Second Test at Lords: 1963

Hall's snorter cracks Cowdrey's wrist

By Bruce Maurice

Monday, 30,000 people turned up hoping that England's bowlers would perform a miracle. It was a 100 to one chance, but it did happen before the crowd was in their seats, Trueman raced in from the Pavilion End and dropped one short. It climbed waist high and Worrell turned it round the corner, where Stewart tumbling backwards clung onto it. West Indies 214 for 6 and Worrell gone before a run had been added to the score. Butcher came acropper to Shackleton after adding only 4 runs to his score and 25 minutes later, they were all out for 229 to leave England 234 to chase.

So after 30 wickets had fallen, there was only one question to be answered. Could England reach the target on a wicket that was no better or worse than when the Test started? Time was no factor as long as the weather Gods minded their own business. But Hitchcock had not finished yet. This final innings was not only going to keep the crowd at the edge of their seats, but at times out of it.

Worrell just threw the ball to Hall, crouched at short-leg and waited for things to happen. Hall coming down wind at almost 90 M.P.H., hurled one down that Edrich never saw. It simply flew off the edge and Murray caught it. Stewart was the next casualty. Hall gave him a brute of a ball. It kicked up, took the handle of the bat and Solomon waited for it at third slip. England 21 for 2 and enter Ted Dexter.

If Dexter hoped to perform another miracle, then it was not to be. He had to wait 15 minutes before he faced a delivery, 17 minutes before he put bat to ball and 25 minutes before he got off the mark. This frustrated Dexter no end. Gibbs had now come on. He delivered one off the wrong foot. Dexter, who by now had reached the end of his tether, jumped out to thrash it past mid off. The flight beat him and he was bowled neck and crop for two, to such a roar, that one would have thought that Hercules had dropped the world. At lunch England were 47 for 3, with Barrington 13 and Cowdrey 5.

Hall came back after lunch and now his length was getting shorter and shorter. With the light deteriorating and Hall's end (the Pavilion End) minus a sight screen, an accident had to happen sooner or later. Unfortunately for Cowdrey it happened sooner. He went back to avoid another short ball from Hall, lost sight of it and took it on his left wrist. He spun round, dropped his bat and rolled over, huddled in agony. Doug Insole drove him to hospital and came back with the news that Cowdrey would be out for the rest of the season, with a broken vulva bone. Cowdrey's injury however, seemed to have unsettled Hall, more than it did Barrington or the next batsman Close. His next over was so bad that Worrell had to take him off. But for England there was to be no breathing space. The executioner who replaced him was Charlie Griffith. Barrington trying to avenge Cowdrey's injury, swept Gibbs for 2 massive sixes. But shortly after tea play had to be called off due to bad light. With Barrington on 55 and Close on 7. England 116 for 3 and 118 runs needed for victory.

Throughout the night, rain clouds had been rattling up from West and it now began to come down in buckets. As expected Lords was deserted at 11.00 A.M. By lunch it had ceased, but the light was still too murky for play to start. Finally at twenty past two Griffith bowled one ball to complete his disrupted over of the previous day and then Gibbs bowled one over for him and Hall to change ends. This was going to be Worrell's game for the rest of the day. The first run took 25 minutes. The first 45 minutes produced only 7 runs and it was 47 minutes before Barrington could add a run to his overnight score. Ball after ball was climbing chest high and Barrington unable to stand the tension any longer, flashed at one and was caught behind. Parks came and went for 17. Titmus turned a bullet from Hall round the corner and McMorris with lightning reflexes swooped onto it. The next ball exploded near Trueman's toe-caps and came straight to his face. Somehow he managed to get his glove to it and Murray took another catch.

England 203 for 7. Forty five minutes left, 31 to get. And now a gray autumnal gloom had shrouded Lords and instead of "A breathless hush in the close," "It was a breathless Close in the hush." With 30 needed in 40 minutes he decided to carry the fight single handed to Hall and Griffith. He pulled both for two fours. Close was now committed to attack. At 5.38 he took another huge swing at Griffith. But this time Griffith was ready. He dropped it short and again Close swung but too late. He connected at the bottom of the arc and Murray took his 6th catch. Close gone for 70 and with it "tolled the knell of England's last glimmer of victory." Shackleton now joined Allen. Twenty minutes to go 15 needed. Eight minutes to go eleven needed, seven minutes to go, ten needed. Four minutes to go eight needed and the second Test just six balls away from the books of cricket's history, and Wes Hall was set for another grandstand finish. Hall went through his calisthenics and then his pounding footfalls the only sound inside Lords ran into bowl.

