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Jayawardena torments Indians with double ton

by Jatila Karawita
A majestic maiden career best double century from Mahela Jayawardene (242) , catapulted Sri Lanka to an impressive first innings total of 485 all out shortly after the tea interval in their Asian Test Championship match against India at the SSC grounds yesterday.

India, who led by 33 runs on the first innings, had extended it to an overall lead of 92 with nine second innings wickets intact by stumps on what turned out to be another run laden day's play on day four.

Jayawardene, who resumed at his overnight score of 128 with Sri Lanka on 293 for 4, blitzed his way to etch his name in the annals of Sri Lankan cricket, thus becoming only the sixth batsman to have notched up a double century for the country.

He joined the likes of Brendon Kuruppu, Vice Captain Aravinda De Silva, Sanath Jayasuriya , Roshan Mahanama, and current team mate Marvan Atapattu as the distinguished double centurions produced thus far by Sri Lanka in Test cricket .

The youthful Sri Lankan batting star was in his element throughout his marathon ten and a half hour batting stint at the middle in the process demolishing a mediocre looking Indian attack which clearly lacked the killer instinct of ace paceman Javagal Srinath. However, nothing could be taken away from the 21-year-old batting prodigy on day four, as the Singhalese Sports Club right hander playing on his home venue simply cut the Indian bowling to size before being last man out with the total at 485 spooning a sitter to leg spinner Kumble for 242.

His innings which was not without blemish, being given five reprieves by the sloppy Indian fielders, was however, blended with some belligerent strokes on either side of the wicket with the bowlers and fielders at the mercy of his flashing blade till he gifted his wicket away playing a rather loose shot. At the start of the Sri Lankan innings yesterday Jayawardene was joined by obdurate left hander Hashan Tillekeratne as the overnight not out batsman skipper Ranatunga failed to resume his innings being troubled by a hamstring injury to his right leg.

The new fifth wicket pair of Jayawardene and Tillekeratne took Sri Lanka to 354 extending the overall fifth wicket stand to 176 of which 115 was mustered between the former and Ranatunga.Tillekeratne was dismissed when he dragged his back foot outside the batting crease while stretching forward to a ball from spinner Singh and was smartly stumped by Mongia which decision was given by third umpire, Pakistani Salim Badar. Following Tillekeratne's departure Sri Lanka's late order batsmen led by Romesh Kaluwitharana (23) , and Chaminda Vaas (23) helped Jayawardene to swell the Lankan total beyond the 450-run mark before four wickets crashed for 19 runs to signal the end of the homesters first innings at 485. The day's undoubted batting star Mahela Jayawardene, who became only the sixth double century maker for the hosts in only his seventh Test, spent a total amount of 677 minutes at the crease, facing 465 balls inclusive of 30 fours and two sixes, both struck off spinner H. Singh.

For India, leg spinner Anil Kumble ended with the best figures of 4 for 134 off 54.1 overs as he took four Sri Lankan wickets for five runs in a vastly improved spell of 19 balls to restrict the home side to within 33 runs of the visitors first innings total of 518 for 7 declared.

When bad light brought an early end at 5.30 p.m., India were 59 for one with S. Ramesh making a brisk 30 before he was smartly taken by Tillekeratne off the bowling off pacie Eric Upashantha with the total at 50. With Laxman not out on 17, and Ganguly, who replaced the injured Rahul Dravid who was struck off a stroke by Jayawardene while fielding, on 7 and with only a day's play left anything other than a draw looks unlikely in this the second match of the Asian Test Championship.

SCOREBOARD

India first innings 518-7 declared
Sri Lanka first innings (overnight 293-4)

M.Atapattu lbw b Nehra 6
R.Arnold run out 34
M.Jayawardene c & b Kumble 242
C.Hathurusingha lbw b Prasad 14
A.de Silva b Singh 23
A.Ranatunga c sub (H.Kanitkar) b Kumble 66
H.Tillekeratne st Mongia b Singh 14
R.Kaluwitharana b Singh 23
C.Vaas c Laxman b Kumble 23
E.Upushantha lbw b Kumble 6
R.Perera not out 1
Extras (b-1 lb-19 w-4 nb-9) 33

Total (all out) 485

Bowling: Prasad 31-6-94-1 (1-nb 4-w), Nehra 28-4-94-1(8-nb), Kumble 54.1-10-134-4, Singh 40-9-127-3, Tendulkar 5-0-16-0, Ganguly 1-1-0-0.

India second innings

S.Ramesh c Tilakaratne b Upushantha 30
V.Laxman not out 17
S.Ganguly not out 7
Extras (w-1 nb-4) 5

Total (for one wicket) 59

Bowling (to date): Vaas 7-1-23-0; Perera 4-0-31-0 (4nb, 1w) Upushantha 2.3-2-5-1

COMMENT
Mahela's achilees heel

By Srian Obeyesekere
Mahela Jayawardena yesterday continued to be the scourge of the Indians batting with a seeming achilees heel as he went on to convert Friday's hundred into a double century.That Jayawardena reached his double ton with a dropped catch, but not a gifted one as Venkatesh Prasad had to cover some 15 yards and got a hand to the ball but could not latch on to it off Harbhajan Singh underlined the Sri Lankan batsman's dominance over the Indian fielders for the third successive day at the Singhalese Sports Club grounds as the second of the Asian Test Cricket Championship between the two countries inched towards a draw on the fourth day Saturday.

