• Rohan Sirisena bags triple at Junior table tennis meet
• Why is the Rugby Union deviating? 
• Madugalle may have angered a lot of people
• Arnold, De Silva in form - Inter club cricket
• In Brief
• Bouncy tracks, the answer
• Jung is the winner
• Michael Mathysz - new president of CR and FC
• Field Force are champs
• Record score by New Star
• Rover pinpoints....
• Kottegoda bags double at Welcome 2000 TT
• It's a tough tour in Pakistan - Sidat
• Bloomfield in control
• Memorable for Lahiru as STC win
• Ananda -Royal evenly balanced
• CH & FC teams dominate rugby sevens

Rohan Sirisena bags triple at Junior table tennis meet

Rohan Sirisena of the Colombo TT Club bagged a triple at the 53rd Junior National Table Tennis Championhips sponsored by National Savings Bank and conducted by the Table Tennis Association of Sri Lanka concluded at the S. Thomas' Indoor Stadium at Mount Lavinia. 

Sirisena won the Boys Under-17 singles, doubles and the mixed doubles titles. 

Rohan and Dilini Madawala from Pushpadana MV Kandy retained their Boys and Girls Under-17 singles titles. 

Results 

Girls Under-9 singles - semi-finalists: Taniga Jayasooriya (Maliyadeva BMV); S. Wasana Chaturangi Perera (Kularatna MV Ambalangoda); Final - Ishara Madurangi Dharshika (Devananda) bt G.G. Chetika (Dharmasoka) 21-18, 23-21. 

Boys Under-9 singles - semi finalists: Ashan Herath (Royal) B.P. Walgampala (Royal); Finals - S.R. Ganegoda (Royal) bt Jaliya Vimukthi (S. Thomas) 21-19, 19-21, 21-17; 

Girls under 11 singles. - semi finalists - Wasana Sandareka (St. Joseph's Nugegoda), Nelumi Gunasekera (Dharmasoka); Final - Ruhansi Wijekoon (Maliyadeva BMV) bt Sanduni Kavithilaka (Dharmasoka) 17-21, 21-12, 21-11. 

Boys Under-11 singles - semi finalists: M.J. Wimalasiri (Vidyartha); W.C. Chathuranga (Aluthgama MV); Finals - G.M. Liyanage (Vidyartha) bt Muditha de Silva (Dharmasoka) 21-18, 23-21. 

Girls Under 13 singles - semi finalists - Geeshika Perera (Visakha); Nelumi Gunasekera (Dharmasoka); Finals - Kalpani Herath (Girls High School Kandy) bt Harshani Medagoda (Holy Family BMV Kurunegala) 21-15, 21-10. 

Boys under 13 singles - semi finalists - M.J. Wimalasiri (Vidyartha); Kushan Weerasooriya (Royal); Finals - G.P.H. Sajith Priyadarshana (Devananda) bt Tharindu Samaraweera (S. Thomas) 17-21, 21-18, 17-21. 

Girls under 15 singles - semi finalists - Kalpani Herath (Girls High School Kandy) bt M. Prajangani (Visakha); Finals - Saranga de Silva (Dharmasoka) bt Eranga Gunaratne (Girls High School Kandy) 21-14, 16-21, 25-23. 

Boys under 15 singles - semi finalists - Thrindu Samara (S. Thomas), Dinesh Deshappriya (Isipatana); Finals - I.T. Gunapala (Vidyartha) bt Yohan Deshappriya (Royal) 21-13, 15-21, 21-13. 

Girls under 17 singles - semi finalists - Saranga de Silva (Dharmasoka), N.K. Udugama (Devi Balika); Finals - Dilini Madawala (Pusphadhana Kandy) bt Madushika Kottegoda (Maliyadeva BMV). 

Boys under 17 singles - semi finalists - B.N.B. Jayasinghe (Vidyartha), Dinesh Deshappriya (Isipatana); Finals - Rohan Sirisena (Colombo TT Club) bt Yohan Deshappriya (Royal). 

Girls under 17 doubles - M. Kottegoda (Maliyadeva)/Saranga de Silva (Dharmasoka) bt A. Kankanamage/E. Gunaratne (Girls High School, Kandy)

Boys under 17 doubles - finals - Rohan Sirisena (Colombo TT Club)/ Tharindu Samaraweera (S. Thomas, Mt. Lavinia) 21-17, 21-18. 

