Easy win for Army

The high-riding Army rugby team notched up their third successive win for the season in the Carlsberg 'A' division first leg match by 41 points (4 goals, 2 tries a penalty) to 12 (a goal and a try) at Havelock Park last evening.

The winners led 24/0 at the interval. For the soldiers S. Ganegoda 1, Winger Naushal 2, K.S. Fernando 1, Karunatilleke 1 scored. Fullback T.S. Silva converted four of the tries. The airmen's two tries were scored by D. Weerasinghe and Roshan Jecob, while Hettiarachchi converted one of them.

Referee:Shanrath Fernando

(B.W)

Running rugby at its best: CR topple Havies

By Bernie Wijesekera

For the first time in the ongoing Carlsberg 'A' division. rugby season running rugby was at its best in the first-leg between the traditional rivals ex-defending champions CR&FC and the Havelocks S.C. at Lognden Place last evening. CR&FC beat Havies by 38 points (4 goals 2 tries to 18 (1 goal ,1 try, 2 penalties.)

For avid fans it was spectacular rugby all the way in the initial half when 35 points were scored in 40 minutes, with both back divisions moving the ball pendulum-wise. The red shirts led 19-18 at the turnaround.

The best crowd was seen for the season and both teams churned out cohesive rugby with no quarter given, none asked for. The Havies back division had the edge over their rivals throughout the entire duration of the game. But the red shirts with their superior 'eight', who carried much firepower and weight in the second half had the Park Club melting like ice under this onslaught.

The Havies who stole the limelight with their nippy three-quarter line, breached the CR defence with some scorching runs where winger Sanjeewa Jayasinghe was most outstanding,scored two tries.

The Havies opened scoring with a penalty put over by Dexter Fonseka. At this stage Viraj Lakshantha the hardy CR hooker was injured and had to hobble out.

The CR hit back strongly. Kishan Musafer with a breezy run had the Havies defence in disarray, which resulted in a penalty. Off a short=tap the CR skipper corkscrewed his way over the line for a corner-flag unconverted try. (5-3) Havies took the lead when Jayasinghe rolled over for a dandy try which was converted by Fonseka-(10-5).

The red shirts undaunted hit back strongly through their forwards where Savantha de Saram scored one of his specials through sheer power to fall over. Halimdeen added the extra points-12-10.

At this stage the game generated tremendous excitement in the 30th minute when Dexteer Fonseka put over a penalty 13-12. Havies scored an unconverted try to make the score 18-12.

The CR forwards again got their act together when de Saram broke through for flanker Shamly Nawaz to crash over the line. Halimdeen arrowheaded it over with precision to make it 19-18 at the short whistle.

After the turnaround the CR pack was in control with their ferocious display of power rugby with Shantha Rohana, Nawaz, Savantha de Saram, Sajith Fernando, Kapila Silva, and skipper Champika Nishantha playing a dynamic role.

Champika Nishantha scored two more tries to put the red shirts in an unassailable position. During the dying stages of the game flanker Alfred Hensman put the icing on the cake with a fine try. Fullback Halimdeen made no mistake with the kick.

Young Halimdeen from Wesley played a good game and converted four tries from varying angles.

Though the Havies were beaten they were in no way disgraced. The scoreline was no indication, they fought to the bitter end against a superior set of CR forwards.

Among the Havies forwards Sanjeewa Abeygunawardena, Leornard de Zylva, Dexter Fonseka, Nalin Dissanayake and Jayasinghe were outstanding.

Referee-Anil Jayasinghe

Today Kandy SC host Navy at Nittawela

The launch of cricket book

The launch of the book "The Golden Era of Sri Lanka Cricket" by Ajith C.S Perera was held at Smith Kline Beecham Board Room on Thursday May 6 with former Sri Lanka Cricket Captain Michael Tissera as chief guest.

S. Skandakumar a former Secretary to the Cricket Board was also present together with Ana Punchihewa a former President.

The comments made in this book by experts indicate:

1. It is the fascinating story of the team that radiated brilliance in limited overs cricket and blossomed to establish as a "Champion Team", starting around the World Cup '96 and immediately extended beyond that to exceed many expectations.

