CR&FC has perfected the art of winning the ball

Havelocks won 22 pts (1 goal & 5 penalties to 12 pts (4 penalties).

Supporters may have been disappointed but this game was typical of a 'curtain-raiser' at the beginning of a season. Both teams played within their limits. Possession was the key factor here The Army won possession and lost that same possession because they did not effectively set up a phase from which to launch their moves. This was their main drawback. In other words, the Havelocks won 65% possession. The Army's rucking was excellent but was overdone. How? After having won good possession, the Army continuously tried to penetrate by 'ruck-after-ruck'. Such rucks should be followed by a purposeful ploy to score. They also made mistakes and gave away too many penalties to the Havelocks. The Army must brush up on "off-sides in rucks", handling the ball in the rucks; after falling on the ball-what to do next? One more point to note is that, unless you are really stuck for time, never try to attack from your own 22 metres. Kick to touch and gain ground. Put the opposition under pressure. The Army, on a number of occasions tried to create moves from within their own "22" and failed. The Army, on the whole, played well. Once they sort out these problems, they will be able to control and deliver. They have an enthusiastic coach who has drilled the basics into them. Their ball handling was good but unfortunately they knocked on at vital moments and lost possession. Their line-out work was good. I feel that the Army will progress steadily this season.

The Havelocks were playing to a plan. They took time to size up the opposition. 

Dilshad Anzari meanwhile added vital points with his fine place kicking to keep the Army at bay and gave relief to his team. He contributed 17 of the 22 points scored by Havelocks. The Havelocks defence was solid. Their forwards played together. Their third row was impressive. Scrum half Leonard must learn to curb some of his individual play. Sanjiva Jayasinghe was outstanding, supporting three quarter play well. In fact the try he scored was after coming round to the other wing and he outwitted the defence purely on speed. This made the difference between the Army and the Havelocks, - having the extra man in attack.

CH & FC vs Police - April 8

CH won by 19 pts (2 goals 1 try) to 11 (1 try 2 penalties)

The 'CH' looked a more competent outfit. However the Police forwards played their hearts out and at times dominated the CH in the first half. For the CH, there was no sense of urgency in this half. If they had a game-plan, it did not work and they were led 3-O at half time. For the Police, it was a case of missed opportunities. Speaking to Nimal Leuke, a good student of the game, I said, "If only key players can 'read' a game and take decisions, the Police may have had more points on the board." He agreed totally. There were occasions when it warranted that the ball be "chipped" by the fly-half as the opposition threes were right up in defence leaving very little room for three quarter movement. Or the ball should have been kicked diagonally across instead of working the line. This would have resulted in the Police going forward at speed while the CH would have been retreating and turning back. Basic reading of the game is important. The Police forwards worked hard for the ball and it must be used to advantage. One more point to note is that when defending and under pressure, it is important that the player who is to receive the ball for clearance, stands deeper than normal and receives quality ball. For the CH, 'think-tank' Tony Amit, had done a lot of home-work. Rather than let play "go" he opted for attacking in the 2nd half with purpose, and this paid rich dividends with 3 tries in this half. This was a limb loosener for both teams who will certainly have a post-mortem on the game and sort out their future strategies. 

CR & FC vs Navy 9th April 

CR won 36 pts (3 goals, 3 tries) to 8 pts (1 try, 1 penalty)

The CR won handsomely by 36 points to 8. This game was marred by far too many injuries to both sides. Their forwards won ample possession from set pieces and the loose. Although CR forwards dominated, the Navy tackled resolutely. CR kept the ball mainly with their forwards but whenever the ball was given to the threes, it did not travel down the line. Too much selfish play by the centres, trying to break through a stiff defence. decided to keep the ball with their forwards and seldom did we see the ball moving down the three quarter line in the first half. When they sent the ball down the line in the second half their threes were dangerous. Their forwards showed signs of wearing down. They were slow.. The Navy on the other hand were a fit side and had a mobile pack, but failed to change their game plan. Their strategy should have been to kick the ball away from the opposing full back and wing three quarter. This would have taken a lot out of the already tiring CR forwards. Instead, whenever they kicked, the CR full-back was well positioned to receive the ball. In the second half when they decided to kick correctly, they were rewarded with a try. The Navy scrum half, Ranatunge, a very talented player should have kicked from the base on a number of occasions, again away from the full-back or the high kick. The 3rd Row was impressive but ploys from the base of the scrum need more practising. I also feel that Sheriffdeen should be played as first or second centre for thrust which was lacking in the Navy threes. The Navy tackling was a treat. Finally, the Navy must work on more line-outs. Many were untidy and they lost their own ball. Their coach has done a good job in moulding them into a useful unit. The CR seem to have almost perfected the art of procuring the ball from the loose.

