Cecil's first love was cricket

Cecil was not afraid to speak out his mind and stood by his convictions at all times. He served the Army well in various fields and enjoyed doing his job.

Waidyaratne played for St. Benedict's as a penetrative bowler and paired off with yet another hostile bowler in Wickremasinghe. Army cricket rose to great heights during this era in the premier tournament. The soldiers possessed some of the best willow wielders at that time - the likes of Denis Hapugalle and A.W.Musafer. Later on Denis Hapugalle went on to become the Secretary of the BCCSL under Robert P. Senanayake.

Some of Cecil's colleagues on the cricket field in the Army were Major. Gen. C. Thurairaja, the versatile sportsman, Old Rajan Nalin Angammana, a gangling left-arm paceman from Dharmaraja, who shared the new ball with Cecil, Dr. H.I.K. Fernando, Bala Francis, T.D.Rajapakse, Gerry Silva, an Old Joe, who later went on to be the Army Commander, Patrick Fernando and H.D. Fernando, just to name a few.

Cecil picked his own friends, one of them was his old school buddy Alan Gunasekera. He was a member of Bloomfield C&AC and was a staunch supporter of the club. He spent most of his free time there. Bloomfielders of the calibreof Bonnie Wijesinghe, Dhanasiri Weerasinghe, D.P. Wickremaratchchie, W.D. Quintus, J. Samarawickrema, etc., enjoyed his company.

The Bens felicitated him when he was elevated to the rank of Army Commander. He served the Army during the tenure of late President Ranasinghe Premadasa. Cricket was his first love. He even coached the Benedictine cricket team whilst being the Army Commander. Another close friend of Ceicil was former Leicestershire CC pro, Stanley Jayasinghe. His son Ruwan, a leg-spin bowler, was coached by Jayasinghe. 

Cecil believed that life was too short to have enemies. Being a Buddhist he knew that everything in life is temporary. May he attain nirvana. (BW)

BDCA refurbish Cricket Grounds

Although the Sight Screens and the Toilet are reported to be, worthwhile the Score Board had caused problems to the Cricket fans. 

The Score Board has no facility for a person to sit and score, because it has just a straight wall and is situated opposite the Pavilion. 

The Scorers are seated on the pavilion while the person manipulating the Score Board (opposite the Pavilion) had to stand in the hot sun and rain and had the tendency to show a wrong picture to the viewers! 

The size of the figures too are reported to be small on the Score Board.

According to the President Mr. Anil Shantha Manawadu a sum of Rs. 175,000/= had been spent to erect two Sight Screens, Rs. 75,000/= for Toilets and Rs. 50,000/= for the construction of a Score Board.

English schoolboy to play for Saracens SC 

By Bernie Wijesekera

He hopes to learn and watch the Sri Lankan style of cricket, which has gained international recognition, besides playing cricket to study the country's rich cultural heritage. On arrival he stayed with Maj. Britt Baker (gemmologist). But later moved out to a Lankan home - a cricket loving A.V. Sunil's residence in Homagama. "He looks after me well and attends to my needs. its like coming from one home to another" he said.

Are you playing for a Club, besides playing for Ludlow School. Firstly, I was introduced to the sport by my parents. Both are teachers. Father Bob (History), while mom (an English teacher). They gave me all encouragement to learn the books and learn to play the game - that too in the correct spirit. I excelled in both. Captained the school from under-13, 15, 17 and 19 with success. Playing in team sports it helps to bring about understanding and togetherness. As a schoolboy I played for Ludlow Club - in the Schrosphire League. It's very competitive with some leading foreign players taking the field for their respective clubs. West Indies allrounder Jimmy Adams is one of them. The club was placed fifth during the last season. What was your best effort? As a fast medium bowler I had the best figures of 7 for 35 against Whitchurch. As a right-hand batsman - in the middle order scored 82 vs. Brosley. Besides playing cricket I paid much attention to my academic career. My vision is to have something to fall back on. 

After cricket what. I have entered the Newcastle University to pursue a Maths Degree.

Probably I will be staying here until May, 2002. I hope to play for Saracens SC in Div. II whilst here besides playing cricket, will be coaching the Mahanama MV Junior Under 15 Div. II whilst here besides playing cricket. They are mustard keen, disciplined and prepared to learn the skills Peter said.

During my stay here I will not only enjoy the hospitality of your friendly people, but will strive to give something back. That was one reason why I agreed to coach the Mahanama junior cricketers. If there are shortcomings one must take in the correct spirit. In the process you have much to learn, Milner added.