Hall released it like a bullet. It swung late from Shackleton. Five balls left eight needed. It was just as fast. But Shackleton somehow got his bat to it and ran. Allen turned the third for a single. Three balls to go six runs to get. Shackleton flashes and misses. He goes completely off balance and by the time he collects his bearings, Allen coming in from the other end like a rocket is almost on him. Shackleton starts off for the other end. In the meantime Murray who has collected the ball, calmly tosses it to Worrell at silly mid-on. Worrell with a yard start wins the race by a yard and Shackleton is run out.

Right Wing snatches the Lincolnshire Handicap

By Ismail Khan

The first big handicap of the flat season 1999 the Lincolnshire Handicap which was well contested, there being no less than 24 starters over a fiery mile went to John Dunlop trained Right Wing ridden by Tony Quinn from Captain Scott Night Of Glass and Raheen.

The race run at a fiery pace was led by Blakeset, Therhen, China Red Raheen, Chewit with others in the bunch or in the rear.

A furlong out Right Wing was seen improving from the pack with Captain Scott and Raheen also prominent, and Night Of Glass making up ground from the rear.

Half-way up from the straight Right Wing hit the front and then ensued a battle for supremacy with Captain Scott fighting every inch of the way, going down by 1/2 a length third finished Night Of Glass with Raheen fourth, only about a length separating them.

It was a close finish and it auguered well for racing.

Horses to follow from the run of the race - Captain Scott beaten only 1/2 length but not disgraced, and Night Of Glass who had to come a long way from behind to finish third. Follow those two runners and the winner Right Wing too who is surely a smart performer. Right Wing's last run was on 7th October at York being 6th to Sugarfoot but he wintered well and kept up the form of the earlier win over a mile intact.

Doncaster started off well with Singsong J. Berry's charge helping himself to the opener with Diamond Promise second and Kind Emperor third. This was a two-year-old event and J. Berry, the King of 2-year-olds was right on target, follow the winner for more wins.

The next event went to K. Mahdi's Sharoura at 5/1 from Northern Spring and Kuwait Flavour. In this race the favourite Tomasean flopped and was never seen in with a chance.

Race No 3 was plucked away by Kuwait Dawn who gave Emirate's trainer K. Mahdi a good double. Second in this event was Gold Academy. Horses to follow from the second and third races - Kuwait Flavour for an early sprint win and Kuwait Dawn for a repeat success.

The Lincolnshire Handicap went to, as I said earlier to T. Quinn ridden Right Wing from Captain Scott ridden by J. Fortune, Night Of Glass (Pat Eddery) and Raheen (G.Carter). Tony Quinn rode a 'beaut' of a race on the winner.

The Cammidge Trophy over 6 furlongs went to E. Alston's Tedburrow ridden by M. Hills from Yorkies Boy and Always Alright. Tedburrow performed well last term too over sprints and he seems to have held on to his form very well. Follow Tedburrow for more wins.

Race number six went to John Berry's Largesse from Salmon Ladder.

Curtains came down on the Lincolnshire meet with Kentucky Bullet hammering Top Star 1 1/4 lengths with Kuwait Thunder finishing third. Follow Top Star from now on.

That ended the Lincolnshire Handicap meet which was well attended resulting in good prices for winners.

Follow the horses I have given in between. They will oblige as time goes on.

CVCV

Sri Lankan Cricket

The July-December 1998 Sri Lankan Cricket magazine can now be purchased in local book stores.

This bi-annual publication features Arjuna Ranatunga in the cover. Speaking about Murali, the magazine says: 'Muralitharan's match figures of 16 for 220 in England are the fifth best in Test history. Muralitharan has played a prominent role in Sri Lanka's 12 Test victories since making his debut against Australia in 1992-93.

The magazine is edited by L.R.Mendis. It has some interesting features such as a Brief history of Tests, Schoolboy cricketers of 1998 and many more interesting features. The magazine priced at Rs. 100 is available at all leading bookstores.

Army Inter Unit Boxing

The Army Inter Unit novices boxing meet will be held on April 7, 8 and 9 at the Army Gymnasium, Panagoda. Boxing will commence at 5.30 p.m. each day. The Amateur Boxing Novices boxing meet conducted by the Amateur Boxing Association of Sri Lanka will be held on April 27, 28 and 29 at the Police Field Force Boxing Hall commencing at 5.30 p.m. each day. The boxing Referees and Judges examination was held at the Police Boxing Hall on Friday April 2.

