More commitment in 7s rugby-Asanga
By Bernie Wijesekera
After Sri lanka's 'sevens' team's performance in Dubai, it has made a tremendous
impact in the international scene, said coach Asanga Seneviratne in an
interview with The Sunday Times.
The tour of Dubai was followed by the Thai Int. 7s. It was no looking
back since then. Though playing in a strong group the Lankans did well
to beat Belgium 36-0 in round one. In the second round did well to beat
China 26-12. It was quite creditable as we lost to China in the H.K. 7s
26-0.
Sri Lanka had to confront Wales again in a Group match, after our close
contest against them in Dubai. The Lankans gave nothing away, to lose 31-21,
speaks well for the team's commitment. Lost to Germany by a similar margin.
They had three French players. Did well to enter the Bowl semis after the
win over China.
The Lankans did well to score 126 points and conceding 101 to their
opponents."
Any reasons for the recent performances in 7s rugby? "Strength training,
nutrition, fitness and commitment. They train, twice a day. Much attention
is being paid to the needs of the players, plus motivation. It must be
mentioned that the Rugby Union, is giving me all support and a free hand
to handle the charges. Already the squad has started training after a short
break for the festive season, it will commence again from the first week
of Jan. 2002 Asanga added.
Jason Withford the Aussie physical and strength trainer, with his scientific
training was a tower of strength to the boys on tour. He is expected here
in mid January and will continue his good work until the H.K. 7s, modern
methods of training is vital for this exciting sport today. Sri Lanka is
no longer a pushover side in 7s rugby.
Any outstanding players on tour? It was a tremendous team effort no
doubt. But Nalaka Weerakody was the pick of the lot. He scored four tries.
S.Thomas', Sangamitta champs
St. Thomas' College with an aggregate of 146 points and Sangamitta BMV
with 142 points emerged boys' and girls' overall champions respectively
at the District Sportsmeet organised and conducted by the Matale District
Amateur Athletic Association at the Bernard Aluvihare Stadium recently.
Christ Church College Matale finished runners-up of the overall boys'
events with 36 points and overall girls' events with 48 points.
Lanka's correct steps
By Bernie Wijesekera
After the 1999 setbacks in defence of the World Cup won in 1996, Sri Lanka
Cricket Board has taken corrective steps in its infrastructure. As a result
they are doing well in the international scene, said the Manager of the
West Indies team, Ricky Skeritt, in an interview with The Sunday Times.
West Indies need at least one and a half years to close the gap, he said.
"Junior cricket here - the nursery - especially school cricket which
I've not seen much but seems to be on the correct track - harnessing talented
players for the future. But in the Caribbean, it has gone down badly."
"But we are striving to start it at the grassroots level to improve
the game and bring back to its glorious past.
"Already positive steps have been taken and it has borne fruit. The
West Indies won the Under-16 World Cup final, last year defeating Pakistan.
Also did well to beat England in an Under-19 Test series this year.
There are a number of future young prospects. One of them is Devon Smith,
a left-handed opener. Jermaine Lawsen, a right arm fast medium bowler and
Rayan Hinds, a left-handed batsman, brother of Wavell Hinds. Both came
to Sri Lanka with the U-19 World Cup team. The Windies will be a force
to be reckoned within the next U-19 World Cup to be staged in New Zealand."
"We are in the process of team building and planning not only for a
better future, but also for its continuity," Ricky added.
This is what the present management of the Windies Board is doing.
Cricket can't afford - Anura
The game in the Caribbean has to be revived from the present parlous
state. Otherwise cricket is the loser. The crowds will lose interest. It's
not quantity, but need quality players to uplift the game. I've played
against them and enjoyed to the fullest on and off the field. Incidentally
Anura led the first Sri Lanka team for the inaugural World Cup in 1975
and in 1979.
Both finals were played at the Lords. The Windies playing heart-throbbing
cricket defeating Australia and England. Efforts are being made by the
Windies Board for its revival and for the betterment of the game in the
Caribbean.
The present one day series seems to be a one-sided affair for Sri Lanka
between West Indies and Zimbabwe. But anything can happen. Cricket is a
game of glorious uncertainties. Even the local fans have lost interest
despite Lara's exploits.