Mixed doubles final - Rohan Sirisena (Colombo TT Club)/M. Prajanjani (Visakha) bt B.N.B. Jayasinghe (Vidyartha)/M. Kottegoda (Maliyadeva).

Why is the Rugby Union deviating? 

By Bernie Wijesekera

The Sri Lanka Rugby Union introduced the rule sent by the Asian Rugby Football Union that it is mandatory that all referees must undergo the Bleep Test (fitness) before the start of the season at all levels of the game. 

This was adhered by the Asian Rugby F.U.to the regulations sent by the International Rugby Football Board. 

During the tenure of Dr. Maiya Gunasekera as President of the SLRFU it was introduced in 1997 and made mandatory in 1998 - '99 that all referees must undergo the fitness test. 

The Referees' Society with a view to improve the standard of referees strictly adhered to this fitness test from whatever quarter. Barring a handful all the referees underwent the fitness test. 

The objective of the Referees' Society is to improve the game in the country and the Refs., too had to play a decisive role, It is not only the rules but also the fitness to stand the strain in a gruelling contest the vital ingredient. 

Ironically the Rugby Union has flouted the very regulation they implemented by inviting referees, who refused to stand the test according to club sources. 

A healthy body builds a healthy mind. 

Why this sudden change of heart to accommodate the referees, who failed to stand the test being invited to blow in the rugby 'sevens' with the start of the season - millennium (2000)?

The Refs. Society is not going to upset the Apple Cart, but to improve the standard of blowing and maintain discipline on and off the field. 

No one is indispensable. Refs. Society is not going to nominate any member of theirs, but the SLRFU is at liberty to invite them to the first tournament of the year. 

But they are hopeful that the Rugby Union adhere to the fitness test in all future tournaments held here, but not indulge in double standards which is the talk among the club circles.

Madugalle may have angered a lot of people

The departure of Ranjan Madugalle, the Sri Lankan match referee for the Test series between India and Australia, may have been welcomed by the teams from the sub-continent.

The match referee for the ongoing triangular tournament, West Indian Cammie Smith, talked tough on his arrival and asked the concerned teams to approach him should they have any problem, rather than go to the press.

Madugalle, an otherwise nice person with an extremely soft approach, may have angered a lot of people while in Australia, especially those from the sub-continent, because of his seemingly inept handling of tough situations during the Test series. In fact, he was thought by some to be a misfit for the job. It is still difficult to get over the fact that he was quick to fine Venkatesh Prasad for his conduct when he dismissed Slater at Melbourne yet he merely cautioned McGrath for a similar offence when he had Tendulkar trapped leg-before.

This led to a perception: 

That Madugalle was soft on players from Australia, England and South Africa, for the simple reason that he did not want to tread on toes or rub the bosses of those countries the wrong way.

That he was confident he could 'manage' to keep officials of the sub-continent on his side, even if he fined or banned players from that part of the world for misconduct.

There was a third theory, uncharitable though it may be, doing the rounds: refereeing is a lucrative job and Madugalle was paid for the days while on tour - even non-playing days - which was quite substantial. It amounted to a fairly good income, so it would be stupid of him to anger those who matter in the ICC. Cammie Smith, on the other hand, enjoys the reputation of being a fine cricketer during his heyday, and is well respected by those who play the game even today. His job becomes that much easier, as his word is taken as the gospel truth. No wonder he made it loud and clear no sooner he arrived in Brisbane, that he means business and wouldn't take things lying down.

Another sensational occurrence of the Australian summer was the banning of fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar for his alleged illegal action while indulging in short pitched stuff, and his subsequent clearance by the ICC chief. The manner in which the ICC handled the issue showed the governing body in poor light.

Most fast bowlers, present as well as former, tend to bend their arm when they try to bowl extra quick. In slow motion replays, this becomes quite clear. So, is the ICC going to ban all of them? Shoaib, and even Brett Lee for that matter, as compared to others, have a more pronounced bend in the arm at the point of delivery when they try to generate extra pace. It is quite visible, though their normal delivery is very much legal - (D.V.)

