Bill Johnston and his antics

By Bruce Maurice

On the 17th of June 1955, Bill Johnston was carried off Sabina Park in Kingston, Jamaica on a stretcher, and that was the end of his Test career. That was the 5th Test against the West Indies. Actually Jack Hill should have been played in that Test because he was in much better form. But as this was going to be Johnston's last Test, the selectors - Johnson, Morris and Miller - included Johnston. A decision they later regretted.

Bill Johnston played his first Test against India at Brisbane in 1947. Australia batted first, made 382 for 8 and Bradman declared. That night it came down in buckets and there was hardly any prospects of there being play the following day. So Toshack and Johnston went for a party that night and to use a colloquial phrase, "Really went to town". But Brisbane being sub-tropical dries quite fast. To their horror play was possible the next day. But despite heavy heads and hardly able to keep their eyes opened, the two of them routed India for 58 and 98 for Australia to win by an innings and 226 runs. Johnston finishing with a match bag of 3 for 38 and Toshack with figures of 11 for 31.

Johnston made 2 tours to England, ('48 & '53) 1 to South Africa, ('48) and his last to the West Indies in 1955. He was one of the most likeable characters who ever played the game. One of those very few players against whom nothing adverse could have been said or written. However, on one occasion he lost control of himself. It was at the tail end of the 1948 tour and the match was against Kent. Ray Lindwall was always allowed to choose his end. Johnston bowling from the other end had picked up a few cheap wickets. It then dawned on Lindwall that he had chosen the wrong end and he asked to be switched to the end that Johnston was bowling from. "Why? Is the game made for only one man?" asked Johnston rather angrily. But he soon calmed down. And that was the only time that Johnston ever said a word out of place. Ray Lindwall also made no delay in apologising for his uncalled for request.

Bill Johnston was also long-limbed and double-jointed. So he had no difficulty putting his feet behind his head. But one day he nearly killed himself while giving one of these performances. Australia had won the 1st Test at Trent Bridge in 1948 and were naturally elated. Johnston in the midst of the celebrations hopped into one of those massive baths at Trent Bridge and started clowning. It was great fun to the others who were watching this performance, until he slid under the water. When they saw the bubbles coming up they all thought it was a part of the act. But it was only after he managed to disentangle himself and break surface did they realise that he had almost drowned. Another incident when Johnston had a miraculous escape was in South Africa in 1948 when he was involved in an automobile accident. One particular gash on his forehead looked as if a golfer had taken a shot with a golf club. So Bill Johnston certainly brought two things into this world when he came. One was long life and the other a sense of humour that was hard to match. But there was one occasion when he caused a bit of a confusion and embarrassment. It was the 4th Test against England at Leeds. Johnston's place in the batting order has always been No. 11. But in this instance he went in at No. 10, only because Toshack was injured. When he was padding up, Bradman told him, that either Lindwall or he will have to run for Toshack. These same instructions had been given to Lindwall earlier. After making 13, Johnston was out and forgetting instructions began walking off. Lindwall then called out. "Hey Bill. Come back you've got to run for Tosh."

This was enough for Johnston to indulge in a bit of devilment.

Then came the 5th Test at Melbourne in 1951 when England needed 95 to win. They made it for the loss of 2 wickets and the not out batsman were Hutton and Compton. With only a few runs needed, Hassett decided to bowl the last over and Hutton was on strike. They got 2 runs off one delivery and all thought that was it, and the usual scramble for souvenirs began. But the scores were level and one run was still needed. So all six stumps were hammered back into place, but only three bails were produced.

A search now began for the missing bail. Hassett then realised who the culprit was. "Bill, where is that other bail?" queried Hassett. And Johnston, as if butter would not have melted in his mouth that very moment, swore by all the Gods that he did not know. But Hassett knew better. "Come here Bill. Let me see what you've got in that pocket of yours," said Hassett. And sure enough when Hassett put his hand into one of his pockets, the missing bail was there!

