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Sports

Ambassador Trophy in the Netherlands
The ninth inter club six -a-side cricket tournament for the Sri Lanka Ambassador trophy concluded on a successful note recently at the Amsterdam Cricket Club Grounds. Twelve first division cricket clubs in the Netherlands participated in this tournament, which was won by Voorburg Cricket Club (VCC) who beat VRA (The League champions) in the finals.

The Sri Lanka Ambassador's Trophy opened its doors in 1994 in The Netherlands when the first resident Sri Lanka Ambassador Mr. P.G. Karunasiri took the initiative together with Mr. Flavian Aponso, a former Sri Lanka cricketer now domiciled in the Netherlands, to introduce limited overs cricket to the Dutch. Since then this tournament has rightfully earned its place in the Dutch Cricket Calendar as the most popular event amongst both players and spectators alike.

Mr. Rupa Karunatilake and Mrs. Karunatilake on their arrival at the Amterdam cricket grounds, were received by members of the organizing committee Flavin Aponso and Russel Kern. The President of the Royal Netherlands Cricket Board Rene van Ierschot whilst welcoming the new Ambassador to his first tournament praised him for the support to this prestigious tournament and thanked everyone who was involved in organizing this tournament stating that this event brings Sri Lanka and Netherlands closer and strengthening the existing bonds.

First World Challenger Cup Indoor Cricket here
To popularize indoor cricket the WICF has initiated and sanctioned the "WICF Challenger Cup". The cup will feature all non-member countries. The focus of WICF is to target outdoor cricket playing nations with special emphasize on Asia, where a large cricket playing population exists.

The cup will be structured in a way to provide opportunities for countries that wish to play this game to be a part of the world indoor cricket events. Countries participating in the Challenger Cup will have a chance of playing in the WICF World Cup. All countries and associations participating in the Challenger Cup will thereafter be entitled to apply for Associate Membership. Some of the participating teams are from India, Pakistan and U.A.E.

The first ever World Indoor Cricket Federation WICF Challenger Cup will take place at Austasia International Indoor Stadium, Thalawathugoda, commencing September 18 when the teams arrive in Colombo and will be held over a period of 10 days. It is indeed a great opportunity for Sri Lanka as hosts of this prestigious tournament.

Officials of the World Body, Mr. Ross Collins (President of the Australian Indoor Cricket Federation and Head of Technical World Indoor Cricket Federation) and Ms. Karen Denman (Secretary General) will be travelling to Sri Lanka to watch the games. In addition Mr. Collins will be conducting a Free Coaching Clinic on Friday 19, September. Austasia hopes to create a 'carnival atmosphere' with a special calendar of entertainment lined up.-BW

Southern Monsoon rally 2003 today
The Southern Wheels Lanka Monsoon Rally organized by the Southern Motor Sports Club will be flagged off today with the first competitor due to be sent off at 8.02 a.m. This challenging and exciting one day rally is being sponsored by Ms Wheels Lanka (Pvt) Ltd with HNB Assurance and LOLC as co-sponsors.

The rally traverses the beautiful landscapes of the south and also through major towns in the Matara, Galle and Hambantota districts covering a route of approxinately 380kms. It consists of two stages with a two hour stop over at Embilipitiya.

The rally which begins and terminates at the newly opened premises of Wheel Lanka (Pvt) Ltd at Pamburana, Matara is scheduled to finish at 6.00 p.m in the evening. The organizers will be awarding more than 50 trophies to the winners of the stages and finally the overall winners. The awards distribution will take place at the Royal Gardens Hotel at Pamburana, Matara. -MSA

Five club shotgun golf tourney
One hundred and fifteen golfers will participate in the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank's five club shotgun tournament, which will tee off at the Royal Colombo Golf Club's greens today (Sunday Sept. 14) starting at 7 a.m.

This popular tournament started by HSBC in 1999 has generated much interest among the local golfers. It also brings about togetherness and understanding among premier customers, said Lionel Almeida, the Secretary of the RCGC.

All the leading golfers in the local scene will take part. Its five golfers in one slot played over one round (18 holes). But holes 3, 7, 14, 15 and 17 doubling up (10 golfers). It will tee off in ideal conditions with the fairways looking luscious green. -BW

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