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| Weerakkody contributes record 54 as CR thrash
Navy 114-3 By
Channaka de Silva Weerakkody registered six tries and made 12 conversions to help the Red Shirts reach the rare three figure mark which included a total of 12 goals and six tries. The home side led 39-3 at half time. CR fell just one point short of their own scoring record in the tournament which was set up 27 years ago when they defeated Kelani Valley 115-0. However Weerakkody bettered his own individual record which he set up in 1996 for CR when he played his debut season. Weerakkody who shifted to CR from last year's triple crown winning Kandy side, began the game in style scoring the first try in the first minute of the game and then followed it up with the second try of the match as well another five minutes later which he himself converted. Scrumhalf Champika Nishantha and Prop Forward Shanitha Fernando scored the next two tries while flanker Alfred Hensman scored in succession within three minutes to put CR up 36-0. Navy fullback Jeffrey Jamalon scored the solitary points for the losers in the 35th minute through a penalty, nicely kicked from a difficult angle from 45 metres. Prop Shantha Rohana scored another try before the short whistle to make the scores 41-3 by the interval. Weerakkody once again initiated CR's try spree scoring the first after the half time. Weerakkody scored the third try of the second half while winger Kishan Musafer scored second and fourth. Hensman scored his third next while flyhalf Sajith Mallikarachchi joined the fun to score next. Musafer provided a powerful run, right through the Navy defence and handed the ball just a metre away from the touch down to second rower William Leo to score the next try. Weerakkody planted the next two while Centre Anura Dhammika and winger M.J. Mushtaq scored the last two tries which were converted by Weerakkody. Referee : Nizam Jamaldeen
The New Zealand cricketers arrived yesterday (Saturday 16/05/98) in the wee hours of the morning. Skippered by Stephen Fleming, the Kiwis will engage Sri Lanka in three tests and also participate in the Independence Cup one day triangular championships. Here some of the touring cricketers pictured by our Airport Correspondent, on arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport. New Zealanders arrive minus skipper Fleming by Callistus Davy Fleming is away attending a captains' meeting at Lords in England and is expected to join his team mates next Tuesday. He will miss the tour opener. The tour party is being given top security at a five star hotel in Colombo. The Kiwis are visiting Sri Lanka for the first time in five years and only four of the 15-man squad have toured the island before. "Some knowledge is valuable and yes we are an inexperienced side in this part of the world. But we got to learn to play anywhere as professionals", said tour manager John Graham. Graham described the tour of Sri Lanka as a "major challenge" but said his team was prepared. "We will be playing against a very experienced side and it's going to be a major challenge. We go out with confidence and we will have to play very well", Graham said. New Zealand beat Sri Lanka 2-0 at home in a two-Test series played between the two countries in early 1997. Devilish Sudath Sampath fires CH to victory by Ravi Nagahawatte The Maitland Place club, brushed aside their opponents by running down four tries from which two were converted. The "dare devil" Sudath Sampath, suddely turned place kicker yesterday when he added the extra points to a try and also put over two penalties, while Police replied with a solitary try and a penalty.However the Sri Lanka sevens skipper had time to show his skills in the run of play and put CH in the lead with a try in the fourteenth minute, after Police opened scoring with a penalty. Nishantha Chanaka touched down five minutes later when he raced to the try line from fifteen metres out after centre Jude Dimithry managed to slip out a pass following a three quarter move.The later missed the conversion. Sampath made the score 13-3 with his first penalty before Lalith Leelaratne crashed in for a try for Police thirteen minutes from half time.Leelaratne who "rammed in" to a horde of defenders following a five metre scrum,was carried off on a streatcher soon afterwards.The scores read 13-8 at the "breather". Sampath kicked right a twenty metre penalty three minutes in to the second half to swell the total while flanker Nazeem Mohammed made the final score 23-8 with a "solo" effort ten minutes from the end.Mohammed slipped away from a five metre scrum and cut in through the Police defence before planting the ball under the posts virtually untouched.Sampath capped a grand day on the feild by goaling the try. The game was controlled by Andre Melross. by Ravi Nagahawatte Reason ? It so happened that the Bodybuilding Federation's main officials failed to turn up at a trial arranged to select a pool for the forthcoming MR.Asia contest,at the national youth centre in Maharagama yesterday. A top contestant swore that the Federation's boss ,Thilak Jayaweera, had made the announcement at the recently concluded Novices championship.An official who called over however, did not seem to be aware of the trials,but proceeded to look into it by summoning another official.But this ultimately served no purpose with that official too being unaware of such a thing.After many hours of fruitless discussions the contestants finaly dispersed. Were the musclemen taken for a ride? is the big question. Royal overrun Peterites with nine tries Seasonal favourites Royal overran a fresher-laden Peterite outfit to win by a rousing 58 points to 6 their annual inter-school rugby encounter at the Sugathadasa Stadium