Kulatunga passes away

It is with deep sadness we record the demise of Brigadier Lucky Kulatunga at a comparatively young age of 56 years after a brief illness which he bore very couragously.

Lucky was a sportsman to the very letter and a gentleman par excellence.

I am sure this is the view of his vast circle of friends spread all over Sri Lanka.

His Love for hockey was there for all to see - 'A generous and silent benefactor', and his contribution to the game at all levels will surely be missed. He captained St. Sylvester's Sri Lanka Schools, Peradeniya University and the Defence Services. He served as Vice-President of the Sri Lanka Hockey Federation and also as a national selector.

On the international scene he officiated abroad as a judge.

At the time of his death he was a Vice-Patron of the Colombo Hockey Association and member of the CH&FC.

We of the hockey fraternity will badly miss his companionship, humour and the unique quality of compassion, and convey our deepest sympathy to his wife Malini and daughter Salini. D. de R.

Air Force shooters bang on target at Nuwara-Eliya

Air Force shooters continued their winning form in practical shooting by winning the open division in the Sports Shooting Club, Nuwara Eliya Three Gun Championships held at its range at Bomburuela in Nuwara-Eliya. The Airmen and women won the individual championships for the third year in succession. Corporal Athula Rohitha bagged the overall men's championships with leading Aircraft- woman Inoka Weerasinghe winning the individual championships which enabled her to finish third overall. Schoolboy Nalin Wickremasinghe, son of the last years national champion Inspector Walter of the STF won the junior championships and was also adjudged the best civilian shooter.

Results : Open Division:- Cpl. Athula Rohitha (Air Force), IP A.S.Jayasinghe (Police), Lac. I. Weerasinghe (Air Force).

Open division women:- Lac I Weerasinghe (Air Force), Lac K.Weeraratne (Air Force), Lac K.Dissanayake (Air Force)

Standard Division A: Premanath (Police), R. Premasiri (Police), U.Herath (Police).

Air Force won the open division with Nuwara Eliya Sports Shooting Club as runners-up and Police won the Standard Division team event with Nuwara-Eliya Sports Shooting Club as the runners-up.

First test for Kandy

By Aubrey Kuruppu

The Air Force and the Navy were the aperitif before the main course. The law-enforcers served up a bit of a storm in a tea cup. Now comes the real thing, or something as close to it as possible.

Kandy SC have not really been scything down the opposition with the brusqueness and effrontery of the last few seasons. Their win over the Airmen came in an error-strewn match. They had to huff and puff to beat the Sailors. Last week they almost ate humble pie when they visited the policemen's den - in short, they have not been terribly convincing and dominating even in victory.

The Havies are a different kettle of fish. They had a tilt with arguably the second best side and came off unscathed, drawing 13 all with the CR. This should act as the spur to them.

Though not possessing as many national caps as their rivals, the Havies boast of quite a bit of talent. Top of the pops must be that blazing, talented winger Sanjeeva Jayasinghe whose wonderful effort, to stop Bandaranaike from scoring in last year's match will live long in the memory. Fly half Saheed, winger Champika Nishantha and Leonard de Zylva are efficient performers, while Sudath Sampath (no stranger to the Kandy team, by the way) could prove dangerous if he's has given the nod. Dilshad Anzari has proved a terrific asset with his consistency in putting the ball over the cross-bar.

Kandy's problems last Sunday stemmed from the inability of the pack to deliver. Prop Shantha Rohan and lock Jayasena sat out that game.

However, the pack had enough big names to instil fear in opposing ranks. Flanker Kapila de Silva made a big impression in his first game for his new club and would dearly love to continue playing in the same vein.

Kandy's scoring potential surely lies in their formidable back division. The Bandaranaike/Hettiarachchi versus Sanjeewa Jayasinghe clash should be quite absorbing. Centre Wijesuriya is quick off the mark and, happily, does not bottle up his winger. The key man could possibly be fly half Sajith Mallikarachchi from whom a stellar performance is overdue.