Nuwara Eliya Mayor's Cup

Fifteen teams will battle it out for supremacy in the Nuwara Eliya Football League Mayor's Cup knock-out football tournament which will get underway in the third week of next month sponsored by Ceylon Tobacco Company Limited. The teams participating are: Inco SC, Municipal SC, Puma SC, St. Andrew's Hotel SC, Police, Naseby Lakeside SC, Pedro Youth SC, Sundries SC, Young Birds SC, Redwings SC, Pedro SC, Moonplain SC, Daystar SC, Hill Club SC, Grand Hotel SC. The final will be played on April 29 with the finals fixed for April 22 and 23.

State Services cricket champs

The Staff of the Colombo University won the State Services cricket limited overs D division championships defeating the Staff of the University of Kelaniya by 7 wickets in the tournament conducted by the State Services Cricket Association. Kelaniya University Staff - 102 all out (S. Kulatunga 30, K. Mudalige 10, D. Ananda 11, A. Jayamaha 14, S. Fernando 12, S. Rodrigo 2 for 20, S. de Alwis 2 for 22, P. de Silva 2 for 19). Staff of University Colombo - 103 for 3 in 27 overs (C. Pusphakumara 15, Chaminda Laksiri 12, S. Rodrigo 10, S. Walpita 29, P. de Silva 23). In the semi-finals, Staff of the University of Colombo beat Labour Department by 107 runs. Staff of the University of Colombo - 190 all out in 40 overs (S. Rodrigo 52, W. Pusphakumara 28, P. de Silva 30, P. Dunutilleka 21, S. Walpita 14, S. Keerthi 2 for 29, J. Pusphakumara 3 for 41, D. Nanayakkara 2 for 18). Labour Department - 97 all out (S. Keerthi 36, A. Kavinda 10, S. Walpita 3 for 52, P. Dunutilleka 3 for 12).

Ajith Kumara swim champ

Sixteen-year-old K.K.V. Ajith Kumara of Sri Devananda Ambalangoda was crowned champion at the 35th annual open 6 mile sea swim champion conducted by the Kinross Swimming and Life Saving Club concluded at Wellawatta. Kumara crossed the finishing line in 2 hours 18 minutes and 23 seconds with last year's winner K. Viraj Jayasekera finishing in second place followed by Mangala Rajapaksa third, also of Sri Devananda. H.A. Bonita Wimalasooriya of Sri Devananda won the women's race in a time of 3 hours 10 seconds, defeating last year's champion K. Pushpa Chandani and K.A.G. Anoja Chandrakanthi also of the same school finishing in third position. The Turab A. Jafferjee Challenge trophy of the team champions was won by Sri Devananda with 155 points with Royal Central Aquatic Club Polonnaruwa second with 56 points and Kinross third with 31 points. The Maharajah Challenge Cup for the youngest swimmer was won by Aresh Puchmal Peththawadu from Dharmasoka who was 11 years and three months and finished the race in under four hours. Seventy four males and seven females faced the starter. This year's event was sponsored by Union Assurance Limited with Ramal Jasinghe, the General Manager Marketing, who was a swimmer himself, being the chief guest.

Kurunegala win and lose

Kurunegala Municipal Council won and lost in the Government Services 'A' Division League Football tournament conducted by the Government Services Football Association presently in progress. In the first match Kurunegala MC beat Kotte MC by 3 goals to 2 and lost to Ratnapura MC by 3 goals to 2. In two other matches, Kotte MC beat Prisons 3-nil and Central Bank beat Prisons 2-nil. City FL trounce Ampara City Football League trounced Ampara by 10 goals to nil in their Singer Super League pre-quarter final encounter at the City League grounds at Slave Island. In the other matches played, Kandy received a walk over from Jaffna.