yesterday. The Royalists ran down as many as nine tries, converting five, in the absence of any effective tackling by their opponents. On one occasion the Royalists made a total mockery of the Peterite defence when their hooker Dinesh Rahim thundered down some 40 metres on the left flank to score. Wingers Chamith Perera and Viraj de Silva out-ran the Peterites and accounted for six of the tries, three each, with the former scoring the first try for Royal on the blind side after his team won a scrum 20 metres away from the line. Royal led 32-0 at half-time and the Peterite scoring came off two penalties knocked over by full-back Mohammed Mushtaq. Royal won a major share of ball from the scrums and line-outs while the Peterites were forced into depending on scraps of possession from the very beginning. Place-kicker Rasanjana Gonaduwa converted five of Royal's tries, put over a penalty and also crossed the line for one try. Flanker Ravindu Athukorale scored Royal's last try — (CD) The New Zealand tour here should very much dictate the destiny of Sri Lanka cricket. That is both at test and one-day level following the disastrous performance in South Africa at both levels. In the wake of that showing Sri Lanka has been badly exposed in many areas. A reality which necessitates new measures by the new coach Roy Dias and manager, Ranjith Fernando who have a tough job in their hands of having a look at the available talent from the squad announced. What would be interesting is how Dias and Fernando would evaluate the available talent. Whether they would be willing to recognise promising 'new blood' or stick to the old order. The World Cup next year in England obviously should be Sri Lanka's primary concern. The think-tank - coach, manager, selectors and every concerned official should look to getting the correct balance in the team. And to start with at least at this stage, the tour against the New Zealanders should be a good starting point. This home series would be the ideal ground for the selectors, coach manager and captain to have a good look at the new talent in seeking to build-up for the World Cup. In looking in that direction the coach and manager should not be guided by experience alone. Failure should not survive by the virtue of old deeds. It is here that the management should be able to take decisions. To replace the 'over the hill' players with worthy 'new talent.' In the batting department, new talent like Russel Arnold, Avishka Gunawardene, Naveed Nawaz should be given every encouragement and earmarked to replace the failures. In the bowling, a new crop of pacies need to be unearthed as well as spinners. It is hoped pacies Suresh Perera and Mario Villeverayan would provide the answers in the search to find a proper combination for the now injury sidelined Chaminda Vaas. Leg spinner Niroshan Bandaratilleke who showed much promise against the England 'A' needs to be nurtured where an able partner for Muttiah Muralitharan is necessary. In team building, while the accent should revolve on fielding, focus should also be on all round talent which would be an added asset which is what the South Africans have successfully concentrated on. HAVE YOUR SAY Having followed Sri Lanka's cricket for over four decades it is with a degree of sadness rather than anger that I read a vicious and malicious letter by one L. K. Gunatilleke of Rawatawatta, Moratuwa, to sling mud and tarnish the image of Sri Lanka Cricket and its administration. We as a nation should be looking to jealously guard the image and good name of our cricket, since it is not only one sport but a sphere of activity where we have reached the pinnacle due to the efforts of our talented cricketers and more importantly many others who have put their shoulders to the wheel, made huge sacrifices both on and off the field to take us to where we are today. The style of journalism displayed by Gunatilleke is totally offensive as the broad statements made do not have any facts or reasons to justify the charges or criticism made, and is the type of cowardly, damaging pastime which should be shunned by all Sri Lankans who have our cricket at heart. The Cricket Board, as I know, has two Vice Presidents Abu Fuard and Anurudha Polonowita, both of whom have played the game for the country at the highest level and also distinguished themselves in the sport. As past players, their contribution to the promotion and development of the game as administrators only a few could match. I have not read the news report referred to by Gunatilleke where it has been said that one of the Vice Presidents were going on a globe trotting safari. I am however aware that Abu Fuard has been assigned the arduous task unanimously by the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka to set up a Cricket Academy in Sri Lanka; while even your correspondents have from time to time advocated as an urgent vital need, and has been requested to visit the Academies in Australia and South Africa to gather first hand knowledge of how these are successfully run. This assignment, I believe is also tied up with the establishment of Indoor Nets all round the country. It is assumed that the reference made by Gunatileke is to Fuard as he is the only Vice President scheduled to travel. Dear Mr. Gunatileke you ask the question as to whether there aren't more suitable people in our cricket world? If the reference is to Mr. Fuard, the answer is an emphatic No, and if you did not know the reasons for it, it is because Mr. Fuard prematurely retired from playing, at the height of his career to serve Sri Lanka Cricket as an administrator and to take the game away from Colombo to every nook and corner of the country and if there is one who could take credit for cricket being released from