A local rugby wizard who is accredited to be one of the greatest strategists - within and outside the rugby field - is Kavan Rambukwella.
His skills as a player, coach, administrator, selector, councillor, consultant and promoter is legendary and has blended to maintain a high calibre profile in the sport.
When one sees some of the top rugby personalties bow down at the sight of him in sincere appreciation of the services he has rendered, one is left to wonder what sort of a magnificient player he has been. His concentration for the game began at Trinity College, Kandy where every student enjoys a bit of rugby in his schooling career. He started playing the game with the mango seed with colleagues during lunch breaks. Anchoring a berth in the College First XV side at the age of 14, his attachment to the game now spans 50 years. A glowing career, it still glitters with the hope of giving the best guidance to players who seek his advice.
Even today his expertise is sought by the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union (SLRFU) where he is heading the Appeal Board of the Union as Chairman. Here the judgement of the Disciplinary Committee is scrutinized for a milder punishment when appealed by the defendant. A honorary job which could be typically handled by men of high regard and respect in the rugby society. Having witnessed varying rugby standards from many angles since the time Sri Lanka was known as Ceylon, he has practically analysed every scenario in the rise and the fall of the game.
Based on his findings he has engineered many meaningful remedies for the propagation and the upliftment of the sports in Sri Lanka. Dedicated to the core, he once resigned as the Chairman together with the entire Selection Committee of the SLRFU backing his decision in protest against Sports Ministry intervention in forcing to include a player of his choice. He further refused to accompany the same team as the manager during the 1979 tour of Malaysia for the Asiad. However the minister's nominee ended up with sore eyes. A stable decision maker he has led a no nonsense life though mingled freely with ruggerites and their administration staff. Helping the needy ruggerite when in troubled waters, he has successfully negotiated many fine jobs for budding young ruggerites for which he has been showered with high accolades. Hailed as 'Golden Boy of Ceylon' for his try scoring ability in international matches where he excelled as a centre three quarter he was able to play freely unlike in local matches being well marked by two to three players at a time. The publicity he received in the media had been very encouraging and still maintains most of his paper clippings neatly pasted in two thick drawing books.
Having lost his parents when young he was brought up by his uncles. Most of his young life had been at the school boarding and finally ending up at Alison House at Trinity. Organizing his life in such a way he established himself steadily and later became a Director at Bartleet Tea Brokers. He served there for 30 years after being an executive for five years. Thus he held one of the top most positions in the Company. His vision to promote the game and to standardize the quality of the sport was always broad-based. He is glad that most of his ideas are taking shape these days. One of which was to introduce the game into the provinces when he held office as SLRFU President in the 1978/79 term.
The inauguration of mini-rugby was another brain-child of his. Another major assignment he undertook was the successful campaign in conducting the Rugby Congress at Hilton for a day, where media reports of the past 15 years were reviewed by the entire rugby fraternity in the county seeking specialist instructions and guidance for the sheer sake of improvement. He was also privileged to be the first President of the Duncan White Sports Foundation mostly represented by the media personnel of the highest repute.
Another prestigious post he held was being a councillor for the Sport Council of the Ministry of Sports. Prior to that he held on to some key offices.
Kavan's ability to coach brought him unexpected fame specially after dominating the international scene. He guided CR&FC from 1963 to 1965, the club which ear-marked his success as a coach.
Later he went on to coach the Police team for six continuous years. He was there with the Police until they won their first ever Cup in 1971. At the same time he was running a school of junior rugby where 20 odd cub ruggerites successfully passed the 3 month course which taught them the basics.
Highly recognized he was able to run this school only for few years at the Depot Police. He has coached more than 2000 rugby players with some of them ending up at the highest rung.
He romped to sporting glory from athletics, winning a record run in the 100 with 11 seconds in the under 16 of the Public School Championship. He led the Trinity athletic team when he was 19, but could not pursue further as he was keen on rugby. He has also played a little cricket and was a medium pace opening bowler and has played a couple of matches during a schools season.
Given the right break he started playing rugby to his true potential. With only three to four years of schools rugby he excelled to such an extent that fans would travel long distances just to watch him play.
He acquired his basic skills from Philip Buultjens and Major Hardy. He was always liked by many.
