Inter school scores at a glance

At Reid Avenue Royal wins the inarugaural DR.O.L.F.Senaratne Trophy.

Royal - 257 for 7 dec

Prince of Wales - (2 for 1 overnight) 77 (Pubudu Ranaweera 19, Suranjan Rajitha 12; Sampath Edirimuni 3 for 14, Amila Kariyakarawana 4 for 30) and 167 (Rashan Peiris 55, Sahan Wijeratne 14, Dananjaya Fernando 48; Amila Kariyakarawana 2 for 35, Malinda Thotiwilage 2 for 13, Harith Rajakaruna 2 for 25)

At Darley Road; Match drawn

St.Joseph''s - 263 for 8 dec(Dilanka Perera 43, Danuka Pathirana 69, Pradeepan Anthony 34, Gavin Vansenden 53, Dilshan Preumal 23; Samson Burke 2 for 64)

St.Anthony's - 127(N. Ratnayake 30, Samson Burke 32, D. Ranawaka 29; Gavin Vansenden 2 for 17, Anuk Wijeratne 4 for 20, Danuka Pathirana 3 for 25) and 240 for 4 at close of play(Damitha Ranawaka 2 for 68, Anuk Wijeratne 2 for 57)

At Moratuwa; Match drawn

St.Sebastian's - 263 for 9 dec and 79 for 2(Kanchana Cooray 54n.o; Charitha Sumathipala 2 for 24)

Wesley (28 for 2 overnight) 259 for 9 dec(Darshana Medagedeara 125 n.o, Pubudu Chandrasekera 24, Amila Subasinghe 18, Richi Janaka 32; Malshan Fernando 4 for 63, Suranjan Fernando 2 for 39)

At Bambalapitiya; first day SPC 289 for 8 dec; D.S.S 48 for 2

St.Peter's - 289 for 8 dec(Mahesh Perera 73, Kaushal Lokuarachchi 50, Anurudha Gallage 48n.o, Crishantha Peiris 11, Malin Silva 30; Pasindu Liyanarachchi 2 for 48, Milinda de Silva 2 for 68)

D.S.Senanayake - 48 for 2 (Udesh Tissera 11, Malintha Gajanayake 17n.o; Crishantha Peiris 2 for 24)

Royal bulldoze over Cambrians

Royal led by Ruchira Jayasuriya became the first owners of the Dr.O.L.F.Senaratne Challenge Cup after bulldozing their way to a memorable innings and 13 runs win over Prince of Wales in an inter school cricket match at Reid Avenue yesterday.

It was a breathtaking display by the Royal cricketers who played as one unit and had a heavy foot on the Moratuwa schools throat from the opening delivery.

Royal's fielding were a class of their own with Jehan Mubarak been outstanding he held onto two brilliant catches one running back from long on and other one diving to his left at gully.

Speaking to the Sunday Times after the match a jubilant Royal skipper Jayasuriya said that it was team effort which helped them to win the match and Prince of Wales skipper Pubudu Ranaweera said that Royal played better cricket then them.

Royal taking first lease of the wicket totalled 257 for 7 dec and when the first day came to a close the cambrians were two runs for one wicket and resuming from their overnight score they were skittled out for 77 yesterday.

The visitors hope of making a sizable first innings total went up in smoke after they lost Sri Lanka under-19 youth cricketer and right hander Rashan Peiris for 6 who was bowled middle and leg by right arm fast bowler Sampath Edirimuni.

Only two other batsmen were able to reach double figures they were south paw Pubudu Ranaweera for 19 with one four and right hander Suranjan Rajitha for 12 with two fours.

Fast bowlers Sampath Edirimuni took 3 for 14 and Amila Kariyakarawana took 4 for 30.

Prince Of Wales asked to follow on with 180 runs behind were never going to save the match as they lost wickets at regular intervals to be bowled out for 167.

The only batsman to shine was Rashan Peiris who made up for his first innings failure with a swashbuckling 55 in the second innings which included six sweetly timed boundaries. He scored most of his runs from pulls and sweeps.