Others too should learn from this: Just because a player has fallen, does not mean that the opponent must stand on his side and watch and wait. The opponent can rightly drive through with support and secure the ball. This was demonstrated by the CR pack. lt needs practice with the 3rd row.

Seetha Devi, Wennappuwa grab 7s hockey titles

Seetha Devi Sports Club beat Vijaya SC through a goal scored by Shyama Ranasinghe while Wennappuwa beat Matale SC by 2 goals to 1 in a penalty stroke shoot-out, after their match ended in a 1 all draw.

Nuwan Perera scored for Wennapppuwa and Hettiarachchi junior scored for Matale SC, in the penalty shoot-out. Nuwan Perera (2) for Wennappuwa and Indika Jayawardena scored the loser's solitary goal.

In the semi-finals, for women, Seetha Devi Sports Club beat Colts 1 nil with Shyama Ranasinghe sounding the boards while Vijaya SC beat Sangamitha Reds 1 nil in a penalty shoot-out with Mayura Aluwihare scoring.

Earlier, Seetha Devi SC beat Mahamaya SC 1 nil with Thanuja Piyasena scoring. Vijaya SC beat Davians SC 1 nil through Mayura Aluvihare.

Colts beat Pushpadana 1 nil with Shereen Shanmugarajan scoring and Surankika Ratnayake scored for Sangamitha Red in their 1 nil win over Sangamitha Whites.

In the men's semi finals, Nuwan Perera scored 2 goals in their 2/1 win over Police in a penalty shoot-out after being held to a 1 all draw at full time.

Chaminda Sumanaratne scored for Police.

Matale booked their berth into the finals defeating CH & FC through a goal by Indika Jayawardena.

Kandy SC too hot to handle

By Aubrey Kuruppu

Rugby is a different ball game altogether. However the same principle applies. When a team that has a monopoly of current Sri Lankan players does battle with a light weight fledgling opposition that has but one player of Sri Lanka class (that too, a has been!) a win of massive proportions is generally accepted. Yes, Kandy SC did smother the Airmens assault and run out 55-10 winners. However, it wasn't an altogether convincing performance by last year's triple champs.

In spite of having a back division, nearly 90% of whom are national caps, Kandy could seldom punch holes in the Air Force defence. The ball hardly travelled down to the wing and, even if it did, wingers Hettiarachchi and Sameera de Silva could not add the finishing touches. Full back Weerakkodi added punch to the line and his frequent incursions caused some consternation to the harried defence.

Lock Sewanga Amarasinghe's power and strength were almost too much for his opponents. It seemed the easiest thing in the world for him to crash his way through over about 15 yards. Later on, the Airmen marked him a little more closely but it took four or five of them to do so. Consequently there were gaping holes elsewhere in the defence.

Sajith Mallikaarachchi at fly half performed his basic duties unselfishly and well. But one would like to see him run with the ball a bit more often. He is big and takes a lot of bringing down. Wijesuriya ran threateningly on a couple of occasions but his co-centre Pathirana was hardly in the picture.

Prop Shantha Rohana seemed to need a few matches under his belt before playing at his best. However, the CR 'deserter' Kapila de Silva was a revelation. He was after the loose ball in a flash and was always prepared to go forward with the ball. His energy seemed to be inexhaustible and his efforts, untiring. A good replacement indeed for last year's skipper Haris Omar who was probably more daring and brash.

There was a period early in the second half when the Airmen with some rousing, barn storming play seemed to scatter the wits of the Kandy players. Kandy did not react all that well and thoughtless passing and careless play was in evidence at this stage. But Kandy withstood the barrage well and came back to run in more points.

