• The question of selection
• The pride of the season
• Galle-Griffins B Div.final
• Eight airlines sponsor golf tournament
• Galle jail should not be shifted
• St. Peter's Under 15 Cricket Champions
• Le Kandyan on top
• Rover pinpoints.......
• Kandy prove their superiority
• Hameediya Challenge Cup, Pakeesha Trophy
• More muscle for 7s squad
• Mercantile down Colombo 4-0 
• Hatton National Bank trounce Mackwoods
• B'desh swim bravely before sinking
• Moors SC amass massive 352
• Murali proud and delighted 
• A concept to nurture hidden talent

The question of selection

After the second test against the Indians in Kandy it was anticipated that the national selectors would inflict a couple of changes. A majority of cricket followers expected Hashan Tillekaratne and Suresh Perera to get the chop. That was fifty percent correct with the off spinning all-rounder Tilan Samaraweera getting his debut cap in place of Suresh Perera.

Hashan Tillekaratne got the nod after three poor scores. It was obviously his experience that kept him alive. His likely replacement Michael Van Dort would have come in for his first appearance in international cricket. Perhaps a fiery baptism for a young debutant. It strengthened the case for Tillekaratne to get one final opportunity.

Ruchira Perera found himself sidelined after having chipped in with a few wickets in the earlier two matches. It is understood that Perera's commitment is in question. He was omitted from the squad for the test match. 

This gave Dulip Liyanage another life having been in the wilderness of international cricket through injury and poor form. On the first day he was not upto it. He could not piece it together and with Dilhara Fernando also pitching too short the Sri Lankans were not able to extract the assistances that could have been got off the surface in the first session.

Now, selectors get criticized for one or two mistakes in selection. That of course is the job of those men not to pick nine of the best but eleven of the best. Although it is not often publicized the captain and coach also have their say in the matter. Often the captain carries the view of his senior players too. This means there are many heads that should share the responsibility.

The crunch decisions regularly tilts towards the captain's choice, although the Chairman of selectors and his colleagues have to accept the bouquets and brickbats. There is every possibility that the inclusion of Dulip Liyanage in this test match in progress was Jayasuriya's choice.

At present the Australian selectors have got it spot on with the choices they make. They were the first to recognize the need for separating some of the players for one dayers and others for test matches. They believed and put into practice their theory to the extent they asked their then captain Mark Taylor to stand down from the one day team.

The job of the selectors becomes easy should they have the right players, good players to select from. The Aussies have that in abundance. They also have the players who fit into both forms of the game. It does happen that a number of players these days find it easier to get into the one day side and work their way up into the test team. After all test cricket is the ultimate and real test of any player's ability.

There are some players in the Sri Lanka squad who at this juncture be separated into the two categories. Players like Suresh Perera, Avishka Gunawardena, Romesh Kaluwitharana, Kumar Dharmasena, Kaushalya Weeraratne, should be made use of in the shorter version of the game. Younger players Perera, Gunawardena and Weeraratne will have to work harder and tighten their game and temperament in order to take the step upto the longer game.

Tillekaratne, Ruchira Perera, Nuwan Zoysa (when fit), Van Dort are players who could be asked to concentrate on the long game.

However, whatever those who select try, their's a thankless job and in a non-physical way as tough as that of the players.

The pride of the season

By Bernie Wijesekera

The soldiers did well to defeat all the elite clubs, including the ultimate champs Kandy S.C., to emerge runners-up. They suffered setbacks in the first leg to Kandy at Nittawela, to the Police at the 'Park' and drew with CR and FC - 15 all. Had they beaten the Police they could have come on top. Watch them in the Clifford Cup K.O. in Kandy and the President's trophy later this month.

The platform for this rugby revival was started in 1999, initiated by the then chairman rugby Brig. Jupana Jayawardena. With a dedicated Jupana doing much of the spadework. 

His secretary Maj. Chandana Marasinghe Sunil Ranasinghe PTI. P.G. Gunawardena, Dhamika Gunasekera, well supported by the hierarchy got their act together. It was a concerted team effort. The soldiers were afforded with a sponsorship package coming from the chairman of Rajasingham Industry M.W. Rajasingham - a live-wire of Colts C.C.