However all this was all in vain as the visitors crashed to a pathetic defeat.

-Saif Izzadeen

Medagedera 125

A cracking unbeaten 125 by Wesleyite Darshana Medagedera was the highlight as their inter school cricket against St.Sebastian's ended in draw at Moratuwa yesterday.

It was a breathtaking innings by the right hander and the spectators who were present at the ground enjoyed every minute of it. The innings had fourteen boundaries and one six..

Incidentally this was Medagedear's third century for the season and he has now scored over 600 runs. However all this was in vain and Wesley fell short by mere four runs of St.Sebastian's first innings score of 259 for 9 dec.

Speaking to the Sunday Times after the innings Darshana Medagedera said that Better than for individual honours he played it for the team and he was very disappointed to see that we fell short by four runs.

Pubudu Chandrasekera made 24, Amila Subasinghe 18 and Richi Janaka made 32. Malshan Fernando took 4 for 63 while Suranjan Fernando took 2 for 39.

The Moratuwa school in their second innings were 79 for 2. Kanchana Cooray made a quick fire unbeaten 54. Charitha Sumathipala took 2 for 24.

- S.M.D.Sirisena

Ranawaka, Burke saves the day

An unbeaten fifth wicket stand of 142 runs between D Ranawaka (79) and Samson Burke(63) for the Antonians was the highlight as their inter school cricket match against St. Joseph's ended in a draw at Darley Road yesterday.

St. Anthony's asked to follow on with 136 runs behind were in the back foot at 98 for 4 However the fifth wicket pair staged a rescue act which saw the visitors on their way to a honourable draw. Spinner Anuk Wijeratne took 2 for 57.

The Kandy school replying to the Josephians first innings score of 263 for 8 dec were bundled out for 127. The following batsmen made vital contributions they were Nadeeka Ratnayake 30, Samson Burke 32 and Damitha Ranawaka 29. Fast bowler Gavin Vansenden took 2 for 17, and spinners Anuk Wijeratne took 4 for 20 and Danuka Pathirana took 3 for 25.

- Bruce Maruice

Mahesh, Kaushal shine

Two contrasting half centuries by Peterites Mahesh Perera (73) and Sri Lanka under 19 player Kaushal Lokuarachchi(50) helped the home side to reach 289 for 8 dec on the first day of their inter school cricket match against D.S.Senanayake at Bambalapitiya yesterday.

The Wijerama school in reply were 48 for 2 with Udesh Tissera making 11 and Sri Lanka under 19 skipper Malintha Gajanayake making 17 n.o. Spinner Crishantha Peiris took 2 for 24.

Earlier in the day St.Peter's taking first lease of the wicket made 289 for 8 dec thanks to Perera and Lokuarachchi who batted with great determination which saw the Bambalapitiya school reaching their final tally.

Perera had nine boundaries and one six while Lokuarachchi had eight fours. The other batsman to make vital contributions were Anurudha Gallage 48n.o, Crishantha Peiris 11 and Malin Silva 30. Off spinner Pasindu Liyanarachchi took 2 for 48

Thilanga hits back

Former Cricket Board Chief Thilanga Sumathipala yesterday expressed shock at the sudden postponement of next month's annual general meeting and accused his opponents of trying to defeat him through a campaign of vilification and defamation.

In a hard-hitting statement, Mr. Sumathipala who was seeking re-election after his removal by a court order last June, accused Interim Committee chief Rienzie Wijethilleke of planting stories in the media to discredit him.

Mr. Sumathipala said the sudden postponement had been linked to audit queries which were thrown mainly at him, though two presidents, two chairmen, including Mr. Wijethilleke and four treasurers had held office during the relevant period.

He challenged the interim committee to present an audit report on expenses after June last year and also accused Mr. Wijethilleke of trying to promote his businessman brother as treasurer of the Cricket Board.

Mr. Sumathipala said he had seen only media reports but had not been officially asked any questions regarding financial dealings during his term as board president.

