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New Zealand win first
Test by 167 runs Sri Lanka’s quest to fix New Zealand on a slow turning pitch totally back-fired as the Kiwis turned tables to triumph by a satisfying 167 runs on the fifth and final day of the first cricket Test at the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo yesterday.
The defeat was the first inflicted on Sri Lanka at the Premadasa Stadium and the occasion was a far cry from the world record total of 952 for 6 established against India when the homesters played last at the same venue in August 1997. There was nothing to stop the New Zealanders from pressing home their advantage when Vettori claimed the prized scalp of Aravinda de Silva for 71, trapped leg-before low down on the crease in the first ball after the lunch break. Within 17 overs Sri Lanka then slumped from what seemed to be a secured position at 194 for 2 to an outrageous 279 for 8 by tea after being left with a 465 target. The result by then was a foregone conclusion and Wiseman, as if entrusted with the task of performing the last rites, wrapped up the Sri Lankan innings in successive overs even before the final hour began. Beginning the day at 111 for 2, the Sri Lankan pair of Aravinda de Silva and Mahela Jayawardena gave their side a glimmer of hope with a lunch time total of 194 for 2. But just when it appeared that a tame draw was in the offing, one memorable delivery from Vettori changed the course of the contest that was to give New Zealand victory much quicker and perhaps easier than expected. Arjuna Ranatunga and Ruwan Kalpage fell without offering resistance and in-between departed Mahela Jayawardena who did not look to be pleased with the decision given against him by umpire Rudi Koertzen. Jayawardena (54) was ruled out for what appeared to be a "bat-pad" catch taken by close-in fielder Mathew Horne off a delivery from Wiseman. But Kalpage was out to a brilliant diving catch taken by Bryan Young who moved some metres from his position at slip. CR in stunning win over CH A superb team combination enabled CR and FC to foil CH and FC to remain unbeaten in the Clifford Cup League in their Inter-Club Rugby encounter at Longden Place yesterday. CR posted 35 points (3 goals, 1 try, 3 penalties) while CH managed to score only 14 points through two goals. The jubilant red jerseyed team completely outsmarted their rivals in all departments. Their forwards dominated the lineouts and set scrums while their quarter-line which proves to be the best in the local rugby arena was unchallenged on several occasions. CR had a well set game plan and never panicked. They maintained their superiority from the start while running circles in the CH '22'. Nalaka Weerakkody, CR full back and winger M. J. M. Mustaq had wonderful day with the latter scoring the initial try for CR. On the other hand CH was not impressive as both their forwards and three quarter line failed to make an impact on their opposition. They had a bold start but started playing together in the latter part of the game by that time CR had taken the initiative. CR started scoring in the 12th minute of the first half when winger M. J. M. Mushtaq dashed through to touch down by the left corner flag. He received a long pass from Anura Dhammika off a 20 metre link out before scoring. Nalaka Weerakkody missed the conversion (5/0). Sixteen minutes later Nalaka Weerakkody put over a penalty after CH's Vali Booto Booto was penalised and later sent off to the "Sin-bin" due to late tackle imposed on Mustaq (8/0). Seven minutes later CR centre three quarter Anura Dhammika planted a try mid left. Nalaka Weerakkody who converted the try initiated the move when he had a quick line throw which fly half Sajith Mallikarachchi collected neatly and slung out a pass to centre Paul Benett who covered 30 metres ground before passing it to Dhammika (15/0). Seconds before the breather CH's prop forward Shiyam Subullah barged through the CR defence to score under the post. CR's Champika Nishantha the scrum half gave a pass to Mallikarachchi off a scrum which