The most memorable moment in school rugby is from the match against Royal in his third year. He scored three tries in rapid succession to give Trinity victory. This effort clearly marked him as an outstanding player and brought him the rugby colours from Trinity. Maintaining the same form the following year he was awarded the coveted 'Lion' in 1951 which was his last year in school. Whilst in school he was invited by the Club representatives at Longden Place. But after one year's play at CR, he joined the hill country club Dickoya, where he was employed with European planters.
After two years he reverted back to CR after negotiating a job with Bartleet where he was employed until he retired in 1993. Having enjoyed the game to the hilt especially pitting his skills against the Europeans, his rugby career ended abruptly when he was injured during club practices.
The matches which attracted the crowd those days was the CR-CH and the Capper Cup game between Colombo and Outstation Clubs.
He has toiled hard to be fit so as to be in par with the Europeans which gave him the edge to shine at every game.He represented the All Ceylon side in the All India tournaments in Madras and Calcutta, then against the New Zealand and Australian Colts. He could not do much when playing with local clubs where a minimum of three players marked his movements which stalled the use of his skills, but did exceptionally well when playing with foreigners. He has gone on scoring sprees winning match after match for Ceylon earning him his Golden Boy image where rousing spectator appeal gave him the will to play even better. Other ruggerites who have spent longer spells with him are Ashroff Cader, Geoff Wienmann, Ago Paiva, S.B. Pilapitiya, Malcom Wright and Mahesh Rodrigo to name a few. His marriage to Anne Hardy the daughter of his own coach has been very happy and understanding.
Anne had spent most of her time watching Kavandisplaying his excellent skills under the stewardship of her Dad. Known as 'love birds' in rugby circles at that time, they were always spotted together except when Kavan was playing rugby.
In time they were blessed with their daughter Rhuani, who is managing her own Advertising Company which is known as Kurio Ishon and son Ramesh who is a regular visitor to the United States. After all the hard work with a clean slate Kavan is somewhat saddened to note that some of the present officials holding office in key sports bodies want to promote themselves and not the sport.
Sri Lanka will be celebrating their "Golden Jubilee", after attaining independence on Feb. 4, 1948, while Nalanda Cricket will reach a new milestone when the "triplets" (Dayaratnas) in all probability will turn out for the school in the coming season.
Already two of them have played during the last season - Danuka, a gritty lefthanded batsman, batting at No. 3, while the second boy Danthila, as an utility all-rounder under skipper Shantha Kalawitagoda (who created cricket history in the 'big match' against Ananda with his batting skills, with a highest score of 147). Shantha, a competent opening bat, now turns out for the SSC.
The third boy - Danthika has already made an impact in the Second XI and is raring to go in the coming season to join his two elder brothers. He is an off-spin bowler and a stubborn middle - order bat and has shown up well at the nets. With his grim dermination he looks assured of doing well and making history in Sri Lanka school cricket.
The "triplets" were interviewed by The Sunday Times in association with their father, G. K. D. Dayaratna (an Attorney-at - Law). With his wife Lalini they have nurtured and nursed the "triplets" under trying conditions, since their birth, on April 24, 1979.
The triplets were fortunate that they were born to parents who were not only sports conscious, but encouraged them to make the grade in their studies, too. With this backing they have never let them down and passed out creditably in the GCE O/L and are now pursuing their A/L in Commerce, which Exam they will take up in the Jubilee year (1998).
Incidentally the "triplets" are mild-mannered and soft spoken. The eldest - Danuka was the chief spokesman.
Q:- Who taught you the first lesson in cricket?
A - It was Mr. Lionel Mendis, the former Ananda Coach (who now runs a private coaching school) at the junior level. All three of us played in the under- 13 team.
At this level it was Mr. Leslie Narangoda who played with much success for Nalanda and in club cricket. Undoubtedly he was a brilliant fielder.
In the under-17 Mr. Chandrasiri Weerasinghe - a complete cricketer, further improved our skills on and off the field.
With this background we came under yet another capable coach in the senior level, Mr. Jayantha Seneviratne, the former Sri Lanka batsman and a brilliant fielder, too. A firm disciplinarian, Mr. Seneviratne, put us on the track with his experience. Incidentally Jayantha is going as coach with the Sri Lanka Youth team for the coming World Cup to be staged in S. Africa.