He said he was ready with documents and details if an official request was made.

Field day for seeded players

It was a field day for all the seeded players on the opening day of the Signature Colonge Squash Tournament at the Otters Aquatic Club courts yesterday.

In the girl's under-11 category top seed Nirasha Gamage scored a straight sets victory over Sara Fernando. The scores were 9-0, 9-0, 9-1. Harin Perera, Jayath Jayaratne and Geeshath Jayasekera who were seeded 1, 2, 3 respectively in the Boy's under 15 category scored easy wins in their respective matches.

Results

Girls under 11: Nirasha Gamage (top seed) beat Sara Fernando 9-0,9-0,9-1; Boy's under 15: Harin Perera(Top seed) beat R.M.H.J.Weerasuriya 9-0, 9-4,9-5; Jayath Jayaratne (Bottom seed) beat Hilal Zainudeen 9-0, 9-1, 9-0; Geeshath Jayasekera (No 3 seed) beat M.A.R.D.Fernando 9-0, 9-0, 9-2; D.M.Jayatilleke beat Davinda Fernando 9-4,9-2,3-9, 9-4; W.D.P.Soysa beat Ravindra Serasinghe 9-0, 9-2, 1-9, 9-5; R.H.Collonne walkover from M.D.Fernando; Akitha Gunasekera beat Madupa Jayatilleke 9-1, 9-2, 9-0; R.Nanayakkara beat M.T.Guyes 6-9, 9-0, 9-3, 9-1; Boy's under 13: Avin Fernando beat A. Izzadeen 9-1, 9-6, 9-0; Eranga Alwis beat Narinda Madanayake 9-2, 9-6, 9-3; Mahesh Marambe beat Nilruk Soysa 9-2, 9-7, 9-6; T.N.Karynaratne walkover from Gayanga Weerasekera

Boy's under 17: S.T.Kannangara beat Chinthaka Jayewardena 9-0, 9-0, 9-1. SI

Gray torch bearer

Edward Gray has been nominated as Sri Lanka's Olympic Torch bearer for the Sydney 2000 Olympics, which is held in association with the Australian Olympic Committee.

CRC pip S. Thomas' at rowing

By Annesley Ferreira

Colombo Rowing Club pipped S. Thomas' by two points to take away the F.H. Gerry Silva Challenge Trophy at the 17th men's Rowing Nationals, co-sponsored by Union Assurance and HVA Lanka Limited, which concluded at the Beira Lake yesterday.

Debutantes Navy deprived S. Thomas of sharing the overall championship trophy with a gutty performance in the last event of the day, which was the intermediate men's sculls, with a time difference of six seconds, clocking 4 minutes 28 seconds.

The Thomians have no one to blame but themselves for losing the intermediate pairs event through the two Marks: Maurice and Beling. They lost to Royal by a mere second.

The Royal pair comprised of Shehan Peiris and Sanjeewa Perera who clocked 4 minutes 16 seconds.

The senior events class too was bagged by the Colombo Rowing Club with 38 points with S. Thomas' second with 36 points. Navy were third with 18 points. Royal and the Universities of Colombo and Moratuwa tied for the fourth place with eight points each and debutantes Army were fifth with six points and St. Joseph's were sixth with four points. with all affiliates scoring points.

The Nalin Mendis challenge trophy was also won by S. Thomas with 16 points followed by Navy (6), St. Joseph's, Royal and Army on four points each.

Royal annexed the schoolboy sculler trophy through Harsha Fernando of S. Thomas'. He is the son of Rohan Fernando, the President of the Amateur Rowing Association of Sri Lanka who got the better of Nalin Perera of St. Joseph's.

Fernando crossed the finish line in four minutes 47 seconds.