Weerakkody at full back will surely be goaded on to greater and better effort by the kicking prowess of his opposite number, Anzari. Weerakkody is not averse to joining the line and forming the overlap. He has the speed to exploit any lapses in defence.

In their quest for the title the Havies simply cannot afford to drop another game. More than the expected victory, Kandy's flowing style of rugby will be put to the test.

For those with memories, Kandy beat the Havies 26-10 in last year's game. This will be as good a chances as any for the Havies to eke out a win here, as Kandy play thus far has been a trifle unimpressive and predictable. However, beating last year's triple champions is easier said than done.

Crowds miss fine fare

Navy vs Army - April 28

The Army pulled off a close win 14 pts to 13 pts after being led by the Navy 6-10 at half time. The Navy are a team not to be written off. This was a game they could have won. The Navy fly half Saldeen played a game of his life. His booming kicks kept pressure mounting against the Army. The Navy forwards outshone and Army with their gusty play and hard tackling. For the Army, Kapila Knowlton, Centre, with his deceiving runs and Flanker Karunaratne, with his excellent cover defence and hard play once again proved that they are classy players - Selectors take note. For the Navy, Skipper Panda Wijeratne is still an aggressive and attacking Flanker, while 2nd Row Ravi Jayasuriya has the makings of a future National player........ could do with more weight. Scrum half Chandran is another player to watch. This was a game of fluctuating fortunes. The Army were able to just squeeze through because they played to a plan in the 2nd Half. The Navy despite being advised to refrain from throwing the ball to number 4 in the Line-outs, persisted in doing this in the 2nd half! Result? They lost these Line-outs because of poor throws. Play with in your limits! Secondly, Navantha de Silva had his "kicking boots" on in this game. From the first penalty he put over I said that this was his good day. But minutes from the Final whistle, when Navy were awarded a penalty, instead of Navantha de Silva taking the kick, a wrong decision was made to change the kicker to replacement Fly half Shan Pradeep who missed the kick! And with that Army scraped home winners.

CH &FC vs Air Force - April 28

The CH won 33 pts to Nil after leading 13-0 at half time. They came up against a hard tackling set to Airforce forwards at the start. Too much of rucking by the Air force without penetration of the defence saw them unable to get over the gain-line on many occasions. The CH disrupted these moves and even wrested possession from the Air Force. The Air Force should have adopted to kick the ball to touch deep into CH territory and keep them under pressure. In doing this, they should at practices, work on Line-outs against "opposition" and find means to procure "opposition- ball" and in the game, give the opposition bad ball! This can be done. For the CH, I felt that some complacency seemed to creep into their play. Tony Amit was clever in his replacements. However, looking carefully at their three quarter line, I noticed relaxed smiles on their faces. These are signs for opponents to 'read'. Every game must be taken seriously. Although the CH won by a large margin, they need to move purposeful in their initial play. In a couple of weeks they take on CR and then Kandy and the Army.

