Lop sided win for St. Peter's

By Ravi Nagahawatte

St. Peter's beat Wesley 25-10 in a lop sided inter-school rugby fixture which was worked off at Bambalapitiya yesterday.

The Peterites collected their points through one goal, four tries and a penalty while their opponents replied with a goal and a penalty.

Skipper Gavin Ludowyke led the way with the team's first try which was followed by touch downs which came through S. Rajaratne, M. Niyaz and Gladwin Georgeous. Ludowyke also kicked right a penalty and a conversion.

C. Sumathipala scored the try for Wesley while Prasad Perera came right with the conversion.

Perea also landed a penalty early in the second half.

Rugby's battle for survival here

By Callistus Davy

There are no scissors, no up-and-unders, not many flashes on the blind side and very rarely does a full-back touch down after an overlap. For the old timer, if there are that many, rugby has lost most of its fan-fare and many domestic matches on the local club scene draw no more than a few dozen spectators, a far cry from the sport's glamour days of the 1980's.

Local administrators may have succeeded in enticing school kids in the south of the country to take to the oval shaped ball, but in Colombo where rugby was once witnessed with such passionate enthusiasm, some traditional contests have been reduced to mere token fixtures.

The depths to which club rugby in Sri Lanka has fallen was pathetically evident last week when Colombo's hottest favourite for the title, the Ceylonese Rugby Football Club (CR and FC) played against the Ceylonese Hockey and Football Club (CH and FC) with no more than 300 spectators in attendance.

"You call this rugby ? I don't and it's not the attraction I witnessed 10 years ago", said one spectator who regretted his decision to rekindle his interest in the game.

The winners of the game, CR and FC, may have had something to celebrate that evening but not many of the fans had reason to believe their money for entrance tickets was well spent.

Apart from some sworn fans of a ripening generation, who perhaps are left with little or no option, present day patrons make up nothing more than a small percentage of the turn-out.

Ex-ruggerite Orville Fernando blames player attitudes and mismanaged financial inducements as responsible factors for driving away the spectators. "Today's ruggerites are not playing true to themselves. They don't go flat out and I think that they fear injuries could sideline them from earning cash incentives", says Fernando. "When we lost matches we felt very guilty to face our club members. Things have changed today and there is more socialising on the part of players than giving of their best on the field".

Fernando was a second rower of a crack Havelocks team in the early 1980's and contends that high ticket rates have also contributed to spectators turning their backs on the game.

Whatever the reasons there may be for the drastic drop in spectator patronage, player management and financial resources are expected to play a crucial role in bringing back the spectators. Of the eight clubs competing in the domestic league, CR and FC along with Kandy are considered the only two sides that are on a firm footing to manage its affairs and attract the cream of players.

Harsha Mayadunne, a former Rugby Union secretary who now heads the Tournament Committee, admits that spectator interest has dropped but cites poor media coverage and the foreign player syndrome which resulted in overseas professionals stealing the limelight and leaving the scene after making a negative impact on unearthing local talent.

"I think there will be a gradual improvement in spectator patronage in due course. We focussed attention on foreigners only and now I think people will get used to witnessing rugby without foreigners as it was in the past", says Mayadunne.

Only time will say whether locally bred players will be able to bring back the crowds. But most administrators are not averse to see domestic rugby take a serious course. Former Union Vice President and current coach of the national side Nimal Leuke, believes that rugby in Sri Lanka must move with time. "The message must be sent across. The game must be properly marketted and a professional approach is needed", opines Leuke, an ex-flanker and captain of a robust Police team of the early 1980's.

Leuke favours payments for players and contends that the main reason for the drop in spectator attendance is due to the absence of an equal distribution of players. He also blames the influx of foreigners for the imbalance.

Some affluent clubs, he says, got down the best foreigners and recommended poor quality performers for rival clubs.

Apart from sub-standard rugby, indifferent blowing on the part of referees is also accounting for the empty stands. The game is held up for most of the time for player infringements and referees break potentially exciting moves by not applying the advantage rule.

Former Referees Society President Metha Abeygunawardena concedes that match officials are too technical and fail to understand the philosophy of the game. "In my opinion referees must be encouraged to allow the game to flow" says Abeygunawardena.

But blowing the final whistle may perhaps become a ritual for some. For the moment, the drop in crowd attendance only adds to a growing list of problems the Rugby Union will have to tackle before the last spectator can walk away.

Maharoof helps Wesley

A sparkling 112 by Farveez Maharoof helped Wesley to score a 15-run win over Basilica College in their under-15 Division One group B inter-school cricket match at Campbell park recently.