Schoolboy sculler: S. Thomas' beat St. Joseph's; Under 16 sculls: Royal A beat Royal B; Under 16 pairs: St. Joseph's beat S. Thomas'; Junior men's fours: S. Thomas' Blues beat S. Thomas' Black; Intermediate men's pairs: Royal Gold beat S. Thomas' Blues; Senior men's sculls: Colombo Rowing Club beat S. Thomas'; Intermediate men's fours: University of Colombo beat Army; Senior men's pairs: Colombo Rowing Club beat University of Moratuwa; Junior men's sculls: S. Thomas' beat St.Joseph's Blue; Junior men's pairs: Navy beat Army; Senior men's fours: Colombo Rowing Club (Blue) beat Colombo Rowing Club (White); Intermediate men's sculls: Navy beat S. Thomas'.

Vice Admiral H. C. A. C. Tissera, Commander of the Navy was the chief guest.

Lanka de Silva dash Sinhalese SC hopes

By Marlon Fernandopulle

Former Sri Lanka wicket-keeper Lanka de Silva thumped an unbeaten century to help CCC to gain a commanding 186 for 2 wickets against SSC in a Premier League tournament game at Maitland Place yesterday.

After losing their first two wickets with just five runs on the board Lanka de Silva(101 n.o) and Damitha Hunukkumbura (51 n. o) pulverized the mediocre SSC attack to add an unbroken 181 runs for the third wicket.

The former Sri Lanka wicket-keeper was in cracking form reaching his century in only 135 deliveries with the help of 16 boundaries.

Earlier SSC were bundled out for 273.

SSC requires at least a first inngs victory to take this year's title.

Tamil Union on top

Six wickets from leg spinner Niroshan Bandaratileke helped Tamil Union to keep alive their chances of annexing this year's Division One title.

Bandaratileke's 6 for 67 helped Tamils to bowl out Sebestianites for 191. Despite conceding a slender 14 run lead, Tamil Union pressed hard for a crucial outright win as they quickly hit up 125/ for 6 wickets by the close.

If Tamil Union can pull off an outright victory today they have the best chance to win this year's championship.

Colts in Command

Dulip Samaraweera compiled an unbeaten 87 as Colts made a solid start to be 204 for 2 wickets in reply to BRC's first innings total of 248 all out.

Moors well set

Moors SC were well set to pull off an outright victory over Kurunegala YCC at Braybrooke Place yesterday.

The visitors were bowled out for 132 in their first innings with Primal Salgodo picking up four wickets. Enjoying a 68 run first innings lead Moors were 188 for 5 wickets in their second innigs.

NCC in trouble

NCC were in a spot of trouble in their Super League game against Galle CC at Maitland Place.

Chasing the visitors 239 the home side was struggling at 122 for 5 wickets with Hashan Tilekaratne unbeaten on 35

Club Cricket Scores

At Maitland Place:SSC vs CCC

SSS-273 all out (Ranil Dhammika 30, Dhrshana Gamage 28, Anushka Polonowita 3/41; Romesh Fernando 2/56, Chamikara Mudalige 2/49)

CCC-186/2 at close (Lanka De Silva 101 n.o, Dammitha Hunukkumbura 51 n.o; Suranga Arunakumara 2/33)

At the Sara Stadium:Tamil Union vs Sebestianites

Tamil Union-177 all out & 125/6 (N. Weeraman 40, N. Shiroman 26, I Galagoda 22; L Fernado 3/25)

Sebestianites - 191 all out( Ranga Yasalal 37, N Wijesinghe 45, M Peiris 32; Niroshan Bandaratileke 6/67, Mario Villawarayen 3/70)

At Havelock Park:Colts CC vs BRC

BRC -248 all out (C. Jayasinghe 37, Indika Batuwitharachchi 32; J Sigera 5/59, S. Alexander 4/61)

Colts - 204/2 (Dulip Samaraweera 87 n.o, C Mendis 61, Sajith Fernando 37)

At Braybrooke Place: Moors SC vs Kurunegala YCC

Moors SC-200 & 188/5 at close (Ashan Ranaweera 47, Chandika Hathurusinghe 34, Asela Jayasinghe 16 n.o, Nilantha Cooray 21 n o; R Kariyawasam 2/31)