CR& FC vs Havelocks - April 29

As I said in my Preview to the Daily Mirror, the Havelocks can spring surprises on the CR and Coach Ana Saranapala had worked very well on his team's strengths and weaknesses. The Havelocks rattled the CR with their robust forward play. They were a different side which played the CH a week ago. At half time CR led 10-3. Spectators missed a super game, particularly as it opened up in the 2nd half. After a cautious first half, there was 'action' with play swinging from one half to the other in the 2nd half. A penalty by Dilshad Ansari closed the gap to 10-6. Then the introduction of Sudath Sampath, mid way in the 2nd half made a vast difference. Sudath is a talented player and an excellent reader of the game. Instead of working his three quarters, he tactically kicked ahead with 'punts', grubbers or 'up and unders' making the CR retreat desperately. He needs to get fitter. Suddenly off an orthodox CR three quarter move, Havies Wing 3/4 Sanjeewa Jayasinghe intercepted a pass, side-stepped and changed direction, catching the defence on the 'wrong foot' and with his speed scored a fantastic try under the posts and the Havies led 13-10. Injuries to both teams saw the need for many replacements. CR Skipper Savantha de Saram was also a casualty. The strength of the Havelocks was their fine line out play in securing good ball even at No. 4. The scorching heat added to the CR's problems. I noticed that they were at times out of breath. Their forwards knocked on at vital moments. Havelocks Locks Soranaratnam and Thushara Perera and their Front Row gave a sterling performance, but the 3rd Row need to be quicker to the break down. The Havelocks could have 'sealed ' the game when they took this lead 10 minutes before the long whistle. This was the time for maximum concentration - the time to control - ruck and secure and then kick 'up and unders' - No working the line, and No foolish mistakes! Deprive the opposition of possession legitimately. But the CR did what was "the need-of-the-hour" they forced ther Havies into blunders resulting in an easy penalty for Halimdeen to put over and square the scores.

Police vs Kandy - April 30

The Champions were made to look ordinary. No one doubted for a moment that it was "police all the way". Their play reminded me of the style and dynamism of the great police teams of yester- year. It was a terrific display of power rugby which we have not seen for a long time. The police pack played with so much enthusiasm that they literally shoved Kandy off the rucks. Malik Samarawickrema said to me, "Kandy will finally win". I replied that, "If so, Nalaka Weerakkody will be the match winner." And this was how it turned out to be. It was Nalaka's intelligent kicks and quick thinking that made all the difference. As Maurice Perera quipped, "We need Priyantha out there. Our forwards are rucking too high". This was true. The game began with a superb drop goal by Nalaka Weerakkody. The police were unruffled. They came back with a vengeance and scored an unconverted try and led 5-3. Next, Sudesh Dissanayake of the Police put over a penalty to make the scores 8-3. Then came a try against the run of play. Police gained 50 metres on an interception, but Kandy desperately touched down in defence. It was 'Kandy ball". Taking a quick 22 drop out, Weerakkody caught the defence napping and flanker Yapa following the kick dribbled the ball over the goal line and scored. The half time score read 10-8 to Kandy. From then it was a case of the lead switching. I told Malik Samarawickrema before the game," I hope the police fly-half clears immediately in defence and when under pressure. In two consecutive games they delayed clearing and tries were scored against them with the ball being smothered by the attackers.

They hadn't learned their lesson. Once again they were late in clearing and the ball was smothered, resulting in a try to Kandy! With that their fate was sealed. Although the police played the better game 'luck' was not with them.

Kingswood win over Vidyartha

Kingswood scored a hard-fought win over Vidyartha in their Under 17 Division One Inter-School cricket game played at the Campus Grounds.

Tight bowling by Abdeen, Liyanage and Silva helped the winners to shoot out the Vidyartha batsmen for a poor 105. However Kingswood, too found run making difficult and it was with some difficulty that they overhauled the score.

Vidyartha - 105 in 45 overs (D. Wekadapola 23, D. Yapa 17, S.L. Silva 16 n.o; R. Abdeen 4 for 19; A. Liyanage 3 for 16, U. Silva 2 for 24).

Kingswood - 126 for 7 in 50 overs (R. Premaratne 18, B. Ekanayake 27 n.o, V.J. Bandara 24, R. Liyanage 22, S.P. Perera 1 for 13).

No decision

Dharmaraja and St. Anthony's figured in a high-scoring no-decision in their Under 17 Division One Inter-School cricket tournament match at the Lake View Grounds.

Time lost in looking for balls and one or two other delays, caused the overs to be incomplete at the end of the day.

A big partnership of 120 between openers Ratnayake and Wijekoon helped the Rajans to amass a tall score of 268 for 8. Wickremaratne contributed an attacking 57. Off spinner Ariyaratne bagged five wickets but was very expensive.

