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| Sri Lanka 'A' suffers innings defeat Dhammika Ratnaweera reporting from Kurunegala South Africa 'A' recorded a remarkable innings and four runs victory over Sri Lanka 'A' in their second unofficial test which ended at Welagedara Stadium in Kurunegala yesterday. Sri Lanka 'A' had to get 206 runs to avoid an innings defeat continuing from their overnight score 57 for no loss were dismissed for 202 with 17.4 overs to spare. Avishka Gunawardana made a stubborn half century with eight fours while Upeka Fernando made 32 with five fours. Two of them made solid a start with an opening stand worth 72 runs. But the middle order collapsed with experienced batsmen skipper Sujith Fernando (5) and Sanjeewa Ranatunga (11) returning to the pavilion quickly. Ranatunga the former test cap who scored three runs in first innings once again failed with the bat. He was at the wicket for 39 minutes facing 29 balls was finally out caught by Mark Bruyns off the bowling of leg spinner Nicki Boje. Manoj Mendis and Malinda Warnapura tried everything possible to build up the innings. Mendis who made 46 in the first innings again failed to complete his half century when he was in for 48. His knock made with three boundaries. Warnapura who (25) added 54 runs for the fifth wicket with Mendis. Tailenders failed to cope especially the spiners Derick Crookes and Nick Boje. The locals were 186 for seven wickets when rain holted play for 50 minutes. On resumption the pace duo of Garry Gilder and Allan Dawson grabbed the remaining wickets. Derrick Crookes finished with best figures of 4 for 60 while Nick Boje took 3 for 39. Garry Gilder the left arm paceman took 2 for 24. South Africa 'A' coach by Graham Ford told 'The Island' all players did their part well towards this victory. Especially two batsmen Ackerman and Gibbs who made centuries to build up challenging total. Allen Dawson claimed 6 for 44 in the first innings. Nick Boje finished with a match bag of six wickets while Derrick Crookes had 4/60. He said he was happy with the wicket and outfield. The coach further added that he hopes to make few changes for the next test which commences in Matara on August 7. SCOREBOARD South Africa 'A' first innings 402 for eight wickets declared. D. Ackerman 102, Herchelle Gibbs 153, Dale Benkenstein 47, Malinda Warnapura 3/105). SRI LANKA 'A' second innings (57 for no loss
overnight) BOWLING Gilder 8.2-2-34-2, Dawson 11-2-24-1, Boje 30-8-79-3, Crookes 36-15-60-4. Dropped catches cost Sri
Lanka victory LONDON August 3 - Middlesex earn a draw against Sri Lanka on a day reduced to 41 overs due to rain some gritty batting by Paul Weeks and Captain Keith Brown held the innings together as dropped catches by the Sri Lankans immensely helped their cause. Sri Lanka lost the opportunity of winning this match when Brown was dropped at 212 for 7 and Chris Batt was missed two runs later with Middlesex still only 101 runs ahead with more than 20 overs to be bowled for the day. The two captains agreed to a draw with just under an hour remaining. Middlesex century maker, D. J. Goodchild was named man of the match! Sri Lanka will play a one-day match on August 5 against an England Cricket Board XI at Lakenham. SCOREBOARD Secretariat not ready, programme yet to come Already three participating countries have arrived in Kuala Lumpur. The other fourteen participating teams are expected to arrive here today and tomorrow. The participating countries are Kuwait, Qatar, Japan, India, Macau, Hong Kong, Korea, Kazhakstan, Iran, Usbekistan, Thailand, Chinese Taipei, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sri Lanka and the host country Malaysia. Hong Kong will be represented with the biggest contingent comprising of 74 swimmers and divers while Sri Lanka has entered 31 members. Over 600 swimmers and divers will compete at the championships. Baby of the Lankan squad is 11 years old E. Kankanange while the oldest is Upul Shantha. Winners and two runners up all events will be awarded with Gold, Silver and Bronze medals respectively in addition to certificates. Though all arrangements are completed the organisers have failed to produce the schedule of events for the championship up to yesterday. The Secretariat which is located at Concord Hotel too were closed up to date and the visiting teams find it difficult to liaise with the organisers. Commonwealth