Who are your cricketing idols. Of course, its Grahame Gooch, the former England Captain. He's treat to watch with his aggressive batting.

The other player is the present Aussie captain Steve Waugh. He is an example any youngster for his on and off the field conduct, with his ice cool temperament. He's a humanitarian. Does lot of community service even away from home. That's one way to serve God.

Sri Lanka is a beautiful little country, It has tremendous tourist attractions It could be promoted via sport. Your friendly people even make a stranger more comfortable. My host A.V. Sunil is one of them. A big thank you to him.

Cricket Board Interim Committee resigns 

The sports ministry called for the resignation of all Interim Committees currently in operation, including athletics, volleyball and gymnastics, by Monday. This would be followed by the appointment of a new Interim Committee or the reappointment of the existing one, with possible changes, for a specified period of time before fresh elections. 

The Interim Committee, headed by chairman Vijaya Malalsekera, was appointed eight months ago by the then sports minister Laksmann Kiriella to run the affairs of the cricket board after allegations of corruption levied against the elected executive board, headed by Thilanga Sumathipala, which was dissolved. 

Kiriella had planned for the Interim Committee, which developed a committee system of management, separating cricketing and financial issues, to run until the 2003 world cup. Even when Kiriella was replaced by Mangala Samaraweera after a cabinet reshuffle, the Interim Committee position looked secure after the smooth management of the board's affairs. 

But a change of government last week and the appointment of Fernando as the new sports minister had precipitated speculation that fresh cricket board elections were imminent when he called for democratic principles to be adhered to in all sporting institutions. 

However, there is still uncertainty as to the time frame given for new elections. The minister's decision may have been precipitated by recent controversy in the Amateur Athletics Association of Sri Lanka (AAA). He could still decide that the cricket board's Interim Committee should stay until the 2003 world cup. 

But the position of Malalsekera as chairman, a former first class cricketer and Cambridge Blue, is in doubt. He was commonly known to have been close to President Chandrika Kumaratunga, creating uneasiness within the new United National Front (UNF) government and pressure for his removal. 

Thilanga Sumathipala, alleged to have acted as a key political broker during the parliamentary crossover of PA politicians into the opposition in October and the subsequent defeat of the ruling party on 5 December general elections, is already considered the favourite to become the next president should elections be called. 

Sumathipala has held office on two separate occasions: in 1998/1999 after a controversial election marred by thuggery and in 2000/2001. On both occasions his period in office was cut short by either the suspension or dissolution of his administration by the sports minister. 

Other possible contenders for the presidency include Clifford Ratwatte, a long time foe of Sumathipala, Jayantha Dharmadasa, brother of Upali who Sumathipala deposed as president in 1998 but is now supportive of the same political party, and even former captain Arjuna Ranatunga, who recently became a member of parliament. - Cricinfo 

Wijeykoon nudges selectors with century vs Zimbabwe

By Marlon Fernandopulle

Left hander Wijekoon who has been performing consistently with the bat and ball lately was not in the playing XI (or even the 12th man) at the beginning of the game but was drafted into the team 45 minutes after the game started following an injury to Anushka Polonowita.

Wijekoon who came into bat at number five with the Board XI on 53 for 3 wickets made full use of the opportunity given to him when he anchored the home side innings after the visitors threatened to take control of the game in the morning session.

The slim all rounder from Gurukala MV joined schoolboy Jeevan Mendis to put the Zimbabwe bowling attack to the sword. The pair added 167 runs for the fourth wicket to further expose the Zimbabwe bowling attack which was minus two front-line bowlers Heath Streak and Travis Friend. Mendis completed a stylish half century and was finally out spooning a catch to cover point with his individual score on 79. Mendis faced 198 balls and hit eight boundaries in his innings.

Wijeykoon continued his onslaught on the mediocre Zimbabwe bowling attack reaching his half century with a six over long on. He continued in the same vein batting confidently and accumulated runs on both sides of the wicket to reach his fourth first class century in 193 balls and his first against a visiting team.

The diminutive left hander who plays for Tamil Union in the Premier League tournament was unbeaten on 103 with the help of 13 boundaries and two sixes before the descending gloom prompted the umpires to call-off play a few minutes before the scheduled close.