Skipper Prasad Ranawake top scored with an aggressive 72 while Tyrone de Silva and Ekanayake entered the 50s.

Dharmaraja - 268 in 50 overs (Haresh Ratnayake 90, M. Wijekoon 47, Nirmal Wickremaratne 57, K. Ariyadasa 27, D. Dharmaratne 12; A. Ariyaratne 5 for 76).

St. Anthony's - 244 for 8 in 42 overs (N. Ratnayake 16, P. Ekanayake 42, Prasad Ranawake 72, J. de Silva 44; D. Dharmaratne 2 for 41, Thushantha Chandratilleke 3 for 15) (AK)

Club Intersport Squash

The second open Club Intersport Squash tournament sponsored by the Keells Hotels which commenced yesterday is to be concluded later today at the Bentota Beach Hotel Squash Complex.

This was stated by Mrs Padmini Samarasinghe Treasurer and Tournament Secretary of the Sri Lanka Squash Federation when she briefed the media at a news conference last Thursday at Hotel Inter-Continental Colombo.

Speaking at the briefing Mrs Samarasinghe said the Club Intersport Squash tournament is to comprise of the following categories.

Mens Open, Women's Open, Masters over 45, Intermediate over 35,Boys & girls under 19, Boys & Girls Under 17, Boys & Girls Under 15, Boys & Girls Under 13.

'One of the main ideas behind the organisation of this Squash Tournament is to take the game into the outstations of the country, and in that aspect we feel the tournament held in Bentota this year will ultimately prove to be a success' said Padmini Samarasinghe.

According to her the Club Intersport Squash tournament will also serve as a trial for the senior pool of squash players to be formed in June.

During the Mens Open some of the leading players to be seen in action are Hirantha Gunasena,Navin Samarasinghe,Duminda Wijedasa, Janaka Suwaris, and Kavinda Cooray,while in the Women's Open Yasmin Zarook, and Kushani Daluwatta,will be vying for supremacy at this particular squash tourney.

For the overall winner of the Mens Open section the sponsors Keells Hotels will be giving away a free Weekend package for two at the picturesque Bentota Beach Hotel, while a coveted trophy awaits the lucky lady who comes first in the Women's Open category.

For the winners of the remaining categories trophy's are to be awarded according to the Tournament Secretary of the Sri Lanka Squash Federation.

Meanwhile the Chief Guest at the awards ceremony will be Rohan Amarasinghe the General Manager of the Bentota Beach Hotel.

Mani Sugamapala Marketing Manager of the Club Intersport speaking on the occasion said that they have decided to give a special package to both groups and fans who wish to travel down to Bentota to witness this squash tourney over the weekend.

Why a second trial?

Why a second trial to pick Sri Lanka's male competitor for the Sydney Olympic Games?

The Sunday Times learns that already the NOC representative following a three year scholarship has recorded good timings at a trial held in Australia and nobody has clocked near to his timing.Then what is the use of another trial?

According to leading swimming coaches NAASU could cut costs as Conrad Francis is presently in Australia.

Another point, the Sunday Times learns, is that a 'know-all' has been entrusted by the NAASU to monitor the swimmers at the trials and he has decided to give points to each swimmer in enabling the NAASU to make their selection from.

But what one cannot understand is that why this 'know-all' is giving points, more for the easy strokes like the free style and less for the back stroke, breaststroke and the butterflystroke.

Progress at the S.S.C

It was last year that the Sinhalese Sports Club celebrated its Centenary Year. During the many celebrations, much was said and publicized about the progress of the institution since it was formed in 1899.

Nothing stands still at Maitland Place, the current location of the club. It's nearly 50 years since premises were shifted from nearby Vihara Maha Devi park.

Initially the pioneers set about to attract cricketers and build a cricket team. Of course food and drink and social activity goes hand in hand with the sport.

