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Motor
records tumble at Matara hill climb The hill climb held for the sixth time this year was named the Preethi Palliyaguru memorial hill climb in memory of the Past President of the Southern Motor Sports Club (SMSC) who passed away on the day of the event three years ago. The event had its ups and downs for the participants with cars skidding and going off the track which is part and parcel of the happenings. Nevertheless after all the mishaps it was a record tumbling day where as much as ten records were shattered from the 14 events that were held. Indika had the honour of establishing two records. Riding a Yamaha KDF 125cc he won the first event for standard bikes upto 125cc with a timing of 40.95 secs erasing S.T. Nathawitharana's record of 41.26 set in 1999. He won the second event too which was for bikes over 250cc with a record timing of 38.72 on a Honda CRM 250cc. The existing record was in Suresh Fernando's name. Incidentally this was Indika's 50th win from the 58 races he has participated in. The third event for Racing Bikes upto 125cc was won by Rohana Jayaratne with a timing of 40.63 secs. with the existing record of 40.38 secs. set last year, being intact under Indika's name. The last motor event for the day which was for Racing Bikes unlimited was won by Sharfaz Junaid who rode a Honda CR 500cc. Baring event number 13, records fell like nine pins in the other motor car races, with Dhammika Peiris in a Ford Laser winning the fifth event for Standard Cars over 14.0 kg/hp with a timing of 41.67 breaking his own record. Event number six for Standard Cars Over 12.0 and upto 14.0 kg/hp went to Dilshard Hamdoon driving a Ford Laser who timed 41.25 erasing Prasanna Ranasinghe's record of 42.48 set in 1997. Nihal Premasiri on a Honda Civic won the seventh event for Standard Cars Over 10.0 -12.0 kg/hp breaking his own record of 40.30 with a timing of 39.84. Event number eight for Standard Cars Over 8.0 -10 kg/hp went to Zakie Ismail in a record time of 40.19 eclipsing the previous record of 40.38. Dinesh Senanayake with his skillful driving came from behind to overcome veteran Bri Ponnambalam to win the ninth event for Standard Cars Over 6.0 -8.0 kg/hp with a record time of 39.38 with the previous record being 40.81. K. Parameswaran won event number ten for Standard Mini Cars upto and including 1000cc when he timed 43.59 erasing the previous record of 44.34. Upulwan Serasinghe nursing an injured leg after a nasty car crash recently and coming back after almost a year won event number twelve for Standard Non Turbo (Diesel) upto 2000cc in a record time of 43.10 on Toyota Starlet 1500cc. A six year old record was shattered by Dinesh Jayawardena when he took event number thirteen for Modified Cars Over 1050cc upto 1350cc on his Toyota Starlet 1300cc winning with a timing of 38.56 eclipsing the 1997 record of 38.7. Nishan Weerasooriya stamped his class as the best driver in these circuits winning the last event which was for Modified Cars Over 1665cc up 3600cc. Nishan in his new Subaru Impreza putting this car to the track for the first time won the event in style though not creating a new record timed 35.95. With this win he went on to bag two trophies which was for the best timing for motor cars and the best overall timings. He also won the Preethi Palliyaguru memorial trophy. Indika Gurusinghe bagged the trophy for the best timing among the motor cyclists. Hats off to the President of the SMSC Ashar Hameem and his team for a well conducted event. Everything went according to schedule which earned high praise from the participants and spectators. Others involved in conducting motor racing events can take a leaf from this if they are eager to promote motor racing in Sri Lanka. Senior
umpires felicitated "My second visit, was made possible here thanks to the local association and to Janashakthi Insurance and its Chairman Chandra Schaffter; to honour past senior umpires for their yeoman service to promote and develop the sport during trying times. During this short sojourn I was able to umpire two games - a Div. II BCCSL match at the First Test venue (P. Sara). The second, a schools game between St. Peter's and Ananda at Bambalapitiya. The school game, impressed me. There was some quality cricket on display. It was positive cricket - both teams going flat out for an outright win. In the end an exciting draw. Credit should go to the respective coaches and those who run its affairs," he said. What have you got to say about English school cricket and the game played here? "Unlike in the meadows of