occured in the CR "22". But, Mallikarachchi fluffed with the pass which resulted in Subullah charging ahead and touch down. At breather scoreline stood (15-7). The second half too was dominated by the red jerseyed lads where they ran away two more tries while converting two penalties. The next two tries for CR came through Shantha Rohana and Alfred Hensman which Weerakkody added the extra points while putting over two penalties. Nazeem Mohamed scored the next try for the losers while Sudath Sampath converted both tries. Referee - John Barnard Informatics beat Singer despite Tillekeratne's 71 Hashan Tillekeratne was back in form with a splendid knock of 71 for Singer but he was in the losing side when Informatics beat Singer by 94 runs in a Mercantile 'A' Division cricket match played at P. Sara Stadium yesterday. Batting first Informatics scored 292 for 4 in 50 overs with Ruchira Palliyaguru (71) Duncan Arnolda (71 not out) and Kumar Sangakkara (57) contributing half centuries. In reply Singer scored 196 for 9 wickets in 50 overs. Scores: Singer 196 for 9 in 50 overs. (Hashan Tillekeratne 71, Kosala Kuruppuarachchi 20 n.o., Rohan Soysa 29, Krishan Dharmasena 3 for 27). (RP) Kandy dumped Petersons by 21 points (3 tries, 2 penalties) to 6 (2 penalties) in their inter-club Clifford Cup Rugby encounter at Havelock Park yesterday. At lemons Kandy led 8/6. The Peterson forwards once again failed to deliver the goods for them. Manosa Qoro from whom they expected more being an experienced player failed to put up a good show. The officials as well as their supporters were throughly dissappointed over his performance. So far he was not successful unlike in the past. At one stage host Petersons were in the lead when their centre Opethi Turuva put over two penalties. But the rejuvenated Kandy out fit ran through three tries. Winger Imthi Marikkar, full back Michael Collins and winger Radika Hettiarachchi planted the tries. Collins and Nilufer Ibrahim put over the two penalties for winners. S. W. Chang refereed. (AN) Zahira triumph over Joes: 18/7 A-superb team effort from Zahira enabled them to score a comfortable 18 points (3 tries, 1 penalty) to 7 (1 goal) win over S. Joseph's College in their Milo inter- school Rugby fixture at Reid-Avenue yesterday. The winners led at lemons by 10-7. For Zahira winger M. M. Ziad and Full back A. R. M. Rinaz touched down in the first half, with centre cum place kicker M. F. M. Fazmy missing both convertions. Fly-half M. R. Saldeen scored Zahira's third try in the second half with centre, Fazmy converting the try. He also put over an easy penalty for the winners during the closing stages of the game. For the Josephians their sole try was scored by No. 8, Lakshitha Gunarathna in the first half with fly-half Dinuk-Wijerathna being successful with his kick to make the final scoreline 18-7 in favour of Zahira. Referee -- Lasantha Jayawardena Morale boosting win for Lankans BOCHOLT, May 30 — The doubles combinations of Dinesh Deshapriya/Rohan Sirisena and Yohan Deshapriya and K. S. T. Chalitha regained form to win their doubles events against Bocholt Table Tennis Club here. These wins also helped Sri Lanka to a 9-1 victory over this club team. This win gives the Lankans a morale booster just before the major event the German Cup to be held at Trior City. The new formation introduced to Sri Lanka's doubles pairs had paid off well said the manager Chandana Perera. Rohan Sirisena/ Dinesh Deshapriya defeated Ibo Kuzu and Elskamp after they were stretched to the full length 21-16, 17-21, 21-16. K. S. T. Chalitha/Yohan Deshapriya beat Tembrock/Unt in straight sets 21-17, 21-7. Kaczmarek was the only local to win a game for the club. He defeated K. S. T. Chalitha taking him to the full length 14-21, 21-15, 21-18. Yohan too had go the full time before overcoming Unt 21-17, 20-22, 21-5. Sri Lanka skipper Indika Prasad and Thilina Piyadasa had easy passages over their rivals Ibo Kuzu 21-8, 21-12 and 21-8, 21-9. Bocholt City Mayor Kurt Hitpab was the chief guest on occasion. |
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