Festival for disabled

Adopting the guidance of "Disability is no Inability", Lions International District 306 B has launched a major awareness campaign on the disabled persons in Sri Lanka, whose numbers have been rapidly increasing due to the ravages of the prevalent war. Under the leadership of the District Governor Lion Malik Zaveer, the District Chairman for the physically handicapped Lion Lucky Jayasuriya and the dedicated Lions from the district, the loving and sturdy arms of Lionism are geared and ready to focus attention to the life, needs and the rehabilitation of these stricken brethren many of whom are unsung and forgotten heroes of mother Lanka. The project also will provide exposure to the bright and positive aspects of their latent talents, especially in the sports arena. It will spotlight deserving recognition and sincere encouragement to a category of people who strive to rise from the depths of despondency and misery. The injured soldiers from the armed services will be prominent participants. This Lionistic endeavour will take the form of a sports festival for the disabled scheduled for Saturday November, 21 1998 from 1.00 p.m. at the Sports Ministry Grounds, Reid Avenue Colombo 7. The programme includes track events, a cricket match, a volleyball match and an exhibition soccer match, for which teams will be drawn from various centres for disabled and the Ranaviru Sevena. Through the generosity of the Lions Clubs, commercial establishments and philanthropic individuals many attractive prizes and gifts will be offered to the winners and participants. Another note of significance is that the planned sports festival will coincide with the important and prestigious 26th South Asia, Africa and Middle East forum of the Lions Clubs International, which will be held in Colombo fom the 19th to 22nd November 1998. An attendance of over four hundred foreign delegates together with a strong contingent of local Lions is anticipated. The sports festival will be graced by the presence of Lion Kajith Habananda the international Lions President who will be the chief guest. The conduct of the sports festival will indeed be a reflection of the commitment, team work and service of Sri Lankan Lions who are harmonising human values to extend the hand of solace, satisfaction and solution to the needy and helpless persons, among whom are our physically handicapped bretheren.

Sports you may have missed

Marathon on Nov. 29 The first ever International Marathon will be held in Sri Lanka on Sunday November 29 starting from the Galle Fort conducted by the Amateur Athletic Association of Sri Lanka (AAA) and sponsored by Nestles. The marathon will proceed from the Galle Fort ad turn around from Hikkaduwa Town and finish at the Galle Fort while the half marathon will start from Galle Fort and end at spot near the Hikkaduwa Town. Thirty-seven foreigners will run in marathon, among them being Germans, Japanese and Englishmen with over 100 runners from Sri Lanka also coming under the starters orders. This event will be in the International Marathon Calendar from next year. Hockey: Lanka lose Sri Lanka lost all the three hockey Tests against India in Madras revived after a lapse of 27 years . In the first and second Test Sri Lanka lost by 4 goals to nil and in the third Test India managed to beat Sri Lanka by 3 goals to 2 in a hard fought game. Meanwhile the Sri Lanka women's hockey team has been invited to participate in the Surjit Singh championships in Madras in December this year. Badminton rankings Thushara Edirisinghe is presently ranked 143 in World Badminton singles rankings while Duminda Jayakody is ranked 191. Thushara Edirisinghe and Duminda Jayakody is ranked 82nd in the World Doubles rankings issued last week by the International Badminton Federation. Basketball fever Basketball fever has crept into the young in Colombo and Gampaha, said Major Rienzie Wijeratne secretary tournament Committee of Old Mazinodians of the Gampaha District Basketball Association. The Gampaha District Association with the Old Mazinodians Club will organise the inter club invitation knock-out championships for men from November 22 to 29 at the De Mazenod College Courts at Kandana. Army, Police, Air Force, Wattala BC, Old Wesleyities, Old Bens Otters, Royal will participate in the E.A.P. Edirisinghe Memorial Trophy tournament sponsored by E.A.P Edirisinghe Group of Companies HQs. for S.E Badminton Fed. The South East Badminton Federation headquarters has been opened in Colombo and thus augurs well for the sport in Sri Lanka with India and Pakistan as members. Pakistan will visit Sri Lanka in January to play a host of matches at the invitation of the Sri Lanka Badminton Federation. In assisting the promotion of the sport in the North/East province the Sri Lanka Badminton Federation has decided to donate shuttle rackets and other equipment to ten schools in this provinces. Record Merc. Shuttle entries A record number of entries have been received for the Mercantile Inter firm Team Badminton championships to be held from November 26th to 30th at the S.Thomas' Indoor Stadium at Mount Lavinia. Over 350 participants from 40-member firms includes top rank players from the Sri Lanka team. This year's tournament is sponsored by CIC Paints Limited. Bridge in the outstations The game of Bridge is to be taken to the Provinces with the hope of searching for future champions so said its president D.P. Senaweera. Already the sport is taught at the Medical College with over 20 students undergoing the training provided by the Grand Master M.M. Chelliah and exploring the possibilities of coaching at the Peradeniya, Colombo, Kelaniya and Moratuwa Universities. Already the Bridge Federation have five trained directors. The Bridge Federation President said the sport was very popular in schools in China, USA, Poland, Russia and Japan. Sri Lanka will host the Zonal Championships with 15 of the affiliated countries participating at the Taj Samudra from September 5, 1999. The championships will comprise the open and ladies events with the champion and runner up qualifying for the World Bermuda Ball in Bermuda in the year 2000. Meanwhile Sri Lanka will participate in the Youth Championships in Dhaka at the SAARC championships in February next year with participation from India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh. Sri Lanka will also participate in the Zonal Youth Championships in Egypt in February next year which is an event for the Middle East and Asia for those under 25. The Taj Samudra will be one of the sponsors for the Zonal Championships in September involving about 180 to 220 players. Glory wins at Bridge Glory Arasakumar and Mrs G. Singham won the Ladies Pairs and the Jaran Memorial Cup presented by T.Jayarajasingham at the Bridge Open Championships played at its Headquarters at the Race Course. S. Saravanapuran and Dr Rose Peiris finished in second place followed by Shanthi Rasiah and Malani Wijeyaratne, Cera Fernando/ Mallika Wijeyesekera, Ann Mody/ F.Macan Marker, Jenny Fernando/ Rita de Alwis. Meanwhile the open pairs event will be held on Sunday November 22 played for the Dr. Tudor Perera memorial trophy donated by Chandra and Bandula. ITF junior Tennis Sixty-eight players will battle it out for supremacy in the 1998 ITF, South Asian under 13 junior circuit prestigious tournament from December 5th to 19th at the National Tennis Courts at Greenpath. Ten players from Sri Lanka will participate in this tournament with 58 players from Bhutan, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh and the West /Central Asian team.