News you may have missed

Holiday cum cricket tour

By Bernie Wijesekera Old Cranleighan Cricket Club, a club with a historic background, is on a short cricket cum holiday tour here. The 110-year-old club from Surrey, England, are the guests of Walkers Tours Ltd., who are the agents for Sunsport's has given all support to make this tour a reality. The tour organisers are Paul Bush and Faith Gilbert of Sunsport Tour and Travel. The tourists arrived on March 29 which will culminate on April 10. This tour is part of Walkers Tours promotion of tourism through sport. Roger Knight, the secretary of the MCC has paid a glowing tribute in his introduction to the brochure. It should be a fascinating experience for the players. The love for the game amongst the Lankans was highlighted when they won the World Cup in 1996 and has established themselves as competitors at Test level too. Knight, too has played for Old Cranleighan CC, and also mentions that he never forgeot that sport is played not only as competition, but also for enjoyment. This will be yet another memorable tour for the club, who embarked on a similar tour to Antigua (one of the islands in the Windies) for a four match tour in 1997. The legendary Jim Swanton the president of the club, is a cricket writer of international fame. He says the approach of the Lankans to the game is positive and attractive from Aravinda de Silva downwards. They play in the right way. It is bound to be a tour to be remembered on and off the field with many friendships. The 18-member tour party will be led by Michael Chetwode, who has led the team since 1992. The other members of the squad are: Steve Bailey, John Banks, Grahame Brown, Ed. Copleston Simon Copleston, N. Dunnet, Tom Hufton, A. Jammohamad, Robin Legget, J. McDermott, Chris Mason, Rob Moore, Nick Read, Stu Steele, Will Stephens, H. Watkinson, Martin Williamson. The itinerary - March 31 - Walkers CC - NCC, April 2 - Old Trinitians - Asgiriya Stadium, April 3 - Ceysands Hotel, Bentota, 4 - Free day. 6 - CCC - Maitland Crescent, 7 - NCC - NCC grounds, 8 - SCC - SCC grounds April 10 - depart on AirLanka.

Kumara cycles to glory

By S. Samarsinghe, Nochchiyagama Correspondent K.P. Priyantha Kumara of the Two Wheel Sports Club Anuradhapura, won the Annual Award Cycle race conducted by the Ranjith Anura Cycling Association held for the Anuradhapura District. Kumara completed the race in 4 hours 53 seconds. Finishing in second place was Sumith Ahangoda, followed by M. Nishantha Wasantha Sanjiva, Kalum Perera and T. Dilruk.This Rajarata Race was sponsored by Ceylon Tobacco Company Limited. The race was flagged off by the Minister of Social Services, Berty Premalal Dissanayake with N. Karunaratne the President of the Cycling Federation as guest of honour,

Dharmadasa heads boxing

A former national champion and a former secretary of the Amateur Boxing Association of Sri Lanka Mr. K.V. Dharmadasa was elected as the President of the Amateur Boxing Association of Sri Lanka, at the Annual General Meeting held at the Sports Pavilion of the Police Field Force Headquarters, Colombo 5. Mr. Dharmadasa representing Veyangoda Boxing Club received votes of Army, Air Force, Police, Schools Boxing Association and Veyangoda BC, while his opponent former DIG Sumith Liyanage, representing Nugegoda Boxing Club, received only the vote of his club.Mr. Dharmadasa was one of the finest and respected referees in the past and is a senior Asian Referee/Judge. He was the uncontested vice president last year and became the acting president after the untimely demise of the President Mr. Dharmasiri Weerakoon, DIG. Mr. Jayakumar Thangavelu, Senior SP representing Police Sports Club, was elected as the vice president, uncontested. Being a refined product of S. Thomas' College, Mt. Lavinia, he has represented Sri Lanka at the Indo-Ceylon dual schoolboy contest in the early sixties. He is also an ex-National Champion and former Treasurer of the ABA. Colonel Jagath Jayasuriya, representing SL Army was elected as Hony. Secretary, uncontested. Colonel Jayasuriya captained Royal College team at the Stubbs Shield championships in the late seventies and had been adjudged as the most scientific boxer. His rival, another ex-Royalist Mr. R.A.S.K. Rupasinghe, representing Police, withdrew his nominations a week earlier. Squadron Leader Nishantha Dharmadasa representing SL Air Force was elected as the Hony. Treasurer uncontested. A former Thurstan College boxer, he won his boxing colours during his training period at the Military Academy at Pakistan. His rival, the ex-Treasurer for three years, Major S. Samarasinghe of Army, withdrew his nominations, a week earlier.