Danuka, further stated they were confident that the trio will play in the first team as they are applying themselves well despite tremendous pressure in their last year of school cricket.
Danthika is already in the squad and is shaping well at the nets. It will be great if this happens for Nalanda cricket with the"triplets" sandwiched in the team under Sanjay Rodrigo who are bound to enjoy a fruitful season with their unflagging enthusiasm.
Quite a number of twins have played at Test level or otherwise. The Waugh twins - Steve and Mark are making a tremendous impact for the Aussie team. In the past, England had the Bedser twins - Alec and Eric. Alec hit the top with his swing bowling - picking 236 Test wickets. He also had the legendary Sir Don Bradman on a number of occasions-caught Hutton, bowled Bedser. Both Alec and Eric played for Surrey.
Nalanda had the Obeysekera twins Carl and Valentine who later turned out for the NCC. If the 'D' triplets play for Nalanda, it will be a record hard to beat, like Jim Laker's 19 wickets against Australia in the Manchester Test in 1956.
There were quite a number of brothers turning out for their countries in the past. The three Grace brothers E. M., E. F. and Dr. W. G.Grace played against the Aussies in 1880, at the Oval. The Pakistani Mohammed brothers -Hanif, Mustaq and Sadiq against New Zealand in Karachi in the 1969-70 series. The S. Africans had Eric, a sedate opener and Athol Rowan, an effective off-spinner. At present Zimbabwe has Andy and Grahame Flower playing well. Sri Lanka too had its quota - Sidat and Mithra Wettimuny and the Ranatunga brothers - Arjuna and Dhammika.
The Dayaratna "triplets", playing for Nalanda look a certainty, and it's going to be an epoch-making year for Nalanda Cricket.
Papa Dayaratna, too had his say with The Sunday Times....
Q- What made you get interested in cricket and guide your triplets? What are you going to gain out of it?
A- Sports helps build character - especially in team sport, where everyone has to contribute for its success. It has to be team spirit and not mere individual brilliance.
He further stated that later in life, it will mould them to face setbacks in life courageously.
Further I have insisted on my children whatever happens on the field must be forgotten after the game. No festering, but bonhomie must prevail, with both teams shaking hands after the game and not lamenting over the outcome. This is what sport is all about. This should be the first lesson taught to the youngsters at junior level.
But today it's sad to note that in some quarters, they tend to make all sorts of excuses for their failure, this isn't cricket, Papa Dayaratna added. This is due to the wrong training at school level, which breeds hatred. My children are quite aware of this and abide by it. Otherwise, it's pointless in taking part in sport as the future is going to be gloomy for them off the field, he added.
After Rumesh Ratnayake, Chaminda Vaas has been the best fast bowler produced by Sri Lanka.
Chaminda Vaas demonstrated this as he became the only Sri Lanka pace bowler and only the third to capture 100 wickets in one day internationals. His hundreth victim was Stewart Williams.
Chaminda Vaas made his Test debut against Pakistan in 1994. Since then Vaas has never looked back. He has being spearheading the Sri Lanka fast bowling department for the last couple of seasons. He was also instrumental in bringing about Sri Lanka's first ever Test win abroad.
Vaas played juinor cricket for St. Anthony's Wattala and St.Joseph's, Maradana .Many batsmen who faced him in his school days were at the recving end of his deadly left arm pace attack.
Vaas who turns out for Colts in club cricket, made his Test debut against Pakistan in 1994 at the Asgiriya Stadium Kandy. In that match he went on to impress Pakistan's Wasim Akram, another world class left arm pacie who said that Chaminda will be one of best bowlers in the world in time tocome and will be a match winner for Sri Lanka.
It didn't take long for his young fast bowler to hit the limelight. When Sri Lanka toured New Zealand, Vaas was just another bowler. But during the first Test match against New Zealand at Napier, he came out with flying colours. He had the New Zealand batsmen at sea with his left arm bowling. He went on to capture ten wickets and helped Sri Lanka to win that match by 264 runs and achieved there first ever Test win abroad.
