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Low scoring at Trent Bridge
South Africa's dominance ended at Trent Bridge last week as their opponents, hosts, England, made the most of a difficult batting pitch to clinch victory and level the series. The first test was played on an extremely good batting pitch with even pace and bounce. The result was predictable - a high scoring draw.

The pitch for the second game gave some assistance to the bowlers but it too was more batsmen friendly. England contributed to their own downfall with some poor stroke play - particularly in the second essay. Their fielding was also below par and the South Africans made the most of the let offs to clinch a win and nose ahead in the series.

Trent Bridge was different. The toss mattered. As the coin favoured England, the top order batting ensured a big score for the team. With the experienced trio of Mark Butcher (106), retired Captain Nasser Hussein (116) and Alec Stewart (72) leading the way, they batted well into the second day. Time mattered as the deterioration of the surface was even then noticable.

Pitches around the world have built-in reputations. It is the way they generally play. Trent Bridge is known to be seamer friendly. In the nineteen Eightees when Richard Hadlee and Clive Rice, Nottinghamshire's overseas pro's were at their prime, the tracks were well grassed and the quicker bowlers always dominated, even to the extent of some opponents forwarding complaints.

On this occasion it was more bounce that made batting difficult. In such conditions South Africa could not sustain the fight. Their middle order was rock solid in the first innings. Niel McKenzie, Mark Boucher and Shaun Pollock did not throw in the towel. They fought their way and edged closer and closer to England's 445. When they were finally dismissed for 362 a great contest seemed to be in store.

Another former captain, Shaun Pollock was inspired after his batting effort to rip into England. His type of deliveries were the ideal for this pitch. Medium quick in pace, a nagging length and some movement off the pitch. England could not cope and folded up for 118 runs. A paltry score and Pollock walked away with six wickets.

The eighty three run lead was handy for the hosts. A chase of 202 still put the Proteas as the favorites to win. Captain Smith who was in sparkling form in the first two games failed again. His team needed an early partnership to clinch the game. At 40 for 2 Gibbs and Kallis were setting in. Gibbs on 28 had done the hard work. Then the gangling Harmison induced Gibbs with a bouncer, which bounced about six inches more than what the batsman expected.

The ball lobbed to mid-on and the collapse began. A poor shot in the situation. Gibbs and Kallis had to put their heads down and squeeze out every possible run. They failed, Boucher tried, but by then it was too late.

James Kirtley getting his first test for the summer picked-up six of the best. He bowls similar stuff to Pollock, though not with as smooth an action. He was England's hero.
Headingly should produce a similar pitch. It should produce another interesting game of cricket.

Rusi takes 10th title
For the 10th time in 12 years Rusi Captain captured the Royal Colombo Golf Club Title when over last weekend he struck a convincing victory over teenager Amrit de Soysa.

Rusi first struck fame in 1992 and thereafter held the title for 6 consecutive years. Then came the dimunitive Alain Gyi his buddy who struck an absolute surprise to take the Title from Captain. A wag described Gyi's performance as win by "a jet propelled game cock". Captain came back soon afterwards and took the Title twice.

Impressive Amrit
In the year 2001 Amrit de Soysa in his early teens was showing stunning talent and nerves of steel for a little fella. After winning 3 early rounds he walked into the finals to meet a giant. Fearless and unconcerned about Rusi Captain's reputation he went for his shots and came victorious with Rusi Captain beaten and dejected. The new Champion De Soysa was only 16 years old. A brilliant performance.

One year later Captain returned to the battle and since then has shown his class with resounding victories. Last weekend he moved past Amrit de Soysa to take the Royal Colombo Title for the 10th time and remain a long way behind Pin Fernando who won the Title 19 times.

In the semi-finals captain had a massive scare from the little chubby fella Mithun Nandasena who played a magnificient game to the all square on the 19th. On the 20th tee Mithun went absolutely crazy with a disgusting hook that took him into the heart of out of bounds territory. He gave the match away and as a result Captain entered the Finals. In the other half Amrit de Soysa walked all over. Shehan Ramanayake an excellent striker of the ball to enter the finals and meet Rusi Captain.

Finals
The 36 hole final saw stacks of excellent golf and also a pack of messy shots. At the conclusion of the 1st 18 holes through the forenoon of Sunday Amrit de Soysa was 2 up after Captain became shabby and loose. He appeared to be quite listless and was inaccurate in his approach shots.

At lunchtime Rusi sat over a well chosen vegetarian meal prepared by his wife Tashiya. Loaded with energy Captain strutted to the first tee and shot an absolute beauty a clear indication that he meant business. Playing excellent golf thereafter and by the 6th he was one up.

He continued to use pressure and with regained old form he went through what appeared to be a formality to get past Amrit de Soysa 3 & 2. De Soysa learnt a lesson and I am sure he will benefit because he is a beautiful player still lacking maturity. Papa Solhi Captain's whole system was riddled with glee and Tashiya took credit for the excellent choice of the lunch. Rusi Captain is the new Champion of the Royal Colombo Golf Club.

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