2. It is an impressive attempt to keep alive for posterity, these outstanding achievements.

3. It is a thoughtful, delightful and carefully researched book, written with unusual charm and distinction. Certain to interest a far greater audience than cricketers, cricket lovers and cricket readers.

4. its very much informative easy to read and rich in unusual interesting detail.

5. Meticulous details are well documented and presented.

6. Makes very good reading and certainly brings back nostalgic memories of the euphoria that followed series of triumph.

7, All the drama, controversy , excitement and achievements are represented most eloquently and captured in word, figures and photographs, both in colour and black and white.

8. It is an invaluable assessment and makes its own special contribution to the literature of Sri Lankan Cricket 9. Certainly a worthy collector's item.

10. Provides the valued opinions of the author on strategic aspectts to remain at the top.,

11. Very good source of reference on the emergence, establishment and the progress of one day cricket, the financial elixir to the traditional game.

Little Lumbini give Royal a tough time

By Saif Izzadeen

Phew! What a match as Royal had to stave off a fierce challenge before pulling off a 24 points (two goals and two tries) to 3( a drop goal) win over Lumbini in the 'A' division inter-school rugger match played at Thurstan rugby grounds yesterday.

Although the final score line shows a good win for Royal it was no easy joy ride for the Reid Avenue school as they had use to all their experience to stop the fighting ruggerites from Lumbini.

Royal coming into the game with three successive wins over Ananda, St.Anthony's and Royal Panadura were given a hard time by the Havelock Town school. Lumbini coming into the game in the wake of their 22-7 win against Ananda gave a lion-hearted display and although they lost the game they made sure that Royal had to fight tooth and nail to achieve the victory.

The game got off to fascinating start with Lumbini taking a surprising 3-0 lead through a beautifully executed 25 metre drop goal by their fly half Shan Pradeep.

In the second half Lumbini came out all guns blazing and dominated play in the first 15 minutes of the game and they spent time on the Royal goal line through their forwards However the Royal defense stood firm.

Midway in the second half Royal took a 17-3 lead when they scored a try through Pavithra Fernando. Referee - Sam Samaraskera

Royal won the junior game 53-0

Joes slam cricket score in rugby

By Ravi Nagahawatte

St.Joseph's College buried St.John's College with an avalanche of tries as they routed the lesser known rugby playing school from Nugegoda by 140 points to nil in a rugger match played at Maitland Crescent yesterday.

Flanker Ishan Hettiarachhci led the way touching down five times while team mate Shamal Rodrigo too perfomed brilliantly planting four tries. Rajitha Somatilake and Linkman Dinuk Wijeratne crossed the line thrice. Ravi De Mel and Laksiri Fernando chipped in with two tries apiece.

St. Anthony's beat Trinity

By Shane Seneviratne

St. Anthony's after a lapse of many years turned the tables on Trinity defeating them by 3 points (a penalty) to nil in their inter schools league rugby encounter played at Nittawella last evening.

St Anthony's led 3 nil at half time. The Anthonians dominated play from the start and opened scoring in the fifth minute through a penalty put over by scrum half Ashan Cooray. The crowd at Nittawella was somewhat the same as at a club match with at least 800 spectators watching the proceedings.

Referee Inam Ahamed.

Keeping foreign rugby players out: A good move

By. S.Sivendran

The best news in this year's rugby season is that of foreign players being kept out of the League Tournament giving a big boost to our local rugby players who can now play in any position in order to improve their rugby talent. And stake their claims in the national side. But I was saddened to find that Petersons had pulled out of the tournament this year having struggled all these years to qualify to play in that premier league at a time when there was in influx of foreign players and today when the foreign players have been not been permitted to play it would have been ideal for Petersons to improve on their rugby erformance taking on local talent.

But for reasons not known they have thrown in the towel without even a fight, for which the entire committee of Petersons should hang their heads in shame as all the blood, sweat ad tears of the past years have gone in vain.

The teams that are in the running for the Clifford Cup league championship sponsored by Carlsberg this year are CR&FC- last year's champions, Kandy S.C. CH&FC, Havelocks S.C., Army, Air Force, Police and Navy.

