1 against South Africa.

Highest Totals

* 321/2 - Australia Vs Namibia

* 295/5 - South Africa Vs Nepal

* 240 - Australia Vs Ireland

Lowest Totals

* 55 - Namibia Vs Australia

* 55 - Netharland Vs New Zealand

* 58 - Netharland Vs India

Highest Individual Scores

* 156* Jacques Rudolph of South Africa Vs Nepal

* 100* Shane Watson of Australia Vs Namibia

* 83 Marlon Samuels of West Indies Vs Zimbabwe

Best Bowling Figures

* 4-2-6-4 Jermaine Lawson of West Indies Vs Zimbabwe

* 9.3-1-26-4 Tim Murtagh Vs England

* 8-2-33-4 Tim Murtagh Vs Americas'

Harsha's vision is to uplift rugby football

By Bernie Wijesekera

The newly elected president of the Western Province Rugby Football Union, Capt. Harsh Mayadunne's vision is to the uplift the game and spread its wings for further development in the province.

Mayadunne, who was elected to the post without a contest, was interviewed by The Sunday Times. He takes over from burly Iqbal Hassan. The meeting is scheduled to be held on January 18. Incidentally, he is also the deputy president of the Rugby Union and has abundant experience, know-how and commands respect all round.

Q: You have excelled in both cricket and rugby as a schoolboy. Any outstanding performances?

A: Yes, as a wicket-keeper, I played for the Combined Schools with the likes of Bandula Warnapura, Asitha Jayaweera, Duleep Mendis etc.

Firstly, it was at St. Peter's, later I moved to Thurstan, whilst Bandula went to Nalanda and Asitha to Royal. I reaped a rich harvest in 1972 as a competent 'keeper with 40 victims behind the sticks - including ten in one match against Nalanda. Leaving school I played for the Nomads and got tremendous support and encouragement from D.H. de Silva.

Q: Who was your idol?

A: Undoubtedly, it was Ben Navaratne. He's fit, strong, agile and had quick reflexes. An object lesson to a would be 'keeper. My success is attributed to his discipline on and off the field. I played for the Bank of Ceylon and later for the Defence Services and the Navy. Led the sailors in both sports at the highest level.

Q: Being a fine 'keeper and a nippy scrum half, what is your first love?

A: Rugby. I have learnt much from this sport. I will be failing in my duty if I don't mention, the late Archibald Perera - the legendary coach at St. Peter's who taught me the skills to go places.

He was a hard master on and off the field. Play it hard and clean, maintain the spirit of the game and behave like a gentleman he says. All is forgotten, after the match. In some quarters sportsmen tend to forget these ethics.

This is the first lesson I taught to the sailors, though they are newcomers to the sport. With all humility I must mention that the Navy entered in two finals in the K.O. tournaments organised by the SLRFU. The team was coached by Bryan Baptist. He has a storehouse of knowledge and a good reader of the game.

Senior officers like Thisara Samarasinghe played a key role, with others rallying around. Despite exigencies of duty the Navy will strive to keep the rugby boat afloat, he added.

Q: Anything special in your battle-scarred sporting career?

A: Whilst starting my career at the Bank of Ceylon I was able to organise a rugby 'sevens' tournament, in the Nationalised Services which proved a success.

Now that I've being elected president of the WPRFU, my vision is to promote the game and help harness talent for the future betterment of this popular sport at national level. Today, there are more schools who have taken to the sport unlike in the past. We must start at the grassroots level.

Now elected to office and holding meetings is not the panacea to help or promote the game. But must get the act together. This could be achieved with a concerted team effort within and outside the mainstream, he added.

Keep petty politics outside the scrum. Put the country before self then we could achieve our objectives in whatever walks of life, he concluded.

Ananda Wedisinghe stamps his class

Sri Lanka's Motorcross star Ananda Wedisinghe stamped his class once again when he carried away all three top motorcross awards at the inaugural Vijaya Motorcross Kurunegala Year 2000 organised by the Sri Lanka Army Mortor Sports Committee and the Sri Lanka Racing Riders Association (SLRRA) in collaboration with the Weds Racing Club held at the Vijayabahu infantry Regiment at Boyagune last Sunday before a large crowd.