Inter club cricket

Arnold, De Silva in form

By Sunil Jayasiri

Two smart knocks from Sri Lanka players Russel Arnold (129) and Aravinda De Silva (110) helped NCC make 440 for 6 dec. against Antonian SC in their Premier League inter club final around cricket match at Maitland place yesterday.

NCC - 440 for 6 dec (Russell Arnold 129, Aravinda de Silva 110, Kumar Sangakkara, 50, Hashan Tillekeratne 30, Camarn Mapatuna 57 n.o. and Dilan Ramanayake 23 n.o.)

Antonian SC - 31 for 1

Gallege 5 for 58

CCC's fast bowler Indika Gallage took 5 for 58 which saw Tamil Union being dismissed for 201 in their Premier League inter club final round cricket match at Maitland crescent yesterday.

b (Bradman Ediriweera 19, Damith Hunukumbura 29, Anushka Polonnovita 15 n.o. Lanka de Silva 20,).Mario Villawarayan 3 for 19-(S.J.) 

7 victims for Prassana

By Bruce Maurice

Seven victims behind the stumps by Sri Lanka cap Prassana Jayewardena for Sebastianites was the highlight as SSC were bowled out for 297 in their Premier League inter club final round cricket match at Maitland place yesterday.

SSC - 297 (Marvan Atapattu 41, Upeka Fernando 26, Malintha Perera 41 and Nuwan Zoysa 17 n.o; Sanjeewa 4 for 109, M.Peiris 4 for 71

Sebastianites - six for no loss 

Moors: 200

By Saif Izzadeen

BRC helped by two good bowling performance by left arm pace bowler Sajeewa de Silva (4 for 65) and spinner Swanji Madanayake (3 for 30) bowled out Moors for 200 in their inter club premier league final round cricket match at Havelock Park yesterday.

Moors SC - 200 in 63.2 overs(Vajira Wijeagunawardena 40, Dilshan Vitharana 40, Primal Salgado 23n.o; Sajeewa de Silva 4 for 65, Swanji Madanayake 3 for 30, Sajeewa Weerakoon 2 for 33)

BRC - 51 for 1 in 22 overs(Chaminda Hadunhettiage 30 n.o)

Vaas, Upashantha destroy KYCC

Colt's pace bowling combination of Chaminda Vaas and Eric Upashantha shared six wickets between them which saw Kurunegala Youth being dismissed for 113 in their Premier league inter club final round cricket match at Havelock park yesterday.

(19) and Jehan Jaymon (36)

KYCC - 113 (N.Munasinghe 19, Jehan Jaymon 36; Chaminda Vaas 2 for 20, Eric Upashantha 4 for 34, Chaminda Sigera 3 for 42)

Colts CC - 110 for 2 (Duleep Samaraweera 50, Chaminda Mendis 22, Sajith Fernando 31 n.o, Romesh Kaluwitharana 19 n.o) - (SI)

In Brief

Youth Camp

A youth camp will ne organised in conjunction with the Olympic Games in Sydney from September 15 to October 4.

Sri Lanka is entitled to send two representatives, one male and one female to attend this camp.

Those wishing to go will have the following qualifications:

A. Between 16-18 on 12-9-2000; B. Good knowledge in English.

C. Should have participated in sports at senior school level.

The NOG will meet the air fare of the two participants while the participants themselves will have to pay accommodation charge of US $50 per day. There is the likelihood of the accommodation costs of one participant being met by the organisers.

Those desirous of seeking nomination to this camp should apply to the Secretary General of the NOG at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium, on or before February. 15.

Lankan women lose in final

The Lankan women's cricket team led by Rasanjali Silva defeated the state sides of India: Karanataka, Lucknow, Delhi, Andra Pradesh and Maharastra and Tamil Nadu in one-day internationals.

In the final the Lankan women lost to Andra Pradesh by 28 runs in the Lady Bishop cup tournament, at the Bhadra-halam Grounds.

Ramini Perera bowled best for the Lankan women in the final capturing 3 for 29, with 44 extras, thus helping the Andra Pradesh team towards their win.

This tour was organised by the President of the Women's Cricket Association of Sri Lanka Mrs. Gwen Herat with the help of the Womens Cricket Association of India.

