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Windies samba rhythm is back Ricky was in the company of the legendary Vivian Richards (Chairman of the selection panel). How True Ricky's comments proved to be with their performances in the recent Test series against World Champs Australia. They lost (4-1) in Tests. But in the last Test chasing 418 runs batting last created a new milestone in the annals of Test cricket. The 7 match one -day series, after losing the "decider " (fourth) by two runs, reeled off three wins to lose 4-3 raised many an eye-brow including Aussie Skipper Steve Waugh. Steve Waugh predicted then that they will be a force to be reckoned with. Everyone rallied around putting petty issues and politics aside. Politics was a bane among the islanders before late Sir Frank Worrell brought about togetherness. In 1961 Worrell, created history against Australia with the tied Test in Gabba (Brisbane). Young
brigade Giving exposure to the young 'uns has paid dividends. Even former Aussie Captain Bob Simpson, who had a coaching stint in the Caribbean was impressed with the young guys, who had the guts and determination. They proved themselves that they could bat on any pitch be it slow turner or on a bouncy track against the Aussies fire-power and spin-wizard 'Murali'. They had the determination to tackle them. The local cricket administrators, were not concerned about the future betterment of the game or had a right structure to uplift its sagging image. Sri Lanka's Test stature is getting shorter and shorter regularly with matches ending under three days. The just concluded one at Sabina Park, is another addition to the tally. It has nothing to do with the pitch, but inconsistency in batting, poor fielding and wayward bowling. Even the new coach Johan Dyson can't perform a miracle. The Windies lost to England at Headingley Aug. 12 to 18, 2000 under two days by an innings and 39 runs. It put them to shame. West Indians were a rage in the Mecca of cricket to the echo of You know the Pals of mine Ramadhin and Valentine. The Queen was there in attire so they opened with Rae and Stollmeyer in 1950. The same team toured Sri Lanka under John Goddard when our little Mahes Rodrigo scored an unbeaten 138 n.o. whilst opening batting. Blanket
of gloom Lara got the captaincy back without icon like Walsh, Curtly Ambrose, etc. But the young blood showed better application. Richard's and co., got the correct formula. Lara forgot the past. He proved himself to be a shrewd tactician and batted with authority. Runs flowed from his blade compared to a millionaire's purse. The Colts R. Sarwan, W. Hinds, Marlon Samuels, Jermaine Lawson, joined by Chandrapaul could make it quite awesome to the S. Africans when they play them later this year. Can the Sri Lankan administrators have a similar game plan to "Cleanse the Augean Stables". Paying, too much credence to the one-dayers is not going to help the game with our Test matches becoming shorter and shorter at home and abroad. NCC
to honour past members They had their ups and downs, but for some members loyalty was their code word and never drifted away, but stood by the club at all times. Today they continue to produce outstanding cricketers at the national level and giving playing opportunities for the less privileged men and material to develop their skills. Today with a concerted effort has spread its wings to other disciplines, too. Sports like Badminton and Aqua sport. They have facilities not only to cater to the needs of the members, but it could be used by the private sector too. This was revealed to The Sunday Times, by its Assistant Secretary Fazil Dole. The Club will hold their annual general meeting on July 11. NCC has built another pool for would be swimmers to train. This project will be ready before the AGM. It will be declared open by four of their most senior members, who count over 50 years of dedicated service to the Maitland Place Club, namely Harold De Andrado (a writer and most knowledgeable when talks about Sri Lanka and Int. cricket), Vernon Prins (Captained S. Thomas', NCC and Sri Lanka). His figures in the international scene may not be all that healthy unlike his club efforts. He was one of the finest gentleman cricketers game, who led by example for others to emulate. Fittingly a Rev. David Shepherd of England. Roy Abeysekera, the pencil, slim sportsman. He revamped the NCC hockey and in the process the club won the Andriesz Shield hockey tournament and Valentine Obysekera - a fine team man. It's far better to give a Single flower when man is alive than a bouquet of Red Roses when he is gone. That's what NCC has done. Late Lalith Athulathmudali, put the club funds in order during his short tenure to uplift its image. His good work was continued by others. Chanka de Silva and the present president Elmo de Silva had a big hand for the swimming pool to become a reality, without club funds. A boost for the club family members. It's being handled by Julian Bolling - a household name when it comes to swimming. Fazil Dole worked round the clock for this project. Leslie Hewage, the immediate past president and the committee members laid the foundation for the indoor badminton court and for the re-development of the club house - to make it a family club for all to enjoy.- BW Australia,
France and NZ add colour to Singer Sri Lankan 7s There will be six newcomers to this year's event with Australia, Cook Island, France, Morocco, New Zealand and Spain making their debut at this year's tournament. This year former Trinity "Lion" and Sri Lankan player Isfahan Omar will be the man in charge for the tournament. This sevens tournament is a brainchild of Malik Samarawickrema who is helping Kandy SC and the Singer sevens in a big way. Malik played for Royal , CR&FC and Sri Lanka as a scrum half. The 16 countries
will be Arabian Gulf, Chinese Taipei, France, Germany, Hong Kong,
Kenya, Malaysia, Morocco, New Zealand, Portugal, Singapore, Spain,
South Korea, Cook Island, Australia and the host Sri Lanka. Unfortunately,
Denmark, India, Pakistan and Holland have been left out as only
16 teams will be accommodated. There will be a schools tournament taking place with 16 leading teams taking part in this event. In the inaugural year (1999) South Korea won the Cup and in the following 2 years Chinese Taipei stamped their class by winning in 2000 and 2001. Last year after a thrilling final Portugal beat the debutants Kenya by 24-21. In the Plate Championship Malaysia (1999), Japan (2000), Denmark (2001) and South Korea (2002) won in the respective years. In the Bowl competition India (1999), Thailand (2000), Czech Republic (2001) and Hong Kong (2002) showed their mark in the respective years. |
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