Dharmaraja take honours

By Aubrey Kuruppu

Dharmaraja took most of the honours in their 94th Big Match against Kingswood which ended in a draw at the Asgiriya Stadium yesterday.

Kingswood aided by a top score of 67 by skipper Malith Mallawarachchi and an attacking 44 by Rameez totalled 172 for 7.

The stand between these two batsmen saw the Randles Hill side sitting pretty at one stage. But then there was a collapse, due in part to some bad shots.

Dharmaraja received a fair share from openers Ratnayake and Wijekoon.

However it was vice captain Nuwan Ekanayake who helped his team to go past their rival's score with a defiant 62. Ekanayake was adjudged the Man of the Match for his stout-hearted effort. Kingswood had made 47 for 1 in their second knock when the rains came down after three mandatory overs had been bowled. There were just two half centuries in a match in which the batsmen generally had the edge over the bowlers.

Kingswood - 178 for 7 dec. (M.Mallawarachchi 67, M. Rameez 44, V. Seneviratne 14 n.o, T. Madanayake 12; N. Ekanayake 2 for 45, A. Marapona 2 for 29) and 47 for 1 (M. Rameez 19, M. Wattegedera 19 n.o; A. Marapona 1 for 11)

Dharmaraja - 34 for no loss contd. 203 for 6 dec. (H. Ratnayake 22, M. Wijekoon 26, N. Ekanayake 62, A. Silva 34, N. Wickremaratne 12, A. Jayasundare 18 n.o; R. Mausoon 2 for 50, H. Dissanayake 2 for 66)

Lemonade Cup cricket fixtures

Four quarter-final matches in the Inter-Schools limited over Lemonade Cup will be played on Monday (March 27).

Maris Stella will meet Dharmaraja in Negombo, S. Thomas' will host winners of the St. Benedict's vs D.S. Senanayake game at Mount Lavinia, St. Sebastian's will travel to Kandana to meet De Mazenod and St. Peter's will encounter Nalanda on their home strip at Bambalapitiya.

Today Royal will take on Isipatana in another quarter-final game at the NCC Grounds, Maitland Place and Ananda will encounter Lumbini MV at the Colts Grounds, Havelock Park on Tuesday March 28.

St. Benedict's, D.S. Senanayake 'big' match peters out to a draw

By Ravi Nagahawatte

The 9th annual cricket encounter between D.S.Senanayake and St.Benedict's concluded in a drab draw at the R.Premadasa Stadium yesterday .

The match became a dull affair despite bright weather conditions as D.S.Senanayake batted as much as 45 overs till the end to crawl to 99 for 4 in the second innings in reply to St.Benedict's first innings score of 149 for8 declared.

D.S Senanayake made 172 for 9 declared yesterday.

Even Sri Lanka youth skipper Malintha Gajanayake could not provide the sparks in this annual encounter as he made only 34 despite finding a staunch ally in Nalin Pradeep who remained unbeaten on 35.

The schoolboys from Wijerama had the big match spirit in them but it looked insufficient to drive them on to make quick runs and give a resonable target to their opponents .

Earlier in the day Benedictine batsman Mohamed Ajmeer made a well compiled 55 in the team's first innings which included six boundries . Pankaja Rajahetti bowled best for D.S.Senanayake claiming 5 for 28

D.S.Senanayake first innings 172 for 9 declared

St.Benedict's first innings

G.Teeban ct Vinod b Gunawardana 27

A.Wickremasinghe b Rajahetti 1

V.Fernando ct Gajanayake b Rajahetti 13

S.Fernando ct Dharmapriya b Liyanarachchi 14

R.Munasinghe run out 18

M.Ajmeer ct Pradeep b Rajahetti 55

S. Perera ct Vinod b Rajahetti 00

J.Savarimuttupulle b Rajahetti 1

S.Silva not out 7

Extras: 13

Total (in 49.3 overs for 8 wickets declared) 149

Bowling : P.Rajahetti16.3 -4-28-5, T.Perera 4-0-16-0, U.Tissera 2-0-9-0,K.Gunawardana 9-2-23-1, P.Liyanarachchi 13-2-53-1, M.de Silva 3-0-9-0, M.Gajanayake 2-0-12-0

D.S.Senanayake second innings

D.Vinod b S.Fernando 0

K.Gunawardana ct Ajmeer b Priyantha 13

N.Wickremasinghe b S.Fernando 11

M.Gajanayake lbw b M.Fernando 34

M.de Silva not out 0

N.Pradeep not out 35

Extras 6

Total in 45.3 overs 4 wickets 99

Bowling: S.Fernando 9-3-20-2, R.Munasinghe 5-3-8-0, S. Perera 8.3-1-19-0, S.Silva 4-1-5-0, M.Ajmeer 3-1-14-0, J.Priyantha 10-1-18-1, M.Fernando 3-1-10-1, J.Savarimuttupulle 3-1-5-0

Aravinda top scorer for Summangala

By S.M.D.Sirisena

The 49th cricket encounter between Moratu Vidyalaya and Sri Sumangala College Panadura ended in a tame draw at Zoysa Stadium, Moratuwa yesterday.