Andra Pradesh 152 all out in 45.5 overs.

Lankan Women's XI - 127 all out in 46.1 overs.

Delightful

Malsiri Kurukulasuriya's book 'Cricket', delighfully conveys in an uncomplicated manner valued hints on cricket, some of which do not appear in normal coaching books, and, which could only come out of experience in playing the game as well as coaching.

Beside Malsiri was a dedicated reader of books and a student of the game like many others of his era and a lot of what has been printed gives an insight into the thinking about the game. The book, 'Cricket' is not mere theory" goes to great lenghts to detail simply, on methods that can considerably improve your knowledge of the finer points of the game as well as the aspects of batting, bowling, fielding.

Above all it is easy to understand and is a must for not ouly the current school boy cricketer but the coach as well.

I commend this book to all budding youngsters.

This book is available at all M.D. Gunasena bookshops islandwide. - Michael Tissera

Kandy Youth far better

Kandy Youth Cricket Club won the local cricketing "Derby" by beating Kandy CC on the first innings in their Sara Trophy Segment B match played at Peradeniya.

It was a case of collapse and revival as hoth teams, at various times, felt their spirits drop and soar. In-form all rounder Priyantha Weragoda and Ginigathhena schoolboy Lasantha Rangajeewa added 73 for the last wicket in a dramatic partnership. Kandy Youth too, were up against it at one stage, but recovered through the efforts of Julian Arnolda and Sylvestrian schoolboy Refai. These two added 113 for the 8th wicket to ensure victory.

Kandy CC 212 (Mihira Wijesinghe 30, A.S. Donge 31, P. Weragoda 42, n.o., L. Rangajeeva 24, P. Ariyadasa 4/41, C. Wijesinghe 2/32, T. Madanayake 2/28) and 30/2 (C. Wickremanayake 11 n.o., L. Rangajeewa 10 n.o.).

Kandy Youth 276 (C. Werake 53, Chanaka Wijesinghe 32, J. Arnolda 76, M. Refai 53 n.o., J. Weerasinghe 17, P. Weragoda 3/68, A.S. Donge 4/56). A.K.

Kabbadi bronze for Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka won a bronze medal in the Kabbadi Asian Junior Championships held in New Delhi. 

The Lankan team beat Bangladesh 10-2, Thailand 27-21 and lost to India 28-21 and Nepal 10 - 8.

Bouncy tracks, the answer

Sri Lankans have had serious problems whenever they take guard on wickets that offers appreciable bounce. Lets face facts, they are not used to such tracks.

How could they, when they have been brought up and nurtured on slow, docile pitches which tend to produce basically front foot batsmen. 

We just do not know how to handle and are uncomfortable with anything that rises above the waist line. That precisely, is the problem we encounter when we tour Australia, England, South Africa, New Zealand, West Indies and Zimbabwe.

Mind you, it is not implying that all Sri Lankan batsmen are hopeless. Some of them do adapt to the unaccustomed bounce, but then they are batsmen whose technique is flexible. 

Most however just cannot adjust, and succumb tamely, while a few others try to keep hitting each delivery and end up playing risky shots.

The players who opt for the latter method succeed at times, but only if it is their day. If it is not, they perish by playing horrendous looking shots.

In fact, one can separate batsmen who can play short stuff better than the others. It is they who can be relied on whenever the ball climbs the waist level and higher.

But the point is why on earth do we shy away from preparing wickets with life and bounce. It is such tracks that will not only help to produce quality cricketers, but also does the game a lot of good as the standard of play is bound to improve, which in turn will encourage the crowd to flock to the venues.

Now with an eye to the future it is high time the authorities of the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka took the task upon themselves to improve the quality of the wicket.

-Ramesh Joseph

Jung is the winner

Y.S. Jung emerged the winner in the Lanka Oberoi, Oberoi Cup Stableford ladies golf tournament played last Wednesday at the Royal Colombo Golf Club. R. Sangani finished as first runner-up followed by G.J. Jung, H.O. Yoon Yi, F. de Mel, S.A. Jin Choi, Y. Anhayaratne, H.S. Lee, H.R. Bang, N.H. Yoon.

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