While Weerakkodi's kicks at goal were spot on Ranjith Anthony, Air Force's full back was quite brilliant with the limited opportunities that came his way. Yet when under pressure, Anthony's clearances from the ingoal area could have been better.

The Airmen can find solace in the fact that the clash with Kandy is over and can look forward to less demanding matches. Skipper Chandana Deepthi deserves mention for playing on with a gash on his head. His pressence helped to calm some of his rather heated and agitated team-mates.

Scoring over fifty points, whatever the opposition, speaks a lot of attacking potential and Kandy SC would do well to capitalise on that. A few chinks have to be attended to, some ploys worked out, and Kandy should be ready for the three big guns - tha Havies, the CH and, of course the CR. - 

Cricket tour by former Australian Test stars

Barry Knight, is bringing down a group of over 50 cricket enthusiasts who will be playing a series of matches against club and district teams during their visit. Amongst the group are some leading cricket names such as Geoff Lawson, Doug Walters, Peter Philpott, Mark Ray. Among the members of the team are Adam Lucius, Sports Editor of the Manly Daily, Sydney and Peter Roebuck Cricket writer and ABC commentator.

"Cricket is a passion among Sri Lankans. Promoting goodwill and cricket between the two countries will greatly benefit the cricketing public of both nations. We are proud to be associated with such a project," says Mr. G.T. Jeyaseelan, Head of Commercial at SriLankan Airlines.

"SriLankan Airlines has taken this opportunity to utilize the services of these famous cricketing personalities. With the assistance of the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka a coaching camp will be conducted for the Board Elite Under 15 squad which is made up of the finest young talent in Sri Lanka. These young cricketers will be very fortunate to obtain advice and the coaching will be of immense value to them", says Malcolm Perera, Director Coaching, Board of Control for Cricket, Sri Lanka.

The visitors are scheduled to play four matches in the outstations. In Kandy the Kandy District Cricket Team will play host while in Kurunegala they will be hosted by the Kurunegala Cricket Association. Both these matches will be played on the 22nd. The Gampaha Invitation XI will face the visiting team on the 24th in Gampaha while a team from Negombo will play an inaugural match at the Kadirana Stadium which is scheduled to be officially declared open the same day.

A tour of this nature is sure to generate wide interest specially in the outstation venues. We hope to make this an annual feature in the Sri Lanka cricketing calendar. The youth of the country as well as the cricket loving public are sure to welcome such a programme for the benefit of our youngsters.

Tour and ground arrangements for this tour will be handled by Ace Travels & Conventions (Pvt) Ltd. 

Union Assurance sponsors Mercantile Open Sixes

Forty teams will take part this year and the matches will be played on April 22 at the MCA, Colts and BRC Grounds and on April 23 at the MCA Grounds.

This year, too, the Union Assurance Trophy and cash award will be presented to the winner and the runner-up. A trophy and cash award will also be presented to the best batsman, best bowler and to the 'man of the final.' The player who scores the highest number of sixes in the tournament will receive a cash award.

MCA Open Sixes have always created a lot of excitement and proved to be great crowd-pullers. 

Last year's tournament was no different, with 31 teams entering the fray.

For the first time, each firm was allowed to field only one team.

Bartleets beat Access Group 62/4 to 49/4 and emerged the winners of the Unon Assurance Trophy last year. 

Man of the Tournament was Dhammika Jayapaksa of Bartleets. 

Harith Jayasuriya of Coats Tootal was adjudged Best Batsman while Sanjeya Rajapaksa of Bartleets, was adjudged Best Bowler. Ashan Ranaweera of Bartleets received a cash award for bowling the most number of sixes.

The finals were a battle between Access Group 'A' - winners the year before, and runners up Bartleets, but the roles were reversed last year with Bartleet's beating Access by 13 runs.

Union Assurance is conscious of its obligation to the community and sponsors various sports, educational, social and cultural activities in the country.

