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Fleming set for maiden
experience in Sri Lanka New Zealand skipper Stephan Fleming will have his maiden experience of Sri Lankan cricket when his team takes on a local Board X1 led by Sanath Jayasuriya in a three-day match at the Asgiriya Stadium in Kandy today. Fleming, a left hand batsman, missed New Zealand's three-day tour opener in Colombo against a Board X1 because of a meeting of captains in England. His entry will also mean that the New Zealanders would be effecting more than one change from the team that drew the curtain-raiser. Expected to play today along with Fleming could be left arm paceman Shayne O' Conner, batsman Mathew Horn and spinner Mark Priest all of whom did not play in the first game. O' Conner is New Zealand's recent bowling discovery and may enjoy his bowling on the Kandy pitch which has a reputation for bounce and movement. The match in Kandy is New Zealand's last game before the all important three-Test series, the first of which begins in Colombo on May 27. Besides Jayasuriya, the Board X1 will have the services of three other players with Test experience in batsmen Mahela Jayawardena and Dulip Samaraweera and wicket-keeper Lanka de Silva. De Silva returns to international cricket from a six-month exclusion after he suffered a crushing blow on his mouth while facing upto Indian paceman Jawagal Srinath in a Test at Mumbai. New Zealand squad- Sri Lanka Board X1- Best Division I cricketer chopped again Batsman Chandika Hathurusinghe has once again fallen foul, this time with the newly appointed selection committee which has done no justice by knocking the 29-year old opener out of a three-day match against New Zealand. Hatthurusinghe’s exclusion from making a come Most disheartening is the fact that Hathurusinghe’s exclusion from attempting a re-entry into the international scene, comes at a time he is riding on a pedastal having been adjudged the player of the tournament at the recent domestic Sara Trophy tournament. Representing Moors Sports Club, Hathurusinghe aggregated 493 runs from four games, an average of 70.00 while also claiming 38 wickets. He has been prevented from staging a come-back despite being taken into a "B" pool. Some of the players who will be playing in today’s match against New Zealand were not named in the country’s "A" and "B" pools respectively. Hathurusinghe earlier came close to booking a berth for the recent South African tour with scores of 91 and 16 in a Test against England "A" and two half centuries (55 and 52) against the same opposition in two one-dayers.- CD HOCHI MINH, May 22 - The Air Force Women's Volleyball team arrived here last morning to a grand welcome by the Vietnamese Volleyball Federation officials. Their officials had a tight work out since they had to welcome five other teams who had arrived here, earlier in the day. Later they were driven to a luxury hotel close to the venue where the tournament is scheduled to take place. The manager's meeting of the tournament was held in the evening. Sri Lanka was grouped in the group 'B' along with Thailand, Taipei and Kazhakstan. In group 'A' hosts Vietnam, Australia, China and Uzbekhistan were drawn up. Sri Lanka represented by Air Force will play their opener with Taipei on May 24 at 2.30 p.m. and take on Kazhakstan the following day. The third league match for Sri Lanka will be on May 26 where they encounter Thailand also at 2.30 p.m. The top 10 Asian Volleyball playing countries excluding Korea and Japan have fielded teams for this competition and it seems a tall order for the Lankans to match their counterparts. This was the idea expressed by their skipper Nayana Jayaratne. 'However we will try our best to win atleast one match' she said. Nayana who is a highly versatile setter in the Sri Lankan camp, said the experiences gained from this Asian Club Championship tournament would go a long way to enhance their future. Sqd. Ldr. Tilak Gunatunge who is the manager of the team too agreed with the skipper's view. ‘These countries are above Sri Lanka in every department of the game' he said. Gunatunge who is a vice president of the Volleyball Interim Board disclosed that these countries have hired professionals to play for them. 'In Sri Lanka we do not have that luxury' he pointed out. 'It will be a tough task for us to win a match here' he said. After commencement of their league matches Sri Lanka will play in the ranking section to determine their final position of the event on May 27. The finals and the third place matches will be on May 28. First innings win for Lankan CC Lankans CC beat SSC on the first innings in their Division II cricket encounter played at SSC grounds last week end. Batting first SSC declared at 229 for 4 wickets with A. Kapilaratne top scoring with 124. In reply Lankans scored 240 with Bandula Dissanayake (102 n.o.) and Rasanga Pathirana (54) contributed well. SSC 229 for 4 Dec. LANKANS CC 240 all out. No major upsets at SLTA courts There were no major upsets in the Boys 18 and under event at the Junior Hard Court National Tennis Championships at SLTA courts yesterday. RESULTS: Thushan Hemachandra bt. Sanjaka Wirasinghe 6/4, 6/1. Samitha Ranaweera bt. Upendra Walagampaya 6/3, 6/0. Thiwanka Athukorala bt. Thilina Jayaratne 7/5, 6/3. Rajeev Rajapakse bt. D. Kaneshayogam 6/0, 6/0. Unbeaten Wesley confront Ananda