Games Sri Lanka will be at full strength at the forthcoming Commonwealth Games with the exception of one-day specialist Roshan Mahanama who again has been not considered good enough at this level. Once again the selectors have delivered another shock to the cricketing public by dropping Mahanama. Another notable absentee from the squad is off spinner Niroshan Bandaratilleke touring England with the National team. Ruwan Kalpage is another player to get cold shouldered. Mahanama's omission is despite a strong assurance that had been given by the Sports Minister S. B. Dissanayake at the sponsorship by GSM Dialog of the contingent to the Commonwealth Games. The deserving Lanka de Silva, who was not good enough to represent Sri Lanka 'A' in his home town Kurunegala against South Africa, finds his place again. The National Olympic Committee has ratified 68 players in 7 sports for the games next September in Malaysia. Meanwhile, three Olympic poolists Chinthaka Soyza (100m) who failed at the recently concluded ATF meet in Fukoka, Japan, has been rightly dropped. Susanthika Jayasinghe who is under suspension for drug abuse and Mahesh Perera who did not compete in meets this year, too have not been included. Even some of the up and coming athletes like Harijan Ratnayake, Jayamini Illeperuma, Pradeepa Herath, Ruwan Perera who were among recent Sri Lankan records have been axed. A strong rifle shooting team has been chosen along with last Commonwealth double silver medallists Malini Wickramasinghe, D. H. Chandrasiri (a surprise omission) and L. Rajasinghe too who won a team silver at the last Games. Controversy also surrounds selection of the rugby team. Many point out that more Kandy players should be included. A new phase in the history of Sri Lanka's participation in the Commonwealth Games was the signing of the sponsorship agreement with MTN Network. This is the first occasion that a team to the Games is supported by a sponsorship package. MTN Network, a leading supplier of communication equipment, will sponsor the Sri Lanka team with a sponsorship package worth Rs. 1.7 million. The agreement between MTN Network and the NOC was signed last month. Former Secretary, Olympic Committee, Prema Pinnawela is strongly tipped to be the Chef De Mission, of the contingent. Following are the teams for the Commonwealth Games. * Badminton - Boys - Thushara Edirisinghe, Duminda Jayakody, Subash Janaka M. S. Fernando and N. P. Halangoda. Girls - Chandrika de Silva Pameesha Dishanthi, Inoka Rohini, Dilani de Silva, K. Geeganage. Officials - G. W. Chandrasena (Manager) and Niroshan Wijekoon (Coach) * Rugger - Nazeen Mohamed, Graham Raux, Harris Omar, Sudath Sampath, Asanga Rodrigo, Nalaka Weerakkody, M. J. M. Mushtaq, Alfred Hensman, Duminda de Silva, Kishan Musafer. Reserves - Sajith Mallikarachchi, Leonard de Silva, Nalin Wijegunawardene, Sanjeewa Jayasinghe, Kapila Knowlton, Officials - Dr, Maiya Gunasekera (doctor), Anton Benedict (Manager), Ana Saranapala (Coach). * Athletics - Sugath Tillakaratne, Damayanthi Dharsha, Sriyani Kulawansa, V. Ratnakumara, Rohan P. Kumara, Ranga Wimalawansa and Suminda Mendis. * Rifle Shooting (Men) - G. Welgama, I. Poddalgoda and Rajasinghe. Women - P. I. Ramanayake, K. D. Mali Wickramasinghe, P. K. A. Leelani, Ruwani Abeymanne and Soma Kumarasinghe. Officials - Comm. Aruna Bulathpitiya, (Manager) Lt. Col. Daya Rajasinghe (Coach). * Squash - Saman Tillakaratne and Gihan Fernando. * Cricket - Arjuna Ranatunga (Captain) Aravinda de Silva, Sanath Jayasuriya, Marvan Attapattu, Romesh Kaluwitharana, Hashan Tillakaratne, Kumar Dharmasena, Upul Chandana, Pramodya Wickramasinghe, Suresh Perera, Mario Villevarayan, Ravindra Pushpakumara, Chandika Hathurusinghe, Russel Arnorld, Mahela Jayawardane, Muttiah Muralitharan, Avisahka Gunawardane, Lanka de Silva, Indika Gallage and Chaminda Vaas. * Netball - Jayanthi de Silva, Samitha Kumari, P. D. N. Prasadi, Deepthi Rupasinghe, Damayanthi Jayatillake, Harshani Vijayalath, Ratna Victoria, Manoji Preethika, Arunika Udayani, Nazlim Hazzim, Madavi Samaratunge and Niroshani Samandrika. Stand-bys Thushari Kodituwakku, Sujeeva Shamali, Nilmini Malkanthi, coach Lourdes Jayasekera, Assistant, Hyasinth Wijesinghe. Manageress: Rani Munasinghe. Umpire: Sunimal Kurumbalapitiya - Head of delegation: Tamara Herath and consultant Pamela Bertram. NB - These names are subject to Sports Ministry approval. Gampaha District cricket attracts 28 teams The Board of Control for Cricket is rich and can run their day to day activities, but in comparison to other test playing countries Sri Lanka is far behind in financial earnings. This was observed by Cricket Board President Tilanga Sumathipala at a media briefing regards the ongoing Gampaha District Cricket Tournament. The BCCSL President when asked if they would spend any money for the redevelopment of the Galle Esplanade he answered in the negative. "We do not have that amount of money" he said. Asked if it was a good idea to build a stadium at Dambulla instead, of developing Kurunegala he justified the idea. "There are 25 guidelines laid down by the ICC to gain International status to a ground and Dambulla has these necessities, he said. The President added that certain expansion problems are halting CCC, Matara, Tamil Union, Moratuwa and Kurunegala grounds being termed as Test venues. The President also thanked J. L. Morison Sons & Jones (Ceylon) Ltd makers of 'Sus tagen' for sponsoring the Gampaha District Cricket Tournament. "Without such genuine sponsors at grass roots level the game can not go on" he said. Jayasiri Yapa, Senior Territory Manager Mead Johnson Nutritionals of Jones said that these Provincial tournaments bring out talented players. "This is the aim of our sponsorship" he added. This year too this event will be a 30 overs affair and will be limited to residents and employees of the district. It was disclosed that 28 teams had entered the event and all participating teams are grouped in to two. The winners would receive Rs. 15,000 and cricket gear worth Rs. 10,000. The runner up teams pick up Rs. 7500 and sports gear to the value of Rs. 5000. The first round fixtures commenced last week end in 7 grounds and the semi-finals are lined up for August 23. Finals are scheduled to be played in the first week of September in Colombo. Following are the participating teams. Veyangoda C.C., Wattala C.C., Kamachchoda C.C.-Kochchikade C.C, Urapola C.C., Ganemulla C.C., Kelaniya C.C., Delgoda C.C., Magalegoda C.C., Minuwangoda C.C., Sun S.C., S.R.C.C., Eriyawatiya S.C., Kelaniya University, Ragama C.C., Veyangoda Youth S.C., Negombo Moors, Biyagama C.C., Mahara C.C.-Leo Stadium S.C., Minuwangoda Moors-Greenfield S.C., Biyagama S & R.C.-Negombo C.C., Suhada S.C.-Dalugama C.C., Old Macenodians-Gampaha C.C. The venues will be Kelaniya University, St. Anthony's College Wattala, Christ the King, D. S. Senanayake MV, Maris Stella College Negombo, Bandaranayake MV Gampaha, De Mazenod College, Kandana. Tennis in Lanka needs over 2