The science of reverse swing

However, reverse swing really caused havoc only in 1992 when the Pakistanis toured England. Then Wasim Akram and Waqar Younus hunting at their brilliant best as a pair, ran circles around the English batsmen. Whenever, they bowled the ball was swinging around every corner. England collapsed dramatically at Lord's, Headingley and the Oval. Then there was controversy during the one day international at Lord's when umpires suspected that the one being used was not in a healthy state. However, there was no official findings of foul play.

It must be said that it is not easy to master the art of reverse. Just as not many batsmen can confidently execute the reverse sweep not too many quick bowlers can reverse swing the red cherry. For a start the ball must approach a speed of 135 kph to start reverse swinging. When a ball approaches 135 kph, the boundary layers become turbulent of their own accord: in other words, no seam is required to cause the turbulence. 

In fact, the seam has the effect of' 'ramping' a turbulent layer off the ball. The sideways pressure is reversed: the layer on one side comes before the other side and the ball swings the other way. The idea then is to generate turbulence in the boundary layer ahead of the seam, and in order to do this the ball has to be delivered at a very high speed.

The science

Swing bowling, like the aeroplane would not exist without the Bernoulli effect. This is the simple rule that the pressure in a moving fluid (air, in this case) is lower than the static fluid.

When the ball is delivered, it creates a kind of slipstream in the air, a low pressure area called boundary layer. If this is the same on both sides of the ball, the effect will balance out and there will be no swing. So the bowlers job is to make it uneven.

This is where the seam comes in. A rough or irregular surface creates turbulence in the boundary layer, and a turbulent boundary layer sticks to the ball longer than a smooth one (that is the reason why golf balls have dimples). 

The bowler needs to turn the seam to a 11 o'clock position, creating a turbulent layer on the left side. On the right hand side, the smooth layer moves out of contact with the ball at around 4 o'clock, leaving the sticker turbulent layer to suck the ball towards the left hand side.

So how does reverse swing square with all of this? The suggestion is that when (a) the ball is roughened up and (b) it is bowled at 135 kph or more both boundary layers becomes turbulent whatever the seam's position.

In fact, the effect of the seam is reversed, the turbulence becomes so high on the left hand side that the boundary layer files off the ball immediately. Now the pressure is lower on the right-hand side, and the ball deviates in that direction. The rest including factors like humidity, wind and ball-type is mystery.

It may even be imagination, but bowlers feel that they reverse-swing more on certain grounds. Moreso they feel balls produced by certain manufacturers do more than those of others.

There have been two different ways of' doctoring the ball for reverse swing,. In the 1980's the Australians dampen one side of the ball with sweat thereby making it heavier and keeping the other side shiny. Believing that made the ball soft the current method is to let one side get roughened up and again keep the other side as shiny as possible. 

There is some thinking that with reverse swing being mastered hat-tricks are on the increase.

The figures given below certainly indicate so. Of the lot only Wasim Akram's fourth and Dean Headley's second were taken with a brand new ball.

Wasim Akram

Pakistan vs. West Indies, ODI, Sharjah, 1989-90

Jeff Dujon, Malcolm Marshall, Curtly Ambrose all bowled.

Pakistan vs Australia, ODI, Sharjah, 1989-90

Kim Hughes, Carl Rackermann, Terry Alderman all bowled.

Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka, Test Lahore, 1998-99

Romesh Kaluwitharana c Moin Khan (wk), Niroshan Bandaratilleke, Pramodya Wickemasinghe bowled.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, Test Dhaka, 1998-99

Avishka Gunawardena c. Shahid Afridi, Chaminda Vaas bowled, Mahela Jayawardene, C. Wajahatullah Wasti.

Darren Gough

England vs. Australia, Test, Melbourne, 1998-99

Ian Healy c Warren Hegg (wk), Stuart MacGill, Colin Miller bowled.

("by inswinging yorkers" - (Wisden).

Dean Headley

Kent v Derbyshire, Championship, Derby, 1996 Kim Barnett, Chris Adams, c David Fulton (wk), Dean Jones lbw (playing) no shot).

Kent v Worcs, Championship, Canterbury, 1996 

Tom Moody bowled, Reuben Spiring, C. Carl Hooper, Vikram Solanki bowled.