Qadir likes to coach here

Abdul Qadir, the legendary leg spinner, with a rich haul of 228 Test wickets is still going strong with his wrist spinners for Carlton C.C. in Victorian 'A' Div. cricket. Qadir, still showed his class as a wily spinner this season and drew much attention and spectator interest in the Light Ice competition. He came in for praise, when he took 72 wickets for Carlton C.C. - to be placed third for the most number of wickets taken in a VCA season. He emerged third among the all-time wicket takers. Carlton C.C. in all probability may get the services of Abdul for the 1999-2000 season to prop the club's bowling armour. If the club had some batsmen to prop the batting with big scores then they could have been placed higher on the table. Only Phillip Hetherington went over the 500-run mark. If Qadir does return, he wants to bring his three sons, who are aged 17, 15 and 12 along with him. The two elder boys are leg-spinners, like the father, the youngest is an off-spinner. The trio shows tremendous spinning ability. Already the 17-year-old is turning out for the Pakistan under 19 team. - (BW)

Letters

The Birthplace of Sri Lanka cricket

While all Sri Lankans are eagerly looking forward to the performance of its cricket team at the World Cup in May 1999, it is appropriate to reflect on the beginnings of the game in Sri Lanka or Ceylon as it was then called. More specially on the spirit in which it was played and the great men who strode tall on its cricket field at that point of time - almost 100% from the Burgher community.

It is said that there were two grounds in Colombo - the "Racquet Court" indicated as the birthplace and nursery of Ceylon's cricket. The Racquet Court was a park sandwiched between the Fort and Pettah of Colombo when the Burghers, Sinhalese, Tamils, Mohammedans and Malays gathered for recreation and relaxtion. What was left of the free and open space was later obliterated by the rat proof grain stores described in the city's map as the Chalmers Granary.

Its only rival was said to be an open piece of ground, now called the Gordon Gardens where the first Royal/Thomian was played.

According to an extract of the Journal of the Dutch Burgher Union, kindly given to me by a well-known lady chronicler of the Union's history, amongst those early crlcketers of the eighteen seventeens was Dr. T.F. Garvin, E. Ohlmus, Charles, Horace, Edward de Kretser, Haffy Ball, and F.O. Van Langenberg, Charles de Kreber was a dangerous under arm exponent and Eddo Ohlmus their hardest hitter. The matches played in those early days were chiefly between regiments stationed in Colombo from time to time.

Such was the beginning of the Colts Club in 1873 and then came to be added to the pioneers of Ceylon Cricket the names of Edwin and Walter Vangeyzel, Collin and 'Banda' Kelaart, A.C. Van Cuylenberg, V. Vandort, B & F Thomsz and Tommie Ke1aart perhaps the greatest of them all.

Quite sometime later, other giants like M.K. Albert, C.H. Gunasekera, P & S. Saravanamuttu, A.C. Amath adorned the cricket field of Ceylon. The role of honour goes on and on and will fill many a volume - "Sargo" Jayawickrema, D.S. Jayasundera, M. Sathasivam, F.C. de Saram, Malcolm Spittel, Douglas Lieversz, Makeen Salih, Vernon Prins and Sathi Coomaraswamy to name a few. The writer's intention is to call on those who knew some of them to write short anecdotes from down memory lane. It is hoped our fifteen warriors to the World Cup in May will not only be motivated by their fabulous achievements but also remember their obligations to all those who have contributed to placing Sri Lanka in the forefront of world cricket. Winning is important but it is not the be all and the end all of this great game. The spirit and how we play the game is really what matters in the end.

Good luck Arjuna, Sri Lanka's hopes and wishes go with you and the team.

- Ronnie Weerakoon,
Mount Lavinia.

Sir John in fancy dress

By S. Sivendran

Mirihana Police area during the period I served included Nugegoda, Kiriulapone, Kotte, Baddagana, and Gangodawilla and was very thinly populated unlike today and it had a real rural outlook during the late fifties.

There was a good blend of Sinhalese and Burgher populations with a few Tamil and Muslim families in between. It was during this period that the Nugegoda Police was opened and the first officer in charge was Sub Inspector M.A. Perera. A little later the Kirulapone Police was opened and the first OIC was Sub-Inspector Franklyn Jacob. But these two Guard Rooms came under the direct supervision of HQI Mirihana whose boundaries were Kirulapone Bridge, Polhengoda Bridge, High Level Road, Wijerama Junctions and Bungalawa junction on Kotte Road.

I was fortunate to serve in Mirihana as there were several Burgher and Sinhalese Peterites whose hospitality included happy house dances and dinners. But many of the Burghers are no more as they have migrated mostly to Australia. I met most of them in Melbourne in a town called Nobel Park which they proudly call "Lansiwatte" as the Burghers were commonly called 'Lansias' in Sinhala over here. Our HQI M.B. Werapitiya at Mirihana had a real British Police outlook in the way he carried out his police duties. He used to send the young Sub-Inspectors on cycle patrols to study the area and also to acquaint themselves with the important residents in the area and then on his evening rounds in his well kept Volkswagan he took each of us to find out how much we knew of the area and the residents, ending up in one of the important resident's houses for a chit-chat where we were introduced to this household which was good for police public relations. This was as a result of his long training he had with the Metropolitan Police in London. But unfortunately these interactions do not happen today.