in annually - SLTA Secretary The 83rd National Tennis Championships conducted by Sri Lanka Tennis Association will be held from August 7-16 at SLTA, Courts. A press briefing in this regard was held at SLTA. Its President said that Nationals would cost them nearly two hundred thousand rupees." We hope to print a souvenir to raise the money. "We have also found a sponsor Atlas Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd. to supply Tennis balls for the tournament" he said. He also fatly denied that coaches were forced to find advertisements for the souvenir. "Its all voluntary," he said. But many parents who met the media said that coaches were putting pressure on them to place advertisements in the souvenir. Asked about the financial situvation in the SLTA the President said that when they took office the finance were in the direstraights. "But now we have adequate finances in our kitty", he disclosed. "We do not want to take this money to run tournaments, and with this the reason behind us we decided to put out this souvenior, he said. Secretary SLTA Gihan Dalpathado said that they would need around Rs. 2 million annually to run their activities. "We have appealed to the Sports Ministry to find us a permanent sponsors", he said. D. L. Seneviratne SLTA Referee said that the sport badly needs a permanent sponsor. "Unlike those days now tennis does not have a gate collection," he added. "Since foreign players request big money they too are hard to get down," he said. J. C. Kariyawasam Chairman Tournament Committee said plans are underway to award prize money for the winners. "We hope the SLTA will be in a sound position to award Rs. 10,000 to each winner," he said. Last year Saranga Sangakkara and Jayendra Wijesekera won the Womens and Mens Singles titles. The events to be worked out at the Nationals are Men's and Womens. Singles, Doubles, and Mixed Doubles in addition Over 35 Mens Singles and Mens Doubles, Over 35 Womens Singles, Mixed Doubles, Over 45 and 65 Mens Singles and Doubles. An Archery Club was formed recently in Colombo. Named as Colombo Archery Club held its first meeting at which Sundra Jayawardene was elected President while comdr.. H. U. Silva was elected Secretary. Following are the officials elected at this meeting. Patron - S. B. Dissanayake, MP, Minister of Samurdhi, Youth Affairs & Sports Vice Patron - Jeewan Kumaratunga, MP, Deputy Minister of Samurdhi, Youth Affairs & Sports Vice Patron - Reginal Cooray, MP, Deputy Minister of Samurdhi, Youth Affairs & Sports President - Sundra Jayawardene Vice Presidents - Hemasiri Fernando, A. N. Samarasinghe, Paul O'Brien, S. Pushparaj, Tony Wijesooriya, Kosala Dharmadasa Hony. General Secretary - Commander H. U. Silva, Hony. Asst. Secretary - Capt. W. M. Jayasuriya, Hony. Treasurer - Mrs. H. M. Nilmini Herath, Hony. Asst. Treasurer - A. T. Wijaya. General Committee Col. Lucky Rajasinghe Sarath Zoysa, Walter Abeysundara, R. W. N. Rajasekera, Kesara Serasinghe, Dallas Matenstyne, Sharnaka de Livera, D. J. P. Suriyaarachchi, Lionel Weerasinghe, P. Pinnawela. The Colombo Colts Cricket Club held its 125th Annual General Meeting recently and elected the following office bearers for the ensuing year 1998/99. Patron - E. B. Nathanielsz President - G. H. A. Goonesena Vice Presidents - R. Samarasekera, T. V. Rajaratnam, M. W. Rajasingham Hon. General Secretary - M. Zahir Hon. Asst. Gen. Secretary - Nihal Silva Hony. Treasurer - W. T. P. Goonetilleke Hony Asst. Treasurer - R. de Fonseka Hon. Bar Secretary - U. Hewage Hon. Asst. Bar Secretary - S. Ramalingam Hon. Ground Secretary - Nalaka de Silva Hon. Cricket Secretary - U. Warnapura Hon. Asst. Cricket Sec. - R. Samarasinghe Hony. Pavilion Sec. - S. Wijesinghe Hon. Social Secretary - Ranil de Silva Hon. Billiard Secretary - C. Boteju Billiard Captain - U. Siriwardena Hon. Club Captain & Chairman-Selection Committee - C. Bernadus Cricket Captain Div. 1 - C. Vass Div. 2 - Harsha de Silva Div. 3 - U. Warnapura Ladies Cricket Secretary - S. de S. Wijeyaratne Ladies Cricket Captain - V. Bowen Committee: K. Mathivanan, N. Ranatunga, U. Kulatunga Trustee - H. Gunasekera Manager - Brian de Silva. |
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