Holy Cross football champions

By H.P.P.Perera

Holy Cross College, Kalutara emerged champions by defeating Jilan Maha Vidyalaya, Panadura in the football tournament final played at Holy Cross College grounds.

The Holy Cross College won 2-1 goals in the tournament. Sixteen football teams participated in the competition sponsored by the Holy Cross College, Kalutara. Pathum Dhanuska was named as the man of the tournament. Izan Jiffrey and Chatura Indika of Holy Cross College, Kalutara and M.S.M. Rizan of Jilan Maha Vidyalaya scored goals in the finals. The Assistant Treasurer of the Football Federation Sally handing over the trophy.

Hamstrings Injuries-Part III

By Dr. Atukorale

What if pain comes back while doing this?

Stop now, wait for 1/2 minute. If no pain continue (reason for pain - protective muscle spam). If pain lasts longer - continue RICEE and start a day later.

If pain bothers you again and again while exercising use ice (can use up to a week or so).

Strengthening of hamstring

Must start soon after injury. Pain permitting. Taking care not to exceed the correct degree and the volume of exercises, which should include the eccentric forms too.

A set of important functional exercises are given at the end of rehabilitation.

The muscle strength does not come overnight so the duration of the exercise must be increased first and then intensity. If pain comes reduce the intensity.

Eccentric exercises prevent a great deal of ham injuries.

Using pull- ups - One can use pull - ups and then go up to heavier activity where the muscle in the most lengthened position as in running. At this time cycling etc. can be done by the player.

Eccentric muscle strethening

Is VERY IMPORTANT IN Hamstrains - best for any chronic muscle injury.

This method gives best possible strength to a muscle.

When you do this the muscle fibres contract, but muscle itself lengthens as these exercises produce large shearing forces breaking adhesions in chronic muscle injuries making it heal better and faster.

NB - This can be started on the 4th day.

Functional exercises are the most important

One must discuss with the coach prior to exercise, walking, jogging, sprinting are some of the activities advised.

Following injury to muscle, body compensates to give part of the functions lost and the player uses abnormal movements that leads to another tear in the muscle (hamstring or otherwise).

So remember, while stretching and exercise return the strength of muscles, the fault in the nerves too must be corrected. So during rehabilitation, the players will try to imitate the original movements lost after injury

When one does it - the nerves are put right. To achieve this the player is taught balancing exercises, walking, sprinting, jogging, cycling etc. before full activity starts.

Functional exercises improve stability of knee (following hams injury) and position sense and nerve muscle co-ordination. This must be started after discussing with the coach.

Eccentric contraction of muscle is very important in cutting down speed and in absorbing shock.

Kobbekaduwe Clubhouse a lasting monument

By Bernie Wijesekera

Kandy SC is the only club which is surviving from the districts to be in the local rugby scene despite trials and tribulations. June 14 was red letter day for Kandy SC when its modern clubhouse - named in memory of late Denzil Kobbekaduwe, was ceremonially opened by Lali Kobbakaduwe at the picturesque Nittawela grounds.

Dr. Sarath Kapuwatte the President of the Kandy SC said the late General was a legend. When he captained the club in 1969 KSC came to the Clifford Cup final for the third time in its history.

He said we are honoured to have Mrs. Lali Kobbekaduwe in our presence to open this modern clubhouse built in her late husband's name, he added.

Its a rare milestone in the annals of KSC after a slippery climb to have built this modern wing with all facilities. It was a great team effort where his committee was really committed to achieve it, he said.

The president, made special mention of Malik Samarawickrema, who was a tower of strength. He was the cog in the wheel.

People from all walks of life attended this ceremony. Among them - the Mayor of Kandy, Harendra Dunuwille, Chandra Wijenaike, the President of the Rugby Union, Anton Benedict. Leslie de Zoysa, Maurice Perera (a past stalwart of KSC rugby), the managing director of Penguin Group, Rohan Abeykoon, Tikiri Marambe, Bryan Baptist, Kavan Rambukwalle, etc. were among the distinguished gathering.

The Nittawela ground, with the addition of the new wing resembled a little Twickhenham with a grandstand to accommodate the fans, with comfortable seating.

Malik Samarawickrama, the brainchild behind this grandiose project proposed the vote of thanks, after Mrs. Kobbekaduwe cut the ribbon. Malik, stated that "this clubhouse is dedicated in honour of late Lt. Gen. Kobbakaduwe, one of Sri Lanka's greatest sons, who contributed much for the country, Kandy rugby and for its promotion and development under trying times. Denzil never lost his common touch among his rank and file. In the Army he was an inspiration to his fellow soldiers. An officer and a gentleman, to the last. He was cruelly plugged away from our midst. Ironically he was, too good for this world. I am certain he is now living in the world of Gods where peace and harmony prevails. Though he is not living in our midst, this beautiful clubhouse built in his memory will be a lasting monument for generations to come.