The curtain raiser for this year's rugby season was the match between Havelocks and Army in whichthey Army upset the Park boys by a slender 7 points ( 1 Goal) to 6 points ( 2 Penalties) at havelock Park on Friday April 23. This was a match of missed opportunities for both sides especially for Havelocks who have a wealth of talent.

On Saturday April 24 the CR&FC did well to down the Navy who were last year's wooden spoonists by 28 points ( 1 goal, 3 tries and 2 penalties) to nil having led 15 nil at the breather.

CR&FC is a side to be watched as the season progresses as they too have some of the best local talent.

On Sunday, April 25, CH&FC got the better of the Air Force by 33 points ( 4 goals and 1 try) to 5 points (1 try) at Longden Place having led 21-nil at half time. CH&FC is being coached again by Tony Amit who has done yeoman service to this club earlier and will do his utmost to emulate his earlier deeds once again for the Maitland Crescent Club.

On the same day the Police travelled upto Nittawela to take on the Kandy S.C and Kandy proved that they are still a power to be reckoned with when they beat the cops convincingly by 32 points ( 3 goals, 1 try and 2 penalties) to 5 points 1 try) Kandy which is being coached by Priyantha Ekanayake the former Sri Lankan Captain who is a versatile player and a competent coach, should go places this season with the abundance of talent at their disposal.

On Friday April 30 at Police Park the Police played hosts to CR&FC and gave a good account of themselves and had two easy chances of scoring tries within the first fifteen minutes but they lacked the experience and finish and the chances went abegging. CR&FC, who were struggling at the start settled down as the game progressed and got the better of the Police to win by 28 points to nil. The police team had too many injuries, which did not speak well for their fitness. The CR&FC team too did not impress on this day and played in patches.

On Sunday May 2, CH&FC beat Havelocks by 14 points ( 1 try and 3 penalities) to 7 points ( 1 goal) at Havelock Park in a closely contested game. But it was Havelocks who impressed with some spirited display by their back division and luck was not with them like in the previous week. A penalty under the post too was missed by Havelocks.

Kandy on the same day grounded the Air Force at Nittawela by 79 points ( 9 goals, 2 tries and 2 penalties) to 7 points ( 1 goal) and proved that they have an all round outfit which can take on any team this season and the way they have been winning their first two games they appear to be aiming for the championship. Air force which is being coached by Kitioni Ratudradra the Fijian seem to have still not got their act together.

On Friday April 30 the sailors gave a gruelling time to Army at Galle Face and led 7-6 at half time. But during the second half the Army managed to recover and beat the sailors by a close margin of 18 points to 12 points. This performance of the Navy speaks well for their defence inspite of the heavy defeat they suffered the previous week against the CR&FC.

Bevan, the wonder Boy

Michael Bevan, the talented little allrounder, though he doesn't come into reckoning for a regular place in the Aussie Test team, but has played a dynamic role for Australia, as an explosive batsman when the chips are down.

A lovable cricketer, who turns out for New South Wales in Sheffield Shield cricket alongside with Steve and Mark Waugh and Glen McGrath has been a great success for the Aussie cause in the shorter version of the game.

But still Test cricket is the cornerstone for greatness. Despite his oozing talent he finds it an ordeal to be a regular member in the Test team which has even baffled his numerous fans.

Bevan the complete cricketer, will be on show for the Aussies in the coming World Cup next month. Australia, who were runners-up to Sri Lanka in Lahore in 1996, will be raring to go with a new-look side under Steve Waugh - to the chorus of 'Go Aussie, Go'.

A determined cricketer, who could bat, bowl and field excellently. In some quarters they say he's too intense for his own good, he puts much pressure on himself. Bevan, doesn't agree, but the game is more important to him, and puts everything before self.

He says that he has dedicated his entire life for the game. He doesn't have any degrees or qualifications. Cricket is the the thing and he wants to perform well be it for the country or for NSW cause. Imagine, he was dropped from the Aussie team for the recent tour of the Windies, but clubbed a double ton for NSW in a Shield game.