the crutches of a privileged few it would be him. He was one of the best off spinners produced by Ceylon and was good as any in the whole world in his day. His cricketing knowledge and coaching abilities could be on par with anyone, and he played a significant role at a difficult time when part time cricketers were expected to take on professionals, and Sri Lanka won its first test match and series under his direction. He is a fully fledged Advanced Coach and could tell you a thing or two about coaching and academies. As for his contribution to cricket development, it might be useful for you to know that he was responsible for upgrading the Asgiriya Stadium in record time, to stage a test match. What the Asgiriya Stadium today is a testimony to his ability to get things done. He initiated and worked closely together with the Hon. Gamini Dissanayake on the Foundation's Indoor Nets, Matara Stadium and the Board Headquarters, and all these projects ended up successfully. Do you need more achievements and credentials? Very few would have ever considered such ambitious tasks, leave alone, put their hands to undertake them, particularly at a time when everything had to be done in an honorary capacity, purely for the love of the game, without any payment. Mr. Gunatileke you must without doubt be a very small mind, to think that someone of Mr. Fuard's calibre, who has travelled so widely would want to make trips unless coaxed and is going to be beneficial to our cricket. Obviously you have not travelled on business to know what hard work it is, particularly when you have to deliver the goods. They are by no means pleasure trips. It must be acceptable, that no one in the Board has any reason to say "No" to Mr. Fuard's choice as he is undoubtedly the best man for the job with his record. History of his achievements speak for him. Any money spent on this assignment will be well worthú it. These are BCCSL funds and the expenditure is formally approved with the highest degree of transparency, unlike in cases where officials look for underhand ploys like getting commissions and favours from contractors to undertake their jaunts. Nor, is Mr. Fuard a person who has been sacked from five previous employments for misappropriation. If Mr. Gunatileke would have come in the open, like a man with guts rather than hide behind anonymous addresses, face people like Mr. Fuard, give his reasons and put up a suitable name he has in mind, more qualified than the one chosen, I am absolutely sure that seen Mr. Fuard's style and knowing that he is a stickler for doing the right thing, he will be the first to stand down if there is a better man. Come, come, Mr. Gunatileke don't act like a coward, Sri Lanka needs men of character. Cricket is a gentleman's game, conduct yourself like one if you are interested in Sri Lanka's cricketing future. If Sri Lanka cricket is to prosper, stop this ugly pastime of tearing down those who serve, purely to meet your own ends, and make your contributions by deeds to make our cricket stronger. It is a pity that a highly respected newspaper like yours permits such undesirable vermins to continue to slip in malicious articles of this nature under fictitious names to satisfy their deranged ego. W.
Thorasinghe, Let the Kiwi Series not be tainted by umpiring issues By Mahinda Wijesinghe Comments on our umpires
by Kapil & Imran Sri Lanka will miss
Vaas, Chamara & Hashan Zimbabwe complains to
ICC about umpring "Zimbabwe's players continue to feel most aggrieved that they were denied their first Test victory on foreign soil in the Second Test in Sri Lanka in mid-January, and have produced for the ICC's perusal video coverage of umpiring decision which went against them. The players' frustration and bitterness worked itself out not in a renewed determination, but a loss of morale and confidence." Now that the New Zealanders are here, let us all hope that the series will not be marred by umpiring peccadilloes. Victory is amost desirable object, but, not at any cost. A loss with dignity will be treasured, by those who matter, than a win under shady circumstances which not only breeds ill-will but also conceals any defects and shortcomings. New Zealanders are not
pushovers Asanka Gurusinha who along with Tillekeratne scored centuries and ensured our first overseas Test series win. Sri Lanka suffer first defeat to Germans Dhammika Ratnaweera
reporting from Germany The Lankan paddlers who had tasted victory in their previous three matches, were no match to the opposition from Grossenlinden Club. The only consolation for the Sri Lankans was the solitary win registered by their No. 1, Thilina Piyadasa over the locals No. 2 Hetfleisch 21-16, 21-12. Thilina's straight sets triumph earned the applause of the local crowd. However, the most thrilling game was yet to come with again Thilina engaging Kircherr, both division one ranked number one players. The Lankan was on the losing side. But the contest was keenly contested with both paddlers having to fight for every point. Kircherr got two early leads, but Thilina summoned all his reserves to equal. But Kircherr finally prevailed to coast through 21-16, 21-15. Despite the loss, Lankan Manager, Chandana Perera was not unduly bothered, attributing lack of experience as the cause. He felt that the exchanges had served as part of gaining in skills for the games ahead. Sri Lanka will meet Untermunkhim TT club which is 200 km from Gissen. Doubles Singles Lanil and Japana Jayawardena in SLRFU selection committee Hafiz Marikar our Kandy