Chandima wins international silver medal
Chandima Sugathapala, Managing Director of Explora Group of Campanies won
a silver medal (Man vs Man) at the International Indonesian Level III Match,
Bali, December 8th-9th 2001.
Further he was placed first on the stage tour 6.10 seconds with Hit
Factor of 6.2295. The other countries which contested in this International
shooting competition were: America, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia,
Malaysia, Japan and Thailand.
Chandima was awarded the designation of Chief Range Officer by the International
Practical Shooting Confederation Region of Indonesia along with the participants
Jayantha Wijerathna and Suren Samarasinghe.
Victory for Moors over Antonians
By M.Shamil Amit
Moors SC registered an outright win over the Antonians in the Premier League
cricket match played at Braybrooke Place. While in two other games of the
same tournament being played at Katunayake and Kurunegala. Ragama CC and
Kurunegala YCC have obtained first inning wins over Air Force and Chilaw
Marians. These two games will be continued today.
At Braybrooke Place: Antonians SC -148 and 153 (Charles Silva 62, Heshan
Tilekeratne 25; Chandika Hathurasinghe 3 for 31)
Moors SC - 269 (Chandika Hathurasinghe 133, Pradeep Rambukwella 24,
Rangana Herath 34; Pulasthi Guneratne 3 for 91, Amal Dalugoda 2 for 52,
N.Nanayakkara 2 for 40) and 33 for 1.
At Katunayake: Ragama CC - 239 and 196 (Rasika Priyadharshana 27, Dushantha
Ranatunge 23, Upul Fernando 83, Sanjeewa Arangala 18; Chamila Gamage 2
for 59, Ranga Dissanayake 3 for 39, Tilak Fernando 4 for 26). Air Force
- 158 (Ajith Kumara 42, Anil Ariyadasa 23, S.Dissanayake 33; Sanjeewa Arangala
3 for 44, Ruwan Dilruk 4 for 37)
At Kurunegala: Chilaw Marians 169 and 160 for 5 at close (Arosha Perera
31, Amila Gunewardena 39, Janaka Gunaratne 20, Charith Sylvester 25, Ruchira
Palliyaguru 30, Ishan Mutalip 16 n.o.; Ajith Ekanayake 3 for 34) Kurunegala
YCC - 183 (Isuru Chintaka 61, Roshan Jaymon 28, Suwanga Madanayake 22;
Dhammika Perera 6 for 42, Praneeth Jayasundara 2 for 20, Janaka Gunaratne
2 for 25)
Dilruwan cracks 134
The Premier League cricket match between CCC and Panadura SC being played
at the CCC grounds is poised for an interesting finish. Panadura in reply
to CCC's score of 340 were strongly placed on 283 for 6 at close with allrounder
Dilruwan Perera cracking a solid 134 which had 17 boundaries and 2 sixes.
CCC - 340 (Prasanna Jayawardena 101, Tharindu Mendis 91, Bradman Ediriweera
37, A.Polonowita 26, N.Ranasinghe 25; Amila Perera 3 for 90, Pubudu Wickrama
3 for 90, K.Silva 2 for 32)
Panadura - 283 for 6 at close (Dilruwn Perera 134, Romesh Fernando 56
n.o., R.Wimalasena 40; C. Mudalige 2 for 88) -MSA
Three Lankans in top ten
Mahela Jayawardene,Muttiah Muralitharan and Chaminda Vaas figure in the
top ten of the latest Pricewaterhouse Coopers Test ratings for Batsmen
and Bowlers which were released earlier this week. Brian Lara's supreme
effort with the bat where he accumulated over six hundred runs has taken
him back to the top slot.The left hander who has accumulated 905 points
is followed by Andy Flower (898), Sachin Tendulkar(876), Mahela Jayawardene
(818),Inzamam ul Haq (818), Steve Waugh (816), Adam Gilchrist (796), Jacques
Kallis (776),Rahul Dravid (771) and Herchelle Gibbs(723). -MF
Briefly
First match with Japan
Sri Lanka Under-19 youth rugby team left for Japan on Friday to participate
in the junior rugby Asiad. It will be held in FUKUOKA.