It went on to prove he had more courage and guts to wield the willow though being overlooked despite his consistency, which surprised the fans. If he was playing for another country he could have been an automatic choice. Apparently the Aussie selection panel can't be influenced, but does what is best for the country.

Steve Waugh, has rated Bevan as the best one-day batsman ever last year - and together with Glen McGrath are huge crowd pullers. While McGrath, describes Bevan as a 'perfectionist' he expects his team-mates to do likewise.

Apart from his fielding and shrewd bowling Bevan plays shots out of this world, where no other batsmen could ever think of, says McGrath.

He has amassed over 3,000 runs at an average of 58.27 as a middle order bat - and suggests that Michael is a one-day batting artiste.

Even under pressure in the one-day internationals he has rescued Australia. This scribe saw one of his great innings against the West Indies in the final in Sydney in 1996, where Sri Lanka, too participated in a tour ravaged by controversies and frayed tempers.

Australia, tottering at 6 for 38 against the hostile Windies attack. Bevan, had one of his rare moments in his chequered career with a brilliant unbeaten 78. Batting with composure, with No.11 specialist bat, Glen McGrath at the other end holding doggedly.

The Aussies need four runs in the last ball, to post a nerve-tingling victory. Off-spinner Roger Harper, to deliver with the fans dead silent, he cracked over the bowler's head for a huge six. Bevan, had the fans bewildered to be hailed as the most exciting one-day batsman.

Similar innings of that nature is all that he needs to establish himself in Test Cricket. In his first tour to Pakistan in 1994-95, facing upto the fearsome duo - Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, he averaged 60 in the three Tests which speaks well for his guts. He scored back to the wall 80s against the Windies in 1996-97, but unfortunately has been vulnerable against the shorter ball.

Bevan's success in the overs game has been attributed to his flexibility. He adds that it's important to be flexible to find the gaps and push the ball around to score quickly, to overcome pressure situations.

Unlike in Test cricket the crowds are much larger and more excitement is generated - also playing under lights.

Some countries have a specialist one-day side, it goes on to prove that they take this version of cricket seriously.

The little allrounder, who looks like a Sri Lankan Burgher, says that the one-day cricket as a popular sport has helped the traditional game, too. To score the most number of runs in the allotted overs has given special emphasis to intelligent running between the wickets in all forms of cricket.

Bevan is not going to rest with his one-day exploits which has helped the Aussie image, but work his way to be a frontline allrounder in the established game too.

He has the talents to make it for a regular place in the side and is too good a player to be on the sidelines.

The new-look Aussie team for the coming World Cup in England under Steve Waugh with their brilliant fielding, plus a balanced attack to exploit the varying conditions and batsmen like Bevan to prop up the lower order will be a force to be reckoned with. The Aussies have planned well ahead with a proper infrastructure. If they fail in the end then its part and parcel of this great game of character building.

Bevan believes the most important thing is just to go out and try your best and give 100 percent, then you couldn't have done any better. To Bevan, life begets life, energy creates energy. The tiny allrounder is assured of making an impact for the Aussies in the World Cup held in the Mecca of cricket.

-BW

Stanley slams selectors for World Cup strategy

"Can we retain the World Cup next month", This is the question beeing asked these days. Before that we should set our sights on qualifying for the final round. I am not a pessimist by nature, but I am afraid the selectors have made it an uphill task, by their defensive attitude. After winning the acclaim of the entire cricketing world by playing attacking cricket in 1996 the selectors have now taken two steps back", so stated Stanley Jayasinghe, the former Sri Lanka and Leicestershire cricketer.

"What exactly do you mean", I asked.

"Attack, total attack, should have been our motto to grind Wasim Akram, Alec Stewart, Hansie Cronje, Azharuddin and Stephen Waugh to the ground. I do not mean to attack them individually, like did the Board of Control officials at the recent annual general meeting!

No, I mean our brilliant strokeplayers like Sanath Jayasuriya, "Mighty Atom" Kaluvitharne, youthful yet mature Mahela Jayewardane, Marvan Atapattu, Arjuna Ranatunga, gutty Upul Chandana and the discarded Avishka Gunawardane would have been a formidable line-up to make mincemeat of anything that the opposing teams could field", said Jayasinghe.