Resuming from their overnight score of 212 for 7, Sri Sumangala were 219 for 7 declared in reply to the Moratuwa school's first innings score of 216 for 8 declared.

Chandana Aravinda top scored with 68 runs, which included10 boundries, Aravinda and Dilruwan Perera who scored 56 with 8 boundries, put on 83 run partnership for the third wicket.

In the second inning Moratu Vidyalaya were 45 for 5 in 15 overs. C. Pushpalal and C. Aravinda took two wickets each. Today both team will play their 8th encounter in the limited over series at the same venue.

Moratu Vidyalaya - 216 for 8 dec.(Waruna Ransila 63, Chaminda Lakruwan 46, Sampath Priyanga 24 and 45 for 5 in 15 overs (T. Hemantha 15, C. Pushpalal 2 for 2, C.Aravinda 2 for 2)

Sri Sumangala - 219 for 8 dec in 75 overs ( Chandana Aravinda 68, Dilruwan Perera 56, Chandana Pushpalal 22, Amalka Priyadarsana 22 n.o, Sumesh Silva 17; W.Sujith Mendis 3 for 6, Manoj Desappriya 2 for 32)

Visakha undisputed basketball champs

Visakha Vidyalaya of Bambalapitiya emerged as the Under-15 All Island undisputed Basketball Champions when they beat Presbyterian Girls' School at the finals of the Under-15 'A' Division All Island Championships concluded at the Visakha courts.

Par excellent in every department of the game than their opponents the sophisticated Visakhians crushed the Presbyterian girls by 78-46 at the finals. Visakhians were leading by 33-19 at the half-time.

Though within the first two minutes Visakhians gained an easy lead by 8-2, nevertheless the Presbyterian Girls School girls gave a good comeback and were able to lead by 10-8 at the fifth minute of the game. But after that point it was Visakhians' game. Presbyterian girls were no way in a position to hold the Visakha scoring rampage with the fast break attack and controlling all the offensive and defensive rebounds.

Presbyterian girls were seemed to have lost control of the game at the very outset of the game by controlling the offensive and defensive rebounds, Captain of the Visakha team Gishanthi Jayakody displayed a splendid performance while scoring half of the total points of Visakha. She was adjudged as the best player of the finals and the tournament. Advancing the ball through the Presbyterian defence lines, Vice Captain of the Visakha team Nadeeshani Samarasekera and Nimedi Katugampola gave good support to their captain and later shared the award for the best defensive player of the finals. Gayani Abeyrathne and Imali Subasinghe also played well for the Visakha side. Presbyterian Girls' School's only hope was lying on their player Shalika Gomez who failed to fulfil the aspirations of their coach due to lack of support from the other members of their team. She was committed for four fouls on her account at the very outset of the game and was under pressure to continue the game with only foul spare with her until the final whistle blew. Nevertheless she fought alone in their offence as the playmaker and were able to score most baskets for her team. Later she was named, the best offensive player of the finals.

In the preliminary round of this tournament Visakhians were able to beat Holy Family Convent - Bambalapitiya, Sirimavo Bandaranayake, Newstead - Negombo, Good Shepherd Convent - Kotahena, St. Bridget's Convent - Colombo 7 and St. Paul's - Milagiriya twice. In the final round Anula Vidyalaya - Nugegoda, Dharmasoka Vidyalaya - Ambalangoda, Girls' High School - Kandy, St. Bridget's Convent - Colombo 7 and at the semi-finals St. Paul's - Milagiriya at the third time lost to Visakhians.

Presbyterian Girls' School were able to beat Our Lady of Victory Convent - Moratuwa, St. Joseph's Balika Vidyalaya - Nugegoda, Maliyadeva Balika Vidyalaya - Kurunegala and St. Joseph's Balika Vidyalaya - Kegalle. At the consolation finals of this tournament, St. Paul's - Milagiriya beat St. Bridget's Convent by a comfortable margin.

