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At the Otters open squash championships worked off last week at the club indoor courts Guruge cousin sisters won all age group categories in the girls' events under 11 to U-19 creating a major sensation in squash.
Guruge sisters could have added the women's open championship trophy too had 14 year old Tehani who celebrated her birthday the day before the finals had beaten her finals opponent Disna Ranjani of Sri Lanka Army.
In the final Disna Ranjani trounced Tehani 9/3, 9/5, 9/4 in an anticlimax even though an epic struggle was expected between much experienced Disna and the Musaeus College hope and also the most improved player in women's squash in Sri Lanka pretty Tehani.
Tehani commenting on her "Surprise" defeat in the women's finals said she had absolutely no regret losing to the more experienced "Disna Akka" who has always been a constant source of encouragement and helpful advice during SAF games pool practices.
Tehani refused to take anything away from Disna's creditable victory as Disna played a much better controlled game at the finals.
It was also apparent that Tehani's surprise lack of mobility was also a contributory factor in her loss.
Tehani had created a major upset in the semi finals edging out more fancied Sri Lanka No 1 player and SAF games team-mate Kushani Daluwatta 3/9, 9/4 ,9/5, 4/9, 9/4 in a gruelling five setter which offered champagne squash to the squash enthusiasts.
Girls Under 11: 9 year old shaarya Guruge of Holy family convent, Bambalapitiya who started squash early this year won the U-11 title beating Dulari Senaratne of Vishaka in straight sets 9/5,9/3,9/2.
Girls U-13 & U-15: 12 year old Nirasha Guruge of HFC bagged U-13 and U-15 titles playing intelligent squash. In the U-13 event Nirasha beat Dinushi Gamage of Musaeus 9/1,9/2,9/2. In the U-15 event Nirasha beat Vidushi Gurunada of Musaeus College 9/5,9/3,9/2. Knowledgeable squash circles believe Nirasha has the potential to develop into a competent player capable of testing the best in Asia in her age group given the necessary exposure.
Girls U-17: 15 year old Nihara Guruge of HFC made short work of Lakmini Dissanayake of Musaeus without any hassle and also achieved runner-up position in the U-19 event losing to irrepressible Tehani.
Girls U-19: 14 year old Tehani of Musaeus won the title.
October to March are the peak months of cricket activity in most parts of the cricketing globe. By the end of this six months the teams competing in the world cup a year hence should have ninety percent of their teams organised for that prized event.
When stunning changes were executed by Chairman, Sidath Wettimuny and his co-selectors after the dismal showing at the last World Cup in 1999, many viewed the actions in shock, disbelief, doubt and a sense of emptiness. No Ranatunga, Aravinda de Silva, Mahanama and Tilakaratna in a one day outfit was difficult to accept. De Silva made a few appearances but did not last long. So a new journey had begun - preparation for South Africa, 2003.
Sanath Jayasuriya was stored into the deep end. It was a case of sink or swim. He has received every support from the Selectors, Manager, Coach and Players. Although they may not agree at all times and obviously have many different views and opinions, the boat has not been rocked. The objective to produce a winning combination.
Jayasuriya has progressed on all fronts. From his own batting approach, to leadership on the field, to handling interviews. In his own style he is slowly but steadily winning the day.
His influence has been immense in the recent one day outings. They have been on familiar surroundings. Yet to perform consistently is a considerable achievement. Sharjah and Sri Lanka have been whipping fields for Jayasuriya's team. India, Zimbabwe, Pakistan, England and New Zealand have all been swept aside. But then in between South Africa was a disaster and that is the very country where they will have to battle for one day supremacy.
An immediate fix is required to find the opening associate for the captain. Avishka Gunawardena, Romesh Kaluwitharana and Marvan Atapattu are the candidates. Atapattu is the ideal candidate for the number three slot. With his excellent technique and temperament he should be kept in the pivotal position. That leaves the experienced Kaluwitharana and the flamboyant Gunawardena to vie for this position. Gunawardena has been putting in a big effort this year. He has got more consistent in his run getting and has also, improved in his fielding. He is my choice. Give him a fair go and the opportunity to establish himself.
Kaluwitharana needs to perform every time he gets the opportunity. As one of the older players in the squad his head is close to the chopping block. Should he be able to contribute at number six or seven and do a good job behind the stumps then he will still have a lot to contribute for a few more years.
Kumar Dharmasena also finds himself in the same situation. Although not in the squad, Tilan Samaraweera who performs consistently with bat and ball whenever he gets the opportunity, is breathing heavily down Dharmasena's neck. But then, South Africa may well require an additional quick bowler.