The officers of those days had great leadership qualities once the 7-a-side Rugger tournament for the Layards Cup was held at Longden Place at which all the police divisions took part. I represented W.P. Central along with Letcho Ephraums and Franklyn Jacob and four constables to make up the A team. There was also an A and B team from WP central. On the first day of the tournament we had a tragedy when inspector Hamid of the Harbour Police who was playing for Colombo Division died on the field as he was well past 50 years.

At the end of the day we won all our matches. But our transport had not arrived from Mirihana Police to take us back. Sydney De Zoysa DIG Range II who was at the CR & FC Old Club House heard of this and promptly phoned the Police Garage personally and got down a vehicle and also entertained us to drinks till the vehicle arrived. This was the quality of officers we had then.Though Mirihana was a sleepy town, it also had its share of entertainment. There was Ritz Cafe owned by Cyril Perera, which was the only watering hole for the Nugegoda crowd which was well patronised by the white collar workers. There were also places like Monte Carlo of Kirulapone, Bridgette Anthony's of Nugegoda, Sonny De of Driebergs Avenue, and Dodi Mahataya of Rubberwatte at Gangodawilla to provide fun in the night but which were regularly raided by the police.During the year 1959 several changes took place in the Police set up in Mirihana SSP Cecil Wambeck was promoted DIG and was succeeded by Percy Seneviratne, brother of Christie Seneviratne who was the Sports Editor of Daily News. ASP David Thambiah was transferred to Colombo Division and was succeeded ASP Lionel Senanayake, the elder brother of SSP Stanley Senanayke. Lionel Senanayake was such a kind and sympathetic officer.

The rank and file in the Police called him Siri Sangabo. He later retired as SSP in charge of CID. H.Q.I. M.B. Werapitiya was transferred to Colombo Division as OIC Fort from where he was promoted ASP. Insp. P.B. Bowala succeeded him as HQI Mirihana. Sub inspector Ivan Boteju was transferred to Mirihana from Maharagama so that he could continue with his athletics training as he had won the Knolley's Shield for the champion police athlete at the Police Sports Meet in 1958. But his coming to Mirihana did not help him as in the 1959 police meet he was beaten to the championship and was transferred to Police Depot to further his athletics. Sub Inspector Franklyn Jacob was also transfered to Colombo Traffic to enable him to play his rugby for Police Havelocks and Ceylon. S.I. T.C. Joseph was transferred to Mt. Lavinia as OIC Traffic.

During the end of 1959 I was transferred to Mount Lavinia then called in a Paradise in a Paradise, as there were no living quarters for Sub-Inspectors. I was boarded in the house of Lloyd Lappen who were my Maths Master at St. Peter's College.

Headquarters Inspector of Mount Lavinia was T.B. Talwatte a handsome and smart officer who played cricket for Dharmaraja College, Kandy as a left hand batsman. Air Port Club was the only available club at Mount Lavinia where tennis and billiards was the main recreation. The President of the Club was Sir John Kotalawela. The Air Port Club Ball during Christmas was a much looked forward to event and where the members and guests with their partners participated in fancy dress. That year Sir John Kotelawela turned up in a Police Sergeant's uniform in khaki shorts, tunic and shoes and stockings looking every inch a policeman. As Ratmalana was our only Air Port this dance attracted a lot of beautiful foreign Air Lines hostesses. But sharp at one in the morning the dancing stopped according to the rules laid down by Sir John.

On your marks (no matter how you win) go!

By Neville D. Abeygunawardene

It's election time once again in our national sports associations, and a warm welcome to the contestants and their allies that make our fragile competitive recreational domain the most crude and crafty - cunning and intriguing, with moral values least relevant or totally eroded, thus bringing the beast in man, yet surreptitously covered by a veil of a 'make believe' demeanour. We are in the midst of a saga, not of heroic deeds but of a despicable and damnable kind of activity that has hitherto made every sport, bar cricket so dismal in performance and with intense disappointment. Cricket by its recent successes in international competitions has made up to some extent the shame of our Olympic disciplines. However the cancerous roots of politics have gripped the sport in recent times, with the inevitable lurking ahead.