Former Principal of Visakha Vidyalaya and former President of Sri Lanka Schools Basketball Association Mrs. M.N. Edussuriya was the Chief Guest while the Principal of Visakha Vidyalaya Mrs. R.M.L. Jayasekera was the Guest of Honour at the finals. Mr. Ajith Kumara and S. Saluwadana refereed the match.

Mini Tennis Camp

Holy Family Convent, Bambalapitiya conducted its first Mini Tennis training camp for children between the ages 5 to 10 years old. HFC invited other schools that are within the SLTA's Mini Tennis programme. Children from Ananda College, Vishaka Vidyalaya, Bishops College, Musaeus College, D.S.Senanayake Vidyalaya and Holy Family Convent Bambalapitiya participated, said Dharshini Munasinghe Tennis Coach HFC. Over 300 children from these 6 schools participated at this full day camp.

Coaching was conducted by professional coaches from the Sri Lanka Tennis Association, Mr.Boshan Dayaratne STI Co-ordinator, Ms. .Dharshini Munasinghe, and the senior Tennis players of Holy Family Convent and Mini Tennis coaches from other schools. The morning session was focused on improving fundamentals such as forehand and backhand strokes, developing co-ordination, and creating a general awareness of the game. In the evening session a tournament for year 5 students, and games of skill and competitions for the students of year 3 and 4 were worked out.

We funded this camp entirely through a few sponsors. All participants received attendance certificates and winners received trophies. We also provided participants milk and drinks free of charge, said Dharshini.

Commenting on the well organised camp Arjan Perera, Chairman Coaching and Promotion SLTA, said that such initiative by schools was important to develop tennis in Sri Lanka.

Rev. Sister Francisca, Principal of Holy Family Convent Bambalapitiya, was the chief guest at the awards ceremony.

Priyadarshana - Athlete of the Year

By Annesley Ferreira

K.V.C. Priyadarshana of the Sri Lanka Light Infantry was chosen as the athlete of the year at the IX National Spors Festival of the Disabled sponsored by GSM Dialog.

Sri Lanka Light Infantry Sports Club won the overall championships with Commando Regiment Sports Club as runners up.

V. G. Nishantha also of the Sri Lanka Light Infantry was picked as the most outstanding sportsman with R. P. Dilini Maheesha of Siviraja School of the Deaf and Blind being awarded the most outstanding sportswomen's trophy. The respective champions and best performances trophy winners are:

Champions in Athletics: Commando Regiment Sports Club Champions in Swimming: Sri Lanka Light Infantry Champions in Volleyball: Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment

Champions in Shooting: Sri Lanka Navy

Champions in Power lifting: Commando Regiment

Champions in Badminton: Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment Champions in Table Tennis: Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment Champions in Archery : Sri Lanka Light Infantry Champions in Wheel Chair Tennis : Sri Lanka Light Infantry Best Archer: Major Rajeeva Wickremasinghe - (Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment) Best Shot : N.A. M. R. Fernando - (Sri Lanka Navy) Best Lifter: B. M. Sandun Wasana Perera - (Nylander Home) Best Cyclist: W. A. S. C. Wanasinghe - (Gemunu Watch) Best Wheel Chair Tennis Player: V. G. Nishantha - (Sri Lanka Light Infantry) Best Wheel Chair Marathonist (Male): B. M. Sandun Wasana Perera - (Nilander Home) Best Wheel Chair Marathonist: (Female): K. G.Bandara Menike - (Sunflower Village)

Swimming best performance:

Class S 7 (Male) - R. M. Jayasundera Banda - (Sri Lanka Light Infantry) Class S 8 (Male) - G. W. Danasena - (Commando Regiment) Class S 9 (Male) - G. Samantha Kumara - (Sri Lanka Light Infantry) Class S 10 (Male) - K. V. C. Priyadarshana - (Sri Lanka Light Infantry) Class B 1 (Male) - H. A. Asanka Kumara - (Gajaba Regiment) Class B 2 (Male) - Dammika Dikson de Silva - (The School for the Disabled) Class B 3 (Male) - S. C. Mallawaarachchi - (Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment) Class Deaf (Male) - P. K. Ruwan Priyankara - (Siviraja Deaf & Blind School) Class Deaf (Female) - A. M. Iresha Lakmali - (Siviraja Deaf & Blind School)

Volleyball best performance: Best player - K. Ranil - (Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment). Best Lifter - H. Premadasa - (Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment) Best Dasher - K. W. N. Chandana - (Sri Lanka Light Infantry).