The recent emergence of Dilhara Fernando has been a true blessing for Sri Lankan cricket. Suresh Perera displayed form more as a batting allrounder against India and New Zealand. It is hoped that the question mark on his bowling action can be withdrawn soon. Ruchira Perera is another quick bowler waiting in the wings. Mentally he needs to get focussed on to the correct direction to progress in the game and establish himself.
Now, two other youngsters are in Sharjah - Prabath Nissanka and Charitha Buddika. Nissanka is as quick as Dilhara Fernando and Buddika has been included for his allround ability. Big Nuwan Zoysa is currently out of the news. Injury has been his plague. There is yet time for him to recover. Vaas, Zoysa and Fernando, with support from the others is surely as good as any.
Muttiah Muralitharan, Russel Arnold and Mahela Jayawardena can get still better in the sixteen months ahead. The core is available to select a potent team to battle the world.
By Bernie Wijesekera
CR&FC, the traditional rugby club was down in the dumps early part of this season. But a dedicated band of rugby loving members of yesteryear joined forces and performed a rescue act. In turn the players rallied well with a scarlet red performance to win the prestigious President's Trophy defeating Police SC in the final, said former President of the Rugby Union Dr. Maiya Gunasekera, in an interview with The Sunday Times.
The club must be grateful for their concerted effort - namely Ajit Abeyratne, brothers Chula and Vipula Dharmadasa, Rohantha Peiris, Vasantha Ratnayake and Rienze Fernando. They made a great sacrifice with men and material for the love of the club which made them in what they are today.
Dr. Gunasekera, a diehard member of the club, after his University days, played for the Red Shirts until he called it a day. Proud to mention the above members stood by the club at all times. These loyalties will never change for material gains.
In 1974, the 4th Asiad was held here. Myself and Didacus De Almeida represented Sri Lanka as second-rower and Centre-three quarter. Came on a push bike to Longden Place, parked the bikes against the CR kitchen, went up to the dressing room, changed ourselves, played against Singapore and Malaysia, returned home on the same bike. But sad to mention today's players are even demanding cars to turn up for practice. This attitude has not helped improve the game or themselves. These short-term privileges are bound to fall on the wayside.
The second-half was played in semi-darkness. But the Red Shirts, still provided the sparks and fire to manacle the Cops, who were in control in the initial half. The Blue Shirts could have crossed the line twice in this half, but bungled when on the move.
CR gaining momentum, with the kick-off after the turn around kept on pressing. The pack led by indefatigable, Savantha de Saram gave a harrowing time to the Police defence with their power-play. The Chairman of Police rugby, DIG Daya Jayasundara, commended the CR forwards capably led by Savantha. He is undoubtedly the best No. 8 in the game today. He plays clean and hard and an example for the youngsters to emulate. Savantha has been an innovator on the field for his teammates.
Dr. Gunasekara said, the De Saram brothers Charya and Savantha are two intelligent players in the third-row. Savantha has proved himself to be a clever person, by qualifying as a Barrister from England, while Charya is an Accountant. Haren Gabriel, too belongs to this category. Former Army 'lock', Roshan Perera, H.U. Jayasinghe, Shamly Nawaz and Hewawasam form a formidable 'eight'. Lasitha Gunaratne could serve the team if required is on the bench.
The Police dominated the long throws through Upul Peiris and Leelaratne, but the CR forwards played better in the loose. Dr. Gunasekara rated Savantha as the best No. 8 in the game since Priyantha Ekanayake. In the last line utility player Asanga Rodrigo was a bundle of energy and an asset to any team. CR after a lukewarm start, did well to sign-off the year 2001 season by winning the prestigious President's Trophy watched by a big crowd. They in the end beat all the clubs - including the league champions Kandy at Nittawela.
There are two young prospects in the side, centre Haren Kaluarachchi and Roshan Peiris. Peiris pairs off well with Champika Nishantha, but must improve his spot kicks which is woefully inadequate. Sanath Martis as assistant to Abeyratne worked hard with his charges.
For the first time the trophy was awarded twice. The chief guest Minister Mangala Samaraweera failed to turn up on time. After a long wait former President of the Rugby Union, Gamini Fernando gave away the trophy to CR captain, Kishan Musafer. Minister Samaraweera made a delayed arrival apparently due to an official commitment. Subsequently Musafer was recalled from the dressing room to receive the trophy again from Mr. Samaraweera.
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