Ranga, Dishanthi on top

By S.M.D.Sirisena

Ranga Wimalawansa of St Peter's and Dishanthi Dharmasena of Sri Devananda College, Ambalangoda were selected the most outstanding boy and girl at the Milo Schools' Colours awards ceremony held at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH).

Wimalawansa was a member of this year's team which took part in the Asian Athletic Championship in Japan and was in the quartet which won a bronze medal in the 4 x 100 metres relay.

The Peterite also participated in the Junior World Championships in France, clocking 47.55 seconds.

Dishanthi Dharmasena of Sri Devananda College Ambalangoda represented Sri Lanka at the Commonwealth Games in Malaysia and was also a member of the team which participated in the Asian Badminton Championships in Hong Kong. She also won the triple crown at the Junior Badminton Nationals.

Anoma Suriyaarachi of Visakha was the only girl to receive national athletic colours.

The chief guest was the Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education, Professor Vishwa Warnapala.

Following is the list of national schools' colours winners

Cricket: Pradeep Hewage (St.Benedict's ), Upeka Fernando (S.Thomas'), N.Ratwatte (S.Thomas'), N.S.Rupasingha (Kingswood), C.M.Bandara (Kalutara M.V), T.S.Kandambi (Ananda), Ranga Dias (St. Peter's), J.R.Dias (St.Peter's), Sanjeewa Rodrigo (Nalanda), Chamara Soysa (Dharmasoka), Chamara Silva (Rajakeeya M.V.Panadura), Arshad Junaid (D.S.S), Prasanna Jayawardana (St.Sebastian's Moratuwa), M.K.Gajanayaka (D.S.S), C.R.D.Fernando (De Mazenod), Malintha Warnapura (St.Peter's).