Badminton best performance: Wheel chair - M. Mahadivulwawe - (Ranaviru Sevana) Above Knee Amputee - N. S. M. Nishantha - (Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment) Below Knee Amputee - A. J. T. S. Bandusena - (Gajaba Regiment) Arm Amputee -G. G. Upul Bandara - (Commando Regiment) Table Tennis Best Performance:

Wheel Chair - J. K. W. Munidasa - (Ranaviru Sevana) Above knee Amputee - H. M. W. G. Saminda Bandara - (Commando Regiment) Below Knee Amputee - D. K. Aludeniya - (Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment) Arm Amputee - K. Raja Rajasivam (Rehab Lanka)

Rover pinpoints......

What a mockery?

The President of the Amateur Athletic Association (AAA) who will be elected uncontested today, will have to speak on behalf of the athlete banned by the IAAF for drug abuse.

How could he do this since he is the coach of the athlete concerned who had boasted that he would name the others who took the drug!

Is it allowed?

Persons employed by the Sports Ministry are allowed to contest posts in the sports bodies.

Is this not against the Sports Law which is supervising the associations for misdeeds. How could this be done against pe rsons elected with any political clout?

Swimming ashore?

Who is this leading male swimmer who was seen in the female swimming changing room at a leading pool in Colombo in embrace and that too in an embarassing situation. What action does the officials intend to take?

On bended knees?

A leading ruggerite was approached by a leading official at the 11th hour to pack his bags to Hong Kong to play in the Sevens as seven players were on the injured list. This player had stated that he was not in training and had refused to accede to the request.

Loss in sight?

A senior cricketer turned down a request made by one his pals to give him a ticket to witness the final days play in the third Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Karachi. The reason he gave his pal was that the match will not go until the last day. How come he sensed it, or was it not planned! Rover also learns that the Sri Lankan's air tickets, had been booked on Tuesday. Why this hurry one wonders!

The AAA elections?

A person contesting the post of Assistant Secretary has been threatened over the phone to withdraw. Rover learns, he is adamant to contest despite these threats. Failing this, the block counting a political clout is going to the extent of telling the proposer who is coming forward to a vice president's post that he will get the chop if he does not withdraw supporting the contestant to Assistant Secretary's post.

How true is it?

It has been discussed that the National Sports Council comprising of 'know alls' and 'yes' men have ordered the National Amateur Aquatic Sports Union to hold trials to pick the two swimmers to participate at the Sydney Olympics.

On the orders of the National Olympic Council, the NAASU had picked on two junior swimmers who will earn a name in the near future on the experience of swimming at the Olympics. Rover learns that a male and female swimmer had objected to those recommended by NAASU to the NOC and the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, who had then referred it to the NSC. What a low down act!.

Foxhill Supercross the ultimate challenge

By Jatila Karawita

The blue ribbon in off-road racing in the country, and the biggest motor-sport event here, Caltex-Foxhill Supercross 2000, the much -looked forward to motor-racing extravaganza, organised by Sri Lanka Military Academy in association with Sri Lanka Association of Racing Drivers and Riders (SLARDAR), will set ablaze the Diyatalawa hills on April 14 and 15.

Caltex, the local oil giants will be chipping in with the main sponsorship package for the very first Foxhill Supercross in the new millennium and for the fifth consecutive year running as stated by Shibly Latiff, Group Brand Manager Caltex Lubricants Lanka Limited, when he briefed the media at a press conference last Thursday at Hotel Taj Samudra. Speaking further Latiff also said his firm will was to continue to be the main sponsor of the popular Foxhill Supercross in the years of 2001 and 2002 as well. 'This is the ultimate challenge for every ardent motor racing enthusiast to excel in their chosen sport" said Caltex Brand Manager while disclosing to the media the 21 events which will comprise the Supercross for this year.

Local motor racing fans should be in for a rare treat at this year's Foxhill Supercross as two of the foremost motor racers in the country in new motor racing whiz-kid Dilantha Malagamuwa and Ananda Wedisinghe, the past master at Foxhill Supercross are expected to battle it out for top honours according to a spokesman for the organisers of the event.

A notable feature in this year's races will be the addition of four new events, that of two events in the motor cycle events, up to 50 cc for under 12 years, and up to 80 cc for under 16 years. And in the motor cars, Diesel cars up to 2000 cc and 'Forces'-jeep class, Diesel.

April 14 will be the practice day for timing and grid positions and April 15 the actual race day.

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