Last year it was staged here. South Korea beat Japan in the final. Sri
Lanka will play in Group 'B', along with Japan and S'pore. In Group 'A'
- Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong and S. Korea.
According to the team manager Arjun Dharmadasa, the Lankan team is billed
to play Japan on Dec. 18. The 23 member squad will be led by Isipatana
hooker, Anurudha Walpola, Dharmadasa said its an Under-19, contest. The
boys have been told to play clean and hard rugby irrespective of the opponents.
If Lankans could come third in the table, then they are eligible to
play in the Junior U-19 World Cup next year.
The squad has been in training for a long time and they have much understanding
and togetherness. Its being coached by Asanga Seneviratne. He has done
a good job with the 7s national squad said Dharmadasa.
Samrath Fernando will also accompany the team. He has been nominated
by the Ref. Society to officiate at the matches. (B.W.)
Junior rugby coaching camp/tournament
A junior rugby coaching camp for children between 9 and 15 will be held
on December 18 and 19 at Wesley College Grounds, Borella. The main organisers
of this programme are N.J.Mudannayake Co-ordinater of Western Province
and Basil Rodrigo Cheif Technical officer Western Province RFU.
More than 500 children from Gampaha and Colombo district will be participating
in this programme. The organisers will also conduct a tournament in collabration
with the SLRFU.
The Cheif Guest on December 18 will be Y.C.Chang, Past Chairman Development
Committee SLRFU and former Sri Lanka skipper and President of theSLRFU.
The Cheif Guest on December 19 will be Capt. Harsha Mayadunne, President
SLRFU.
The championship cup will be presented on the final day along with the
Plate and Bowl for the second and third places.
Abdeen School of Rugby has been invited to participate in an exhibition
match with the Western Province Under 15 Development Squad.-MSA
Browns to uplift football in Sri Lanka
Brown & Company Ltd., sole agents for Sharp products in Sri Lanka,
recently reiterated its commitment to the upliftment of soccer in Sri Lanka.
With a Rs.3 million sponsorship package for the recently concluded Sharp
FA Football Tournament, Brown & Company has infused a much-needed investment
to the Sri Lankan soccer arena.
The Sharp FA Cup Football Tournament showcased some of Sri Lanka's best
football talent. The finals of this tournament, better known as the "Blue
Ribbon of Soccer" was held at the Sugathadasa Stadium where over 10,000
spectators gathered to cheer their favourite teams. The tournament was
won by Saunders Sports Club, after defeating Negombo Youth by 4 goals to
nil.
Football is widely recognized as one of the world's most popular sports;
on the international football arena, Sharp is closely associated with Manchester
United, one of the best football teams in the world and in Asia, Sharp
is the official sponsor of the Malaysian Football Association. With the
Sharp FA Cup tournament now regarded as a major event in the Sri Lankan
Football calendar, Brown and Company is confident of new standards being
set in Sri Lanka football, through the event.
The World Cup Tournament to be played in Japan next year would see Sharp
as a key sponsor; in Sri Lanka, the Sharp FA Cup has highlighted the commitment
of Brown & Company towards the development of the game.
Brian Lara out for six months
West Indies batting star Brian Lara who was forced out of the match and
the rest of the tournament when he collided with fielder Marvan Atapattu
at the non-striker's end was transferred by helicopter to Colombo. Indications
were that Lara will be out of cricket for at least six months. Lara set
off for a quick single and Atapattu, fielding the ball at covers, ran in
to throw the wicket down. The players ran into each other and Lara was
left clutching his left arm in agony. Lara was carried off on a stretcher
and taken to the Kandy General Hospital for X-rays from where he was transferred
by helicopter to Colombo.
Lara hurt, Windies hammered
By Aubrey Kuruppu
The Sri Lankans extracted due revenge from the West Indians for their defeat
a few days back by using their batting might to force their opponents into
meek surrender at the Asgiriya Stadium yesterday.
After Jayasuriya had blasted off with 34 in 34 deliveries, the elegant
Atapattu and the uncontrollable Jayawardena took over. The Sri Lankan batting
machine thereafter operated at full throttle and were simply unstoppable.
Sent into bat by Jayasuriya, the West Indians overcame fearful odds
to total a challenging 235. Things would have been rosier for them, had
Lara been allowed to play a stellar role.
