• Lara's vintage 182 sets up third Test
• Sri Lanka in lacklustre win over Hong Kong
• Matale women bang in 10 goals vs Galle HA
• Leave sportsmen alone - Kiriella
• Police power at U-19 rughy selections?
• Winning away at cricket is a tremendous achievement
• Troubled time for Lara
• Reintroduce under-23 squad
• Royal's boxing captains meet
• Promote welfare of cricketers
• Good move by S.Africa
• A trade union for cricketers?
• Briefly
• Ananda bag 7 golds
• The birth of Kotte Tennis Centre
• Kandy cricket, down in the doldrums
• Massage in sports
• Garfield Sobers – 'King of the Willow'
• Rover pinpoints...
• Exam for athletic officials
• Boat-racing climax in Bolgoda today
• Saracens on winning spree
• Lanka beat Pakistan
• Eighty four qualify for chess finals
• Two wins for Royal

Lara's vintage 182 sets up third Test

ADELAIDE, Australia, Dec 16 (Reuters) - The third Test between Australia and West Indies was delicately balanced after an intriguing second day's play at Adelaide Oval on Saturday.

Australia were 180 for three in their first innings, still 211 runs behind the tourists total of 391, underpinned by 182 from Brian Lara.

The ex-captain scored almost half his team's runs to record his fourth highest score in Test cricket in a vintage display featuring 29 fours and a six.

The 31-year-old left-hander had come to the wicket before lunch on Friday and despite suffering a hamstring strain and being out of form, he managed to occupy the crease for six hours.

He added 46 to his overnight score of 136, including eight boundaries, before Australian off-spinner Colin Miller found an edge and Mark Waugh took a regulation catch at slip just before lunch.

West Indies had started the second day at 274 for 4 and looked to be heading towards a score of around 450 before Lara's dismissal triggered another predictable collapse and they lost their last five wickets for 37.

Thirty-six year-old Miller, a cricketing journeyman who has played just 15 tests and bowls a mixture of medium pace and off-spin, mopped up the tail to finish with 5-81, his second best figures in Test cricket.

He will head into the second innings on a hat-trick after dismissing the last two West Indians, Ridley Jacobs and Courtney Walsh, in successive balls.

Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie also bagged five wickets when he added nightwatchman Mervyn Dillon in the first over of the morning after collecting all four scalps the previous day.

But with the flat Adelaide Oval pitch living up to its reputation as a batsman's paradiise, neither he nor any of the other quick bowlers managed to claim another wicket all day.

Australia, whose innings victory in the second test in Perth gave them a world record 12th straight Test win, quickly set about erasing the deficit before a minor collapse halted their progress in the final half hour before stumps.

Openers Matthew Hayden and Michael Slater both scored half centuries to put on 156 for the opening wicket before falling in quick succession.

Scoreboard West Indies first innings (overnight 274-4) S.Campbell lbw b Gillespie 18 D.Ganga b Gillespie 23 W.Hinds c Ponting b Gillespie 27 B.Lara c Waugh b Miller 182 J.Adams c Gilchrist b Gillespie 49 M.Dillon c Waugh b Gillespie 9 M.Samuels lbw b Miller 35 R.Jacobs c Langer b Miller 21 N.McLean lbw b Miller 0 M.Black not out 1 C.Walsh lbw b Miller 0 Extras (b-8 nb-6 lb-12) 26 Total (128.5 overs) 391 Fall of wickets: 1-45 2-52 3-86 4-269 5-280 6-354 7-376 8-382 9-391 10-391 Bowling: McGrath 36-14-83-0 (nb-3), Gillespie 32-9-89-5 (nb-2), Miller 35.5-11-81-5 (nb-1), MacGill 24-5-118-0, Ponting 1-1-0-0. Australia first innings M.Slater c sub (Sarwan) b Samuels 83 M.Hayden run out 58 J.Langer c Lara b Samuels 6 M.Waugh not out 10 J.Gillespie not out 2 Extras (w-2 nb-8 lb-9 b-2) 21 Total (for three wickets, 49 overs) 180 Fall of wickets: 1-156 2-160 3-169 To bat: R.Ponting, D.Martyn, A.Gilchrist, S.MacGill, C.Miller, G.McGrath Bowling: Walsh 13-1-36-0 (nb-5), Black 10-1-39-0 (nb-3), Dillon 6-0-33-0 (w-2), McLean 7-0-23-0, Adams 2-0-13-0, Samuels 11-3-25-2

Sri Lanka in lacklustre win over Hong Kong

By Jatila Karawita

Hosts Sri Lanka's rugby skills was tested to the brim by a fighting Hong Kong XV, before the former prevailed over the latter, to score a unimpressive 15 points (one goal, one try, and a penalty) to 12

(one goal, one try) win, in the curtain raiser match of the Under 19 Asiad Rugby Football tournament in front of bare stands at the Sugathadasa Stadium yesterday.