With this performance Vaas became the first Sri Lankan bowler to capture ten wickets in a match. Chaminda had 16 wickets to his credit at the end of the New Zealand series.
After his performance in New Zealand, he had the cricketing world looking up at him with a keen eye. Many past and present international pace bowlers were of the opinion that after Wasim Akram, Chaminda is one of the best left arm pace bowlers to come into the international scene. They also said that Chaminda is the number two left armer pace bowler in the world and said that he is amongst the best five bowlers in the world in this category. Chaminda didn't stop there. He took his form on SriLanka's tour of Pakistan and helped Sri Lanka to win the series 2-1 after losing the first Test match. In that series he took12 wickets. India's Sachin Tendulkar, Australian Mark Waugh, West Indian Brian Lara and Pakistan's Salim Malik are some of the batsmen who have been at the receving end of his deadly left arm pace attack. He has captured over 70 wickets in Test cricket.
Chaminda who has adjusted to both types of cricket very quickly has been a tower of strengh for Sri Lanka in one day cricket. At a time when most of the international one day teams are going for the runs in the first 15 overs, Sri Lanka has being saved from that thanks to bowling of Chaminda Vaas who has been able to bowl a tight opening spell..
This left armer is no slouch with the bat. He has scored two fifties in his international Test career and has been involved in many good partnerships when Sri Lanka has been in tight situations. Not only with the ball, but he has also impressed with the bat. Many cricketers are of the opinion that Vaas can become one of the best all rounders in world cricket.
Chaminda's fielding has also been of high quality. He has taken some breathtaking catches and has been a good out fielder. He throws from the deep and has a throwing arm which is accurate as an arrow.
Vaas has also shown a lot of maturity and has shown that he can take on responsibility - signs of a future skipper. He also has the ability to outhink his opponents.
Fred Trueman was the
biggest phunk of cuss
edness to come out of Yorkshire. Times without number he almost sent those high-ups at Lords round the bend. And no doubt the hierarchy at Lords are thanking their stars there was onlyone Trueman. Another and they would have gone bonkers. To them Trueman was the devil incarnate. But Trueman had a heart as big as the Headingly stand.
He played his first Australian Test match at the Oval in 1953 and opened the attack with Alec Victor Bedser from the Vauxhall end. Neil Harvey was his first victim caught by Hutton for 36, he finished with 4 for 86 and England won the Test in 4 days. At this time Trueman was doing his National service and was given the week off for Test duty.
England had won the Ashes after twenty years and Trueman was preparing to celebrate. When out of the blue came a telegram from his commanding officer'Well played.
Return pronto to camp.' Trueman packed his bags and returned to camp.
A few day later, the Australians played the Combined Services at Kingston - on - Thames. Australia put in all their heavyweights Morris, Miller, Harvey, DeCourcy, Benaud and Lindwall to name a few, won the toss and batted first.
Captaining the Services that day was a sailor who didn't like Trueman. No sooner had they gone onto the field, this fellow was on Trueman's back.
As Trueman was taking his sweater off this captain came upto Trueman and asked him what he was doing.
'Well I thought I was going to bowl the first over, replied Trueman. Instead an Army bloky was given the first over.
Trueman then went to short-leg and again this captain was onto his back. 'And now trueman what are you up to?' And before Trueman could answer, sent him packing to long-leg. .The Services got the leather hunting of their lives
After play when Trueman was packing his bags, this joker of a captain came upto Trueman and said 'Trueman I want to tell you that you will never play for the Combined Services again'
"You are bloody right" said Trueman because I was demobbed from the R.A.F five days ago and only stayed on to do my bit of the benevolent fund.
A few days later a girl by the name of Enid, whose father was the Mayor of Scarborough became Mrs. Fred Trueman.
Then came Trueman's first tour at the end of that year to the West Indies. A tour that was a complete disaster where management and diplomacy was concerned. England's selectors have done some weird things down the line.
They appointed one of the players - Charlie Palmer as Manager. And with the manager himself trying for a place in the side he could not expect to command the respect of the other players especially the respect of one F.S Trueman.
However Trueman's first brush up on that tour was not with Palmer, but with Len Hutton himself. One night Trueman was having a yarn and a drink with Clyde Walcott, Everton Weekes and Gerry Gomez. When Hutton saw this performance he blew his top off and told Trueman he was not to socialize with any of the West Indians.