The rural youth who have taken to the scrum after joining the Army learnt the fundamentals. They were afforded with a qualified rugby coach from Sydney, Australia, Ken Farrington. Ken, taught them the skills. They had the determination, mental toughness and abundant stamina to make the grade.

Some of them did well to gain selections to the national squad as granite hard forwards. 

They never played social rugby, but indulged in the sport with a purpose for the uplift of Army and Sri Lanka rugby, speaks well for their commitment.

But sad to mention said a senior official to The Sunday Times. When it came for picking teams for tours abroad they were ignored. But when teams from abroad came here, the soldiers were called upon to lock horns against the hardy and strong opponents.

But the players, who were fit to go on tour came up with injury problems and watched the game. Apparently for them going on tours abroad was more a holiday then playing rugby, he added.

Former CR and FC player, Asanga Seneviratne, has taken ever the coaching.

The young coach continuing the good work of his predecessor is a bundle of energy - still look fit to play. Asanga said my task is made easier as the boys are prepared to learn and a disciplined lot. 

They have displayed heart-throbbing rugby to the avid fans, and has drawn big crowds. Incidentally Asanga, has been appointed junior national coach - a laudable move by the SLRFU.

Brig. Krishnaratna, who took over the mantle as chairman rugby from Brig. Jayawardena (rtd.) thanked his predecessor, who pioneered this rugby revival. J.P.A. a former Sri Lankan scrumhalf, has spent much of his leisure time with the players. Even at present though he has retired is helping the players.

Army rugby is something today thanks to evergreen Brig. Ramanayake who nursed and nurtured many Army players in the past, to reach the top. He has played a dynamic role for Sri Lanka rugby. Despite years rolling by, he still continues to watch whenever Army scrum down.

Maj. Gen Lohan Gunawardena, Lt. Col. Ratnayake, Maj. Mohan Ratnayake (sec.), Brig, Sunil Silva, Ltd, Col. Ajith Kariakarawana Maj. Suresh Sallay at present are on the ball with the encouragement given by Commander Lionel Balagalle, for Army rugby to be in full bloom.

T.A. Jayatilleke leads the team. Fullback A.P. Silva is a tower of strenght. His spot kicks over the crossbar have been a decisive factor. N. Jayasuriya, H. Karunaratne, N. Jayasuriya, S. Fernando, centres Vijitha, Tikiri Banda, fly-half dusky Ajith Peiris, Shiran Ganegoda, Dharmapala, Naufer Rahim, Anjula Weerakody and many others in the squad had played their hearts out for the team's success. 

Today they are not only playing running rugby, but have mastered the laws of the game, too.

It's sad to mention at present club rugby is ailing barring Kandy, who are playing consistently well. It's a great setback to the sport.

Galle-Griffins B Div.final

Caltex power will add much for this game for the first time staged in Galle. It's a fairytale beginning for the Ruhuna Club for the first time thanks to the support rendered by Hemaka Amerasuriya, Chairman Singer Sri Lanka and Udeka Tennakoon a senior executive of Fedex in 1993.

Since then it was no looking back. Of course Kumar Abeywardena was in the driving seat helping them in a big way to keep its activities alive.

In fact quite a number of schools for the first time took to the sport at grassroots level. At present there are nine clubs formed in Ruhuna speaks well for the future of the sport - including Hambantota.

According to Leroy Fonseka and official of GR an outstanding scrumhalf, who played 'A' div. club rugby for CR and FC. This final will be hosted by Galle RC and has left no stone unturned - to be remembered. The Rugby Union is giving all support. The winners will be rewarded with Rs. 25,000/-. The team is being trained by Tony Amit and they were confident of giving their best whatever the final outcome.

The entire team with players drawn from the district and no outsiders. Most of them are schoolboys. Police too will be fielding a strong outfit, but the Galle FC will match them with their rugby skills to make it a grand finale.

Hoodvian Group is sponsoring the club through their director Ramai assisted by Malik Samarawickrema. The players are given all the facilities. Next year Galle R.C. will be playing 'A' div. rugby.

The team is being led by Prasad Wijeratne, a tough forward.

For record they beat CR 'Bees' 10-6, Police Griffins 6-5, Col. University 99-7, Havelocks 'Bambaras' 18-13. In the semis beat the "Bambaras' 35-15 to enter the finals. The Cup championship final will kick off at 5 p.m. refereed by Dilroy Fernando. 