in crucial game Unbeaten Wesley ruggerites will go all out to notch up their fifth consecutive victory when they take on Ananda in a crucial Zone II inter-school Rugby encounter today at Sugathadasa Stadium. Kick off is at 5.15 p.m. Wesley with a convincing record so far has defeated Prince of Wales, St. Joseph’s St. Peter’s and Mahanama in their tournament matches. This match will be an acid test as Ananda is one of the major force to be reckon. Wesley forwards together with the three quarters has played some exciting rugby. They will go all out to pull off this match. On the other hand Ananda went down to Thurstan 6/13 last week. They had a ding-dong battle before going down. They could have done a lot of home work and are capable of providing shocks to their rivals. Meanwhile, in the other matches Thurstan will host Zahira at Bullers Road, St. Joseph’s will scrum down with Prince of Wales. Vidyartha will scrum down with St. Anthony’s Katugastota at Kandy. Isipatana and S. Thomas’
— no hard feelings S. Thomas’ and Isipatana have finally begun to see eye to eye! A change of attitudes towards each other by both parties seems to have done the trick in reviving this match which came to a standstill in 1990. A new found sense of camaradarie something which was absent in the recent past — gives light to this encounter which also happens to be a key inter-school fixture in the Western Province Zone I group. It is understood that the match had materialised due to the untiring efforts of two old boys, Dilroy Fernando (Isipatana) and Asanga Seneviratne (S. Thomas’), who in no uncertain terms had worked hard towards achieving their objective. The duo had conversed over the phone on several occasions which had later resulted in several old boys and representatives of both schools coming together in special meetings. Dilroy Fernando, spokesman for the Isipatana OBA, stated that the main motive behind the revival of this match was to cultivate a lasting relationship between the schools. Asanga Seneviratne, Chairman of Sports, S. Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia, said that the Thomian rugby calendar was not complete without playing a great school like Isipatana. He also went on to state that the Warden of S. Thomas’ was very keen in reviving this match. Isipatana who are hosting this match are led by Shamly Nawaz while S. Thomas’ are skippered by Shanaka Jayawardane. The match will be played in the third week of June at the Sugathadasa Stadium. Trinity favoured to win today A highly charged Trinity XV will make their sixth appearance, in the current inter-school rugby season as they take on home town rivals Dharmaraja College at Pallekelle Rugby Stadium today, at 5.00 p.m. The Junior game is scheduled for 4.00 p.m. Trinitians led by Prasanna Jayawardene go out with full confidence, with five wins out of six. Trinity's strong point is their powerful forwards. Its deputy skipper S. Hulangamuwa, Rajiv Ganapathy, F. Marzook Deen, Rajiva Mendis, Sathashana Siriwardena and No. 8 Ravi Wickramasiri have stood out with their terrific play. Trinity's, backs should polish up their play. They depend much on their skipper Prasanna Jayawardena who has to do a lot from the full backs position. Rajans led by linkman Wijan Gallege, have won his two games out of three. Today this side should be at its best too, scrum down with the Trinitians. Rajans forte is the three quarters, in skipper Wijan Gallage and Udaya Hettiarchchi. They possess a fine halves combination. Meanwhile a close battle for supremacy is expected when St. Anthony's and Vidyartha clash in their Central Zone inter school rugby game at Nittawela grounds at 4.30 p.m. Antonians led by hooker Iranga Dasanayake have only a win in four outings. Vidyartha who are fielding a well talented side have done well, but last week went down to the Kingswoodians. The side which runs the ball down the line, will have the edge in this game. Thurstan's 'Blend' Youth and