Now Trueman could not give a damn whether it was Len Hutton Captain of England, or, Len Hutton the world's greatest batsman. He told Hutton straight to his face, Look Len, nobody is going to tell me with whom I am not to have a drink.
Because it is not going to have any bearing on my cricket attitude towards them.' What a difference it might have made to cricket in '32-'33 if Harold Larwood could have spoken to Douglas Jardine's in the same tone.
Because deep down inside, Larwood must have detested Jardines attitude. But there was nothing he could do other than carry out Jardine's orders.
England's next tour was to Australia and New Zealand and Trueman was dropped . He also missed the '56-57 tour to South Africa. Thirteen Tests in all which must have cost him at least another 50 to 60 Test wickets.
Then came Trueman's next tour to Australia and New Zealand in '58 -'59, and didn't the Aussie crowds love him .
The Australia Day happened to fall during the 4th Test at Adelaide, with England in the field and Australia piling on the agony, after Peter May won the toss and put them in. When the 21 gun salute started, Trueman held his chest and staggered, after the 2nd he dropped to the ground and after the 3rd he pulled out a white handkerchief and held it up.
And the crowd gave him the biggest cheer of the day. It was also on this tour that Trueman met a one eyed umpire by the name of McConkindale at Wagga in New South Wales. McConkindale was the umpire for Wagga. Because each team brought its own umpire and they had won the local tournament for twelve years running because of McConkindale's umpiring. And with McConkindale to umpire again were in line to win it for the thirteenth time.
On the night before the Final was to be played, the Secretary of the other team, a fellow called Simpson, suggested they ask Trueman who was holidaying up there with a Pommy squatter to play for them to offset the advantage of McConkindale. The others agreed and Simpson approached Trueman who was drinking at the bar.
Trueman of course agreed to play under an assumed name. Fred Smith. 'Smith's team won the toss and 'Smith' opened the bowling. The first ball was at a slow medium pace and to his surprise the batsman got an edge and was caught behind. How's That?' Not out' said, the umpire.
Two balls later the batsman was caught at point. Another appeal Again not out. A few balls later the batsman was caught plumb in front and an appeal for LBW rent the country air. The one eyed umpire again shook his head. Why? was it going under the stumps,' asked Smith'
McConkindale snapped back, 'you do bloody job and I'll do mine and I don't want any bloody cheek from you.' Smith then told him a pity you did not bring your dark glasses and guide dog with you and this time he went back to measure his full Test match run.
The very next ball sent the batsman's stumps cartwheeling and 'Smith' thought that settled it. He swung round and was about to appeal when the one-eyed Jack said, 'Cripes that was close; you nearly had him that time you Bastard'. And Trueman was convinced that what Simpson had told him the previous night was the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the Gospel Truth.
Trueman's next tour was in '59-'60 to the Caribbean. His second to those palm fringed isles. The second Test was played at Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, and hardly had the game lasted 2 hours when Trueman opened his big mouth. Peter May won the toss and they started with Pullar and Cowdrey.
Trueman and Statham pulled two chairs onto the balcony of the dressing room. Both were sipping a Beer. Trueman was smoking a pipe and Statham was puffing a cigarette. Both were dressed in the same attire - only in their jockstraps. The only difference was that Statham's jockstrap was bigger than Trueman's. England lost both openers for 42 and then at 57 Peter May was caught.
Kanhai bowled Watson for a 'duck' to make it 3 for 57, and still more time to go for lunch. When all of a sudden, Ken Barrington - of all people - hit a massive 6 that sailed out of Queen's Park and crashed into a tree. With that about a dozen hulking West Indians came tumbling out of its branches. Up jumped Trueman, put his hands on his hips and bellowed, 'Hey man.' What a bloody advert for Rowntrees chocolate drops.' and he was fined 50 quid on the spot.
England won that Test by 256 runs and then drew the next two at Kingston and Georgetown.