At lemons Sri Lanka led 12-0.

Sri Lanka possessing the better outfit, managed to get the better of the opening exchanges, but relaxation on the part of the home side in the second half, saw Hong Kong staging a dramatic comeback, before being piped to the post.

The home team scored their first try in the 17th minute, when number eight Mario Oorloff, from a five metre short tap went through with the entire pack, to fall over for a superb pushover try, out-shoving the Hong Kong pack.

The try went unconverted by, place kicker and full back Tisal Jayawardene, as Sri Lanka led 5-0.

Three minutes later Oorloff, who had a wonderful game repeated his first try in similar fashion, to give the Lankans a much needed cushion, and the extra two points added by Jayawardene, they had the upperhand at the interval.

Following the turn around, Hong Kong decided to attack with their outsides, and the lackadaisical attitude of the Sri Lanka players, gave the initiative to their rivals.

Hong Kong right winger M. Fung, scored their first try in the game during the 16th minute of the second half, following a slick second phase three quarter move, but the try went unconverted as scores were narrowed to 12-5.

Sri Lanka was rattled at this stage, and their players were seen going for the man rather than the ball, which also resulted in skipper Jeevan Gunathileke being sent to the sin bin, by the Japanese referee.

In the 20th minute Tisal Jayawardene, arrowed a 20 metre penalty as Lanka went ahead by 15-5.

With minutes ticking by Sri Lankans, who indulged in rough house tactics saw a penalty try being given against them, in the 25th minute when one of their players, brought off a dangerous collar tackle on a Hong Kong player, which in the view of the referee deprived a certain try for Hong Kong.

The try was easily goaled by fly half M.Mosey, as the scores read 15-12.

Sri Lanka from then on hung gamely to gain this lack-lustre win, which judging by their showing yesterday, will need to produce something extra-ordinary, if they are to topple fancied South Korea today.

Korea vs Chinese Taipei

South Korea coming out for the first time, in the second game for the evening sounded a warning to their Cup championship rivals Japan, by dumping a weak Taiwan side by 64 points (seven goals, and three tries) to 3 (one penalty) win, in a one sided fixture at the same venue yesterday. (J.K)

Arabian Gulf win 34-15

Arabian Gulf consisting of mainly expatriate ruggerites from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and other Gulf countries, rucked and mauled well to defeat China 34-15 in the fourth match opf the Asian Rugby Asiad at the Sugathadasa Stadium under floodlights last night.

The winners led 15-0 at the breather. The Arabian ruggerites collected their points through three goals, two tries and a penalty while China's points were made up of a goal, a try and a penalty

Matale women bang in 10 goals vs Galle HA

By Bruce Maurice

Matale Hockey Association, took a step closer to retaining the title for yet another year when they beat Galle Hockey Association by 10 goals to nil in a women's national hockey championship match at the Astro Turf yesterday. Kandy had an easy win over Defence Services and Colombo Hockey Association had an easy win over Galle Hockey Association

Colombo H A beat Kandy H A 2-1. I. (Samarasinghe and T. Gunaratne scored for Colombo) while C. Abeywickrema netted in the solitary goal for Kandy.

Matale H.A. beat Galle H A. 10-0. (S. Athurupana 3, I. Ranatunga and H. Puvijjala (2)each and Apsara Gunaratne, D. Seneviratne and M. Aluvihara (1 each scored) for the winners.

Defence Services Drew with Colombo 2 all.

Kandy H A beat Defence Services 5-0. R. Weeraratne 2, S. Ranasinghe, I. Samarasinghe and C.Ratna-yaka score one goal each for the winners. Colombo H A beat Galle H A. 6-0. Anushka Abey-wickrema banged in a hat trick, while S. Liyanage, T. Gunaratne and T. Henegama scored a goal each.