On behalf of KSC, I wish to thank all those, who worked hard to make it a reality. Also a special word of thanks to the hierarchy and the staff of Penguin Group of Companies, who contributed a substantial sum for this project - as part of their community development programme. Most of the key members of the staff are ex-rugby players, who learnt the basics at grassroots level whilst playing in Kandy.

They are sure to give back to the game something which helped them to go places in life. This is not confined to Kandy alone, but for the game in general.

Our thanks will also go to Singer (Sri Lanka) Ltd., for furnishing the clubhouse and the restaurant. Carlsberg and Sampath Bank for their financial support. It was a real team effort, where everyone joined the scrum.

The club is most grateful to Dr. Sarath Kapuwatte, who spent much of his professional time to get it off the ground during his tenure. No doubt it was a herculean task, but Dr. Kapuwatte and his diehard committee worked in unison to achieve its objective.

It was they, who kept the club in surface during trying times with their own men and material.

Now the younsters could look forward for a better future, thanks to the old brigade", concluded Malik.

England-West Indies Test series records

Played Won by E Won by WI Drawn

1928 to 1960 40 15 10 15

Wisden Trophy 81 13 41 27 ————————————————————

121 28 51 42

A sixteen member West Indies cricket team led by Jimmy Adams is touring England at the moment. They are billed to play five Test matches against England. The team includes former captains C.A. Walsh and B.C. Lara. Walsh is making his 4th tour to England. Other than Walsh, skipper Adams, Campbell, Lara, Ambrose and Chanderpaul have toured England before. For the other 10 members of the touring party, this would be their first tour to old Blighty.

Test career statistics of the 16 member team is given below in chart A.

At the moment 121 Tests had been played between the two countries. The first series between the two countries was held in 1928 in England.

The two captains were A.P.F. Chapman (England) and R.K. Nunes (West Indies).

The Wisden Trophy was introduced only in 1963, when Ted Dexter of England and Sir Frank Worrell of West Indies were the respective captains.

Breakdown of the Test matches played between the two countries are given below.

M.A. Atherton has led England on 17 occasions, against West Indies. For West Indies Clive Lloyd and Sir Viv Richards have led them on 18 occasions. In 1984, Clive Lloyd's team beat England 5-0 in England.

The following year, Sir Viv was able to beat the touring Englishmen 5-0 at home. On both occasions the unlucky England captain was David Gower.

Series records for the matches played between the two countries are given in chart 'B'.

Chart 'B'

Highest Innings Totals:- For England - 849 - Kingston 1929-30 For W.Indies - 692/8 d - Oval 1995.

Lowest Innings Totals :- For England - 46 - Port of Spain 1993-94 For W.Indies - 86- Oval 1957.

Highest match aggregate:- 1815 runs for 34 wkts- Kingston 1929-30 (9 days - no play on 2 days) 1507 runs for 28 wkts - Oval 1976 (5 days).

Lowest match aggregate:- 309 runs for 29 wkts- Bridgetown 1934 - 35.

Highest individual innings:- For England - 325- A. Sandham - Kingston 1929-30. For W. Indies - 375 - B.C.Lara - St. John's 1993-94.

Highest aggregate of runs in a series:- For England - 693 - (Av.- 115.50) E.H. Hendren 1929-30 For W.Indies - 829 - (Av.-118.42) V.Richards 1976.

Best innings bowling analysis:- For England 8/53 - A. Fraser Port of Spain 1997-98. For W.Indies- 8/45-C.E.L. Ambrose- Bridgetown 1989-90.

Best match bowling analysis:- For Engalnd - 13/156 - A.W. Greig Port of Spain 1973-74. For W.Indies - 14/149 - M. Holding - Oval 1976.

Highest aggregate of wickets in a series:- For England - 34- (Av. - 17.47) F.S. Trueman 1963. For W.Indies - 30 (Av. 14.27) C.E.L. Ambrose 1997-98.

Highest number of dismissals in an inning:- For England 5 - R.C. Russel - Bridgetown 1989-90. For W.Indies - 5- D.L. Murray - Leeds 1976. 5 - C.O. Browne - Nottingham 1995. 5 - F.C.M. Alexander - Bridgetown 1959-60. 5 - J. Dujon - Bridgetown 1985-86.

Highest number of dismissals in a match:- For England - 8 - L.F.G. Ames Oval 1933. For W.Indies - 9 - C.O. Browne . Nottingham 1995.

Highest number of dismissals in a series:- For England - 15 - T.G. Evans 1957. For W.Indies - 24 - D.L. Murray 1963.

Highest number of catches in a series:- For England - 9 - W.R. Hammond 1928. 9 - T.W. Graveveny 1967-68. 9 - G. Thorpe - 1997-98. For W.Indies - 13- B.C. Lara 1997-98.