Then back to Trinidad for the 5th Test. But before, that Peter may had to return for another stomach operation and Brian Statham the senior professional also had to return home because his son had contracted Chicken-pox and pneumonia so Cowdrey took over the captaincy and Trueman was catapulted to the post of senior professional. At the first Press conference he held after assuming office he was asked by a reporter if there would be any special rules which he may lay down. And Trueman told him straight off the bat, 'well, the first thing the Buggers will have to do is cut out the bloody swearing' And with that went another 50 quid. Poor Trueman! all he had to was open his big mouth. In fact things were becoming so bad, he was even scared to yawn in front of the tour management. Because all that was left from his good conduct Bonus was only £ 50. And he would have to convince Enid-to whom he was still married - that he was only playing cricket in the West Indies and not up to any nefarious activities. But before the Test finished Trueman was to land himself into his last mess. England were in the field and it was so hot that it would have tanned those West Indians themselves. Let alone a white skin. And Trueman was bowling his guts out.
One batsman - whose name I cannot now recollect - was playing and missing ball after ball outside the off stump. He was not bothering to score and neither was he making an effort to get out.
Things got to such a pitch that not only did the Englishmen want him gone but even the West Indians themselves. He was such a pain in the neck. When all of a sudden it dawned on Cowdrey that a new ball was due and Trueman had to be given a rest. But after a few overs, Trueman walked in from long leg and asked Cowdrey for another go at this fellow. Trueman had noticed that this fellow was not moving his left foot. Just hanging his bat out. And all that was needed was a ball pitched on middle and off, a little bit of movement and extra pace and it would be a 'sitter' to the wicket-keeper or slips. So Cowdrey gave it to Trueman and the field was rearranged - three slips and a gully. At first slip Michael Colin Cowdrey, born in Bangalore, educated at Tunbridge, played for Oxford, supported Ted Heath, Captain of Kent and now captaining and opening for England. At second slip. Edward Ralph Dexter, Born in Milan, cricketing Blue from Cambridge, capped for Sussex and now batting and bowling for England. At 3rd slip, Raman Subba Row, born of an Indian father and English mother, cricketing Blue from Cambridge capped for Surrey, married to Anne Harrison, captain of Northamptonshire and now batting and fielding for England, And now came Trueman on that curving run of his - like a train taking a bend - coming into the straight he changed gears and now he was racing in. His silver toecap glinting like a cowcatcher passed umpire Cortez Jordan and banged that ball down right on target. The bastman fell for it. Again held his bat out, outside edge and it was flying into the slips. Trueman was up in the air. Horrors It was flying straight to third slip and Raman Subba Row. Subba Row did not lay a finger on it. It went through his legs and down to the third man boundary for four. Trueman must have felt his whole world crashing around him after bending his back over that ball. But he kept his mouth shut, as he was now left only with the last 50 quid of his good conduct Bonus. But Subba Row saw to it that Trueman was not going home even with that. At the end of the over he walked upto Trueman and said. 'Sorry Fred that catch' Trueman snapped back, 'and what about the bloody four runs?' 'Ya should have kept my legs together, said Subba Row. And back came Trueman with a real gem. "Kept your bloody legs together? And that was the end of Trueman's last 50 quid.
In 1960 the West Indies toured Australia under Frank Worrell. While in Perth, Worrell noticed a young fast bowler in the nets and knew this youngster had tremendous potential. Now the Australian selectors knew what Worrell was talking about and picked this youngster for the 1961 tour of England. His name Graham Donald McKenzie.
In the run up to the first Test at Edgebaston, the Australians played Yorkshire. Yorkshire were batting and a wicket fell, and in came Trueman. The bowler was none other then Graham McKenzie.
The very first ball exploded like a bomb near Trueman's toecaps and sent his stumps cartwheeling. As Trueman walked in one of the Yorkshire members asked him, 'Hey, Fred was that fast?' Trueman looked him straight in the eye and said, "How the bloody hell will I know? Never saw the bloody ball"
And now to Trueman's last tour to Australia in 1962 under Ted Dexter. Passages were booked on the 'Himalaya' for the England team But it was scheduled to leave two days before the county matches ended. Now there was no way the Captain of that ship was going to hold up that ship for any mother's son, even if the Manager happened to be the Duke of Norfolk. So off sailed the 'Himalaya' and its first port of call was Aden.
