Panadura sportsman enters Sangha

Upali D. Sigera, a reputed sportsman of Panadura of yesteryear who excelled in cricket, soccer and athletics for his school and Clubs recently entered the order of the Sangha after having retired from the Postal Department where he held the post of Senior Administrative Secretary. His acclesiastical name is Panadure Dhammarakkitha.

An old boy of St. John's College, Panadura at the latter stage of its golden era, he excelled in cricket, soccer and athletics. However his main interest was cricket at which he represented the senior team in inter-school cricket for three successive years as a middle order batsman and medium pace bowler who opened the attack.

As a schoolboy and a contemporary in the field of sports the writer has vivid recollection of his batting powers and bowling skill.

He was a hard-hitting batsman and an excellent opening medium pace bowler. He soon caught the eye of the selectors of the Panadura Sports Club who were Old Johnians who took him in to play for the Club as a 'field member' (not a full member) while he was still a schoolboy. Panadura SC at that time had many renowned cricketers in the calibre of G.C. Roberts, Douglas Ramanayake, Caldera brothers, Neil Perera, George Karunatatne etc..

It was around this time in 1957 after Kalutara Disrtict Cricket Association was formed that they launched an inter-club cricket tournament in the district for the Sir Cyril de Soysa Challenge Trophy. Young cricketers of Panadura, some from the Panadura SC formed a Club known as Young Rangers and participated in the tournament. There were eighteen Clubs in all, including Panadura SC and the Kalutra Town Club who were at the time playing in the Daily News Trophy.

Young Rangers beat these lions as well to win the Tournament. This fact was mentioned by Mr. Dunstan Fernando, President of the Kalutara Disrict Cricket Association at a recent felicitation ceremony to ten Sri Lankan cricketers from Kalutara.

After this great victory of the inaugural tournament, Young Rangers were diabanded while the District Association conducted the tournament annually.

As the skipper of the victorious team the writer can proudly say that it was Upali's outstanding performances both with the bat and the ball that helped them to win this tournament.

In the final match with our home team, Panadura SC, with his hard-hitting knock of 60 not-out and 5 for 15 we managed to beat the lion in its den.

After leaving school he joined the Postal Department in 1962 and left the Department in 1998 after 36 years of service.

During this period he played for the Postal Dept. in the Government Service Tournament for 30 years captaining the side on a few occasions.- Marcus Joseph

Police down Diamonds

Police came from behind to beat Red Diamonds Kandy by 5 goals to 4 in their FA Cup second round football match.

In other close wins, Don Bosco SC beat Matara Youth 2-1, Maya SC Kurunegala beat Welikada Youth 1-nil, Tri-Star SC beat Ratmalana United 1-nil, Galle United beat Soccer Promoters SC 3-2 and Sunny Mount Ampara beat Challengers SC by the same margin.

Young United beat Super Stars by 9 goals to nil, Old Bens beat Air Lanka 2-nil, Thotawatta SC beat Soccer Fans C 4-2, Wanathamulla Youth beat Evershine SC 6-3, Youngsters Colombo beat Martians SC 8-2, York SC Kandy beat Eveready SC 5-1, Sunrise SC beat Dynamic SC 7-1, Red Sun SC beat Moratu/Katukurunda SC 5-1, Jupiters beat United SC Anuradhapura 6-1, Western SC beat Chilaw United 5-nil, Manchester SC beat Vystwyke Playground 5-nil, Sunrise SC Kandy beat Green Park SC Kandy 4-nil and Air Force beat Jolly Boys SC 6-1

Ports Authority, Cooray SC and Negombo Youth recieved walk-overs from Galle Youth, Berburyn SC Beruwala and Youngsters SC Bandarawela respectively.

Off the tee with Tita Nathanielsz

Lavish Korean golf sponsorship

The Korean golfers are lavish and the tournament they sponsored just recently was absolutely top notch outclassing several other sponsored events of the recent past.

