Bens, Hindu on top

By Nadarajah Gokulan

St. Benedict's College Kotahena won the DIMO Trophy edging out D. S. Senanayake College 1-0 in the Under-18 Colombo District Schools' Football final at the Sugathadasa Stadium.

Hindu College clinched the Edirisinghe Trophy in the Under-16 Division trouncing St. Anthony's College 5-0 in the same competition.

These contests were organised by the Colombo District Schools' Football Association (CDSFA) which is affiliated to the Sri Lanka Schools' Football Association. They have been organising this tournament for more than 20 years.

The Sunday Times spoke to both coaches and the winning captains to get their impressions.

The Ben's coach Sharmen Caldera had this to say: "Comparing to last year in the same tournament we were able to reach the semi finals. We are really happy with what we were able to achieve this year."

Continuing he said: " We explored a special method to find a solution to the mistakes we made last year. had two good defenders but we didn't have a dependable forward, so we worked hard to bring one of the two defenders to the forward line. We put in a lot of practices before participating in this tournament. Meantime we realised that our players are capable shooters as well. So we practiced to shoot from outside the penalty box and the orders were to shoot whenever the chance arose. I think this worked very well in the final to bring us victory."

When the Ben's captain Desmond Fernando spoke to us, he said, "We won all our matches. However we struggled against Hameed Al Husseini in the semi-finals, where we won the match 1-0 after a tough game".

Desmond Fernando went on to add: "Sharmen Caldera has been coaching the St. Benedict's team for the last two years. He is assisted by Adrian Vandarampulle.

After their appointments we were able to win the 97-Brazil Cup, we were semi-finalists in the '97-Colombo District and now we are the '98-Colombo District Champions.

We won the runners-up Trophy in the Milo Cup competition which was held recently.

We were able to produce two players to the Under-18 national team, namely Dilan Roy and Roshan Menake. Dilan captained the Under-18 - National team, which visited South Korea to play in the 27th Asian Cup recently."

Desmond Fernando concluded by saying: " Dilan, Roshan and Thilan shone well for the college this season . I hope the others to come will keep the winning touch which we have achieved for the college."

Hindu College, Bambalapitiya skipper P.Sutharshan voiced his opinion to the The Sunday Times thus: "We had a fairly easy passage this year as we won all our matches. Coach Mr. Sinnathamby, has been in charge of the side for the last 13 years. He is the present Secretary of the Colombo District Schools' Football Association, We call him Sinna Anna (Small Brother). He has given us all what we need."

Sutharshan said that they had practiced every day and had even attended training camps on weekends and were able to perform well.

Hindu striker Arul Raj stood out in the tournament. He scored four goals in the finals against St. Anthony's College including a hat-trick where Hindu beat St. Anthony's by 5 goals to nil. Altogether Arul has scored 16 goals in the tournament. We performed well in the Milo Cup tournament. Unfortunately we lost to Zahira College, Colombo in the finals.

"We did our best this season. We didn't let the college and coach down at any time. I hope the players who represent the college in the future will follow this," said Sutharshan.

When the Hindu College coach Sinnathamby spoke to The Sunday Times he said: " Hindu has produced some fine soccer players in the past. I must be thankful for the support I received from the Old Boys and the College staff, without which we could never have come so far in the competition."

Mr. Sinnathamby, however, lamented that the school does not have a proper playground. "What we have is a single grassless gravel pitch."

"All other sports practises too are done here. My boys have put in a lot of hard work.

With all the hardship we undergo, it is a pleasure to look back and bask in the glory of what we have achieved," he said.

Karate or judo is all Sita can think of

Text and pic by Ravi Nagahawatte

Judoka, Sita Wijewardana, thinks that the noble art she has learned will revolve around her as a form of a shield. And she has good reason to believe so. "In society we don't know what sort of people we will come across. I have been forced to use this art on several occasions merely to protect myself," says Sita who has encountered quite a few dreadful situations while on the streets.

Sita took to the sport of Judo after trying her hand in Karate where she is a holder of a Third Dan Black Belt. The first lessons in Judo which she learned through a close friend at her Karate class, had aroused her interest so much that she ended up joining a Judo class at the Fort Young Men's Christian Association. "If you learn this art properly, you will not harm yourself even through an accidental fall," said Ms. Wijewardena who was put through her paces by Gamini Nanayakkara, the President of the Sri Lanka Judo Association.

The fourth in a family of six, Sita had worked in a garment factory before she got the opportunity to go to Japan to further her career in Karate. She had mainly participated in tournaments and says that she had to lead a care free life for a period of six years. She is now married to a martial arts instructor, someone whom she had known for the past 15 years.