Centuries (For England) - 98, Double- Centuries - 8 E.H. Hendren - 205* - Port of Spain - 1929-30. A.Sandham - 325 - Kingston - 1929-30. L.Hutton - 202* - Oval - 1950. L. Hutton - 205 - Kingston -1953-54. T.W.Graveney - 258- Nottingham - 1957. P.B.H. May - 285* - Birmingham - 1957. D.L. Amiss - 262* - Kignston - 1973-74. D.L. Amiss - 203- Oval - 1976. Centuries (For West Indies) :- 110 Double-Centuries:- 14 C.A. Roach - 209 - Georgetown 1929-30. G.A. Headley - 223 - Kingston 1929-30. G.A. Headley - 270* - Kingston 1934-35. F. Worrell- 261- Nottingham 1950. C.L. Walcott - 220 - Birdgetown 1953-54. E. Weekes - 206 - Port of Spain 1953-54. G.S. Sobers - 226 - Bridgetown 1959-60. B.F. Butcher - 209* - Nottingham 1966. L.G. Rowe - 302 - Bridgetown 1973-74. V. Richards - 232 - Nottingham 1976. V. Richards- 291 - Oval 1976. C. G. Greenidge - 214* - Lords 1984. C. G. Greenidge - 223 - Manchester 1984. B.C. Lara - 375 - St. John's 1993-94. * denotes - Not out.

By M.L. Fernando

The day Aussies and Kippax smiled

By Bruce Maurice

Early in '26, a brilliant and stylish young New South Wales batsman was the centre of a controversy. He was making centuries almost weekly in Sheffield Shield games. The Press and the public were clamouring for his inclusion in the team to tour England that year, but the selectors did not pick him for that tour.Around Christmas time, the selectors chose twelve players for the tour of England and Kippax was not one of them. Towards the end of the Australian summer he was battling for one of the last places with Woodfull, Richardson, Punch, Love, Kelleway and Hornibrook. Under such circumstances, many players cannot do themselves justice. The reason being that they are so tensed up and become near nervous wrecks. And it is not only in Golf but also in cricket that taut limbs rule out the freedom of strike play.

But this did not happen where Kippax was concerned. He rose above the mental strains and on the very eve of selection, he made a brilliant 270 not-out against Victoria in Sydney. Taking into consideration his previous scores during the summer, this innings should have made him an automatic choice. But as far as Kippax was concerned, the selectors had hearts of stone and the final places went to Woodfull, Ellis and Everett.

In eight months the wheel turned a full circle. In the fifth Test of that '26 series at the Kennington Oval, Wilfred Rhodes rolled back the years and sent Australia crashing to defeat. And there were no bouquets and champagne to welcome the side back.

Dissatisfaction over the original team that was chosen welled over with the losing of the 'Ashes' and several members of that '26 side were marked for 'execution' as they lolled peacefully in their deck chairs on the homeward voyage.

The first head on the chopping block belonged to the manager of the side Sydney Smith. Herbie Collins one of the selectors and captain, who played for the same club Waverly as Kippax, found that he was not wanted on his return from England and Kippax the outcast, was catapulted to the post of state captain. Kippax's day had at last dawned and it was to last for eight glorious years.

Many another Austrlain had missed, or was to miss a well earned tour of England. But where Kippax was concerned, the rank and file did everything possible by way of recompense.

It was towards the end of '26 and he was bringing his young side to Victoria after a very creditable win over South Australia. In his young side, there were only two experienced players, Tommy Andrews and Arthur Mailey. He thus had the burden, potentially crippling for any young captain to carry in first class cricket, seven young men who knew next to nothing of first class cricket. The seven were, Steelse Campbell, Archie Jackson who was then only seventeen years of age, McNamee, Phillips, McGuirk and Hogg. As captain with so many young and inexperienced players, Kippax needed the qualities of a mothercraft nurse. He had to guide, humour, teach, inspire and understand all the varied personalities of the youngsters, many of them away from home for the first time.

But the win over South Australia gave him and his side confidence and they had plently of smiles for the photographers when the train reached Melbourne. The caption over the photograph, when it appeared in the paper, was 'Ready For The Fray!" In the same paper, a Victorian writer had written that many runs should come from Ponsford, Woodfull, Hendry and Ryder.

Waidyatilaka to conduct IAAF Level - 1 Course

S.B. Dissanayake, Minister of Sports will inagurate the first ever IAAF Level-1 Course for Athletic Technical Officials organised by the Amateur Athletic Association at 2.30 p.m. on 23 June at the Sports Ministry auditorium.

P.H.D. Waidyatilaka, IAAF Level-1 lecturer, will conduct the five-day course for 30 Senior Technical Officials of the A.A.A. at the end of which an examination will be held and the successful participants will receive the IAAF Level-1 certificate.

They are all requested to contact P.H.D. Waidyatilaka Chairman, Technical Committee on 925082 (Office) or 854136 (Res.) Fax: 925082 and indicate whether they will attend the awards ceremony.

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