Men & Women shot off with great enthusiasm and much competitiveness chasing the classy awards that were on show. General S.V. Jayakody little known in our small golfing world shot to fame with a remrkably good score of 44 points. He was amply rewarded and so were his friends who gathered round him at the l9th.

Imasaka excels

K. Imasaka was in equally good form. He smashed his way through matching Jayakody shot by shot and ended up with an equally pleasing 44 points but most unfortunately he faltered once through the back nine and had to miss the lavish first prize award beaten by a better back nine. Architect Elmo de Silva was beaming after an astonishing round which rocked his system. 42 points is quite a lot and Silva was providing a ball by ball comentary of the strokes that brought him that remarkable score to his usual audience at the l9th.

Gymkhana events

Prof A.H. Sheriffdeen punctuates the golfing year with regular visits at award ceremonies. The first this year came off his pet iron when he swung a beauty off the 9th tee. On the short holes he is meticulous and quite precise and when he swings he reminds me of a hippie - loose and carefree. His ball dropped 4 feet from the pin and he rushed for his award at the ceremony. N. Setwala was the longest off the tee at the 8th and he appeared quite pleased with his award. To round up the events and the prizes Johan Leembruggen had to be identified. He went for water, we went for the territories that are out of bounds and he was fooling around for too much in rough localities. The Koreans recognized his effort and gave him a very special award which he accepted with lively delight.

Ladies impress

Mrs. S.H. Chung and Mrs S.A. Jin Choi both produced formidable scores of 37 points each. Neat and compact players they are extremely soft from round the greens and they have a happy knack of coaxing putts into success. Chung eventually took the lavish award with a better back nine.

Neesha Nirmalalingam was far from the pin on the 19th but still nearest in comparison to the other efforts against her. She picked an excellent award. Duchess Abhayaratne continues with her long hitting achievements and she collected an award for being longest off the 8th tee.

The wooden spoon prize fell on the lap of Mrs. S.S. Shim, who appeared delighted with her perfomance. The award ceremony was tremendous showing much evidence of great hospitality and there were quite a few who were stroking super par 5 rounds in style.

When Lions roar and Eagles soar

By Sharm de Alwis

The Trinity Lions and the Antonian Eagles will party on Saturday, March 4 of the new millennium at the Bloomfield Cricket Club, Reid Avenue, Cololombo 7.

Fun and frolics commence at 8.30 p.m. and tickets are priced at Rs. 250/=. The secretaries of the two OBAs will inform you of the convenient location for obtaining tickerts. Contact them.

This is the inaugural fellowship get-together and is organised jointly by the Colombo Branches of the two OBAs to foster camaraderie between Old Boys of the two leading schools in the Hill Capital.

Past cricketers who played in the Big Match will be honoured.

The Joint Committee has lined up a great evening of entertainment and invites all Old Antonians and Old Trinitians, especially the captains of past cricket teams to bring their old team-mates and rekindle the brotherhood that the two schools have cherished for over eighty years.

Live music, cabarets, papare bands, free beer, cash bar with discounted prices, food stalls, entrance gifts will see you through to the wee hours of the morning.

Woolmer hopes for perfect timing

Undeterred by the furore he created over fitting Hansie Cronje and Allan Donald with earpieces in the World Cup last year, Bob Woolmer is set to introduce further technology that will allow him to communicate from the dressing room. He plans to instruct players he coaches in future by sending them e-mails that they can read on their wrist watches.

Woolmer, who has gained a reputation as the most innovative of coaches, feels that unlike earpieces, watches cannot be banned by the International Cricket Council (ICC). This is because a number of players have worn them in first-class cricket in the past, sometimes because they have been sponsored to do so. The thinking behind both innovations is that a coach can impart important advice without having to send messages via the 12th man.

The scientist whom Woolmer asked to look into the use of earpieces as a means of communication in sport, Tony Kirkbride of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research in Pretoria, is investigating how futuristic a watch will be required by a cricketer in the field. "I refuse to sit still. The game spurns science at its peril," Woolmer said. This viewpoint, however, will bring him into conflict with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), whose cricket advisory committee states that "the importance of the role of the captain should not be diminished through direction/advice provided by an off-field support team or coach". This would include all electronic communication.