"You have forgotten Aravinda de Silva and Mahanama of the seniors, haven't you", I queried.

"No, I have not forgotten them. Aravinda remains in the team but not for any devastating strokeplay because I have a feeling that all international bowlers have now got the measure of him. No more do they expose their ignorance by bowling short stuff that he revelled in. No more do we see Aravinda scoop those sixes with gay abandon on the leg side, except on very rare occasions. No, I include him to add solidity to the batting. Mahanama is a 'must' in the pool for his devastating fielding and for inclusion when and if the wicket is 'juicy' or 'dodgy'! He has been the 'guinea pig' down the years in all experiments resorted to by various individuals. On this tour, where I advocate "Attack", I am prone to reserve him for the side games and where the wicket may encourage bowlers. So it is to the 'chopping block' again for him from me! But wait I must give you my reasons for "total attack". Yes, let's have details of these theory of "total attack", as I am a bit confused", I asked.

"Well, in 1996 we won the Cup with Sanath, Kaluvitharne, Aravinda and Arjuna as attacking batsmen. Since then we have the much matured Mahela Jayewardane, free-scoring Atapattu, spirited Upul Chandana, butter-fingered but much talented Avishka Gunawardane to reinforce the established batsmen. Yet, without placing faith in the tried and tested tactics of 1996 our selectors have got weak-kneed and picked a team to pacify various quarters. Can you imagine a batting line-up reading as follows:

1). Sanath Jayasuriya. 2). Romesh Kaluvitharne. 3). Avishka Gunawardane. 4). M. Atapattu. 5). Arjuna Ranatunga 6). Aravinda de Silva 7). Mahela Jayewardane 8). Upul Chandana 9). Ruwan Kalpage 10). C.Vaas 11). M. Muralitharan? Would you like to oppose such a batting line-up? Never mind you, even Glen MacGrath, Damien Fleming, Darren Gough, Courtney Walsh, Curtly Ambrose, Alan Donald, Shaun Pollock & Co.will be saying silent prayers in their rooms the night before playing Sri Lanka! Natural strokeplayers all the way to No.10".

"Can you remember the 1992 World Cup? It was Warren Lees, the New Zealand Coach, who first planted the seed of revising the one-day approach. He gave the free-scoring Mark Greatbatch a treble promotion and put him to open the batting from his usual No.5 berth. The restricted field of the first fifteen overs saw Greatbatch send the ball soaring above the close in-field to all corners. International fast bowlers watched open-mouthed as Greatbatch pummelled them with unrestricted delight. Then what happened when New Zealand fielded? Yes, Warren Lees had another surprise up his sleeve. He opened the attack with the slow, friendly, accurate off-spin of Deepak Patel! That met with moderate success but, overall, the New Zealanders made unexpected headway, sufficient to make those with cricketing brains to click!.

"With ten batsmen and only one bowler how do you propose to handle the bowling", I questioned. Vaas opens the bowling with Sanath or Aravinda. Sanath is my bet because he nips them through rather quick with slight variations. And I would rather he bowls round the wicket on or just outside the off-stump.

The same goes for Aravinda who is a heady off-spinner with remarkable control. The much-harassed Muralitharan is always there but this time he has the luxury of bowling without looking for 'demons' over his shoulder! Mahela, Chandana and Kalpage should concentrate on line and length without getting over-ambitious! So that is my formula for the 1999 World Cup". Sorry, one more point about our batting. Avishka should have been an integral part of our line-up for "one-day cricket! He may be accused of 'butter-fingers' but then that could have been rectified by the man himself. But wasn't Trevor Chappell got down for this same purpose? Let's hope Avishka gets a better deal in the future years".

"Many are of the view that our fielding has deteriorated and Chappell could rectify matters. Any comments", I asked. The time factor has to be borne in mind. I am from the 'old school' and am not sufficiently qualified to comment on advanced techniques of fielding. Certainly the standard has improved considerably since my time and is, I think 300% better".