Sports Cor Lanil Tennakoon though he was a Trinitian never played for the school, he took up to rugby after joining CH and FC where he was put into the correct path by Y. C. Chang. After polishing his rugby at the Maitland Crescent Club, he crossed over to Kandy RFC in 1974, the year they amalgamated with Kandy Sports Club where he played for quite some time, and from here only he played for Sri Lanka as a fine forward and was also an excellent place kicker. He crossed over to Havelocks for which club he did great service, for several years and was a regular member of the Sri Lanka XV and Sevens side, for quite a long time. He had the opportunity of leading the country at Sevens, but had no luck in leading the National team with all his experience and seniority. The other Kandy product Brg. Japana Jayawardena played for Trinity and he coaches the side. Clubwise he played for Havelocks SC, Army, Defence Services and Sri Lanka as a scrum half. Appreciation When Dennnis Hapugalle breathed his last that fateful night, a light went out of the lives of many. Much will be written about his army career, sporting exploits, family, and a socially productive life. Sincere tributes will pour in, probably matching the genuine tears that streaked across the cheeks of those who mournfully thronged the Kanatte during the majestic and dignified Army funeral accorded to him. A more fitting, final tribute could not have been envisaged to an officer and a gentleman of the highest calibre. A tribute, I am sure, that would have satisfied even the fastidious Dennis himself. Yet, no words, tears, eulogy nor entreaties will bring back to life the mellowed man with the endearing smile, the soothing words and the guiding hand. No storied urn or animated bust, back to its mansion call the fleeting breath, wrote Thomas Gray. How true. Being born — 68 years ago — he was subject to the inevitable. The Law that awaits us all, as Gray — again — paraphrased the Eternal Law in these immortal lines: The boast of heraldry, the pomp of
power, Though being cousins and neighbours, an age gap of a decade prevented me from knowing the more youthful Army officer who, as Shakespeare sagely observed, may have been even 'seeking the bubble reputation even in the canon's mouth'. Also, the fact that he was constantly being sent to various outposts of the Army did not help either. Yet, he found the time to send me a letter of congratulations from the depths of Ridiyagama when I enjoyed some success at cricket in school. That letter was sent 41 years ago and I treasure that memory not only because of the ring of sincerity from one of my elders, it was also from a senior cricketer from our alma matter. It was also 41 years ago that he entered into his lifelong partnership with June. Theirs was a story-book love affair, with a poignant ending. He breathed his last in her arms. Not only did they enjoy a common birthday — born 3 years apart — they shared a life which had the usual quota of ups and downs. Not many couples had such a deep, abiding and a trusting bond. One knew and sensed the other. Just two days before his demise, Dennis was referring to his sometimes painful feet caused by his diabetic condition to me. "You know Malli, I try to bear up the pain sometimes without complaint, but the moment Junie sees my face, she knows at once. There's no hiding anything from her". He was also adored and venerated by his three children Kumari, Saliya and Kamani, and later by his son-in-law Kavan and daughter-in-law Amali. They had to adore and venerate a man who was the proverbial guide, philosopher and friend to all of them. To his grandaughters, Anitra, Sashein and Shehara, who so fittingly and touchingly headed the funeral procession with their little hands held together, he was their ever-loving Seeya — and friend. Many are the occasions when the little ones wouild surreptitiously telephone Seeya for succour when reprimanded by their parents for any childish misdemeanour. And, the Seeya never failed to hold the scales of justice fairly without impairing the rights of either party. Having left the Army "without having to pull the trigger with anger", as he used to say, Dennis embarked on the final phase of his life as an elder stateman and an indefatigable social worker — just as his parents were. For over 3 decades he was the Chief Dayaka of Mahindaramaya, not merely by title. He worked tirelessly for the welfare and progress of his brainchild, the Community Development Servicess. Recently, he was invited to serve in a special committee appointed by the Mayor of Colombo. The list goes on and on. When John F. Kennedy said: "Look not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country", he must surely have had people like Dennis in mind. He did more for others than for himself. That could well be his epitaph. For the past three years, Dennis, Mahen and I used to meet once a month to observe most of the rules for the Uposatha day. A day looked forward to especially by Dennis. An occasion, inter alia, when we used to discuss most of our day-to-day problems, and hopefully solved with the Dhamma as a guide. I will always value the advice, encouragement and the assistance he gave me ever so willingly. Sadly, we missed him on our third anniversary on the Vesak day. The last time he came was just 2 days before he died, and he left with the parting words: "Though it was short, we had a very successful day". Those were his last words to me. I will treasure them. Dennis to the world at large, Somie Aiya to a few of us, left our midst dramatically, proving yet again the words of the Buddha who exhorted us for higher deeds by preaching that: "Life is as transient as a drop of morning dew on a blade of grass". Thanks for the memories Somie Aiya. We all hope and wish that having worked so hard for others you will now begin to work in all earnestness for your own salvation in your next abode. May your work be crowned with success soon. |
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