That was the beginning at the 12 acre plot, in what is the prime residential location in Colombo and infact the country.

Inadequate finances is the biggest stumbling block for any club in this day and age. Had clubs not thought of the future in the 60s and 70s and acted wisely then they would be struggling today. Development and progress began in the early nineteen fifties with the construction of the swimming pool. The idea was to attract more members and increase the club's revenue to subsidize cricket. Today, almost every section brings in substantial revenue to make profits.

The club's governing body consists of a President, Hony. Secretary, Hony.. Treasurer, Hony. Assistant Secretary, Hony. Assistant Treasurer and 15 Executive Committee members. In turn there are sectional committees and sectional secretaries that man the day- to-day affairs of cricket. swimming, tennis, badminton, squash, billiards/snooker, pavilion, bar, restaurant and entertainment.

Currently the membership is around 6500 with many applying for membership constantly. The workforce amounts to ninety and so it requires professional management to ensure efficient functioning.

Being an international cricket venue the club receives a tremendous amount of prominence both in this country and overseas. It also requires the maintenance and development of all connected facilities.

From a distance the grounds almost always looks a picture. There is still a lot to be done. At present some areas have been invaded by an unsuitable grass - buffalo grass.

The ideal is a finer leafed grass commonly known as running grass. Many areas are being patched up at present with the removing of the unsuitable and replacing with suitable grass.

Also in progress is re-laying the top surface of five out of the nine centre pitches. In this operation four inches of the top layer is being removed. Constant use reduces the effect of the soil and also causes the formation of thatch from dead roots, thereby reducing pace and bounce.

Work on the pitches and ground will be completed in five weeks.

The practice turfs are fifteen in number. That area will be looked at and revamped at the end of the 2000-2001 season.

Work is in progress totally renovate the Indoor Cricket pitches. A viewing gallery and changing rooms are being added whilst the roof, netting, lights and the floor surface is being replaced.

Prior to the under-19 World Cup games, the dressing rooms were extended forward by eight feet, renovated and new furniture added. This has lifted these rooms to international standard.

At present the seating area in the pavilion is being extended to be in line with the dressing rooms. This will increase the spectator areas and also provide a bigger hall for social functions.

Further, the commentators' box and third umpire's room is being extended.

It will be glass-panelled and air conditioned. Once again progress is being made towards reaching international standards.

A similar project to upgrade the press box will commence once the Pakistani and South Africa tours are concluded.

There is still more happening. A second swimming pool is under construction and should be ready for use towards the end of June. This twenty five metre pool will be mainly used for training and by beginners.

The next anticipated project is the construction of a gym, office and sports shop complex. If everything works to schedule, then by this time next year, this project will also become a reality.

The administration and management at the Sinhalese Sports Club continuously strive to reach out progressively in search of excellence.

Rover Pinpoints...

Keeping him down

A leading rugby player Rover learns is treated badly by a leading club, whose intention is to stop this player being in the limelight by keeping him on the bench. It is also learnt this player is a national poolist who is thinking about changing clubs next season.

For what purpose?

The Constitution of every District Cricket Association is being changed hurriedly, one wonders for what purpose! Only time will tell.

Who is fooling whom?

The Manger of the Sri Lanka 'A' team is wondering whether he is coming or going. It is because he has not been given his letter of appointment yet even though the Interim Cricket Board has way back as February 14th approved his appointment. Who is trying to undercut whom and trying to take revenge as happened before in "All Blacks' country.

How come?

Why is the sporty one not granting permission to the ICB to donate 30 million rupees to the clubs and associations to improve their facilities by purchasing rollers and lawn mowers. It is also noted that though the greenlight was given for the Cricket Board to construct practice wickets on a half acre land near the Race Course, nothing has come of it. When reminded about the promise, Rover learns that the sporty one sidestepped the issue. Why?

Complaints?

Various foreign teams that visited late last year and early this year were of the opinion that the outfield and scenery was good, but stated that they were not at all happy with the conditions of the wickets they played in, which was of course not to International standards.