South Africa's earpieces were banned by the ICC after they were used at the start of the World Cup. Tim Lamb, the chief executive of the ECB, told Woolmer last week that he will not be allowed to use such gadgetry at Warwickshire this summer."He was taken aback when I told him I intended to use watches instead," Woolmer said. "I don't see how they can be banned."

Nokia are developing a model that can receive e-mails, photographs and moving pictures. Woolmer and Kirkbride do not know how soon this can be used effectively by cricketers. The cost, they reckon, will be around £20,000 per watch, so initially the only person likely to wear one would be the captain. "Dennis Amiss, the chief executive of Warwickshire, would be supportive and I have asked the ICC if I can submit a report on technology in the game," Woolmer said.

"I believe it is possible to coach more effectively this way. It has to be the direction to go in. For instance, before Alec Stewart was out hooking in the fourth Test, he could have been told to calm down, through instructions from the pavilion. The batsman at the other end could have done it, but advice from the coach would have had more effect.

"I shall discuss technology with every Warwickshire player when I return to Edgbaston in April.If a player does not want to use it, he will not have to do so. I am going to use earpieces for practice sessions and in friendly matches. I do not agree with Tim Lamb's view that this is against the spirit of the game and will impede the development of captains. Half the problems in cricket are caused by lack of communication."

Ivo Tennant

Protect your loved ones

The Fei Quan Do International under the leadership of martial arts expert Grandmaster M. Hassen Khalid the founder chief instructor of Fei Quan Do will be launching a crash course. This course will be known as "Protect Your Loved Ones From Undesirables."

"Self Defence is easy to follow. Programmes will be held for ladies, gents and school children.

The course will be held at the CIS International at 15 A, Rohini Road, Wellawatta on Monday and Thursday evenings from 6 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.

It will be followed at the MICH at Dematagoda Road, on Sundays, Tuesdays and Friday evenings from 6 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. and at the St. Joseph's College Sports Complex, Darley Road on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 11a.m. and also at the Minhal International School at Fredrica Road, Wellawatta on Sunday mornings from 10 to 11 a.m.

Ruchini tops Sujatha meet

Ruchini Nagodavitharne of Kalyani House bagged the overall championship title at the annual inter-house sports meet of Sujatha Vidyalaya, Nugegoda held at the Chandra Silva Stadium.

Rathnavali House emerged overall champions followed by Kalyani House who were the runners-up.

Following are the major titles won at the meet: Junior Championship: R. Senanayake; Senior Championship: P.Jayasuriya; Overall Championship:Ruchini Nagodavitharne (Kalyani House).Under 13 Champion: Sharmani Wijewardena (Swarnapali), Under15: Ruvindra Senanayake (Rathnavali), Under 17: S.Jayasuriya; Under 19: Ruchira Nagodavitharne (Kalyani). Champion House: Rathnavali House, Runner-up: Kalyani House.

The chief guests were Mr. Chandra Silva, Mayor Sri Jayawardenapura Municipal Council, Kotte and Mrs. Shanthi Gunaratne, Deputy General Manager Sampath Bank Ltd.

The Guest of Honour was Mr.Rohana Dissanayake,Senior Manager Sampath Bank Ltd. Nugegoda.

Thurstan rugby tens gathers momentum

By Saif Izzadeen

Thurstan will be organising an invitation 10-a-side schools rugby carnival at the Thurstan College grounds on February 26 and 27 to celebrate their 50th Anniversary

The tournament will be played according to the rules and regulations of the Sri Lanka Schools' Rugby Football Association (SLSRFA) and will be sponsored by the Wijeya Group of Newspapers: The Sunday Times, Midweek Mirror, Daily Mirror and Lankadeepa.