Chess : Nirosh de Silva (Royal). Girls : Mihiri Wettasingha (Mahamaya B.M.V)

Table Tennis : Tilina Piyadasa (Vidyartha), K.S.T.Chalitha (Devananda ), R.Sirisena (Royal), Y.Desapriya (Royal), R.Vindayan (St.Anthony's Katugastota), B.R.B.Dickkumbura (Vidyartha), Nuwan Sampath (Isipatana)

Girls: Rizka Kameel (Pushpadana), Dilini Madawala (Hillwood), Kausala Gunaratna ( Pushpadana), Punya Nanayakkara (Mahamaya), Saranga de Silva (Dharmasoka).

Tennis : R.Rajapaksa (Royal), S.M.Ranaweera (Ananda), S.Paramanadan(Royal), D.S.Ranaweera (Ananda), B.Kariyawasam (D.S.S.)

Girls : Dinali De Silva (Bishops'), U.Damayanthi (Bishops), Manisha Abeywardana (Visakha).

Wrestling : C.D.Prematilaka (Jinaraja M.V), Kithsiri Edirisingha (Prince of Wales), K.M.C.Priyankara (Kotahena M.M.V)

Wushu : R.M.Vanlanberg (Dharmapala M.V), S.Sunnadeniya (Royal)

Diving : Gayan Ranatunga (S.Thomas') Girls : Eranga Silva ,Harini Jayasekara ( Visakha)

Life Saving : Asanka Nanayakkara, Roshan Wijesinghe, P.M. Prasanga, H.C.A.Naleen, M.Gunasekara, I.Dinesh Soysa (Nalanda) C.Chintaka Welagedara , M.S.M.Razeen (Richmond).

Karate : Nayanajith Kumarana (Ananda), Nuwan Suranga (St. Sebastian Kandana), W.M.Lee (S.Thomas'), C.J.Ranasingha (Ganemulla M.V.) H.Fonseka (S.Thomas'), K.M.Mudannayaka (Maliyadeva).

Girls : Shamali Ranasingha (Galahitiyava M.M.V), Shiranthi Asangani, R.Sriyani Samaraweera (Mahamaya), B.K.E.U.Jayatilaka (Maliyadeva), Iromika Jayasekara (Dalugama Kalaniya)

Judo : T.M.Samurdeen , M.M.Mohideen, Ranil Seneviratna (Asoka M.V. Colombo 10) , S.Attanayaka, S.Susantha, N.Ratnaweera (St.Andrew M.V Gampola). R.D.K.P.C.Gunasekara (Buwanaka M.M.V), B.J.Ratnaweera (Thurstan), H.P.Asanka (Royal).

Girls: I.Pridarsani Wickramage , S.Priyadarsani Wickramage (Jinaraja B.M.V Gampola)

Gymnastics : Eranga A.Dias , Eranga N.Dias, P.Sameera Ekanayake(Ananda), J.Sampath Gamage(St Anthony's Wattala)

Girls: Chandima Gunatilaka(Visakha), Achini Shamen, Noyomi A.Gamage (Good Shephered Convent Kotahena) , C.Imali Sirisena (Devi B.M.V) Kalpana Senanayaka (Sangamitta Galle), Amila Krishanthi (Mahasen M.V, ), D.Wijeratna (Janadipathy Maharagama),

Soccer : S.Sachindiran (Royal), M.R.M.Murshid (Muslim M.V Kalutara), K.M.X.Fernando (Maris Stella), U.Seneviratna (St.Anne's ), H.M. Thaufer (St.Joseph 's Trinco), D.R.Rajendran, R.Menaka (St.Benedict's ), M.Shahaan, A.R.M.Rinash, M.H.M.Ziyan( Zahira Colombo ), A.K.Mujib (Hameed Al Husseniya M.V).

Badminton : H.M.J.K.Kumarasingha (Dharmaraja), Y.Gunasekara (S.Thomas'), I.S.Sembapperuma (Trinity), C.N.J.John, N.Abeysingha, (St.Anthony's Kandy), A.Rasantha (Devananda), P.Tennakoon , P.Kumarasingha (Royal), R.A.Abeysingha (Dharmaraja), T.I.Ariyadasa (Royal)

Girls: P.Dishanthi (Devananda), K.Geeganage, Taraka Abeywickrema (Sirimavo Bandaranaike B.M.V.) Rasangi Kalpana (Visakha), Dilini Jayasinghe (Sirimavo Bandaranaike B.M.V), Umanga Ratnayaka (Musaeus), Nadeesha Binduhewa (Dharmasoka), Desani Bandara (Mahamaya).