Ananda Wedisinghe's triple win was made up of when he first won the events for racing bikes upto 250 cc where he made a last minute entry. He followed this up by winning the four stroke bikes open event and put the icing on the cake of celebration by winning the Racing Endurance open event which was restricted to 10 laps instead of the original one hour due to threatening weather conditions. Thus he made a clean sweep of all the events he participated. His younger brother was not so lucky as he had problems with the fuel system of his bike which stalled midway during the race.

Kamal Prasanna too came up with a good display to win the Street Trail upto 250 CC event and the Street trail open event in his Yamaha WR 200.

The Ladies' event was won by Army's Damayanthi Kumari and the kiddies race by Ushan Perera who pipped Niroshan Wedisinghe at the post.

The other winners were Hemantha Chandrakumar, Kumar Kamalsiri, Rohana Jayaratne, Upali Nandasena, Jeffery Buultjens, who thrilled the crowds with some skillful riding through the loose soil in the tracks and also by leaping over the bumps, remaining air- borne for sometime.

Major General Lohan Goonewardena was the Chief Guest and distributed the main awards.

Awards were also distributed by Brigadier Ivan Dassanayake, Upali Dassanayake, Lt.Col. A.Kariyakarawana and Anada Wedisinghe.

Street Trial bikes 80 CC Novices: 1. Hemantha Chandrakumar Yamaha DT 2. Cpl. Chandima Gamage, Honda CRM 50, 3. S.N.S.R.Sanjeewa Yamaha DT 50.

Novices Street Trail bikes 125 cc , 1. Kumar Kamalasiri (Yamaha)

2. Andrew Buultjens (Yamaha) 3. Sanath Kotalawala (Yamaha)

Racing bikes 80 cc, 1. Rohana Jayaratne (Honda CR 55) 2. Ramal Pathiratne (Kawasaki) KX 80 3. E.P.Krishantha (Kawasaki) KX 80.

Umpires, scorers meet on Feb. 1

The Association of Cricket Umpires and Scorers Sri Lanka has made elaborate arrangements to conduct a series of seminars for umpires, scorers and instructors in Colombo from February 1 to 12, 2000 at the B.M.I.C.H. Colombo.

These seminars are made possible as a result of the President of the Association of Cricket Umpires and Scorers Sri Lanka Lakshman Kiriella, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs having had discussions with the officials of the Association of Cricket Umpires and Scorers England during his visit to the United Kingdom last year. Incidentally this is the first time a series of seminars of this nature are being conducted in this country.

Six senior officials from the Association of Cricket Umpires and Scorers England will arrive in the island on January 31 to conduct these seminars.

All umpires, scorers especially at club and higher level and senior umpires who wish to qualify as instructors and who wish to avail of this opportunity are requested to contact the A.C.U., S.L. secretariat at the Sports Ministry Complex, Reid Avenue, Colombo 7 between 8.30 am and 4.30 pm on weekdays and register themselves on or before January 26, 2000 as only a limited number of participants could be accommodated for each of these seminars.

Rover pinpoints

Next to nothing

The construction of a pavilion for a leading club has been entrusted to a person who knows next to nothing about buildings.

This has been done by a former player turned official now.

Two accounts

Two accounts are being maintained by the officials, which is not the proper thing to do. One also wonders what is happening to the gate collections on matches played at this grounds.

Not done

A leading district association has as its office bearers, officials who have not played the game at any level. Money has been used to throw out the other officials who had played the game.

Raw deal for fast bowler

A fast bowler representing Moors Sports Club has had a ôraw-dealö this season. He has been suspended for three premier league matches for a case of misconduct committed during the last season. It is learnt that the bowler had been served notice a day before he was to play in a game against SSC and against Tamil Union the following week. It is also learnt that the bowler was informed of his suspension many days after the decision was taken. But the question doing the rounds is why the disciplinary committee of the Interim Cricket Board had to wait so long to enforce the suspension.