She also had the opportunity to tour India for a Judo tournament even though she says that she could not earn a place. "I was only learning the sport then" reflected Wijewardana.

Sita who still dabbles in both sports sees a distinct popularity in the sport of karate among the local folks. The reason? "I think it is because very little people know about the art of Judo."

And despite getting the opportunity to teach Judo in a few girls' schools, she sees that the real interest still has to be cultivated amongst the girls. "Even the parents are not that helpful because they do not know much about the sport. Sita has also got the opportunity to conduct a class at the Sports Ministry.

"I hope to earn a living through sports", said Wijewardana while 'grappling' with the idea of surviving.

Williamson's Direct Route to Tingle Creek

By Ismail Khan

Saturday last Sandown put out a fair programme but still came out with colours blazing as race after race saw competitive and close finishes. On top of all Noel Williamson, the ex-Irish rider now in Britain, rode his second successive big race winner in two weeks, taking the inform J. Howard Johnson Direct Route and riding him to perfection though he had to withstand a late rush from the runner- up, the favourite Edredon Bleu.

The afternoon at Sandown began with R. Alner trained Bramshaw Wood drawing out first blood from Aller Moor. The 6 year old ridden by Andrew Thornton jumped the fences impeccably and showed the way to Aller Moor very confidently. The winner is a good chaser and needs watching. Already he has won two races and there are more to come.

The next race the Barrott Handicap Hurdle saw Richard Dunwoody at his best as he booted home Papo Kharisma to victory over Toby Brown who tried pillar to post tactics but could not go through with it as the winner was a shade too good for him.

P. Hobbs trained Papo Kharisma was winning her fifth race in a row and now that she has stamped her class even in handicap hurdles the connections are thinking seriously in terms of Cheltenham and the Champion Hurdle next year.

Richard Dunwoody who rode the winner Saturday last said after the race that if he is given a chance to take Papo Kharisma in the Champion Hurdle he would be very glad as the mare did everything what he wanted and that's what is needed for Cheltenham an able horse a willing animal and good handling. So here is a tip from the top - Papo Kharisma for the Champion Hurdle.

Of the others to watch from this event is the runner-up himself - Toby Brown who tried tearaway tactics Noel Williamson astride but found the winner too good. If ridden in check over 16 furlongs Toby Brown could turn tables on the best. So watch out.

Race number three at Sandown Saturday last saw Dines ridden by A.P. McCoy taking the Henry VII Chase easily from Dawn Leader to notch his sixth win. Follow him for further honours.

The next event the Piece de Resistance of the day, the feature event, the Tingle Creek Trophy Chase run over 16 furlongs as I said earlier went to Direct Route from Edredon Bleu and Mandys Montino. Horse to follow from this event, the runner-up Edredon Bleu who could have done better with stronger handling. He is a head-strong animal.

The William Hill Handicap Hurdle run over two miles and 110 yds. went to yet another P. Hobbs trained animal - Polar Prospect who got the day from Serenus and Out Ranking.

It was a very competitive race, run at a fast clip where the time for the event over the distance went by the board by one second. All kudos for the rider Graham Tormey who rode a handy and strong race on the winner.

Horse to follow:- N. Henderson's Serenus who flashed onto the firing line very late but could not match the finishing speed of the winner. Next outing with the winner out of the way he could wrap up a decent event.

The last race the Anniversary November Handicap Hurdle went the way of P. Hide ridden Red Guard who gave Josh Gifford a much needed winner as he was going through a lean time. Horse to follow Premier Generation baulked of an opening at the most important moment.

That's all for today. More next week.

All about cricket officials...

Umpires must act without fear

By Bernie Wijesekera

Are the local umpires doing their duty without fear or favour? The calling of M. Muralitharan has become an international issue, when he was called by Darrel Hair apparently for hurling his deliveries with a suspect action.

More than 'Murali' there are other bowlers enjoying playing in the domestic scene and even at the highest level with irregular action.

According to a senior international umpire, when a bowler gets belted around he tries to catapult the ball, instead of bowling over his shoulder. Apparently the umpires may not have the courage to do so. He may have to face setbacks if he did so, even being removed from the senior panel.

Sadly, our cricketers be it bowlers or batsmen don't enjoy the same benefit when playing abroad, unlike in the domestic scene. They complain about 'bad' decisions.

Had the local umpires discharged their duties without fear or favour, then this could have been averted. In the process the players, too could have adjusted themselves and adhered to the laws of the game.

Apparently, cheating or for that matter winning at all cost is not going to help the game in the longer run, but only put themselves to shame.