Official for 15 years?

Why is the Sports Law not being followed by a leading sports body in charge of the schools' section, in which an official has been holding office for the last 15 years? Surely, there should be some benefit, at least for him, to hold onto office.

Not done

A coach of a leading sport has been appointed as the Chairman of the Selection Committee. One wonders whether he will be biased in his selections, since he will try to get his trainees picked.

Demanding?

Who is this foreign official serving a leading sport, insisting that he should be consulted on injuries suffered by players rather than be sent abroad for treatment?. This is the talk at a leading Club in Colombo.

Tickets resold?

Continuing last week's 'drowning' accusations these are two more levelled against them:

1 Parts of tickets had been resold to many parents. After an inquiry, it has been proved beyond doubt, that action has been taken against those found guilty.

Why the silence?

2 Poor swimmers were fleeced by accidentally charging entry fees, when the body earned over a lakh, to everyone's amazement.

Not followed?

The Sports Law has been flouted again by, Table Tennis and Swimming officials.

The Chairman of the selection committee is a person not representing Sri Lanka, nor has won a major tournament. In Swimming, the Minister of Sports has been petitioned that the present President in Swimming, is a person who has not represented the country nor won any major event.

Who is this Vice-President of SLBF?

Who authorised the un-sporting Vice President of the Sri Lanka Basketball Federation to sign cheques for operation of the Bank of Ceylon account at Thimbirigasaya?

When was the Executive Committee meeting held to pass the resolution authorising the Vice President to sign cheques? None of the member association representatives have received the copies of the minutes of the Exco meeting?

Why is it kept secret? Rover is informed by reliable sources that no meetings of the Exco or General Council have been held after the AGM in March '00.

Why is this Vice President refusing to pay the balance money due to the Manager and FIBA Referee who were left behind by the Coach for the ABC Women's' Championship at Japan when the Exco has approved the payment?

Is this Vice President keen to promote Basketball? If yes, why is he not allowing teams to play in the tournaments conducted by keen promoters of Basketball?

When the Chairman of the Tournament Committee is another Vice President, why did this Vice President take over the running of the Junior & Senior Nationals 1999? Is it because the sponsors gave large sums of money? Did this Vice President obtain approval from the Exco for the expenditures. Rover reliably understands that the team from Jaffna was brought to Colombo by the Samurdhi organisations and all expenses were met by Samurdhi.

Why did this Vice President promise the Games prize money at the press conference held at Taj Samudra in the presence of the sponsors and the press? Why was it not paid after the finals? Into who's pocket has this large sum of money gone?

According to the members of the Exco this Vice President has purchased his air ticket to USA from the prize money due to the four best teams at the Nationals. Who authorized this transaction? Who signed the cheques to withdraw the money from the Bank?

Will the new President of the SLBF who has not played Basketball but is well-known for strict discipline in the dark blue/white uniform service take stern action against officials who still hold positions in the SLBF with money-making motives?

If he is to maintain some discipline as in the service, most of the newly elected officials of this unpopular game in Sri Lanka must not be allowed to handle the SLBF moneys' said a few members of the Exco. Why?

Not in the right frame of mind

Rover learns that three of the four in the Olympic Pool are funded at Rs. 20,000/- and two at Rs. 10.000/- each, but nothing for Susanthika Jayasinghe.

Why cannot the President of the AAA look into this matter and see that Susanthika is also given money from this fund.

After Rover's disclosure that Susanthika was not allowed to park her car in the Sports Ministry grounds, she has now been allowed to do so.

Boxing Trials

The Amateur Boxing Association of Sri Lanka has decided to conduct a trial meet on May 11, 12 and 13 at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium in preparation for the international meets scheduled in Pakistan, Indonesia and Sri Lanka.