Batting first Wesley were bowled out for 201. Their innings was built through a 112 scored by Farveez Maharoof. His innings included 17 fours and one six. He was given good support by K. Kodikara who made 26. S.Silva(4 for 36) and H.Aravindha(2 for 29) bowled well for the visitors.

Basilica in reply were bowled out for 186. K. Peter's(58) and J. Delishan(22) doing the bulk of the scoring for Basilica. Chatura Chandrasena(5 for 19) and Farveez Maharoof(2 for 56) bowled well for Wesley.

Fareez has so far scored 55 against St. Joseph's and 49 against Sri Sumangala He also took two wickets against St. Joseph's

Wesley - 201 all out (F. Maharoof 112,.K.Kodikara 26; S.Silva 4 for 36, H.Aravindha 2 for 29) Basilica - 186 all out (K.Peter's 58, J. Delishan 22; C. Chandrasena 5 for 19, F. Maharoof 2 for 56)

Senior Athletic Meet

The second annual senior athletic championships of the Sri Lanka Lions Sports Club will be held on July 10 and 11 at the Sugathadasa Stadium commencing at 8 a.m. each day.

Events will be held for boys and girls under 18 and 20 and for men and women.

Entries will close with G.L.S. Perera at No 110/31, Jubilee Mawatha, Mirihana, Nugegoda.

Isipatana pip Trinity

By Shane Seneviratne

Isipatana came from behind to pip Trinity by 25 points (2 goals, 1 try, 2 penalties) to 22 (1 goal, 3 tries) in their Milo Inter-schools league rugby encounter played at Bogambara on Friday evening.

Trinity led 15-5 at the half.

For the Havelock Town lads, Hamesh Gunaratne scored two tries, one goaled by Charith Kodagoda with the third try being scored by substitute K. Janaka Morris with Kodagoda adding the extra points. Kodagoda put over two penalties too.

For Trinity, scrum half, Dilpi Selvam scored a try with Kaushalya Weeraratne scoring two tries and Ruwan Rajapaksa one. Shanaka Kumara goaled one of the tries. In the Under-17 game Trinity beat Isipatana 17 nil.

Inter Regiment Volleyball Final on June 11

The finals of the Sri Lanka Army Inter Regiment Golden Jubilee Volleyball tournament 1999 conducted by the Army Volleyball Association will be held on Friday, June 11 from 1 p.m. at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium.

This tournament was conducted in three divisions.

The preliminary round for all three divisions were conducted at the Tissawewa Army Camp, Anuradhapura.

Twenty teams took part in the A division, 12 in the B division and 6 teams in the C division.

Army Service Corps will meet Gemunu Watch in the C division final at 1 p.m. while Artillery will take on Gajaba Regiment in the B division final at 2.30 p.m. Army Ordnance Corps will confront General Service Corps in the A division final at 4 p.m. with many national players in their midst.

The Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General C.S. Weerasuriya will be the chief guest at the finals at which many other senior officers will be present.

All the matches in this tournament were refereed by the referees of the Sri Lanka Volleyball Association referees.

This successful tournament was organised by Lieutenant Colonel K.W. Edema and Major Y.S. Keerthipala of the Army Volleyball Committee under the guidance of Brigadier P.G. Charles, Chairman of the Army Volleyball Committee.

Hewage cracks twin centuries for NCC

By Marlon Fernandopulle

Opener Pradeep Hewage compiled twin centuries as NCC took a firm grip and were poised for an outright victory against MataraSC in a Premier Championship game at Maitland Place yesterdy.

Overlooked for Sri Lanka's A pool, Hewage gave a timely reminder to the National Selectors as he followed his maiden century on Friday with another stylish 123 and helped NCC to 313/6 in their second innings. Hewage struck a dozen boundaries and faced 144 balls.

The visitors were bowled out for 65 with Ravindra Pushpakumara, Sajeewa Silva and Russell Arnold claiming three wickets each.

Hemantha Wickremaratne continued his good form with another century as SSC piled up 407/7 against PanaduraSC. The visiotors who were shot out for 107 in the first innings were 103/5 at close.

Half centuries from Sajika Abeynaike and Kumar Dharmasena helped Bloomfield to 267/9 against Antonians SC.

After taking a one run first innings lead the Bloomfield batsmen did well to pile up a challenging second innings total.