There was an incident in a school match in the past where a schoolboy's action was found wanting in a match played between two leading schools.

The umpire concerned warned him. "Son, why are you bowling like this". ''Uncle I have to take his wicket". He kept on repeating. The umpire 'called' him. The umpire concerned in the end suffered. He was not only admonished by a powerful personality of that school and even had to suffer his international career, too, for adjudicating the match according to the rules of the game.

It's time the Cricket Board, give the authority for the umpires to act according to the rules - not giving way to outside pressure, be it national cricketers or otherwise. If the game is to progress on the correct lines then we must act without let or hindrance.

An official of the Cricket Board, watched the game with this scribe between England and Sri Lanka, at Lord's. A Lankan batsman was ruled leg-before by Bernard Constant. On his way he dashed the bat, on the ground and it came out on the big video screen. This senior official without hesitating said 'he's out'.

Scorers, here's the chance

The game of cricket needs three supporting elements viz. Umpires, Scorers and Groundstaff.

The President of the Association of Cricket Umpires Sri Lanka Mr. Lakshman Kiriella, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, during a recent visit to the United Kingdom met and had discussions with Miss Sheila Hill, Chairman of the Association of Cricket Umpires and Scorers England and Mr. Keir Hopley General Secretary on matters of mutual interest to both Associations.

The ACU England had already embraced scoring as part of its objectives and programmes. The ACU Sri Lanka which is an affiliated body of the ACU&S England has on the initiative of the President decided to include scoring too in its services to Cricket in this country.

The ACUSL which was formed way back in 1944 has for the past 54 years provided umpires for all grades of cricket played in this country from friendlies under13 school cricket leading up to representative level. Sri Lanka since attaining Test status in 1981 has todate produced 14 Test umpires and in fact all 14 umpires are members of the ACUSL. The ACUSL in order to attend to the increasing workload as a result of expansion of its activities has appointed an Administration Manager who is functioning from the ACUSL Secretariat on a full time basis.

The ACUSL has decided on the initiative of the President to open its doors to ladies as well to take upto cricket umpiring. Accordingly the ACUSL hopes to conduct seminars and workshops and thereafter conduct examinations for the recruitment of umpires. Both males and females between the age group of 23 and 45 could apply to become umpires and members of the ACUSL. Applications should be forwarded on or before December 15 and the examinations will be conducted in mid January 1999. Accommodation could be provided at a nominal rate for candidates from distant areas and the outstations. Those who are unable to attend seminars could familiarise themselves with the 42 Laws of Cricket through a correspondence course and/or audio cassettes which this Association has made arrangements to make available.

The audio cassettes will be more beneficial for those who desire for a group study. The candidates will also be provided an opportunity to answer the questions in any of the three languages viz., Sinhala, Tamil or English. Those who have been successful at any such examination conducted by the Board of Control should indicate such fact in the application.

Workshops leading to examinations for scorers too where both males and females could apply will also be conducted and an examination will be conducted by the end of January 1999. All those presently engaged in scoring and others desirable of taking upto scoring could apply. This opportunity could also be availed by umpires who have retired from umpiring. The examinations for both umpires and scorers will be conducted in the outstations such as Kandy, Galle, Badulla, Kurunegala, Anuradhapura, Ratnapura, Puttalam, Moneragala, Gampaha and Kalutara as well as in Colombo and at other districts depending on sufficient applications been received.

Those who wish to take upto umpiring and scoring (both males and females) could apply or seek further details by post from Mr. Saman Amarasinghe, General Secretary, Association of Cricket Umpires Sri Lanka, P.O. Box: 995, Colombo or call over at the 'Association's Secretariat at No. 7/5, Sports Ministry Complex, Reid Av, Colombo 7.

Women powerlifters the pick at nationals

Text and pictures by M.H.M. Manasique

Records at lifts tumbled like nine-pins at the 10th National Powerlifting Championship at the Soysapura Community Center with the women from the Sri Lanka Army taking prominence amidst a selected crowd of enthusiasts.

They set eight new records as they grouped well to scientifically demonstrate their strength to win the overall women's championship. They virtually won the title unchallenged. They were introduced to the game only a year back. Their coach Bernard Ferdinands speaking to 'The Sunday Times' said that their success was due to the fact that they were in the Sri Lanka Army.

The best lift from the Army women came from 21-year old first woman corporal Neelupuli Maduwanthi Samarasinghe. Flexing her skills in 48 kilo category, the little lass from Matale, hoisted a record 115 kilos in the deadlift to be adjudged the best woman lifter in the tournament.