Scoreboard

Zimbabwe first innings 319/6 declared.
Sri Lanka Board President's Eleven first innings

Pradeep Hewage c Rennie b G Brent 20
Ian Daniel b Olanga 01
Chamara Silva c G Flower b Olanga 26
Jeevan Mendis c B Murphy b Marrillier 79
Gayan Wijekoon not out 103
Prasanna Jayawardene not out 26
Extras(LB-9, NB-4,W-1)
Total(for 4 wkts. in 93 overs) 269

Fall of wickets: 1-4,2-46,3-53,4-220

Bowling: Olanga 20-6-52-2 Brent 19-7-43-1 Murphy 23-4-71-0

Marrillier 13-1-47-1 Gripper 6-1-15-0 Flower 12-4-32-0

Lanka crash out in Plate final

By Asanka Gammanpila

Team Manager Asanga Seneviratne when contacted by telephone in Japan yesterday said that he was disappointed with the Sri Lanka three-quarters who missed a lot of scoring opportunities. 

A win for Sri Lanka in the Plate Final would have enabled them to participate in the Junior World Cup next year.

According to Seneviratne fly-half Mohammed Marso put over two penalties for the Sri Lanka .

Janashakthi Test series

Speaking at a press briefing yesterday the Managing Director of Janashakthi Insurance Mr. Chandra Schafter said," After Sri Lanka's successful Test series against West Indies we felt it was in the best interest of both cricket at large and our company to continue to be involved with Sri Lanka cricket". The sponsorship of the three Test series which is believed to be around Rs.20 million. will be known as the Janashakthi National Test series (MF)

Susi may return 

By Peter Casie Chitty

However it is difficult to believe that someone who has brought fame and fortune to Sri Lanka could be shoved and insulted at every turn by sports officials who have just their political backing as qualifications. 

According to Susanthika who spoke to the "The Sunday Times recently the altercation had been coming for a while and the banned athlete Ranga Wimalawansa had according to Susanthika stood outside the Sports Ministry Grounds at Torrington and insulted her everytime he saw her. Things came to a head when he had turned up to train although he was under a ban saying that the new Government would lift the ban on him. Moreover Sunil Gunawardena had said that the ban applied by the People's Alliance Government no longer applied and the UNP would teach her a lesson. 

Saman too much for Navin at squash

By M.Shamil Amit

The latest title to his credit was the 21st Squash Nationals which concluded yesterday morning at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium. Saman defeated Navin Samarasinghe, the defending champion, with ease winning it in three straight sets. 

The Women's Open went to top seed Kushani Daluwatte who defeated bottom seed Tehani Guruge. Kushani was stretched to full five sets by her opponent. Daluwatte showed superior fitness and court craft right throughout the competition and deserved to win the title.

Arjuna Hettiarachchi, Managing Director of Sea Consortium, sponsors of this tournament, was the chief guest and gave away the awards.

Results:

Men's Novices - N.Fernando beat P.Wijetunge 9/2, 9/1, 9/0.

Men's Over 35 - E.Ravichandran beat R.S.Deen 9/5, 9/5, 9/5.

Men's Over 45 - Sarath Jayawardena beat Lakdasa Cooray 7/9, 9/0, 9/0, 9/0.

Men's Plate - Kyle Conrad beat Kavin Jayawardena 9/7, 10/8, 9/5.

Men's Open - Saman Tilekeratne beat Navin Samarasinghe 9/1, 9/1, 9/5.

Women's Open- Kushani Daluwatte beat Tehani Guruge 9/7, 9/0, 2/9, 0/9, 10/8.

New weights for boxing next year

By Bruce Maurice

The postponed 76th National Boxing Championships which is due to be held in January and the SAF Games to be held in March, 2002, will be conducted under the new weight categories. 

The Super Heavy Weight category has been scrapped and there will be only 11 weight categories, instead of the former 12. 

Cairns regains best bowling touch to punish Bangla

Cairns took five wickets in 38 balls, for seven runs, to achieve his career second-best innings figures in a manner resembling his dismantling of the West Indies when he took seven for 27, two years and two days ago on the same ground. 

He finished with seven for 53 from 18.2 overs, as the Bangladeshis expired for 108, losing their last six wickets for 18 runs. 

Running in with more of the familiar bounce in his stride and bowling some of his speciality balls, Cairns looked much more like the player of old. 

Clearly, the overs bowled in Australia, while more costly than he would have liked, have aided his return and the longer spell he had on the fourth afternoon set him up for his triumph this morning. 

He dealt a harsh lesson to Test cricket's newcomers. They have grown up on a diet of one-day cricket and that has been reflected in their inability to apply themselves for a long innings. 

They were dismissed in 46.2 overs in the second innings, after managing 205 in 58.1 overs in the first innings.