At Maitland Place:NCC vs Matara SC

NCC:397/8 decl. & 313/6 at close.(Pradeep Hewage 123 Sanjeewa Weerasinghe 76 Kumar Sangakkara 50)

Matara SC:65 all out(Ravindra Pushpakumara 3/15 Sajeewa Silva 3/30 Russell Arnold 3/13)

At Maitland Place:SSC vs Panadura SC

Panadura SC-107 & 103/5 at close(Chamara Silva 30 n o, Syresh Kumar 29 n o Suresh Fernando 4/32)

SSC-407/7 decl.(Upeka Fernando 76, Hemantha Wickremaratne 117, Tilan Samaraweera 68, Ruwan Galapathy 30, Amila Perera 4/107)

At Reid Avenue: Bloomfield vs Antonians SC

Bloomfield 112 & 267/9 decl (Sajika Abeynaike 79 Duminda Perera 29, Bathesha de Silva 24, Kumar Dharmasena 55, Pulasthi Gunaratne 43 n o, N Fernando 2/26, M Alwis 2/56, C Samarasinghe 2/45).

Antonians SC-111 all out.

Susanthika Jayasinghe kept in suspense

Susanthika Jayasinghe has been shafted by those who went to Monaco to defend her suspension in the most unbelievable manner. Never has such a situation been so bizarre as the hearing of her case.

Susanthika's Attorney submitted evidence to support her expected lifting of suspension which complements and not detrimental, to the supposed and debatable contention of her drug related suspension that hangs and looms over her world recognition in her pet event the 200 metres and her ancillary event the 100 metres sprint events.

Bizarre because her saviours, the AAA and those who represented the Ministry of Sports could not argue that her suspension should have been lifted at this meeting and the evidence submitted by her Attorney only complements the issue and not damaging.

Obviously, those involved in her dubious suspension benefit from keeping her out and denying Sri Lanka of a possible medal at the Sydney 2000 Olympiad. Incidence of preventing successful Sri Lankans in achieving glory is replete; examples: the late Shirley Amerasinghe, Jayantha Dhanapala to name a few.

Susanthika's agent Tony Campbell says that when Susanthika came to him through the generosity and concern of Sri Lankan Californians, he was surprised of her superiority than he had expected judging from her submitted accomplishments.

After correcting her flatfootedness, Campbell is working and expects that she goes under II seconds in the 100 metres and 22 seconds in the 200 metres in the next few months. Several Grand Prix track and field competitions are billed in order for her to meet with the challenges she expects from top sprinters in the world. This would certainly put Susanthika with the top five or three sprinters in the world. Except for Marion Jones of the United States the other top sprinters are not consistent in their performances as the 100 and the 200 metres are measured in 100th or 1000th of a second in electronic timing.

Susanthika's current Grand Prix performance clearly puts her within the top three world class sprinters and is unlikely that she could reach the level of competency of Marion Jones who is clearly ahead of the flock of women sprinters at world class levels.

In any case at this level of competition it is anyone's guess who would be the best in the world when a mere 1000th of second separates them.

Susanthika runs under severe constraints unlike other world class sprinters as her diabolical suspensions hangs for now until she is cleared for the highly contentious drug charges levelled at her by those who want her to fail.

In a communique to the Editor of Lankadeepa dated November 17, 1998 by the Deputy Director of IAAF Media & PR it says quote "(1) following the decision of the Enquiry Board of the Sri Lanka Federation exonerating Jayasinghe, the athlete is free to compete.

The IAAF neither imposed nor lifted a suspension in this case. (2) the IAAF anti-doping commission is, however, not in agreement with the findings of the Sri Lanka enquiry and will recommend to council that this case should go to arbitration before the IAAF arbitration panel. The panel may then find in favour of Jayasinghe and there will be no suspension or against her, in which case a suspension will be applied effective from the date of the positive sample." Unquote.

If the above statements are correct what role did the AAA and Ministry of Sports play in Monaco? Clearly, a sinister and persistent move of a clandestine operation is forced by the AAA and the Ministry of Sports to prevent this brilliant sprinter in achieving glory for Sri Lanka after that genial and outstanding hurdler the late Duncan White in the Olympics of 1948 in London, England.

Next week an analyses of Susanthika's current performances with those of other world performances aspiring to win medals at the 2000 Olympiad in Sydney Australia will be presented to highlight as to why Sri Lankan authorities want Susanthika to be kept out of becoming the world class sprinter when she is proving to be one at every appearance she makes at the billed events until she competes at the Sydney Olympics and put to bed this most despicable victimization seen in recent history in track and field sports.