The chief guest of the competition will be Rajasingham Industries chairman W.M. Rajasingham. The tournament will be refereed by members of the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Society.

The competition will have a Cup, Bowl and a Plate Championship and all the three trophies have been donated by Mr Rajasaingham. Certificates and medals will be offered to all the six finalists.

With the inter school rugby season looming in the horizon this will be the ideal tuning up for all participating schools. It will test their strength and weakness to the hilt.

Sri Lanka schools' rugby kings Isipatana who made a clean sweep of the trophies last year will go out favourties in this tournament.

They will have a fight on their hands from the following schools. They are: Royal, St. Peter's, Trinity, S. Thomas' Mt.Lavinia, St. Joseph's and hosts Thurstan.

However we should not underestimate the other schools. Don't be surprised if there are one or two upsets along the way.

So far 24 teams have confirmed participation. Six teams are yet to confirm.

Participating teams:

Ananda, Asoka, Dharmaraja, D.S.Senanayake, Isipatana(favourites), Kingswood, Mahanama, Maliyadeva, Nalanda, Richmond, Royal, Sabaragamuwa provincial side, Science, S.Thomas' Mt.Lavinia, St.Anthony's St.Benedict's, St.Joseph's, St.Peter's, St.Sylvester's, Thurstan (hosts), Trinity, Vidyartha, Wesley

Standby teams:

Carey, Lumbini, Prince of Wales, Royal Panadura, St.Aloysius Galle, St.John's, Nugegoda.

(In the event of a pull out these teams will replace them)

A budding golf genius

By Lorne Rubernstein

I'm here to tell you about one Gajan Sivabalasingham, a six-year-old bundle of budding golf genius about whom people have been raving.

And now here he is, in person. The kid who seems to have been born with a golf swing in his genes enters the Metro Golf Dome in Toronto along with his 51-year-old dad, Marimuthu. I'd read his press clippings, seen television bits about him. Now I'm seeing him live.

Gajan is wearing a green golf jacket from the Augusta National Golf Club, and a matching Masters cap. Why not? The way everyone is talking, he's supposed to play the Masters one fine day.

Yet one is reluctant to make such suggestions so early, although that hasn't stopped some from calling him Little Tiger or Tiger II or the second Tiger Woods. But hold on. Kill the absurd headlines. There's only one Tiger Woods. Give the kid a chance to grow up to have some fun in golf.

And that's what Gajan, whose parents came to Canada from their native Sri Lanka l0 years ago, was doing at the Golf Dome last Saturday. He epitomizes Nick Faldo's comment that a golfer never swings with as little self-consciousness as when he or she is five years old. Okay, the boy's six.

Gajan chips to a flag 40 feet away. His excellent form is immediately apparent. A right-handed golfer, he keeps his lead left arm firm through the hitting area, and he's balanced throughout. The ball comes off the middle of the clubface time after time.

Needless to say, Gajan has a Tiger headcover on his woods. He says he likes Woods a lot, but quickly volunteers the name Vijay Singh when asked about other favourite golfers. Clearly, he can spot talent.

Ben Kern, the esteemed teacher and professional at the Devil's Pulpit Golf Association in Caledon, Ont., first spotted Gajan during a golf show at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, and has filmed his swing. He also gave Gajan's dad sound advice.

"Mr. Ben Kern said that what I'm doing with Gajan is wonderful, and that it's good to keep golf fun for him," The boy's father said.

That's the goal, but already pros who want to get their teaching ideas into Gajan's head have made overtures. The father has resisted so far.

"[Gajan] has picked up a lot on his own," he said. "He has his own strokes. Gajan can create strokes. I can't teach him these things."

Gajan doesn't need coaching, not yet. He's a natural. One video clip splits the screen—Gajan on the left Woods on the right. Gajan's spine angle at the top of his swing is 55 degrees, which he retains through impact. Woods maintains a spine angle of 46 degrees. Most every top golfer retains his or her spine angle this way. Gajan is impressive in this significant detail, to say the least.

