Sports

Sports

CR vs CH: it was a game we will always remember
By Bryan Baptist
Police vs OZSC (Police won 136-16)
Well, as I said last week. the Police are playing at their best with entertaining rugby. They will be a force to reckon with in the 2nd Round. As for the Old Zahirians, they must not lose hope. They should learn from their shortcomings. I feel that Basics need to be drilled into the players. For this purpose, the OZSC need to concentrate on team building - selecting adequate players for positions and ensuring that they receive correct instruction. The SLRFU must help them. There is no use having teams losing by over 100 pts. and continuing to play in the 'A' Division. Having witnessed the OZSC game against the Navy, I feel that the OZSC have talented players, who, if coached correctly can produce good results.

CR&FC vs CH&FC (CR won 19-14)
The CH flattered and faltered. What a stunning impact with CH crossing the CR line twice within 10 minutes of the game! It was a game we will always remember - CH Coach Matthew Lee donned the CH jersey and gave them an object lesson in basic rugby. The CR were at sixes and sevens! But what went wrong for the CH thereafter? Firstly, constant shoving by the CR in the scrums steadily weakened the CH pack. The CH tired out soon with the end result that on many occasions the CH Centres when tackled were isolated and did not have the support of the Forwards with the exception of Batepola. The Threes held the ball while on the ground and were penalized. The CH scrummaging was weak as the CR have now perfected the wheel to precision. CR varied this ploy by wheeling both ways and taking the CH by surprise. CRs flankers Pavithra Fernando and Shamly Nawaz were outstanding in attack and defense. I think this was a critical factor in the CR win, apart from Savantha de Saram's knowledgeable play. Kaluarachchi played his heart out with Fly Half Roshan Peiris making some penetrating runs. For the CH, their scrummaging needs attention and lineout work seemed untidy.

ARMY vs KANDY (Kandy won 55-12)
A promising start by the Army whose game plan was to keep play in Kandy territory by kicking deep. However they overdid this and found themselves without possession by frequently kicking away good possession. For a short while the Army led 6-5. Kandy certainly felt the sweltering heat that they took time to get their "2nd wind". Toward the latter part of the Ist half Kandy settled down and played a workman-like game, literally destroying anything in their path as they piled up seven tries, four of which were converted. The 2nd half was a fine exhibition of controlled and entertaining rugby. The Army were minus their Skipper Ajith Peiris, which took the sting out of their attack. Also the Army - known for their fearless tackles were unable to contain the Kandy onslaught. Next week Kandy meets the CH in Colombo, which will not be too difficult for them. They key watchword is "Possession".

AIR FORCE vs KANDY YOUTH (Air Force won 22-20)
The 2nd win for the Air Force this season. They next play Navy which should be a close game.

Of cricket commentators and their re-plays
By Sharm de Alwis
"Cricket," said C.L.R. James, "is first and foremost a dramatic spectacle. It belongs with the theatre, ballet, opera and the dance."

That is why Cardus, Arlott, Johnston, McGilvray Fingleton and Alston, went into raptures describing the events. TV commentaries need the poetry of eloquence as much as Radio and Sidhu gives us tit bits in abundance in originality of thought and spun idioms.

Is Ranjit Fernando the best we can muster when Bertie Wijesinghe, H.S.M. Peiris and Neil Chanmugam are handy. Ranjan Madugalle, ofcourse, has excluded himself after his appointment as Match Referee.

Fernando gives the impression he has a meagre vocabulary and when he is not repeating another, he repeats himself. It is like "talking without speaking."

Even the Indians are more positive in their comments. In controversial matters he is silent, never has the courage of his convictions to stand up and be counted.

Sidhu, Boghle, Gavaskar and Shasthri, Richards, Holding and Croft, Boycott, Botham and Wilkins give a new dimension to cricket commentaries with their positive, unbiased comments.

Asked by Allan Wilkins the time difference between England and Sri Lanka Fernando stuttered to give a faulty answer: he does not know even the time of day. His comment on de-modifying a bowling action was rich for laughs like "returning back."

We were spared only one session of the stuffy, tedious Fernando in the first of the triangular series now being played in England. Please spare us altogether the "more English than the English" Ranjit Fernando.

Watchout for Ashraful
By Bernie Wijesekera
Mohamed Ashraful, the young Bangladesh batting sensation created history by becoming the youngest player to score a debut 100 against Sri Lanka in their inaugural Test (Asia Cup) at the SSC grounds - Sept 2001.

He will be back here for a two test series next week. When he was 17 years 63 days he was the youngest batsman in Test cricket seen in Sri Lanka at the SSC ground. This lad came into bat and put up a well compiled maiden test century when his side was in deep trouble with the score reading 81 for 4. Ashraful a wristy strokeplayer and a good timer of the ball which is the hallmark of a emerging batsman of class coming from B'desh. A nimble-footed batsman, who has the temperament to bat under pressure.

He handled Vaas and Murali unperturbed and caned them all round the wicket. He gave a delightful exhibition of strokeplay. His technique is an abject lesson for others to emulate.

According to Senarath Alwis, who now lives in Bangladesh serving them as a junior cricket coach along with Malcolm Perera (Under-17), Sumithra Warnakulasuriya (former Royal cricketer) and C. Bernadus (Under-19) said that the lad hails from a middle class family. Even Malcolm Perera has a hand to his training. His first coach was Wahidul Ghani. In the ICC Under-17 Asia Cup in Karachi B'desh lost to Sri Lanka in the semis, but the lad was named as the best batsman of the series, Senerath said.

Former Sri Lanka skipper Vernon Prins who was watching this game commended Ashraful's batting exploits. He shows maturity for his age and batted with gay abandon. He handled 'Murali' with authority. Former 'king of swing' Mevan Pieris said, "the little I saw of him looks good for a youngster and stroked the ball confidently." Former secretary of the BCCSL S.Skandakumar, who turned out for the University with Pieris complimented Ashraful's innings.

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