Kurunegala YCC-132 all out (D. K. Ranaweera 33, R. Kariyawasam 29; Primal Salgado 4/11, Kesara Jayasinghe 2/12, Rasika Priyadarshana 2/50)

At Maitland Place: NCC vs Galle CC

Galle CC-239 all out (Duminda Wickremasinghe 56 n.o, Ruchira Karunasekera 26, Gamini Perera 16; Susantha Pradeep 2/21, Malinga Bandara 6/41)

NCC -122/5 (Pradeep Hewage 23, Kumar Sangakkara 17, Dilan Ramanayake 23, Hashan Tilekaratne 35 n.o; Niraj Perera 2/27)

At Police Park: Bloomfield vs Police SC

Police-111 & 46/6

Bloomfield - 222 all out (Kumar Dhrmasena 57, Saman Jayantha 21, Ruchira Paliyaguru 25, Duminda Perera 20; V Ranaweera 3/30)

Autocross returns to Panagoda

The Ceylon Motor Sports Club and the Sri Lanka Army Sports Committee have teamed up to organise the Panagoda Autocross 2000 to be held on February 27, within the Panadoga Army camp.

Interestingly, the first ever Autocross was held at Panagoda in conjunction with the Sri Lanka Army in the early eighties and organized by the Ceylon Motor Sports Club and the Sri Lanka Army.

The original Autocross track has now been built as a stadium and the new Autocross track which is approximately 1.4 kilometres is laid out on the perimetre of this stadium. The track consists of lose gravel surface as well as tarred road sections.

There are eight events for 4 wheel motor vehicles in Group A/T Group M&S, as well as Group C for 2-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive jeeps and pickups. In addition to the motor car events there will be three events for motor cycles which will start in groups of six motor cycles per race.

The event is open to 50 drivers and 25 riders on a first come first serve basis. The team of drivers and riders from the Sri Lanka Army will give stiff competition to Sri Lanka's best drivers and riders who will be seen in action on this day.

There will be trophies for the first three places in each event as well as special trophies for the fastest car of the day, the fastest bike of the day. There are also two special trophies for the fastest army driver and army rider. In addition, there is a special trophy for the fastest novice of the day. This is to encourage the participation of new faces into motor sports. Autocross is the safest form of motor sports where a single competitor, individually navigates the designated course and has not got to worry about running into any other vehicle, or damaging his car. Autocross has been the starting point for many of Sri Lanka's best motor sportsmen in the past.

The entries for the event have been posted to all regular Autocross competitors. In addition entry forms are available at the club office at No. 4, Hunupitiya Road, Colombo 2. The entries close on February 23, at 4.30 pm. Late entries will not be entertained.

This event is open to public viewing and is expected to commence at 8.00 am on Sunday 27th February, at the Panagoda Army camp. Tickets will be available at the gate.

Rally Deen the President of the Motor Cycle Federation has also given his support to this venture.

Tape destroyed?

A journalist from a Sinhala newspaper had obtained, with the greatest of difficulty, an interview with a contender for the post of President of a leading sport in Sri Lanka.

The interview was done and in comments made off the record this person had stated the names of two leading cricketers who were making a mess of things, which had created a bad impression on him. It was then that another person in the room had pointed out that these statements were taped by the journalist. The would-be-president turned red with anger. He snatched the journalist's tape recorder and whisked out the tape and destroyed it then and there. Tut, tut old chap. Isn't it time you faced the situ without playing double games.

Sportswoman to sue?

A sportswoman, from a leading women's sport, who was very much in the news a few weeks ago, has sent a letter of demand through her lawyers demanding Rs. 2 million as damages for having deliberately disregarded her for stints abroad. She is of the opinion that she has the necessary qualifications for the overseas tasks.

Coastal palace

A house has come up at a coastal town and many are marvelling at its structure, which they say resembles a palace. Wonder from where the monies were found for this magnificent palace as both husband and wife are drawing low salaries and are employed at a leading Ministry.