This will also facilitate pooling the potential boxers for selection for the SAF Games in 2001. Having taken part in the Olympic qualifying tournaments the ABA has realized the need for prolonged residential training to compete at international tournaments. They have done away with the system of simply selecting teams prior to meets. The future plan will be to give more exposure to boxers who will be selected for future SAF and Asian Games.

The ABA intermediate meet earlier scheduled for May 11-13 will now be postponed. The trial will be open for boxers who have at least won the ABA Novices or the Stubbs Shield Meet. Each club could enter one boxer per weight class. Top boxers such as R.M.A.R Rathnayake, M.D.K. Wenniarachchi, N.B. Walisundara, R.M.U.Bandara, L.J Perera, C.L.K. Anthony, R.S.Hettiarachchi, R.K.Sumith Prasanna and E.P.D.S. Pathirane are due to take part in this trial meet. At the same time the ABA is hoping to introduce the newly acquired computer scoring system. This will prevent fixing of bouts and will give a fair chance to all the boxers. The ABA has purchased this new equipment and will carry out seminars to train local officials. Entries closed for the meet on May 5 with the Hony. Secretary. The weigh-in and medical examination will be held on May 11 at 8 am. at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium.

18 enter mercan-tile tennis battle

Eighteen firms from the mercantile sector have entered the SLTA's first Mercantile tennis tournament, which began on Saturday.

"We are very impressed by the response from the mercantile sector considering the fact that this is the first time that such a tournament is taking place" said Tournament Chairman, Suresh Subramaniam. "Our aim in conducting a mercantile tournament is to encourage tennis among the working groups", he said.

In total, over 100 entries have been received. The events to be worked out are Men's Singles, Men's Doubles, Women's Singles, Women's Doubles, Mixed Doubles and Veterans' over 45 doubles.

In the Men's Singles former National Champion Asiri Iddamalgoda (National Development Bank) is top seed, while Ganendran Subramaniam (R & G Sports) the bottom seed. The other seeded players are Arjan Perera (National Development Bank), Ravi Subramaniam (Aitken Spence) Sanjaya Wijemannne( Hong Kong Bank), Chrisantha Perera (Stamford Lanka), A. Polonowita (DIMO) and Ghazali Ghouse (American Express Bank). The Ladies' Singles sees Keshini Subramaniam and S. Polonowita, both from Union Bank as top and bottom seeds. In the men's doubles Arjun Fernando and Sanjaya Wijemanne (Hong Kong Bank) are top seeds, while Aruna Seneviratne and Ravi Subramaniam are bottom seeds.

Chrisantha Perera and G.Subramaniam (R & G. Sports) and Arjan Perera and Nilam Jayasinghe (NDB) have been seeded third and fourth respectively. The top two seeds in the Mixed Doubles event are Sanjaya Wijemanne (HSBC) and S. Polonowita (Union Bank) and Arjan Perera and Anjum Benfil (NDB).

The 18 firms taking part in this tournament are SrLankan Airlines, Seylan Bank, Amano Securities, Maharaja Group, F. R. P Services, Janaka Bogollagama, Nestles, Coco Lanka, Renuka Hotels, American Express Bank, Diesel and Motor, Aitken Spence, Stanford Lanka, Union Bank, R & G Sports, Amro Bank, National Development Bank and Hong Kong Bank.

The method of allocating points are as follows: 'Five points for each win. These points from all events will be agregated to arrive at a total for each firm. The firm with the highest total will be adjudged the overall champion' said Tournament Referee Walter Diaz.

CCC Juniors impress in Bangalore

By Bernie Wijesekera

The Colombo Cricket Club School made an impressive debut tour to India. The lads drawn from the groups of 14 and 16 won four games in an itinerary of seven.

Nelson Mendis, the coach, who also managed the team told The Sunday Times, it was a fine exposure for the boys playing in humid and dusty conditions be it in Bangalore or in Chennai

This tour for the CCC coaching school was made possible thanks to the support from the club and well-wishers, he said. The lads got that much-needed exposure which will stand them in good stead for their future, he added.