The plate final will be between two Services teams - Navy Dreadnoughts, who are staging a come back against Military Academy Diyatalawa at 3 p.m. Navy were the Plate winners in the 'A' league, while the Army did well to be runner-up to Kandy in the Cup. 

The Military Academy came on top in the Up-Country 'B' div. league defeating some leading club teams like Dimbula and Dickoya. This match should end in a keen contest with both teams fielding fitter and strong set of forwards. (B.W.)

Eight airlines sponsor golf tournament

The "oneworld Alliance Stableford Golf Tournament 2001" tournament is to be held on Saturday September 29. Valuable prizes including Business Class air tickets are on offer in this tournament with the Overall Winner being awarded the oneworld Alliance Challenge Trophy.

The oneworld alliance which offers travellers eight airlines with one extensive global network now has the perfect solution for business travellers who need to visit several continents on one trip. It is also an excellent solution for a "once-in-a-lifetime" holiday - a perfect way in which travellers might explore the four corners of the earth with the eight oneworld airlines.

The historical Royal Colombo Golf Club, founded in 1879, is the third oldest such facility in the world. This 18 hole golf course is set on 96 acres of rolling greens in the heart of the city of Colombo, and offers a quiet atmosphere ideal for an excellent round of golf.

Galle jail should not be shifted

Mr. Jayatilleke rightly observes that Galle is in dire need of a football stadium, but the jail of Galle should not be shifted, least of all turned into a stadium.

This prison was built at a time when the Fort was the town and Kaluwella a suburb. A football stadium built just beneath the Roman Catholic Cathedral will surely disrupt the religious services of that venerable institution. As it is, when loudspeakers in the Town Hall often interfere with religious services, the Parish Priest has to go in person and appeal to the organizers to reduce the volume of the speakers.

Imagine a crowd of thousands cheering just below the church when a service is going on. Moreover, the jail should remain, I feel, in the heart of the town to serve as a grim reminder in these days of escalating lawlessness; that criminals could still not evade the law.

The attempt to take over the B.T.S. grounds at Dadalla to convert them into a football ground should be abandoned. It is ludicrous, crowds cheering at a football match on one side and mourners weeping over their dead right across the road at the cemetery at the same time.

There is plenty of land available for a splendid football field and even for a athletics centre or swimming pool. If any official capable of putting a plan into operation will see me by appointment, I will show him the place I have in mind. The town could spread out, congestion could be relieved and employment found for many.

To make a correction or two in Mr. Jayatilleke's letter, I was never a footballer though soccer was the best game I enjoyed. Mr. Jayatilleke must have been referring to my elder brother Clarence who was an astute footballer in his day or to my younger brother Ben who was the All-Ceylon goal-keeper after he left school. Also, Fr. Morelli who did so much for football at St. Aloysius' College, never took off his cassock on the field. It was another young Jesuit Lay Brother, Andrew, who used to tuck up his cassock and joined the students at football practices.

If so much has been done for cricket in Galle, it's lovely town having been places in prominence in the international cricketing world, should we not add to this glory by creating a football stadium? Surely it will be, like our wonderful cricket stadium, something for the town, country to be proud of while at the same time fulfilling a dire need of Galle. 

– Anton B. Ferreira

St. Peter's Under 15 Cricket Champions

By M.Shamil Amit

For the past six years, since 1994 except for the year 2000, the trophy had been the proud possession of the Peterites. In the year 2000, the junior Peterites were penalised in the semi-final match against the opponents they defeated this year.

This year the Peterites were to take revenge for the loss they suffered last year and they did it in style. The Anandians were no match for the Peterites being outplayed in all departments. When the Peterites were able to muster only 219 for 9 in 50 overs with Lahiru Peiris (37), skipper Prajeev Jansz (35), Hans Fernando (35) and Buddhi Liyanage (35) making good contributions. All thought it was not a total they could defend, but defend they did. The Anandians were clueless against some magnificient bowling by spinner Dilanka Peiris, who had figures of 4 for 26 and was well supported by Hans Fernando.

The champion side was led by Prajeev Jansz and was ably supported by Dasun Randika. In becoming champs the Peterites won four of their first round games against Nalanda, Kalutara Vidyalaya, Zahira Colombo and Sri Sumangala Panadura with two no decision against St Joseph's and Prince of Wales. In the pre-quarter game they beat Holy Cross Kalutara, in the quarter final they beat Rahula College Matara and in the semi-final had an easy win over St. Anne's Kurunegala.