Leave sportsmen alone - Kiriella

By Bernie Wijesekera

The Parliamentary debate last week on the promised reward of Rs. ten million to Susanthika Jayasinghe, turned out to be a bundle of contradictions. In the end it didn't help the Warakapola village girl, but a verbal mud-slinging debate," said the Minister of Tourism and Sports, Lakshman Kiriella to The Sunday Times. Susanthika did proud for the country to win a medal at the Olympics after 52 years, very much under stress. This is what Australian Prime Minister, John Howard had to say after Cathy Freeman won the 400M - reconciliation 'gold'. "Don't make it a politicalhi-jacking. She's great. We must encourage athletics at grassroots level. Not only to win medals, but also Australia to be a fitter nation." Kiriella who wound up the debate said " the opposition was trying to make capital, but was sadly mistaken. The nett result was that opposition MP R.A.D. Sirisena, clearly stated that the promise to this effect was not made by the former Minister of Sports S.B. Dissanayake, but that it was made by Sunil Gunawardena. "What right has Sunil got to make such a promise whist being a paid official of the Ministry (coaching) or have the authority to make a promise when big money was involved? This is why I have instructed the Director of Sports to make a preliminary inquiry, which will be followed by a two-member judicial panel to probe into its affairs of the AAA. I agree that all is not well with the AAA," Kiriella said. "After I took office as Sports Minister, Susanthika Jayasinghe along with some of her close friends, came to my office. I asked her whether it was made by a Minister or by the government? Her reply was 'no', but an official, of the AAA. This was confirmed by Mr. Sirisena. Kiriella, further said, "the government wants to reward her, in consultation with the President, at a ceremony shortly." When asked whether he agrees that politicians should refrain from mixing politics with sport, the Minister replied, "This is why I make a fervent plea to honourable members of either side to leave sportsmen and sportswomen alone. What the opposition has done at this debate has not helped Susanthika Jayasinghe along with other athletes, including Sugath Tillekeratne, presented me with a petition. I have taken necessary action. Gunawardena is an official of the AAA elected under the consititution last year. I have no right to dissolve the Council, without valid reasons. Further Gunawardena can't be the president whilst being a paid official (coach) of the Ministry. All's not well apparently with some sports bodies in Sri Lanka due to lack of professional skills and results in mismanagement. "As a result players at times interfere into its affairs and keep on demanding. Lot has to be done. But one must be tolerant and have patience to overcome it. "But I can't rock the boat all at once. It has to be done gently, properly sans legal snags. Otherwise it will end up in courts." Sportsmen must not be too greedy and keep on demanding. Material gain is not permanent happinesses. In its wake comes misery. Late Duncan White did not have the money to buy a pair of shoes. He worked his way up with sheer hard work. He was not afforded with duty free cars, unlike the present day sportsmen and women who are afforded with lucrative sponsorship packages, but still keep on demanding for millions. It's not the sportsmen, who should be blamed, but some officials, who are a bane to sports in Sri Lanka. The talking point be it at clubs or by the poor street vendors, how much the State or the affluent society is giving for the poor soldiers, who have sacrificed their lives for others to live in peace. Are we helping them with a loving heart? Some of their families live in abject poverty running from pillar to post. Seeing is believing. A trek to any of the services headquarters will give the true picture. How much of loving kindness do they get from our local Mother Theresas for them to live with dignity. Pensions are given to politicos after five years. There is no immediate relief for them, but suffering in silence. Where is that loving compassion, even in this month of festivities? The poor soldiers died for others to live. Letter to Sports Editor

Police power at U-19 rughy selections?

As a keen rugby enthusiast for well over two decades, I have been appalled to note the selection of Sri Lankan team that has been selected to take part in the said tournament. What is most intriguing is that no less than four sons of Senior Police Officers make the composition of the team. With no malice intended to the four young boys concerned I should like to pose the query to the selectors if those boys had been selected purely on the strength of their playing ability or due to sheer weight of influence that their fathers wield. One of them, a 16-year-old is yet to play for his school's senior side. The worse is that he has been selected overlooking a far more experienced player who had played not only at under-19 level for three consecutive years for his school, he had done the Junior Sri Lanka Jersey, and if my information is correct he is billed to captain his school in the next season. Another favoured son of a Police officer has been selected to play the dual role of halfback/fullback. A strange combination of places for a player to perform. The selectors need clarifying these selections for the sake of justice and fair play . I trust that the new Minister of Sports wouold review this "Policing" of rugby selections which has left more than a few disappointed young players and their familes as the deserving have failed to win recognition. Yours faithfully, Frank Dissanayake

Winning away at cricket is a tremendous achievement

Winning a Test series away from home is a tremendous achievement for any nation these days. Zimbabwe - may not be the ultimate satisfaction and new entrants Bangladesh produces even less satisfaction - but to do it anywhere else requires a great effort.

It's all happening around the cricketing world with two tours in progress and three just concluded. The absence of Cable TV in the country makes it hard to keep abreast of what is going on. What a pity we missed seeing Glen McGrath's hat-trick, Zimbabwe's pulsating One Day win over India and England's mighty effort in toppling Pakistan in the third and final Test at Karachi.

That it was England's first series win on Pakistan soil after 38 years underlines the difficuty in winning away. This year the Englishmen have slowly clawed their way up to be a team to reckon with. They are playing consistently better these days, troubling the opposition regularly. A quality they lacked in the past decade.

One reason for that is the willingness of the selectors and management to have confidence in a main core of players and build the rest around them. It is the Aussies who have really mastered this method. They had a slump in thier game on the retirement of Greg Chappell, Denis Lillee, Rod Marsh and a few others within a short period of time. Since Alan Border rounded up Geoff Marsh, David Boon, Dean Jones, Craig McDermott, Ian Healey, Merv Hughes, Peter Taylor as his initial core, the rest were introduced and nurtured carefully to always maintain the correct balance.