Cricket Festival in London

Nalanda / St. Sebastian's joint champs

From Rangi Akbar in England

Nalanda and St. Sebastians were declared joint champions at the Annual Festival of Cricket sponsored by Ceylinco Consolidated and organised by the Sri Lankan OBA's at Bromley, Kent on Monday.

The final took place at around 9 p.m. and since bad light set in the organisers decided to make Nalanda and St. Sebastian's joint champions.

The Nalanda team comprised of Daminda Wijesekara, Sanduna Kapugeekiyana, Keerthi Ranasinghe, S.P. Fernando, S. Abeywardena, Nishan Rajasinghe, Kushantha Dissanayake, Harsha Kumarasinghe, Pubudu Jayasena and Asanga Wijeratne.

The St. Sebastian's team: Kevin Fernando, Russel Wijesuriya, Dinesh Wijesuriya, Terence Jayasinghe, Michael Cook, Chandana Meepagama, Tony Dabarera, K. Sanjeeva, Lester Fernando and Shane Fernando.

Organisers of the event said that earlier more Old Boys Associations took part but due to the ethnic conficts back in Sri Lanka, the schools in Jaffna broke away from the main body and were now conducting their own competitions.

Eighteen OBAs took part in the one day festival of cricket seven-a-side tournament which featured teams from Ananda, Dharmaraja, D.S. Senanayake, Isipatana, Mahinda, Nalanda, Richmond, Royal, St. Aloysius, St. Anthony's, St. Benedict's, St. Joseph's, St. Peter's, St. Sebastian's, S. Thomas', Trinity, Wesley and Zahira.

In the semi-finals Nalanda overcame a plucky Trinity team and D.S. Senanayake went down fighting to St. Sebastian's.

Four Sri Lankan cricketers, eliminated from the Super Six stage of the World Cricket Cup made their presence felt at the competition and were warmly received despite their poor performance in the World Cup. They were: Sanath Jayasuriya, Roshan Mahanama, Mahela Jayawardena and Eric Upashantha.

The Chief Guests were Mr. Lal Jayawardana High Commissioner for Sri Lanka in UK and the Mayoress of Bromley.

The Guest of Honour was Deshamanya Lalith Kotelawala, Chairman Ceylinco Consolidated who assured the organisers that Ceylinco Consolidated will continue to sponsor the OBAs Festival of Cricket in England.

Sarath Jayasundara promoted SSP

Sarath Wijeratne Jayasundara, well known sportsman from Dharmarajah College in Kandy has been promoted as a senior Superintendent of Police.

Having played hockey and boxing for the College from 1966 to 1969 and represented as athletic captain for Relay Carnival he later represented Kandy district hockey team. He was a member of the College Cadet Corps. He represented the Police team in hockey and track and field sports.

Joining the Police Department in 1971 as a trainee Sub Inspector he served Kataragama, Wattegama, Maharagama, Wellampitiya and Borella as OIC and was Headquarters Inspector in Jaffna in 1986. He has served Jaffna as ASP in 1989.

Presently while acting as Personal Assistant to IGP he holds the post of Additional Director Administrative at Headquarters. He is the fifth of seven brothers in the family who were all sportsmen including DIG Daya Jayasundara and Brigadier Gamini Jayasundara.

No tenders but quotations?

The Sports Ministry in a letter addressed to the Exco of the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka as way back as October, 1998 has advised them to seek a new contract for TV rights but not with WorldTel as the contract has expired.

At that time since Sri Lanka were the defending World One Day Champions the value was about 5 million US dollars for TV rights since the decrease as the three year contract has expired.

It has been questioned at the Exco meetings on January 5 and February 10 respectively about the new TV contract since it was kept under the carpet and it is learnt that on May 27 this year no tenders have been called but written quotations have been called.

Stump Vision

The glorious uncertainties of cricket and the ups and downs of everyday life were brought into sharp focus during Sri Lanka's brief venture in the 1999 World Cup. Arjuna Ranatunga, the Cricket Board and the Sports Ministry should heed the warnings that emanated therefrom. For far too long have these parties ignored the long term consequences of their short term planning.

Those cricket enthusiasts who are little longer in the tooth will recall that it was this writer who in the sixties advocated the 'deadening' of wickets when meeting international opposition. That advice was proffered before Sri Lanka attained I.C.C. membership in 1981. The Oval (P. Saravanamuttu Stadium) during the fifties and sixties was a fast bowler's dream, with an abundance of grass. Visiting fast bowlers smacked their lips as they longed for the new ball whilst local batsmen, including this writer, muttered silent prayers whilst donning pads. Teeth chattered, limbs trembled and the hearts pounded as we dragged ourselves to the crease minus helmets, thigh pads, elbow guards, chest guards etc. etc.