Kent V. Hampshire. Championship, Canterbury, 1996 

Adrian Aymes hit wicket, James Bovill, Simon Renshaw Ibw, Certainly some food for thought.

The need for under-17 District squads

By Malsiri Kurukulasuriya

Regardless of what has happened, it is imperative that the administration should regard the under 17 age group as the most important in terms of individual development. This age group really is the nursery upon which the future of Sri Lanka cricket depends. Why?

At this level, the boy's basics in all 3 disciplines should be firmly established. At the first XI stage the coach's job is to fine-tune his pupils and discuss tactics and finer points. He should never have to deal with the fundamentals. Unfortunately this is not happening. I watched lots of First XI cricket this season and was appalled at the shortcoming in technique of even the top order batsmen. It's a similar story with the bowlers. The fielding has been consistently good.

If a boy leaves school with a fundamentally flawed technique there is very little hope that he could even hold a place in the stronger club sides.

What needs to be done?

1. The school should ensure their best coach is in charge of the under 17 team.

2. The board should as a first resort establish 3 academies in Kandy, Kurunegala, and Galle. (Other locations can be added as we go along).

3. The board should retain control of the coaches. If left to the local bodies, you can be certain that the selection of the pool be hardly made on talent alone.

4. Once these points are covered the board should inaugurate Inter-District games at which the national selectors have an opportunity to get a good look at the available talent.

5. One of the weakest links in our cricket network is the number of boys who just disappear after their under 17 and 19 seasons. The board should encourage the coaches to build a rapport with the boys so that any lad facing financial, academic or domestic problems will feel comfortable in approaching a coach for help and guidance.

It is imperative that we create this safety net to avoid losing boys with talent in the under 17 and 19 age levels. Unless we do so it will take that much longer to develop the talent of less gifted players. This will be reflected in an aging national side as suitable replacements would not be available when required.

I know this is not going to be an easy task but like any worthwhile cause you can not expect it to be easy. We have the personnel and the resources, which is a good start. Now its upto the board (interim or otherwise) to get the ball rolling Procrastination will only exacerbate a problem, which even now is serious.

The First Test

The greatest bowler that Australia had at that time, F. R. Spofforth, was unable to make the trip, and this weakened the Australian side considerably. 

The England team which was led once again by Lord Harries, included E. M., W. G. and G. F. Grace. 

This was the first time that 3 brothers were included in a Test side. E. M. Grace and his brother W. G. opened the batting for England and W. G. Grace scored the first Test century for England. 

The third and the youngest of the three brothers, G. F. Grace, made the first pair of ducks in Test history. But he certainly made up for it, when he took a brilliant catch in the outfield to dismiss Bonnor. 

The batsmen were completing the third run when the catch was taken. 

However, less than a month after taking that catch, he played in a club game and caught a severe cold. 

This developed into congestion of the lungs and within 3 days he was dead.

Scores: England 420 (W.G. Grace 152, Lucas 55, Lord Harris 52) and 5 for 57. Australia 149 (F. Morley 5 for 58) and 327 (W. L. Murdoch 153 not out.)

Bruce Maurice

Rover pinpoints.....

What a shame?

At the end of the trailer, sponsors were called for the event!

A load of rubbish

Hot potatoes

Not doing their duty

Not done

Bad form?

Who is paying whom ?

Money thrown to win votes

Last tour abroad

When asked for reasons, pat came the reply, "No big forwards coming through the present rugby set up. The present crop of forwards will call it a day in a few years' time."

S.L.B.F. office-bearers - 2000

Rover reliably understands that Ministry of Sports have refused permission for people who have not played national level basketball to hold office with Sri Lanka Basketball Federation as there are hundreds of national level players who are capable of managing the affairs of the S.L.B.F. efficiently.

How was the president elected last year? The president was refused permission by the Commander to hold office. This year too, Rover, is informed that the president have been elected from the same sailing force, when he resigned from it last year.

Is the Commander responsible to make decisions or is the subordinates free to ignore the decisions made by the superiors? How is that the last year president is continuing to hold office with S. L. B. F. when his superiors have refused permission for him to hold office in 1999?

Nominations - S.L.B.F.

Accounts S.L.B.F.

Prize money - S.L.B.F.

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