They also implemented separate selections for the One Dayers and Test Matches. It did not take off the ground on introduction but has now worked well with players being aware of their responsibilities. It has meant that some players get branded for being specialists in one form of the game. The way out for them is to go back and perform well in the domestic championships. Here too it works well for the Aussies as their state tournament is highly competitive and is the best organized in the world.

They went a step further by using their quick bowlers sparingly. Giving them rest when needed and attending to injuries instantly has kept them in good condition and extended their playing life span. Once again the top class domestic competition produces a good many bowlers ready to take wing at the highest level, no sooner they are beckoned.

Back to England who will be seen in action in Sri Lanka in a couple of months time. Undoubtedly a majority of those who toured Pakistan will be in this squad too. Nasser Hussain has done admirably well since he took over as captain. After the Karachi Test, former captain and all rounder Ian Botham stated, "England's progress under Hussain's captaincy in the last twelve months has been spectacular. I'm proud of the standards he has set as figurehead of English Cricket". Indeed worthy praise.

England's top six batsmen are now a powerful blend. There are tons of experience in the combination of Atherton, Stewart, Thorpe, Hick and Hussain, with Thorpe being left handed an added variation. With the inclusion of the aggressive Threscothick who has had some good performances under his belt, the batting line up is now strong.

Gough, Caddick and White handled the pace attack in their triumphant victory. Gough and Caddick have stood the test of time and compliment each other well. Both are great triers and ideal workhorses for the hot humid conditions of the sub-continent. Giles the orthodox left arm spinner completed a good tour and should now be looking forward to visiting Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lankans have just kicked off their tour of South Africa. This tour should be the core forming tour for them. Jayasuriya, Atapattu, Jayawardena, Muralitharan, Vaas, Zoysa, Arnold, Kaluwitharana should fall into that category. Should they be performing to the best of their ability over the next couple of years then the others can build around them.

Sri Lanka had successfull tours of Zimbabwe and Pakistan - their last two major outings. South Africa will be a very tough assignment. Should they succeed this time it will be a tremendous achievement.

Troubled time for Lara

By Aubrey Kuruppu

The wheel has indeed come full circle. The West Indians, so utterly and arrogantly dominant under Lloyd (and to a lesser extent during Richards' tenure), have been brought down to earth with a loud thump. In recent times, they have been annihilated by the South Africans (5-0 in Tests, 6-1 in ODIs) and in New Zealand (2-0 in Tests, 5-0 in ODIs).

At the time of writing they are 0-2 down against the rampaging Aussies and nothing Adams' men have done so far instils confidence, that it will not be another "white or black wash". In mitigation, it could be pleaded that the West Indian record at home is marginally better than that abroad.

By and large, the West Indian problems seems to stem from the absence of strong and committed leadership. Brian Lara had class and cricketing credentials in abundance to fit the bill. Yet the infuriating complexity and unpredictability of his character has obviously worked against his achievement of success.

Back in 1994 when he made that stupendous 375 against England at Antigua and followed it a couple of months later wih a mammoth unbeaten 501 for Warwickshire against Durham, Lara had the world at his feet. But what do you make of a man who shortly after reneges and pulls out of a three-year contract claiming that he was unable to give the "necessary commitment". The next year, he announces his retirement in the middle of a tour of England and abandons ship. Subsquently lured back to England, he then pulled out of a tour of Australia after being fined ten per cent of his match fee.

The nadir of indiscipline came in 1998 and it concerned the infamous pay dispute between Lara, Hooper and the seniors and their Board. Pat Rousseau, the President, along with his secretary, were imperiously summoned by the captain to their hotel hide-out in London and what is more, the former answered the summons.

Horror of horrors and indignity of indignities! The sacked skipper and his equally firm comrade-in-arms, Hooper, were reinstated and the all - important tour went ahead, albeit with devastatingly embarrassing results.

It should be evident from the above, that the West Indian Board has stood by their erratic, troubled player cum skipper through the leanest of times. Sadly that trust and loyalty has not been repaid in full measure. The Board could be faulted for being soft on discipline. To be sure they must have been on the horns of a dilemma. Do they take a tough line on the indiscretions of their most brilliant player and risk losing him, or do they overlook his petty foibles and run the risk of affecting team morale and performance in the long run?

Lara's at times prima donnaish attitude possibly arises from his belief that he is not primus inter pares (first among equals) but the "only cock in the yard' (to borrow a quote from Henrik Ibsen). He has had his way most times, and conducted himself as though the normal rules of conduct do not apply to him.

The ancient Greeks had a word for it - hubris which means excessive pride, arrogance. It could be the basis of some of his actions - joining tour parties late, opting out of tours, taking sabbaticals when he feels like and flying home in the middle of a season to conduct private business.

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