Thanks to Mr. Gamini Dissanayake, Sri Lanka won I.C.C Membership in 1981. The credit for introducing the first motor- roller in the preparation of a turf wicket belongs to "Yours Truly"! That procedure was adopted for the three-day match vs West Indies in 1976 in the C.C.C. ground. Eyebrows were raised on the morning of the match as the wicket was unusual - grassless, shiny and brown! The match and wicket lasted the three days and Sri Lankan batsmen were able to comfortably handle the fast bowling of Malcolm Marshall, Andy Roberts, Colin Croft & Co. Thus started the 'deadening' of wickets in Sri Lanka.

Shortly after graduation to I.C.C. ranks this writer implored on the Cricket Board's hierarchy that in keeping with international standards we should return to playing local cricket on wickets with pace and bounce. This, I pointed out, would ensure that our cricketers would not be overawed on overseas tours, where hard and fast strips would be common. But my pleas were skin to pouring water over a duck's back! This, in a nutshell, explains the reason for batting collapses in Australia, South Africa and the 1999 World Cup!

An English author once said "It is better to keep your mouth shut and let people wonder if you are a fool, than to open it and remove all doubts". Several local writers have failed to heed this bit of golden advice!

I remain more than convinced that our batting flopped because the late spring/early summer wickets were conducive to seam bowling. Sri Lanka's incompetent, ignorant and indifferent Selectors maintained their usual pattern of picking teams and displayed their widsom only after Dave Whatmore expressed his views! So much for the many wise men appointed by the Sports Ministry! Oh, Dave Whatmore, thou should come back to us from this hour!!!

More reasons for the cricketing calamity? Rid the Board of the influence and dis-service of the Sports Ministry! Many are the times when I have wondered and pondered over the years how people with accredited cricketing backgrounds have accepted Selectors' posts under demeaning conditions laid down by the Sports Ministry!

Since my return to Sri Lanka, and with the experience gained in England, I have served three Ministers of various hues. Without a shadow of doubt Mr. Gamini Dissanayake dwarfs the rest to tiny mites!

There was an instance during the seventies when my mandate was to brief the then Minister on misdemeanours at Selection Committee level. On no less than three occasions did I call for action in writing from the Minister, via his Secretary. Inaction prevailed for a fortnight and my resignation followed. It was shortly afterwards that I realised the reason for inaction. The Secretary to the Minister had planned his son's promotion!!!

Cricket is being prostituted for vote-catching by the Sports Ministry! The Sports Law is being interpreted to suit various situations and individuals. The Board's multi-faceted constitution is so shallow and ambiguous that it is hardly worth a second look! It is unthinkable that a group of illustrious cricketers, with enviable records, is appointed by a Sports Ministry whose cricketing background is near zero! I would have been a nincompoop to have accepted the invitations over the years! Yes, I also am prone to "politicophobia".

I consider it downright degrading for the Selectors to have passively accepted the Ministry's autocratic decision to alter teams already picked, as was the case recently. Is it sheer patriotism or undiluted opportunism!

Selectors of my vintage would have given the appropriate answer. They would never have risked being described as invertebrate whilst serving the country in an honorary capacity!

Also contributing in no small measure to our downfall was skipper Arjuna Ranatunga. His obstinacy and attempts at nepotism during the tour of New Zealand in 1991, where I was Manager, proved counter-productive. But the Cricket Board and Selectors appeared to accept discretion as the better part of valour! So they continued to hold office and enjoy the benefits that accrue to those who also stand and wait! His bulldozing tactics to lesser lights in the cricket circuit denied several youngsters their dues. His authoritative advances to various youngsters with promotional promises were not uncommon, Those who fell foul fell by the wayside!

It would be incivil of me to state that Ranatunga has not contributed in great measure to Sri Lanka's advances at international cricket. He has spoken with the bat to rescue Sri Lanka from disaster on numerous occasions since he won his 'cap' in the early eighties. But his abrasive words and uncricketing gesticulations have provoked the gentry and those of us who still adhere to old values and customs! "Cricket is a gentleman's game"; "Cricket is a character builder" "The Umpire's word is law" are the terms synonymous with this great game. It is possible that he has been goaded by his acolytes as he was in New Zealand in 1991. But I am of the firm view that those self-seeking individuals buckled at their knees at every turn and helped Ranatunga's ever increasing ego!