England where they indulge in calm and cool conditions, here it's very hot. Also it is not easy to move around from ground to ground, especially due to the heavy traffic in Colombo. The game is being played throughout the year. There is no off season - unlike in England. Even the umpires will find it an ordeal to stand in these conditions . They make a big sacrifice. At the same time the umpires who control the game must discharge their duties without fear or favour. They must be consistent in their decision making. Must maintain standards, Hopley said. The electronic eye has come into effect. But they should not solely depend on the 'eye' but make use of your own eyes other than for a close line decisions. It is sad to mention that two of the most senior umpires - namely Dusky Errol Seneviratne, and Gilbert Perera were forgotten heroes. Seneviratne, an umpire who acts without fear or favour has served the game well. He has umpired in England, too. He has stood with the likes of Syd Buller. He commands respect all round and will not succumb to pressure from whatever quarter. Former airman, Errol now in retirement still continues to help the game in various capacities. Mild mannered Gilbert, too deserves recognition. The duo could come on par with 16 umpires, who were honoured. No one will deny. They richly deserve the honour. One of the senior officials, who organized this felicitation to the 16 umpires said, they had to adhere to a bottom line when selecting them. It was purely those umpires, who have stood in international games after Sri Lanka gained ICC, status after 1981. The present day cricketers are enjoying a financial boom and leading a comfortable life. But those who contributed much for the game for Sri Lanka to reach greater heights with their own men and material in the past was not forgotten by the Cricket Board. Imagine the likes of C.I. Gunasekera, Bertie Wijesinghe, Gerry Gooneratne,Mahes Rodrigo, Vernon Prins, Tita Nathanielsz, Anura Tennakoon etc. were paid only Rs. 10 to 15 per day for playing for the country be it at home or abroad. An umpire of the calibre of Basil Anthony now domiciled Down Under (Perth) came all the way to receive his award. Good old charming Granville Hamer may not have officiated in Internationals after 1981, but he is being honoured for his commitment. Upali Mahanama the former President of the Association of Cricket Umpires Sri Lanka, too was forgotten at the felicitation to honour senior umpires. Mahanama, did much to improve and uplift the image of the umpires on and off the field. None of the members of the fraternity could deny it." Police
Basketball revived
Then emerged chamipons in the Police Depot Cup 2002-03 basketball tournament organised by the Police Dept. Basketball Association held at Field Force Hq., court recently. The team led by Nalim Weerawardena assisted by Buddhika Kumudapperuma and Daminda Hettiarachchi made use of their experience and know-how to beat Old Bens BC in the final, by 90 points to 53. At the break the cops led 57-39. In the end it was a cake-walk to the Blue Shirts. Old Bens key player Basil Silva was restricted from putting from long range. Diminutive M.K. Shiran a product of St. Michael's B'caloa showed that height was not a barrier in this fast game. He zig-zagged his way to penetrate the opponents defence to score at every given opportunity. He had 20 baskets. M.K. Shiran (Police SC) was adjudged the best player of the tournament. In the consolation fianl - Newcomers Arena BC won well against Wattala BC. Police Chief, T.E. Anandarajah was the chief guest, and the awards were given away by Indra de Silva (Chairman Police Basketball), Randeni (Chairman Police Football) and Punya de Silva (Chairman Police Athletics). Scorers Police B.C. 90 (Shiran 20, B. Kumudapperuma 18, D. Hettiarachci 16, N. Weerawardena 14, while T. Dissanayake and Vajira Kumarasinghe scored 10 each). Old Bens B.C 53- (Basil Silva 20, Saranga 16, and Randima 14). Referees. C.D. Perera and U.G.A.K.M. Gunarathna. -BW It's