What authority

A leading coach was seen and heard abusing a junior cricketer to the effect that he was "chucking". This incident took place at a 2nd XI match played in Colombo and what's more in the very presence of the two umpires who were officiating at the match. This greatly embarrassed the cricketer.

The coach continued his abuses saying that he deplored chuckers and even went to the extent of phoning the Director of the Umpires Committee and informing him of the illegal action.

Great Golf at Victoria Golf Club

By Tita Nathanielsz

"We Shall come again" was the resounding chorus that rendered through the Victoria Golf Club, Digana at the end of the award ceremony following the Donald Steel Trophy Competition just concluded. The Ceylon Golfing Society in UK were Chief Guests and all of them had a helluva time with great golf through magnificent course in absolutely gorgeous weather and then laced with typical Sri Lanka hospitality.

The competition itself was a massive success with Donald Steel broad smiling all day warmly receiving the flow of tributes from all quarters. Tony & Nola took their share of richly deserved credit and so did Chairman of Rajawella Mark Bostock.

Brilliant Griffith

David Griffith, the young British 3 plus handicapper sparkled throughout the competition and he reached his brilliant best in the finals when he met Nandasena Perera who even though strained with a shade of physical disability played courageously against an accomplished player of distinction. Griffith moved into a commanding position to embrace the handsome Donald Steel Trophy with 4 & 3.

Griffith Again

In the scratch qualifying rounds of the main event David Griffith was unmatchable as he outshone the rest to take a handsome lead and a trophy. In the handicap qualifying rounds Prabakaran was outstanding.

Ebert Pot

Young Tony Whitham was happily on the way to collect the pot comfortably when indecision strayed into a few shots and he paid the penalty. Ajith Nishantha was under no strain and as he played easy he completed a praiseworthy round to collect the pot and leave the pan for Whitham.

Ladies

There was great fun and super fellowship throughout the ladies' events. Caroline Theyer was exceptionally impressive with 2 commendable rounds and the best aggregate for 2 days. Vebeka Morgan very competitive came 2nd. on the first day Jillian Gordon led the field comfortably with Barbara Fox trailing close behind. Heather Cunningham came good in the 2nd round with some intelligent strokes from round the greens and she was amply rewarded with a winning score. She beat Dirks by a slender margin.

Awards

The ceremony was organized thoughtfully. The speeches were sharp and crisp studded with good humour which made the final l9th extremely pleasurable and loaded with fun.

Jerome completes Level Two course

Thirty-four-year-old former Thomian cricketer, Jerome Jayaratne is a qualified Australian Coaching Council Level II coach, which course was co-ordinated by the Victorian Cricket Association in May 1997.

Jerome has completed this A level II course and has been recommended to participate in the Level III course.

Jerome is presently the Sports Director and a coach of S. Thomas' College, Mount Lavinia cricket team.

In May 1999, Jerome completed the Residential Component Level III Coaching Course conducted by the Australian Cricket Board in Sydney.

Representing Colombo Cricket Club in their A Division team, Jerome went onto be their coach in the year 1997, but in 1996, he led the CCC team to emerge P. Sara trophy champions.

In 1985/87 Jerome played for the Dandenong Cricket Club in the sub district championships in Melbourne and played amongst professional cricketers, Carl Hooper/Winston Benjamin (West Indies), Ashley Metcalf (Yorkshire), Olly Mortensen (England) and Brad Green (Australia).

In 1984 Jerome represented Sri Lanka under the captaincy of Aravinda de Silva, Roshan Mahanama and Arjuna Ranatunga.

The cricketers amongst whom he has played during his tenure of representing the country were, Wasim Akram, Salim Malik, Ijaz Ahamed, Rameez Raja, Mansoor Elahi and Akram Raza (Pakistan), Mark Taylor, Mark Waugh, Steve Waugh, Craig McDermott, Tom Moody and Paul Reifel (Australia).

Jerome was invited to coach a League club team in England and a sub district team in Australia, but he had refused to go.

while Milinda de Silva took 2 for 68 SI

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