The day of the goons

It did not come as a surprise when a mob alighted at the AGM of the Board of Control for Cricket, and momentarily disrupted the proceedings. This situation had to surface sooner or later as the writing was clearly on the wall. Before we get into the depths of this debacle, a study of its origins would be prudent. Those who sacrificed much to make cricket what it is today and then have gone to another world, would no doubt turn in their graves disturbed and dismayed by the turn of events. The finger must necessarily point towards the Ministry of Sports for its blatant indifference and disrespect to its own laws. It is an undeniable fact that ninety percent in the top seats of the national sports associations are unqualified to hold office in terms of the sports laws. This is not a new phenomenon however, and the flagrant violations of these regulations started in the regimes of the late Vincent Perera and Nanda Mathew who were literally deadwood. What is regrettable is the continuance of this lackadaisical attitude with the same indifference in the observance of the sports laws. The deliberate failure to ensure strict compliance with these regulaitons is a shocking feature even to this day. Political aznd personal affiliations have made the sports laws look a joke and what a betrayal of the sport indeed. Most of the abuses and irregularities in sports stems from the failure to root out the unqualified from holding office. Since cricket has an international image with a powerful patronage plus perks and other benefits, the stakes are high and every known ruse and racket is in use to ensure the stay at the top. Hence it is not that surprising to deploy goons as the last line of defence if the need arises. The absence of truly excellent sportsmen in the run up to office makes it an unholy and unsafe contest, like it or not.

Ministry must not play games

Why have regulations that cannot be implemented? It is worse when the Ministry of Sports is least concerned with the qualifying rule for reasons much more than lethargy or indifference. The scenario becomes even more disastrous when the Ministry of Sports plays the role of Jekyl and Hyde - one in the open the other under cover. The Ministry must stop using cloak and dagger tactics. If sports were to prosper in an atmosphere of serenity, tranquillity and sobriety, the Ministry of Sports must enforce the sports laws without fear or favour, else there is no way out of the woods. If it cannot implement its own sports laws, in heavens name call it a day!

Today you stand in the dock for most of the sins of our sports, and to come out of the mess and morass a determined, and decisive role is necessary, holding the scales even, and with strict compliance of the laws and regulations.

Constuning debate

The Battle of the Blues

The Royal Thomian is an annual event which not only members of these schools but indeed the public look forward to. No matter what anybody might say it is one of the few pleasures or events of fun that the average Lankan is entitled to in this war torn violence filled country. There are only three days we could all dance our cares away with our brothers'near and far.'

Ask any Thomian or Royalist what's the difference between any other match and the Roytho and the answer is quite simple. "Macho the Roytho is not all about cricket" in fact it's true, if it was only a game of cricket it would have died a long time ago. But sadly in the past three or four Roythos I have witnessed an attempt to reduce Roytho to a match only with armed Army personnel and Military Police by the dozen transforming the beauty and the carnival atmosphere of the Roytho at SSC to the battle front of the Wanni, and of course there are generals too in the form of some members of the organizing committee clad "Brass Plate" directing operations against fellow brothers, Can one let the spirit of our big match be spoilt by a few people who fancy acting the role of commanding officer of a riot squad or an army general for three days of the year? No friends we cannot, it is this atmosphere which brings out the violent trend in people. We must not forget that people remember the Roytho not for the high scores, great batting and good bowling and fielding but also for the girls, the songs, the Papary, the tricks, the pranks all part of it. Trying to remove these and trying to bowl ninety five overs per day is a bad joke!!. It will kill the Roytho before long and no amount of armed guards will save it.

The esteemed gentlemen who organize this should go walki back to their days in college. If I may ask, was it the same?? They say Roytho lives in the blood of any Thomian/Royalist. How does that happen?? Simpl . At any party or just meet an old friend on the road and ask "I say how is X that man was great I still remember how he came dressed as the umprie" or "I still remember how Y ran around with the toilet seat at the Roytho." Now see if today's atmosphere gives room for that kind of a thing, your children and our future generations are they not entitled to such memories as the famous Roytho song goes" Mage pasal kalaya sewanwane same dine..." or do we want them to remember Roytho as a place filled with Red Helmets and arrest on site orders being aired over loud speakers? It's a question we all must ask. Provocation springs up from out side the stand some times, and we must not be deaf or blind to it.