He's also been impressive while playing par-three golf, mostly at a course in Unionville, Ont. The story of his shooting 85 his first time out and defeating his mother is already an urban, or suburban, legend; as is the tale of his lipping a ball out of the hole on a 110-yard par-three, then tapping in his two-inch putt for his first official birdie.

Father and son tell these stories and others as the practice session continues. Gajan chips cleanly over a bunker, explodes gracefully out of the bunker, putts ball after ball and sinks a few. Like a lot of kids, his only problem is with distance control. Not to worry; he'll have that figured out before long. Now it's time to hit a few balls. Gajan is warmed up, and takes off his green jacket. He's wearing a red golf shirt with a black collar, which doesn't go with his green cap. But Gajan came prepared. He likes to dress right, and puts on a black cap with red detail on the bill. He's savvy, showing perfect, precocious fashion sense.

There's a blue pail about 40 yards out. Gajan aims toward it and comes close before hitting it a few times. "Pail in one," I say to him.

"No, pail in four," Gajan says with a smile from here to Colombo. I ask him what he means and he tells me, "I've hit the pail four times."

His swing is metronomic and his smile is infectious. Maybe there are thousands of kids like Gajan Sivabalasingham in golf today, influenced by Tiger. I can't recall seeing somebody this young with so much natural ability. Look out Mike Weir if Gajan's golfing universe unfolds as it should, or as it could.

Gajan is one sweet swinger. Something tells me I'll be writing many pieces about him. Now, however, it's time to leave him alone and let him play. The teachers who want to make capital out of him should do the same.

The tussle between Sobers and Benaud continued without a break

Continued from last week

On his first tour to Australia under Worrel, Sobers made a breathtaking century against West Australia in the tour opener. But then lost his form, the culmination was an innings defeat against N.S.W. In that match Sobers made only 2 and 0.

He was sitting in the dressing room wondering what had happened, when the Australian Manager and Benaud came in. Seeing Sobers in deep thought, the Manager went upto him, and pointing to Benaud told him, "don't worry son, you will be able to pick him soon."

Sobers was having trouble in picking Benaud's googly. So when the first Test started in Brisbane a fortnight later, Sobers was certainly not bursting with confidence. When he went in the score was 42 for 2 and this soon became 65 for 3. At this stage he was joined by Worrell. When Benaud came onto bowl, he must have thought that Sobers was ready for the picking. But on this particular day, he found that Sobers was a different kettle of fish.

He turned Benaud for a single in his first over and then in his third over, gave him and unmerciful lambasting. The first ball was driven like a bullet past mid-on. The next was driven harder straight back past Benaud and Benaud wisely did not put his hand to it. The third was square cut and it blazed past point like fork lightning.

Sobers now unleashed a blistering attack on the rest of the bowlers as well and not even Alan Davidson was spared. The century partnership came up in only 90 minutes and Sobers' hundred in only one hundred and twenty five minutes. Runs were now simply cascading onto the scoreboard and the scoreboard operators were not being given any respite. The new ball available after two hundred runs, was taken at twenty five past one on the opening day of the Test.

One of the people watching Sobers that day was Sir Don Bradman. As soon as Sobers got out, one of the first people to congratulate him was Sir Don. Said the Don sardonically, "Well played son, but it was a good thing you could not pick Benaud. Otherwise you would have murdered him." And Benaud finished with 0 for 77!!

Sobers also found the Indian wickets very much to his liking. On the tour to that country in 1958, he made centuries in the first three Tests. But the hundred that gave him the greatest satisfaction, was the hundred and forty two he made at the Brabourne Stadium in Bombay. Throughout that knock Sobers was suffering from a very bad back. The result of an injection for appendicectomy. He was in unbearable pain and finally collapsed at the wicket and had to be taken to hospital. There he was given another injection in the affected part without a sedative. This made matters worse. However, it had the necessary effect. Or perhaps Sobers decided not to have more injections.

- Bruce Maurice

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