The T.C.C.B decided to fly the team out to Aden and left them board it from there. So as soon as the county matches were over, and without time for farewells, they were hustled on board a plane. Naturally the team got to Aden before the 'Himalaya' docked in and the Sultan of Aden - though he knew nothing of cricket - decided to host them to a party.
And this is where Trueman landed himself into his first mess of the tour. While they were being shown around the Palace, one of the guides said, 'the Sultan has 197 wives.' Everybody kept their mouth shut, but not Trueman. And Trueman was fined £ 50 before he even set foot in Australia.
From Aden to Freemantle via Colombo. The W.A..C.A. hosted them to a dinner to which the Bishop of Perth was also invited. When Trueman saw the servant of the Lord making his appearance, he siddled upto David Sheppard, dug him in the ribs and said "Hey Rev there comes your bloody senior, pro" And with that went another 50 quid.
Later when the team was on an internal flight, one of the engines were giving a peculiar sound and everyone thought they were heading for the Pearly Gates. Up jumped Trueman. Looked around and saw David Sheppard wearing his clerical collar. 'Don't worry boys the Rev's got his bloody working overalls on'.
Fred Trueman was a character. The crowds loved him and those old so and so's at Lords dreaded him.
Sri Lanka's favourite
Australian rider
Darren Beadman who has given many glorious and money making moments to local punters, courtesy Sumathi Group's Sporting Star betting parlours has decided to hang up his boots in order to devote his life to God. He rode his last race at Randwick (New South Wales) on Boxing Day having ridden winners in an avalanche.
Ever since he made his announcement to retire he had been receiving an unprecedented number of farewells and countless testimonials.
What is so special about him? Many jockeys have ridden more group winners, many have won more premierships, yet still some others have conquered International stage but Beadman's star shines brightest from end to end.
His good, moviestarlike looks has earned him the nickname of Tom Cruise and his personal charisma draws him to everyone like a magnet.
Now at the pinnacle of his career still so young for a rider, Beadman is turning his back on fame and fortune to become a minister of his church, the Christian Life Centre.
Most followers of the game have compared Beadman to the greats of the past and present and while they all disagree on the greatest of all, most concur that in time Beadman could have been the best Australia had seen and echo Bart Cummings entreaty that he should seek a second opinion.
But the style and amazing grace that epitomise the way Beadman rides are to the fore as he patiently fends off the pleas to stay, and explains otherwise.
He says about his sudden decision to retire that God has told him to do so. "God wants me to do his job." And he reiterates that his decision is final and irrevocable.
He says God has given him great gifts in riding but was temporary. It was a foundation for the future.
According to Beadman the call to serve God came to him when he was holidaying in the United States in June this year.
Beadman's nine-month disqualification sustained in Hong Kong relating to not riding a horse on its merit, he agrees has something to do with his decision.
He is supposed to have turned to religion after this most unfortunate decision.
Eight times premiership winning Australian Champion jockey one of his closest friends Ron Quinton says that the decision to hang up his boots came out like a bolt from the blues and it really shook the racing portals of Australia.
Beadman is known as the late rallying 'crocodile rider' as he tends to swoop down late and beat the pacemakers in electrifying finishes.
Of late Darren Beadman knowing or getting a premonition of his impending retirement struck a purple patch netting a bagful of winners helping on the poor and hapless punter along. And on the final day after his final decision at Randwick (New South Wales) he made his exit with a successful brace of rides ending a fantastic career in a blaze of glory.
His colleagues in racing - Larry Cassidy, Jim Cassidy, Shane Dye, Corrie Brown, Reg Marshall and others paid glowing tributes to their friend Beadman and in conjunction with the Jockey Club of Australia presented him a plaque with a picture of the rider embedded on it in gold frame.
According Beadman the best race he rode was in 1994 when he got his mount Navy Seal to edge out Cobbora in a stirring finish which brought the grandstand down at Epson, Australia.
This was the launching pad for a very successful entry into full jockeyship and his blazing career.
Reutrn to Sports Contents Page
| HOME PAGE | EDITORIAL/OPINION | NEWS / COMMENT | BUSINESS | PLUS
Please send your comments and suggestions on this web site to
info@suntimes.is.lk or to
webmaster@infolabs.is.lk