It was gutty batting, fine spin bowling, backed up by agile fielding. Overall the youngsters were fit to stand the strain and played with determination to achieve their objective.

The player of the tour was Nalandian Janath Ranasinghe, a chip of the old block. He is the son of the former Sri Lanka all-rounder late Anura Ranasinghe. He has the makings for turning out to be a dandy all-rounder like his father.

Janath a left-arm spin bowler was among the wickets. He bagged 16 wickets for 76 runs in five matches for an average of 4.75 per wicket. A right hand bat scored two plucky knocks of 51 n.o. , and 27 n.o., in two games to ensure victory.

Another batsman to impress was opener Tarindu Attanayake who was a consistent run-gettter making scores of 33, 28, 33 and 43 not out to average 44.4. Besides these two players Yasas Hewawitharana, too batted well to average 41 runs with half a century.

Skipper Damith Warusawitharana besides his batting led the team from the front. Indika Paranagama was unlucky to miss a well deserved 100 , when he was out for 96.

All the players contributed and in the end it proved to be a fine all-round team effort, Mendis added. The tour lasted 11 days.

Results:-

Match 1 - CCC U-16 - for 8 in 35 overs (Sanaka Jayasinghe 44, Tharindu Attanayake 33) Lost to YMCA Cricket Academy, Bangalore 161 for 7 in 33 overs (Yasas Hewawitharana 4 for 380.

Match - 2 CCC U-14-141 in 38.2 Overs (Rukshan Wijesuriya 34, Indika Paranagama 30, Thilina Samarasinghe 14) beat YMCA Cricket Academy U-14x1 - 107 in 31.3 overs (Janath Ranasinghe 3 for 04, Sukitha Senaratne 2 for 11, Thilina Samarasinghe 2 for 21 ).

Match 3 CCC U-16 - 246 in 35 overs (Damith Warusawithana 47, Indika Paranagama 23, Nejith Fernando 20, Isuru Kolitha 20 n.o.) beat Karnataka Blues Cricket Academy - 145 in 34 overs (Janath Ranasinghe 5 for 19, Prabath Perera 2 for 06.

Match 4 - Imtiaz Ahamed Cricket Academy 216 for 7 in 30 overs (Chamara Moonamale 3 for 20, Rukshan Wijesuriya 2 for 31, Thilina Samarasinghe 2 for 36 ) Beat CCC U14 x 1 199 in 30 overs (Indika Paranagama 96, Jayanga Perera 47, Dejan De Zoysa 26 ).

Match - 5 CCC U-16 - 248 for 7 in 40 overs (Yasas Hewawitharana 55, Sanka Jayasuriya 52, Tarindu Attanayake 28, Janath Ranasinghe 27 n.o. Damith Warusawithana 20. Prabath Perera 18 n.o.) beat Sports Authority of India U 16 X 1 201 in 35.2 overs (Janath Ranasinghe 3 for 28 Sukitha Senaratne 2 for 22.

Match - 6 CCC U-16 206 for 7 in 30 overs Tarindu Attanayake 39, Indika Paranagama 33, Yasas Hewawitharana 28 n.o. Damith Warusawithana 26 beat Master's Cricket Academy Madras 138 in 28 overs (Suresh 47, Amaranath 26, Janath Ranasinghe 4 for 26 Jude Jayasinghe 4 for 22 - Wicket Keeper Kasun Mendis 5 stumpings and 1 catch.)

Match - 7 - CCC U- 14 - 168 for 5 in 30 overs Janath Ranasinghe 51 n. o. Tarindu Attanayake 43 n.o. Chinthana Samarasinghe 19, Dejan De Zoysa 16 Lost to St Patric's College Under 16 XI Madras 169 for 3 (Ashwin 62 n.o. Devageethan 43, Sherwin 27).

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