South Africa's best chance England were never favorites to win when they hosted the games on three occasions. In 1979 they reached the final but were totally outplayed by the then very formidable West Indies. India, Pakistan and now Sri Lanka had attained confidence, in 1987, to challenge the stronger Australians, English and West Indians. India and Pakistan were favored in 1996 but Sri Lanka sneaked in, surprised all with superior teamwork and on familiar territory created the biggest upset in history - of all time. In 1992, Australia were too jaded after a very tough home season, and they offered no challenge. So a major host nation has yet to become champions. Will South Africa do it? They have it all going for them at the moment. The form of players has been very good. The preparation has been against Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan at home. All three teams were systematically demolished. They have had a reasonable break and are now rearing to go. In 1999, they were near favourites to win. Until they came across the Australians they were on course. Then, two dramatically contested games spoilt the party for Hansie Cronje's team. Cronje is no more, but the rest are pretty much unchanged. Donald and Kluesner have perhaps past their best, but their experience will be valuable. Kallis, Boucher, Ntini, Dipenar have improved vastly and overall the composition has the correct balance. Australia are head and shoulders above the rest of the pack. At the end when the semi finals are played it boils down to performance of the day. The ICC Champions trophy was a classic example. Australia was the strongest, fancied team. Sri Lanka had the home advantage and they did triumph in the semi finals. South Africans are a nation who love their sports and their sports people. Every game the Proteas play will be noisily supported by packed crowds. The light, the air, the weather, the surfaces, the people, will all be familiar to Shaun Pollock and his team. On recent form the other teams do not seem to pose a real threat. But all that can and will change once play begins. West Indies, Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka who are past winners will look to secure a berth in the 'super sixers' and from their advance to the semi finals. To date, England have been poor at the finishing line. Thrice they have reached the finals and had to be satisfied with second place. Even in many tri-nation tournaments victory has eluded them. The last time in England, India snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. Recently in Australia they had the second VB final almost wrapped-up, but their opponents stood firm and in the crucial dying stages, Hussein's men wilted under pressure. New Zealand have similar traits. They come into the tournament fresh from defeating India. Home conditions certainly played a major role. They have been reduced in strength with Cairns ruling himself unable to bowl. They will threaten but will not go all the way. Who will challenge Australia and South Africa? It will be important to get off to a good start and maintain the momentum. Australia are certainly favourites, but South Africa have a real chance - an opportunity to succeed at home. National
carrier gets official status to fly Lankan teams
This was revealed at a media confab, held at the Ceylon International Hotel, chaired by Daya Pelpola, Chairman SriLankan Airlines, Chandana de Silva, Corporate Communication Manager and Ranil Wagiswara. The C.B. Interim Committee was represented by Jayaliya Jayasuriya (Secretary) and committee members, Nimal Welgama and Nalin Ladduwahetty The two-year package will afford the national carrier exclusive status to fly the national cricket teams when on tour said Mr. Pelpola. The SriLankan Airlines is happy to be associated with the Cricket Board in their endeavour to further uplift this popular sport which has gained international recognition. The carrier will assist them in their hour of need. The Airlines will give of their best services when on flight - including special fares Pelpola said. Chandana de Silva, said there are ups and downs in any walk of life. But the SriLankan Airlines will stand by the national cricketers at all times. It's up to the cricketers to fight back and bring pride to the country. Sri Lankan Airlines have done yeoman service to promote sports to gain international fame whilst helping them in our own backyard. The Golf Int. at the picturesque Digana is much looked forward to in the calendar. In its wake the airline has helped to promote tourism. The Int. Rugby 7s, a brainchild of Kandy SC and jointly sponsored by SriLankan Airlines and Singer has put the country in the Asian 7s map. Besides these sports SriLankan Airlines has promoted horse racing, athletics (marathon) etc. -BW Big
boost to develop women's hockey Sri Lanka is also to be gifted with another Astro Turf plus 5 more training Turfs free of charge by the International Hockey Federation. Senior D.I.G. and the President of Hockey Federation Jayatissa Herath has been appointed a Council Member of the Asian Hockey Federation at its Congress held in Malaysia. |
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