Experience One of Sri Lanka's leading rugby playing schools Thurstan College will take to the 1998 schools rugby arena exhuding confidence ahead of a yet another hectic Inter-school rugby season. Thurstan who in the last couple of years or so have carved a niche for themselves by producing some of the most giant-killing, performances ever will in all probability strive to make an impact this year as well, with their own inimitable style of play which has by now become their trademark in inter-school rugby. Thurstan coach Ajith Fernando speaking to 'The Island' on the eve of their season opener against St. Peter's said 'We are very determined to make our presence felt during this year's Milo Rugby League as well as the President's Trophy knock out tourney in July. We have infact got a good blend of youth and experience which I am sure is capable enough of producing some of those startling displays which has by now come to be associated with our school'. After a most rousing win over St. Peter's which enabled them to put an end to a 33 year long jinx saying' I know that my boys are fit enough and raring-to-go against some of the more formidable sides. But my only advice to them is to take each and every game as and when it comes, and just because we happen to win one or two games here and there not to be complacent about the performances at any time. That is the last thing I would like to see happening to a team like ours said the coach who was confident of giving schools such as Ananda, Wesley, St. Joseph's, and last but not least Arch-rivals Isipatana for the annual Abdul Jabar Trophy a run for their money as the school rugby season wears on. Thurstan College skippered by stand-off H. H. Nuwan Kumara would see Isuru Buddi, Saman Nissanka, Asela Palihena or Amila Mayadunne binding down in the front row as props, with Darshika Rangajeewa and Mohammed Ziyad competing for a berth as first choice hooker. Champika Tharanga, Nimesh Mallawarachi, Rajeewa Karunarathne, and Amal Wickramasinghe will battle it out among themselves to figure in the First XV as lock-forwards with vice-captain Vinoj Kurupanawela, Aruna Ariyarathne, Chanaka Gamage, or Hemantha Dasanayake fighting it out to win a berth as flankers. Meanwhile Kokum Senevirathne, and Sujeewa Hettiarachchi would battle it out among themselves for the No. 8 position with G. M. Sumith slated to be the Half-Back of the Thurstan side. Skipper Nuwan Kumara would be their out-side-half with Roshan Bohran providing stiff opposition to oust the captain from that position. Mohammed Rilwan who is Thurstan's regular place-kicker will be partnered by his skipper Kumara as the two centres. Hiran Bamunuarachchi, Asanka Peries and Nimesh Wellawala are expected to battle it out as the Wingers. Finally either Ranil Dammika, or Mohammed Aslam will man the last line of defence as Full Backs for Thurstanites. Master-in-Charge Daminda Wickremahewa speaking to 'The Island' mentioned that the entire First XV rugby team was ever so grateful to their school principal R. M. D. P. Weerathunga for giving the lads, himself and the team coach every support and encouragement needed to bring laurels to their alma-mater. Thurstan College which took to the field last year under the leadership of Vindana Ukwatta played seven matches in the Milo League winning on six occasions whilst going down to arch-foe Isipatana. Their best victory margin was over St. Anthony's Katugastota when they recorded a 22-6 win. In the President's Trophy Tourney they registered a convincing 24-6 win over the much fancied Royal XV. PROP FORWARDS — Isuru Buddi, Saman Nissanka, Asela Palihena and Amila Mayadunna. HOOKERS — Darshika Rangajeewa and Mohammed Ziyad. LOCK FORWARDS — Champika Taranga, Nimesh Mallawarachchi, Rajeewa Karunarathne and Amal Wickramasinghe. FLANKERS — Aruna Ariyarathne, Vinoj Kurupanawela (V-Capt.), Chanaka Gamage, Nuwan Silva and Hemantha Dasanayake. NO. 8 — Kokum Senevirathne and Sujeewa Hettiarachchi. HALF BACKS — G. M. Sumith and Vinoj Kurupanawela. STAND OFFS — Nuwan Kumara (Capt.), Roshan Buran. CENTRES — Mohammed Rilwan, Nuwan Kumara. WINGERS — Hiran Bamunuarachchi, Asanka Peries and Nimesh Wellawala. FULL BACKS — Ranil Dammika and Mohammed Aslam. MASTER IN CHARGE — Daminda Wickremahewa. COACH — Ajith Fernando. Five sponsors tie up with CH
& FC President of the Gymkhana-Club Surath Wickremasinghe addressing a press briefing held at the Club premises thanked five new co-sponsors Ceylon Brewaries Ltd., Union Assurance Ltd, Nestle Lanka Ltd, Flower Creations Ltd., and Pure Beverages Company Ltd., for joining hands with their historic Club to foster the game of Rugby for 1998. He said their Club which began the '98 rugby season on a high note by winning the Under-24 Ten-a-side, and Club Seven-a-Side Championships respectively has set high hopes for the remainder of the season as well with their primary aim being to emerge as the Carlsberg 'A' Division League Champions at the end of the on-going season. Speaking further The Gymkhana-Club President said that already they were extremely fortunate to have received a decent sponsorship package from three other companies such as C. T.C. Trading Company Ltd., K-Sport (Pvt.) Ltd., and Astron Ltd. and expressed the hope the new group of co-sponsors who are involved in the scrum with CH & FC would in the long run get adequate coverage for their products as the highly competitive Carlsberg League Tourney continues. Wickremasinghe