Finally we need to address our minds to that august body the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka. Even discounting our disgraceful doings in England I cannot help but say "All the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten this little isle"! The episode was repugnant, scandalous and a disgrace to this noble game. It was clearly evident that Arjuna Ranatunga was orchestrated to perform according to instructions given by the Board. And his gala performance could not have been bettered by Joe Abeywickreme himself!

With controversy raging as to what and who would hold the reins once judgement is given, I can foresee several frustrated players who were sidelined coming into the reckoning.

The period of transition is at hand and those with the interests of the game at heart would do well to tap the proper sources to resuscitate it. Certainly, a foreign Coach is a must, lest our locals get influenced by Politicos and their henchman. Wisdom demands that it be a long term signing and not the "Instant Coaches" that were recently imported for "Instant Success" in "Instant Cricket"!

Let us forget "Yanthara", "Manthara", "Saasthara" and "Witchcraft" and introduce discipline, dedication and patriotism which are the most vital ingredients for success! A Selection Committee comprising of vertebrates is a must. We have still in our midst people with excellent cricketing backgrounds like Ivers Gunasekera, Channa Gunasekara, Mahes Rodrigo, Vernon Prins, Bertie Wijesinghe, Mevan Pieris, Fairlie Dalpathado, Tita Nathanielsz & Co. They are destined to be utter failures in Politics because of their ineptness at canvassing!

"Yours Truly" is unable to add his name to the above list. There is irrefutable evidence to show that he has had three attacks of "Politicoitis" since his return from England in 1965!!! A fourth attack is certain to take him to the "river of no return"!

"Yours Truly" has a simple prescription to remedy the very violent contests for office at the Annual General Meetings of the Board. "NO MEMBER OF THE BOARD SHALL BE ELIGIBLE TO GO ON TOURS EXCEPT THE MANAGER AND COACH WHO SHALL BE NOMINATED BY THE EXCO"!!!

Leicestershire County Cricket Club, leading lights in the English County Circuit, over several years, heeded Manager/Coach Jack Birkenshow's advice and declined the appeals of many wives to accompany the team to Sri Lanka in March/April this year. I too took a similar stand whilst in New Zealand.

Sri Lanka tours of recent times, it appears to me, are multi- purpose jaunts for shopping, socialising and holidaying. Little wonder then that late nights and dissipation are the norms! Whither discipline and cricket while wives and kids await attention? Is it any wonder then that performance is sub- standard?

The interviews given by the Tour Management are lavish in their praise of the players. Pressmen accompanying the team tow the line for fear of repercussions and admonitions. Thus those who guided the destinies of Sri Lanka cricket on tours abroad ensured that the boat was not rocked! Their survival was primary.

It would be advisable for whoever gets on the saddle later this year to inform the cricketers, seniors and juniors, where to draw the line. No double-standards should be permitted. That is the only way to resurrect Sri Lankan cricket. And the best of Sri Lankan luck goes with it!

Rover pinpoints......

Lottery out?

Kreeda lottery handled by the Sports Ministry and sold by the National Lotteries Board is likely to be cancelled, Rover learns. Why? The lottery is running at a loss.

Cook in a soup

The cook that went to England to make indiappam and sambol for a crowd of 23 had since returned and is employed at a leading club at Havelock Town.

A coup?

Rover has information that a leading cricketer from the South is likely to be dropped from the National team for his alleged involvement in the voting at the Cricket Board AGM. Rover also learns Alex Kontouri is to be got rid for being close to some of the senior players.

Talk of the town

A selector of repute yet in command was heard telling that it is time to blood in youngsters.

Well what was he doing all this time. Rover wishes to know. It's all ball talk to be in the seat.

One too many

The Cricket Board has appointed too many press officers. One for the local press and the other for the foreign scene.

Why not have one for both jobs.

Complimentary tickets

Rover learns that only three complimentary tickets are given to each Cricket Board by the organisers of the World Cup and not many as they say. Who is taking whom for a ride.

Only for locals

The talk in rugby circles is that the fitness test for referees is only confined to locals and not foreigners who keep entering the show quite frequently to conduct seminars and coaching classes. Rover understands that one of these foreign visitors is blowing domestic matches without undergoing the fitness test. It is said he is a special guest of some top administrator.

No team

A cricket club in Wattala, Rover learns, is unable to field a proper team of 11 players in the aftermath of an exodus of several key players. The story is that differences among officials have led to the exit of the players.

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