A former student of Sri Sangamitta BV, she had taken up the game only six months ago and sent clear signals that she is looking forward to establish a better performance in the years to come. After doing a little bit of karate and being in the cadet school, she qualified to take-up a job in the Army.

The next of the smart lifts came from Indika Kumari Ekanayake.She recorded a lift of100 kilos in the squat and 115 kilos in deadlift. Others who established records during the nationals were Rangani Dhasanthika Silva, Needra Siwanee Jayasundera of the Army and H.M. Chandralatha of Jayananda MMV, Diyatalawa.

Amongst the men it was usual proceedure. Mothilal Jayathilaka and his men won most of the titles. All of them represented either Ultra Fitness Center, Kandy or University of Peradeniya where Mothilal is the Consultant Coach at Ultra Fitness Center and Acting Director of Physical Education at the University of Peradeniya, respectively.

Mothilal who is also the reigning champion capped the best lifter's title for the 10th year running. Every time he participated, he made sure of a record. This hefty muscleman generated 650 points in the just concluded nationals setting records in each category where he lifted 240 kilos in squat, 150 in bench press and 260 in dead lift - as done is the past. None have matched to his class as todate and he competes, practically, without opponents.

A triple international in weightlifting, powerlifting and bodybuilding, at 38 years, Mothilal has won 50 odd national titles todate.

After playing rugby at Kingswood he took up body building and is still on the course for dishing out the very best in him when it comes to competition. As a coach he has trained many novices and is current title holder in the heavy weight category. Speaking to 'The Sunday Times' he said he intends to train more and more powerlifters and make the game more attractive to youngsters.

J.M.B. Abeyakoon also of Ultra Fitness Center did considerably well to win the light weight title with 590 points. He had records in squat with 240 kilos and 145 kilos in bench press.

Powerlifting is a game competed in three stages unlike in weightligting. At first, weight lifting is competed at squat position which is to maintain the same balance from the time weight is carried from standing position and then to squat with legs parallel to the floor and return to the ordinary standing position. The second phase is to carry the weight stretched on to a bench which is called the bench press and then the third being the dead lift which is at standing position where the weight is carried upto abdominal level. All weights carried are summed-up to arrive at the winning points. But analysts believe that the calculation of points should be based on a mean value so as to be very clear of the way the point tabulation is done to reflect in each individual's performance than arriving at the most points aggregated.

RESULTS:

WOMEN

44 kg: 1. J.Rangani Dhashanthika Silva (SL Army) 190.05 points Record Lifts (Squat 72.5 kg, Bench Press 32.55 kg) 2. R.M. Wasantha (Jayananda MMV, Diyatalawa) 155 points

48 kg: 1. Neelupuli Maduwanthi Samarasinghe (SL Army) 225 points Record Lift (Dead Lift 115 kg) 2. S.A.H. Achini Sooriyarachchi (Glagamuwa Weightligting Club) 215 points

52 kg: 1. H.M. Udani Senehalatha (Jayananda MMV, Diyatalawa) 217 points 2. Irangani Wijerathna (SL Army) 175 points

56 kg:1. Niroshini Elagoda (Galagamuwa Weightlifting Club) 190 points

60 kg: 1. H.M. Chandralatha (Jayananda MMV, Diyatalawa) 205 points 2. S.W. Dilruckshi (SL Army) 185 points

67.5 kg:1. Needra Siwanee Jayasundara (SL Army) 225.5 points. Record lift (Squat 93 kg, Bench Press 40.5 kg)

75 kg: 1.Indika Kumari Ekanayake (Sl Army) 242.5 kg Record Lifts (Squat 100 kg, Dead Lift 115kg)

MEN

52 kg: 1. B.M. Priyankara Bandara (Ultra Fitness Centre) 400 points Record Lift (Dead Lift 180 kg) 2. R.M. Seneviratne (Ultra Fitness Centre) 337.5 points

56 kg: 1. H.G.U.P. Jayarathna (Ultra Fitness Centre) 38.5 points

60 kg: 1. I.N. Somaratne (Ultra Fitness Centre) 470 points Record Lift (Squat 180 kg) 2. Chaminda Puspakumara (Super Eagle Negombo) 430 points

67.5 kg: 1. M.P.K. Herath (Ultra Fitness Centre) 470 points 2. C.B.F. Silva (Ultra Fitness Centre) 450 points

75 kg: 1. R.W.M.P.G.S.W. Bandara (Ultra Fitness Centre) 500 points 2.W.M.V.B. Hapugoda (Ultra Fitness Centre) 42 points