While stressing the importance of security and discipline one must strike a balance between this and tradition. New and innovative methods must be looked at, the spectators must be made to understand the value and the responsibility of protecting the game, they should be treated with respect and importance and then the people will act with discipline, this would be a much better way than by the use of force and intimidation. Undoubtedly it is a very difficult job organizing this event and if one tries to do it like any other match, which has been the practice in the last three four years the end will draw near year by year. Thus a group of professional people should work on as it involves the sensitivity of organizing a cultural event, because it is part of Colombo like the Galle Face.

We cannot let commentators and a few new age cricket wizards run the Roytho for us. For all we know next year they might want to ban all spectators from the grounds and say to us that we should watch it live on TV!! As the owners of Roytho we must stand up and say we will play our game our way. "Win or lose we booze". "Its not who wins or loses that matters but how one played the game" were all statements which came up at the time when cricket was played the way it was meant to be, and Roytho to me with its great hundred years is one of the only links remaining to the games golden past. Let us not let that be destroyed by the whims of some individuals in an era where sport has become a money making occupation. Roytho has a special responsibility with its long history to stand by and to protect the traditions and the values of the game. This is a role any Thomian/Royalist near or far could be proud of. Thus it is important that we treat the Roytho as a cultural event than just a cricket match. Or are we going to lose what we have achieved in hundred years just for the sake of some book cricketers who seem to treat the sport like mathematics?

It is not my wish to pass judgement on anyone or hurt the feelings of others but a spade must be called a spade!! My objective is only to bring forth what many discuss during and after the match for the last three or four years and forget till the next Roytho. If this generates dialogue and exchange of ideas among us and if the high ups could give thought we might still have a chance of saving the Roytho. Dream do I when I read of the days it was played at Galle Face with no guards in full battle dress clinging on to a T56 or holding walki-talkies, old boys impersonating generals. It is only when we remove these elements that the true sprit of sportsmanship, friendship and greatness of friendly rivalry which are the two great planks on which Roytho is built upon show forth to the world its difference, as the leaders let us set the trend. This is some thing and all Thomian/Royalist who are true in sprit could be proud about and to that beautiful day Father let Roytho awake !!
Esto Perpetua!!

Lakshan Wanigasooriya,
University Student,
Moratuwa.

Price increase planned

Manchester United plan an above average increase in ticket prices next season after announcing a profit of 11.1 million pounds ($ 17.95 million) in the six months to the end of January. The European Cup semifinalists said an announcement was anticipated shortly from the government on proposal for pay-TV giant BSkyB to buy the club in a billion-dollar deal. The pre-tax profit figure was down from 15.4 million pounds ($24.92 million) 12 months ago following the signing on of Jaap Stam, Dwight Yorke and Jesper Blomqvist. United said player wages increased by three million pounds ($ 4..85 million) in the six months to the end of January.

Psychic viewpoint of the World Cup

Three factors which are to be considered if Sri Lanka is to perform well at international level are:

1. A positive plan of action in total management;

2. Asanka Gurusinghe should be given the No. 3 slot;

3. The invaluable role that Roshan Mahanama could play as a batsman and more particularly as an outstanding fielder.

I was happy that these three points received due consideration yielding excellent results culminating in Sri Lanka clinching the World Cup. In relation to point No.1 we secured the services of that outstanding international Coach Dave Whatmore who gave a great impetus to the Team Spirit injecting the killer instinct and moulding Sri Lanka as an all conquering team .

In relation to points 2, Asanka Gurusinghe played a vital role in Sri Lanka's victory in the World Cup matches, which is common knowledge now. In respect of point 3 Roshan Mahanama registered a match-saving innings in the Semi-final in Calcutta enabling Sri Lanka to enter the Finals in addition to an excellent performance in fielding in all the matches.

It must be stressed here, that the above does not represent all the factors which were contributory to Sri Lanka clinching the World Cup. On the contrary there were a number of other vital factors which led to Sri Lanka gaining glory such as:

• Good Captaincy;

• Physical Fitness and Good Team Spirit;

• Good batting order and the new concept of 2 "Hit Men" leading the attack;

• Good team selection which was unanimously accepted by the Public.

In the 1994 article under reference, I also made a psychic observation that Mahela Jayawardena who was only 15 years then, had natural talent and great potential and needed to be carefully nurtured to enter the national side.

I also mentioned that Marvan Atapattu had a great deal of talent as a technically correct batsman and although he failed in the initial matches if he consciously developed his inner strength he would succeed. Both these predictions have now come true!

In a subsequent article, I predicted that if Gurusinghe's services are not preserved that our all conquering winning spree would be lost in the future both in Tests and 1-day Internationals. marginal defeats. - Ronald Senaratne,

(Psychic Consultant)

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