Netball : T.D.Munasingha , G.W.Senanayake, D.Surangi (Kalutara B.M.V) Shanika P. Gunawardane (St Joseph's B.M.V K'galle), Meneka Talagalaarachchi, Kumari Nelin Perera, Prasadini Wijesinghe (St.Joseph's B.M.V. Nugegoda), Dilshani Buddika (Hewavitharana M.V Rajagiriya), Nilanthi Kumari Attanayke (Swarnamali B.M.V), N.Sudarshani Silva (Galahitiyawa M.V), Irosha Adikari (Sirimavo Bandaranaike B.V), B.Nadeeka (HFC Wennappuwa), Subashini Wijeratna (Sangamitta B.V Matale), Saduni Bollegala (Maliyadeva), Lakshni Gunatilaka (Visakha), S.Kumari Wijesuriya. (Science College Matale), Shani Nisansala (Bomiriya M.V), S.Tarangi Ratnaweera( Sir John Kotelawala M.V Kurunegala), Maduwanthi Dissanayaka (R.Wijeratna M.V Eheliyagoda), Radeeka Gayani (Henegama ), Nasleem Hashim (High School Kandy )

Kabadi : (Boys) N.Marasingha, S.R.Dalpadu, L.P.Chitrasoma, K.L.Tennekoon, U.I.Vithana, S.Priyalal, M.R.D.Sampath, (Nalanda-Minuwangoda), H.P.M.Chandika Lakmal Somaratna (Bandaranayaka M.V Gampaha)

Girls : Sangeetha W.Abeysekara, S.Mala Mohotthi, B.H.Darshni De Silva, K.V.Premawathi, N.Siwantha Kottatage, D.W.S.Damayanthi, M.P.Gajamange, I.Rani Karunaratna (Sumana B,V Ratnapura ), Inoka Sangeewani Weerasingha, Wasana Dilrukshi Waduarachchi (Embilipitiya M.M.V )

Hockey : (Boys) V.A.S.Chandraratna (Sri Sumangala Kandy), Esanka Jayasuriya (Wesley), C.K.Rupasingha (Janadipathi M.V Maharagama), U.G.U.Danuska (Richmond), Mahesh Jayawickrama (Royal) , Thiwanga Pieris (Nalanda), D.B.Herath (Vidyartha), M.E.M.Dias (Wesley), R.V.Ranatunga (Nalanda), A.M.S.Wickrama-singha (St. Thomas' Matale), J.B.Wickramasingha (S.Thomas' Mt Lavinia), J.V. Dinesh Indika Janadipathi M.V (Maharagama), Sanjaya Suraweera (Nalanda), M.G.A.Piyapala

(Richmond), A.S.M.Senarath (St.Thomas Matale), M.R.M.Fayal (Isipatana),

Athletics : Ranga Wimalawansa (St.Peter's ), S.V.J.Rajapaksa (Ibbagamuwa M.M.V), K.G.Thilaka-ratna (Balangoda M.M.V), K.P.Upendra (Wickramaseela M.M.V.Giriulla), Girls: Anoma Suriyaraarachchi (Vishaka)

Basketball: (Girls) P.M.Fernando (St.Joseph's B.MV Nugegoda), E.A.N.P.K.Jayalath (Mahamaya B.V), R.N.D.Velenganberg (HFC Kurunegala), E.Adikari (Sirimavo Bandaranaike B.V), P.I.S.Juwan , A.K.K. Mahabatabadige, K.N.D.Heenatigala (St .Joseph's B.V Nugegoda), S.M.Weerasingha (St .Bridget's) G.N.K.Silva (Our Lady of Victoria Moratuwa, A.M.Yahampath ,H.M.R.De Silva (Sirimavo Bandaranaike B.V), L.N.S.Yatagama (Devi Balika).