The foundation for the Peterites success in junior cricket goes to none other than their coach L.H.Sunil who is one of the best junior coaches in the island. Since 1994, the year he took over the juniors, the Peterites have reached the Under 15 finals on seven occasions and have won the coveted trophy five times. A great achievement indeed. Sunil is assisted by Udaya Perera who is also turning out to be a fine junior coach. They have also won the Under 13 All Island championship for the last three years. Further in the Bata Observer Cricket contest St. Peter's were adjudged the Best Team for the year 2001. 

Also the contribution put in by that energetic Master-in- Charge Janaka de Silva and Rev. Fr. Sunil Ranjith Perera, the sports co-ordinater, though new to St. Peter's is there to give the boys all the support, be it junior or senior. He has proved his capabilities in firmly establishing himself in helping the college win the Under 19 and Under 15 trophies.The rudder of the Peterites is in the hands of the Rector/Principal of St Peter's Rev. Fr. Felician Ranjith Perera. His head held high above the rest yet firmly grounded, has guided St. Peter's to climb many heights.

Le Kandyan on top

This fellowship match between two leading hotels in Kandy was started from last year fittingly ended in no-decision and shared the trophy. According to Manager Le Kandyan and Resorts, Samantha Gunaratne more than cricket it generated enthusiasm among the rank and file. 

This year's tournament had an added attraction with Sri Lanka's popular cheerman Percy Abeysekera was there to cheer the participants waving the Lankan flag. 

Mr. Roshan Perera, General Manager Tilanka in Hotel was the chief guest and gave away the awards. Le Kandyan 150 for 9 and 144 for 9 Tilanka in reply made 142 for 9 in their allotted overs. Set to make 149 for victory were bowled out for 67. Award winners: Best Batsman - Ajantha Sisira Kumara (Tilanka), Best bowler - B. Dilshan (Le Kandyan). – (B.W) 

Rover pinpoints.......

Waste of funds

Who is the No 1?

Is it true?

Kandy prove their superiority

It was a combination of experience and youth that helped them to win convincingly. Seniors in the calibre of Asoka Jayasena Weerakody, Indrajit Bandaranayake, Haris Omar, Sajith Mallikarachchi, P. Basnayake, setting an example for the youngsters to emulate. In the process KSC with an eye for the future introduced a lot of promising players to the big league this year. They came off well. Jeeva Galaboda, Kuthdoos, S. Hettiarachchi, Niranjan Ranasinghe, Sean Wijesinghe, Selvam, C. Withanage and Veediya Bandara. However the player of the season must undoubtedly be Radhika Hettiarachchi, who is playing brilliant rugby at this juncture the cog-in-the-wheel.

Kandy this season was fortunate in having C.P.P. Abeygunawardena the former Royal and CR and FC as their coach. C.P. is a good reader of the game has done a king-sized job for the Hill Capital Club. In his first year with KSC he has helped them to win the 'plum'. It's time the rugby hierarchy recognised his achievements and make use of his experience for the future development of the sport. – (BW)

Hameediya Challenge Cup, Pakeesha Trophy

Sunrise entered the finals of the Division I, when they defeated the formidable Y.M.S.C. by 4 goals to nil.

In the other semi finals Zavia S.C. had the better of United S.C. in a tie breaker.

Thus Sunrise is favourite to win the senior trophy.

In the Division II finals Golden Rise and Sunrise have an equal chance to win.

More muscle for 7s squad

Last year the Lankans did well to come to the semis in the Cup and lost to Chinese Taipei, whom they held to a 15-all draw in their group. 

For this year's contest the Lankans squad had received much 'muscle' via an a sponsorship package of Rs. 250,000 through ionespherean internet working business company. 

This was revealed at a media briefing by its CEO Anura K.T. de Silva.

The briefing was chaired by SLRFU President Harsha Mayadunne at the World Trade Centre on Friday (Sept.7). He said that rugby was a popular sport not only in Sri Lanka, but also worldwide. 

This was only a start and his firm hopes to continue with a long-term package for its further development. With the hard work done by the Union's committee, coach Nimal Lewke and manager Chaminda Rupasinghe with a strenuous training programme, he was confident that they will give of their best, he added.

- BW

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