further said that their main target for the current financial year was a sum of Rs. 4.5 million and hence they were compelled to seek many sponsors to support them through-out the course of the season. Unlike in previous years where the Maitland Crescent Club was sponsored by one leading firm. It was also brought to the notice of the press at this briefing that Nestle Lanka Ltd. sponsors of the Schools Rugby Tourney would be providing stocks of 'Milkmaid'. Food drink' as part of their sponsorship package. This incidentally happens to be the second year in succession they have been involved with CH & FC and a cash donation of Rs. 350,000/- was also handed over to the Gymkhana Club president. Union Assurance Ltd. has stepped forward to insure each of the CH & FC ruggerites for an insurance coverage to the value of Rs. 500,000/-. Pure Beverages Company Ltd. sole distributors for Coca-Cola in Sri Lanka has taken measures to grant 100 soft drink bottles per match as part of their sponsorship deal. Meanwhile it was announced that Flower Creation Ltd. will be providing 50 rugby jersies to the Crescent Club. It was revealed that Ceylon Tobacco Company Ltd., who were the chief sponsor of the local rugby tourney in the past have decided to make a worthwhile cash donation towards the Gymkhana Club. Also associated at this press conference was Ranjan Canagasabey Rugby Convenor of CH & FC, Shane Dulleva Hony. Secretary CH & FC, and representatives of the five co-sponsors. Have
your say There has been much press comment about the Sri Lanka cricket team and administration recently. Some of the statements and utterances of officials, journalists, and media commentators have displayed some astonishing lapses in memory or what some would call selective amnesia. Some of their attempts at propaganda, coverup and distortion of facts have been laughable to say the least. Nevertheless, the credibility gap seems to grow ever wider by the week. One particular article in a weekend newspaper (not the Island) which went to great lengths to make a scapegoat of Bruce Yardley for the recent South African debacle stated that, 'No one I spoke to can remember Arjuna Ranatunga losing four matches in a row'. Perhaps those whom the writer spoke to may have short memories. But the Wisden Cricketers' Almanac does not suffer from such memory loss. It records that under Ranatunga's captaincy Sri Lanka suffered not only four, but also five consecutive defeats on at least three occasions in the last 5 years! In fact the latter feat (5 defeats in a row) has been repeated in one calendar year. These feats were as follows: * Four straight losses (In One Day Internationals) at the Pepsi Champions Trophy, in Sharjah, October-November, 1993, twice each to the West Indies and Pakistan. * Sri Lanka just failed to emulate this feat at the Hero Cup (ODI), in India, November, 1993. After losing to India and the West Indies, Sri Lanka beat minnows Zimbabwe but then lost to South Africa. Although they entered the semi-finals, Sri Lanka was then eliminated from the final when they lost to the West Indies. * Five consecutive losses (in both Tests and ODIs) on the tour of India, in January-February, 1994. We lost the Test series 3-0, suffering three successive and humiliating innings defeats and followed up by losing the first two ODIs. Here too, the only consolation was victory in the 3rd ODI. * Five consecutive defeats (in both ODIs and Tests) in the home series against Pakistan, in July-August, 1994. After winning the second ODI, Sri Lanka went on to lose the 3rd ODI, the 1st Test, the 4th ODI, 5th ODI and the 3rd & Final Test, many of them by large margins. Another such statement that smacked of memory loss was made in an article in a Sunday paper (again not the Island) renowned for its exposes. Unfortunately that same brand of scrutiny is not evident in its sports pages. It said that the South African tour was only the second bad tour after 1997 New Zealand excursion for the ex-manager since his appointment in 1995. The cricket-loving public are aware that under the previous manager the Sri Lanka team lost two other Test Series on tour, once, when we were whitewashed 0-3 in Australia in 1995-96 and the other, when we lost the Test series 0-1 as well as the one-off ODI in the West Indies in May-June 1997. It is also noteworthy that under the same manager, Sri Lanka has fared badly in at least four ODI tournaments abroad: (1) Singer Cup in Singapore in April 1996; (2) the Sameer Cup in Kenya in October 1996; the Champions Trophy in Sharjah in November 1996; and the Wills Quadrangular Independence Cup in Pakistan in November 1997. His only significant successes abroad were the Wills World Cup in 1996, the Pakistan tour of September 1995, the Pepsi Independence Cup in India in May 1997 and the Singer-Akai Cup in Sharjah in April 1997. M. P. Abeysekera, |
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