"Would you like to comment on the recent annual general meeting of the Cricket Board?"

"Comment I can in no small measure, if it is not subjudice. So I would advise you to check with your Editor prior to publication. Or I shall be hauled up in Courts. Yes, what I have stated over the past three decades still holds good. Take it from me. Those who are genuinely interested in promoting the game could be counted on the fingers of one hand, whilst even a miliped hasn't sufficient legs to count the number who are ready to jump the bandwagon to enjoy the benefits that accrue to those who simply hold office. Don't forget that down the years many are the people who have proudly said that they are performing an honorary service by being in the Board. No mention is made of the fringe benefits".

Indians show us a thing or two in motor racing

By Annesley Ferreira

Gone are days where the Indians were looking forward to test their driving and riding skills among the Sri Lankans on the local tracks here at Katukurunda, Ratmalana, Katunayake and road racers at Nuwara-Eliya and the hill climbs at Mahagastota, Radella.

Their thirst has now been quenched with the beautiful track built at a tidy sum in Madras.

The Sri Lanka drivers who excelled in Sri Lanka and in India on somewhat sub-standard tracks were the Deen brothers. Rally and Zacky, Britisher Bilton Norman Suby, T.S. Jinasena, D.C. Rajaratna, brothers Rodney and Jeffrey Mason, David Peiris, Priya Munasinghe, Shanthi Goonaratne, late Omar Senerath, Douglas de Fonseka and among the riders brothers Bathiya and Asoka Mirando, U.D. Jinadasa, D. W. Abeyratne, Carlo Andrews, Wally de Silva, Chandra de Costa, father and son Raja and Nihal Perera, Raja Sinnathurai, Upali Dissanayake, brothers Ruwan and Prabath Peiris, the Wedisinghe brothers the Bultjens brothers and Mahinda Wickremaratne.

Motor sports in Sri Lanka needs a track of its own and The Sunday Times spoke to rally specialist Richard de Zoysa who outlined the future of the sport.

Q. Motor Sports in Sri Lanka is badly handicapped by the lack of an International standard racing track.

A. The Minister of Youth Affairs has offered land for this purpose and the motor sports clubs are not taking advantage of this gesture due to prevailing rivalries and the lack of unity.

The only way forward is for the Ministry to set up a committee consisting of racing drivers and riders together with a project manager to explore the viability of raising adequate funds to make Sri Lanka a racing destination in the East.

Another alternative would be to attract investors to venture into laying this track with ancillary projects like a hotel, a racing drivers school and other related activities.

The Ministry of Sports would be prudent to set up a panel of recognised racing 'brains' to plan out strategy for the advancement of the sport and advise the Ministry. In Sri Lanka racing meets, rallies and other events are not held according to FIA regulations.

Prior to venturing into laying out track events such as rallies, which probably are the most gruelling to be held the organisers must conform to FIA specifications. Kenyan Motor Sports Club officials have indicated their interest in helping Sri Lanka to stage FIA approved rallies.

Sponsorship

If the project is viable and the Ministry of Sports decides to raise funds locally rather than offer the concept to an investor the Mercantile Sector would play an important role to achieve this end.

The local agents for the top car manufactures in Richard's opinion, will certainly consider co-sponsorship for the track if they stand to gain on advertizing rights and media mileage and tax exemption against sponsorship if the Ministry of Sports obtains a directive from the Finance Ministry. Caltex Mobil who has contributed tremendously towards local motor sports activities would be willing if sponsors are willing to come forward if the terms are attractive.

Richard added that the Ministry of Sports should take a decision that if the Sri Lanka Association of Motor Sports (SLAMS) the governing body should continue, it must insist that the committee consists of proven drivers and riders who do not participate in current events and be motivated by self-interest as evident in the present context.

Benefits

Sri Lanka will gain tremendously by way of foreign media exposure, boost in tourism and will no doubt provide employment opportunities.

Rover pinpoints

School ties

The bragger is at it again. This time he has been shooting his mouth off that he has been given permission to give uptakes on the Radio by the Cricket Board on the World Cup.