Moratuwa joke

The joke in Moratuwa. Moratuwa has an indoor practice facility. But when it rains the cricketers have to move out. Why?. Because the roof is leaking like a strainer. Some cricketers say this should enter the record books as the only ôindoor stadiumö that you cannot play when it rains.

Super soppers

The Cricket Board had ordered two super soppers (water sucking) machines worth millions of rupees to be used during the Youth World Cup. But by the time the tournament began, the machines were still stuck in the port waiting for clearance.

Fifty playgrounds for Uva District

By V.T Rajah our Badulla sports correspondent

Fifty new playgrounds will be constructed in the Plantation sector at a cost of 25 lakhs of rupees allocated from the President's fund during the course of this year.

According to the Chief Minister of Uva Provincial council Samaraweera Weerawanni, fifty estates in Uva province will get an opportunity to construct new playgrounds for the improvement of sports in the plantation sector. On a recommendation made by the Hindu Cultural, Plantation Sector and Tourism Minister M. Satchidanandan, the Chief Minister had approved the construction of 50 playgrounds in Uva Plantation sector Poonagalla, Khagolla, Dambetenne, Kududowa, Wesse, Nawalawatte, Cannaverella, Kinros, Uva Kettawela, Mahagolla, Kumarawatte, Meenagala, Attempettiya, Mahadowa, Chelsea, Liyangahawela, Glen Alpin, Rookatenne, Beauvais, Ohiya, Idalgashinne, Glenanor, Nayabedde, Uva highlands, Dyraaba, Keinellan, Roeberry, Cullen, Hakgalla, Warwick, Aislaby, Alagolla, Downside, Kandahena, Queenstown, Ellawatte, Makuldeniya, Hopton, Sarnia, St James, Welimada, Passara, Gonakella, Pingarawa, Gowerakella, Telbedde, Ury and Spring Valley Estates in Uva province will benefit to improve sports in the area.

Uva Basketball

Twenty teams are expected to participate at the Uva Province Boys and Girls Basketball tournament 2000 schedule to be conducted today (09-01-2000) at the Badulla Esplanade.

This tournament is being organized by Sixers Basketball Club, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary and is being open to all clubs in the Province. Arrangements are also being made to provide valuable prizes and certificates to the participants.

In the girls tournaments, Viharamadevi Balika Maha Vidyalaya will field two teams, while Badulla Sixers, S.C Hali Ela Central College, Hali Ela Science College and two teams from Colombo are also expected to participate.

In the boys tournament S. Thomas' College Bandarawela and Gurutalawa will field two teams each along with Sri Lanka Army from Diyatalawa, Sri Lanka Air Force Diyatalawa, Hali Ela Central Colege, Hali Ela, Science College, Badulla, Sixers S.C and Old Duthians Sports Club are also expected to participate.

Lanka Lion's 'Nidhahas Run' on February 6

The Lanka Lions Sports Club year 2000 programme was announced at a press briefing held at the Sugathadasa Stadium Hotel on Thursday evening chaired by Don Victor.

Their second year will as planned have their 'Nidhahas Run'

of February 6 from Thelawela Junction to Kollupitiya and finish at a spot near the Colombo Municipality grounds at Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha.

The Nidhahas Run will be held in 9 categories, mens and womens open over 20 years, junior men and womens open under 20 and schoolboys and girls under 17.

A veterans race for men and women over 40 will also be run.

Entries will close with G.L.S. Perera, General Secretary, 110/31 Jubilee Mawatha, Mirihana, Nugegoda, on January 25. No late entries will be accepted.

The Lanka Lions will conduct their first run the Rajarata Run in Anuradhapura on January 16, followed by the second run the Gem City Run in Ratnapura on January 23.

The Hill City Run will be held on February 13 at Matale followed by the Wayamba Run in Puttalam on February 20 with the Uva Run fixed for February 27 at Badulla and the Historic City Run in Polonnaruwa on March 5th.

All these runs will be sponsored by Tropifrut Limited.

On May 27 and 28th the 2nd Annual Junior Championships together with men's Decathlon and womens Hepathalon to be held at the Sugathadasa Stadium.

The third senior championships will be held on September 30th and October 1st at the Sugathadasa Stadium.

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