Overcoming a slightly shaky start, Brian Lara was just about to blossom
forth when he suffered a dislocation of both shoulder and elbow in a collision
with Marvan Atapattu.
Skipper Hooper rose to the challenge and batted at his elegant stylish
best to lead the way with 72.
Lara was forced out of the match and the rest of the tournament when
he collided with fielder Marvan Atapattu at the non-striker's end.
Lara set off for a quick single and Atapattu, fielding the ball at covers,
ran in to throw the wicket down. The players ran into each other and Lara
was left clutching his left arm in agony.
Scoreboard
West Indies
C.H. Gayle lbw b Fernando 8
(No shot offered to ball that dipped back)
D. Ganga c Sangakkara b Arnold 52
(Tried to run it down - edged to keeper)
B.C. Lara retired hurt 24
(Collided with fielder: stretchered off)
R.R. Sarwan c Sangakkara b Fernando 5
(Touched perfect outswinger to WK)
C.L. Hooper c Chandana b Jayasuriya 72
(Lofted to long off)
M.N. Samuels c Jayawardene b Muralitharan 10
(Swept high to deep mid wicket - good running catch)
R.L. Powell c Jayasuriya b Muralitharan 8
(Top edged a sweep)
R.D. Jacobs not out 25
N.C. McGarrell b Jayasuriya 0
(Late on faster ball)
C.D. Collymore b Arnold 5
(Missed straight, faster ball)
J.J.C. Lawson run out (/Arnold) 3
(Caught out of his ground second run)
Extras (b 4, lb 4, w 11, nb 4) 23
Total (all out, 49.5 overs, 204 mins) 235
Fall: 1-16 (Gayle, 1.4 ov), 2-77 (Sarwan, 13.1 ov), 3-146 (Ganga,
29.6 ov), 4-170 (Samuels, 36.4 ov), 5-193 (Powell, 40.6 ov), 6-205 (Hooper,
43.2 ov), 7-205 (McGarrell, 43.4 ov), 8-229 (Collymore, 49.2 ov), 9-235
(Lawson, 49.5 ov).
Bowling: Zoysa 7 1 37 0 (7w), Fernando 7 0 25 2 (2nb, 1w), Nissanka
2 0 22 0 (2nb), Muralitharan 10 0 33 2 (2w), Chandana 8 0 41 0, Jayasuriya
10 0 36 2, Arnold 5.5 0 33 2 (1w).
Sri Lanka innings
(target: 236 runs from 50 overs)
S.T. Jayasuriya c Sarwan b Lawson 34
(Hit across straight ball and skied to mid on)
D.A. Gunawardene c sub (D Brown) b Lawson 10
(Stopped shot,scooped to mid off)
M.S. Atapattu not out 82
D.P.M.D. Jayawardene not out 106
Extras (lb 2, w 4, nb 1) 7
Total (2 wickets, 43.1 overs) 239
FoW: 1-36 (Gunawardene, 5.6 ov), 2-52 (Jayasuriya, 11.4 ov).
Bowling: Collymore 10 1 46 0 (1nb), Lawson 10 1 47 2, McGarrell
8 0 57 0 (1w), Hooper 8.1 1 38 0 (1w), Gayle 3 0 18 0, Samuels 4 0 31 0
(2w)
Peter Manuel selected to ICC Umpires Panel
Peter Manuel has once again been selected as Sri Lanka's nominee to the
ICC Umpires Panel. Manuel will join Asoka de Silva who was nominated to
the ICC Umpires Panel earlier this year.
Although Sri Lanka was expected to nominate two umpires to the Panel,
this year only Asoka de Silva was nominated as there was a keen contest
for the second nomination between three leading local umpires. However
following the recent home Test series against India and the West Indies
the Umpires Committee headed by former Sri Lanka wicketkeeper batsmen Amal
Silva selectecd Peter Manuel as the second nomineee to the ICC Umpires
Panel.
His nomination was approved by the Cricket Committee of the Board of
Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka. This would be Manuel's third stint with
the ICC. Earlier he was in the ICC Umpires Panel along with K. T. Francis(1999/2000)
and B.C. Cooray (2000/2001).- MF |