He was heard, loud and clear, making these comments to a manager of a Sri Lanka radio station. It is learnt through the grapevine that he has been given a ticket by a top runger in the Cricket Board to witness the World Cup. What old school ties can do!

Lucky fifteen

Fifteen from the Cricket Board and two journalists will fly to England to witness the World Cup. It is learnt that all of them have been rewarded for the good work done by them. Wonder who they are. Rover hopes to name them next week.

Gentleman's game

A senior player of the Sri Lanka football team which took part in the 2nd SAFF Cup in Goa was heard calling a junior player Booruwa.

Come on old chap, football is now becoming the gentleman's game. So watch that tongue.

How come

How come the Manager and FIBA referee who had paid Rs. 40,000 and Rs. 35,000 respectively to attend the ABC Basketball Championships in Japan have been left out of the tour party ?

How is it that the chaperone who had not paid a red cent gone on the tour? Over to the Sports Minister.

National coach

The Minister has appointed a particular person as the national coach of a popular women's sport which has proven itself in the Asian region but has failed in the world arena.

This selection has come as a surprise to many who are questioning the appointment.

Wondering

A popular athlete and her coach who were to take wing to France to participate in an international meet are left wondering whether they will be able to go in the first place as their visas have been delayed. They have applied for the travel endorsement 48 hours before the flight and are still uncertain of leaving.

World Cup blues

A top VIP who is scheduled to watch the opening World Cup match between England and Sri Lanka is planning to return after the first match if Sri Lanka loses on May 14. Comments of this nature were heard by a person who happened to be there when the big shot's papers were submitted for the visa. Rover wonders whether this attitude from this top VIP is possible!

Press or pressed

Who is this press officer who has gone to England with the Sri Lanka cricket team for the World Cup starting on June 14.

What does he know of the press in England or has he gone for other purposes? Only time will tell.

National anthem

All participating countries at the SAFF Football Championships in Goa, India had their national anthems played in full. However, SriLanka's national anthem was cut short. Any special reason for this?

Sports media officials

Annesley Ferreira, the Sports Editor of The Sunday Times, was elected uncontested as President of the Sports Media Association of Sri Lanka at the annual general meeting held last Friday at its headquarters in Reid Avenue Colombo 7.

He succeeds A.C. de Silva, the Sports Editor of the Observer who held office since the inauguration of the Association..

Channaka de Silva from the Midweek Mirror is the new secretary, succeeding Shirajiv Sirimane of The Island who held the post for four years since the inception in 1995.

President: Annesley Ferreira (Sunday Times)

Vice Presidents: A.C. de Silva (Observer), Asoka Gunatilleka (Divaina), Sarath Prematilleke (Kreeda), Upendra Herath (Sirasa TV), Vajira Wijewardena (SLBC)

Secretary: Channaka de Silva (Midweek Mirror)

Assistant Secretary: Sunil Abeywardena (Kreeda)

Treasurer: Neville Anthony (Virakesari)

Assistant Treasurer: Bernard Perera (The Island)

Social Secretary: Karunadasa Suriyaarachie (Divaina)

Executive Committee: Shirajiv Sirimane (The Island), Mahinda Jinadasa (Janatha), Dudley Wickremasinghe (Lake House), Nuwan Karunaratne (Lak-handa), Namal Pathirage (Lankadeepa), Saman Mendis (Lake House), Srilal Gomes (The Island), Dammika Ratnaweera (The Island), Dulcie Danasiri (SLBC), Nishani Herath (Silumina)

Caltex Fox Hill on Rupavahini today

By popular demand the Caltex Foxhill Supercross 1999, the biggest racing event in Sri Lanka will be re-telecast on Sri Lanka Rupavahini Channel 2 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The Caltex Foxhill Supercross was organised by the Sri Lanka Army and SLMA in collaboration with Sri Lanka Association for Racing Drivers and Riders (SLARDAR) and was sponsored by the only consistent Motor Sports promoter in Sri Lanka Caltex, makers of Caltex Havoline and Clatex Delo 500 for the fourth consecutive year.

More Sports

Return to Sports Contents Page