Volleyball (Boys ) : K.D.Yapa , R.S.Atukorala (Dhammissara-Nattandiya), P.Surangith (Nalanda Minuwangoda), K.Priyadarsana (St. Xavier's, Marawila), D.Ratnaraja (St Peters' Negombo), R.Dinesh , S. .Prageeth (Bandaranayaka M.V.Gampaha), C.P.Dissanayaka (Pannala M.V), G.Chaminda (President M.V), R.Melishan (Senanayake M.M.V Madampe), C.Dissanayake (Bandaranayaka M.V Gampaha).

Girls : A.M.N.Samanthi Abeysingha , S.A.Nadeesani Samaraweera, A.M M.Kumari Senaratna, Suweenitha Karunanayaka (Dambadeniya M.M.V), I.Isani Mayadunne (Dhammisara M.M.V), R.Nanda Kanthi (Henegama M.M.V), Minoli Anuruddikaa (Raddoluwa), Shashika Samarasingha (Ratnawali M.M.V), Nilusha Priyangani (Henegama M.V), Manori Priyadarsani (Mulleriyawa M.M.V), Thanuja Priyadarsani (Urapola M.V), M.E.J.L.Nayanpriya (Raddoluwa M.V),

Swimming: (Girls ) Chami Wickramasinghe , Asangi Wijesundara, Pasanga Abeysundera, Harini Jayasekara (Vishaka), Manika Ranasingha, Ruchira Mioni, Melissa Boanje (Bishops), Chandi Haputantri, Nadeen Senanayaka (Ladies), Ruchika Fernando., Ridmi Thomasaru, Niluka Fernando, (Mahamaya), Thisana Ratnasekara (Musaeus), Nathasha Kodituwakku (St.Bridgets).

Team effort needed to boost basketball

By Bernie Wijesekera

Basketball, a fitness-enhancing sport has been somewhat in the doldrums in the recent past, but has come back into its own with the culmination of the highly successful inter-club basketball men's and women's championships organized by the Colombo District B.A. along with the Otter Aquatic Club under lights at the Kings Court.

For any sport to develop it needs not only men and material, but must also be supported by spectator attention. Fans then were there in their numbers to witness the matches, despite the prevailing miry conditions.

The two finals - the women's between Otters A.C. and Ramblers was keenly contested. The former won by 53-48 in a close contest. The men's final between the Police S.C. and the Air Force also turned out to be an enthralling contest, with fluctuating fortunes until the long whistle. Both teams dished out cager skills and gave a robust display. Eventually the law-enforcing officers pipped the airmen at the post 71-70. The game was the winner.

The legendary Sir Arhur C. Clarke, who donated two handsome trophies for this first venture by Otters A.C., was the chief guest along with past celebrities, like the Army Commander R. De S. Daluwatte and Maj. Gen (Dr.) C. Thurairaja and many other stalwarts who were there in their numbers to watch the finals played amid pomp an pageantry.

The President of the Otters A.C. Lucky Nethicumara and its committee were proud at the end for being able to successfully organize the tournament, with the support and encouragement rendered by the governing bodies, the Colombo District B.A. headed by Mark Fernando, Jayanthan Jeevaratnam, and Ranjith Kodikara. The controlling body had past stalwarts of the sports like evergreen Malsiri Perera and Vicum Siriwardena, who are making stupendous efforts to uplift the sport, in which Sri Lanka has made a name in the SAARC region.

Nethicumara, told The Sunday Times to ensure through the publicity given these events that basketball makes a comeback on the Sri Lanka sporting scene. He thanked the members present and had a special word of thanks for Sir Arthur C. Clarke, who donated two valuable trophies. "He inspired us to go ahead with it". He further stated that nothing is possible without sponsorship. The United Breweries Limited gave a lavish package, through the good offices of Hillary Anandappa and Somasiri Udawatte, with many others joining the pack to make it an instant success, he said.

Otters are going to take in competitive basketball in a big way. Well, the man in the driving seat, is one of the live-wires in Sri Lanka basketball promotion in Sam Lovell and is a source of inspiration to the youngsters in the club.

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