82.5 kg: 1.S.P.K. Karunaratne (Ultra Fitness Centre) 490 points 2.H.M.D.A Herath (Ultra Fitness Centre) 435 points

90 kg: 1. T.A.T. Kumara (Power World) 520.5 points Record Lift (Squat 225 kg, Dead Lift 210.5 kg) 2. U.B. Rajapaksha (Ultra Fitness Centre) 480 points

100 kg: 1. J.M.B. Abeykoon (Ultra Fitness Centre) 590 points Record Lift (Squat 240 kg, Bench Press 145 kg) 2. D.E. Weerasinghe (Power World) 495 points

125 kg: 1. D.U. Mothilal Jayathilaka (Ultra Fitness Centre) 650 points Record Lift (Squat 240 kg, Bench Press 150 kg, Dead Lift 200 kg)

On the All Weather Flat

Peruvian Star a 'Cracker'

By Ismail Khan

The All Weather meet on the Flat at Wolverhampton was worked out without a hitch Saturday last with upsets showing the way in most events.

The opener the Edwina Rose Fillie's Handicap was snapped up by 20/1 chance Faym who made most of the running to take the event from Lilanita and Time of Night. I thought the runner-up Lilanita was a shade unlucky. So follow her next time out.

Race number two the Stock Market Stagger Claimer went to 7 year S.Wilton trained Jaraab at 5/1 from Noufari and Bint St. James. The horse to follow from this event is Noufari who if given the distance of 16 furlongs should be able to hold his own.

Peruvian Star stole the thunder in the Blue Chip Maiden Stakes over 6 furlongs where she made all to effectively keep at bay the 33/1 Avenging Angel who loomed dangerously a furlong from home. Third in this event finished Rendita at 25/1. The winner who was in good form having finished runner-up to Seven Springs at this same centre was snapped up at 6/5 and more could be expected from him in time to come. He is a cracker in the making.

The Anthony Hughes Memorial Handicap over nine furlongs had Tropical Beach at 5/1 toying with a competitive field to run away with the £ 3750 event in consumnate ease from Wilton and Sharp Scotch. The winner you will remember lost a mile event at Southwell not for any fault of his own but due to confronting a wall of horses in front of him in the homestretch. Given a trouble-free run he won hands down at Wolverhampton. Horse to follow is Tropical Beach itself as he could make out to be an exceptional miler.

The next race the Bonus Seller run over five furlongs went to Trojan Girl at 5/1 from Parisian Blue and Off Hire. The winner had the best of the running and made it easily to pass the post. Horse to follow - Off Hire who lost precious lengths at the gate but came close to snatching the event though third.

The curtain downer at Wolverhampton's All Weather meet Saturday last was won by R. Bastiman's Silk Cottage from Sunset Harbour and Miss Banana's. Horse to follow - C. Kellett's Miss Banana's third in this event but could do better over an extended distance of 6 furlongs. Even the runner-up Sunset Harbour is worth watching over an extended trip of 6 furlongs.

'Lanka's path to victory'

'Sri Lanka's path to victory at the World Cup 96' is a must for any cricket fan who is involved in this great game of character building.

This 108 page book, Kings of Cricket, written by the former President of the Cricket Board Tyronne Fernando, a politician-cum cricket administrator, gives a lucid background of Sri Lanka's rise to fame after the 1996 World Cup victory defeating Australia at Lahore.

This little book gives a bird's eye view of the great happenings of Sri Lanka's cricket since achieving ICC status in 1982. It also includes illustrations.

Tyronne, may not have wielded the willow at the highest level but definitely has the game at heart. He knows the ABC of the game alright!

Dr.Ali Bacher, Cricket Development Chief, ICC has paid a glowing tribute to Fernando for his ability to invite all eight Test playing nations to tour Sri Lanka from 1992 to '94.

This laid the foundation for Sri Lanka to emerge as World Cup champions under 'Man of Steel', Arjuna Ranatunga.

It also pays special emphasis to the calypso singing champion batsman Duleep Mendis, his great feats along with Sid Wettimuny's 190, the first to be achieved at Lord's, and hometown Moratuwa friend Amal Silva's batting - 105, also at Lord's in 1985.

The booklet also mentions about Sri Lanka's first Test win against India by 149 runs at the P.Sara Stadium, now not suitable for international cricket! The inaugural Test against England too was played at this venue.

The Lankan team was captained by Moratuwa 'mauler' Duleep Mendis and India by Kapil Dev. After this historic win the then late President J.R.Jayewardene declared a public holiday.

This book is a must in any cricket fan's library as it gives nostalgic memories about the past and present state of Sri Lanka cricket. - (BW)

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