It was a continuance of a one man show as Jayawardena waged a virtual lone battle against the Indians with none of the other batsmen really settling down in terms of run making.Despite lady luck smiling on him,it did not take away the excellence of his stroke making.The accumen of a fine eye of a gifted batsman with the footwork of a tap dancer in getting behind the ball.So much so as to attracting the great Sachin Tendulkar to modestly acknowledge the fact by walking upto Jayawardena and having a look at his bat on his reaching his double century.

Despite riding his luck, the day once again belonged to Jayawardena who made the most of his home ground and the grassed catches to enter the record books in becoming the sixth Sri Lankan to enter the double century club. But not so for the Indians eager to forget their humiliating defeat back home at Eden Gardens to arch rivals Pakistan from a winning position. it was not to be.The Indians can only salvage for that defeat only by outclassing Sri Lanka. But more than the outcome of this match which is good as consigned for a no-decision,India's chances would mainly depend on the outcome of the Sri Lanka-Pakistan match in Lahore next week where for once all India would be hoping for a Pakistan victory. With either side not going to gain more points than on the first innings - India 5 and Sri Lanka 4- unless ofcourse there is a decision which looks very unlikely.The points standing leaves Pakistan leading with 17,India second with 10 - including 5 from the match against Pakistan - and Sri Lanka in third place with 4 points.

When Sri Lanka took the field for a second time in this match which saw India finish the day on 40 for 1 wicket,there must have been some satisfaction for Captain Arjuna ranatunga watching from the confines of the dressing room nursing a hamstring and the selectors at the marked improvement in the line and length maintained by new hopefuls Ruchira Perera and Eric Upashantha with the latter in particular bouncing the ball to good effect. Upashantha, who was very wayward in the first innings,seemed to have got the measure of the wicket as he sent down two bouncers at first innings centurian,Sandagopan Ramesh before deceiving him with one that kept low as the batsman groped tentatively expecting a third bouncer only to offer a catch to forward short leg.

Peterites send Thomians crashing to defeat

By Dhammika Ratnaweera
St.Peter's College sent S.Thomas' College, Mt.Lavinia crashing to an eight wicket defeat in their inter-school cricket match played at Bambalapitiya.With this win,the Peterites notched their fifth for the season and the second succcessive one.

The match winner for the Peterites was Chrishantha Pieris who had a match bag of 9 wickets for 57 runs.

In a low scoring match,S.Thomas' declared their first innings at 76 for 9 wickets to which St.Peter's declared at 124 for 8 wickets.In their second innings,the Thomians were bowled out for 122 with Pieris claiming 4 wickets for 45 runs.

Needing 75 to win,St.Peter's reached home for the loss of 2 wickets.

SCORES:

S.Thomas' 1st innings 76/9wkts., decl. And 122 all out (G.Fernando 17,H.S.Pieris 12,N.Ratwatte 39,C.Pieris 4/45,D.Ratnayake 2/26).

St.Peter's 124/8 wkts. Decl.,and 75/2.

Premier League Cricket C'ships
Kumara's 95 gives Tamil Union first innings win

by Dhammika Ratnaweera
Opening batsman Sagara Kumara struck an unbeaten 95 runs as Tamil Union took first innings points over Singha SC in their Premier League Cricket Championship match worked off at the P.Sara Stadium yesterday.

Continuing from an overnight 134 for 7 wickets,Singha SC were all out for 184 with Sri Lanka cap Upul Chandana doing most of the damage claiming 4 wickets for 65 runs while Dhammika Rajapakse giving him good support with a haul of 3 wickets for 17.

At the close,opener Sagara Kumara with a superb 95 not out had put Tamil Union in a strong position to register an outright victory.He was associated in a 122-run alliance for the first wicket with NayanthaWeeraman who made 34.Kumara had nine boundaries in his knock and looked well set for a deserving century when the match resumes today with Tamil Union ending the day on 192 for 4 wickets.

For Singha SC,Saman Jayantha claimed 3 wickets for 34 runs.

Bloomfield in strong position
At Reid Avenue,Bloomfield looked set to make light of their match against Galle CC. After dismissing Galle CC for 152,Bloomfield steered by Test discard Roshan Mahanama who was unbeaten on 55,had reached 111 for 4 wickets at the close.

Earlier,Galle CC,resuming from an overnight 61 for 4 wickets,added another 91 runs

with former Sri Lanka pace bowler Champaka Ramanayake chipping in with a fine 50-run knock as the bowler turned batsman.

For Bloomfield,Test discard Kumar Dharmasena was their main wicket taker with figures of 3 for 30 while Priyankara Wickramasinghe taking 2 wickets for 44 runs.

NCC 307/9 vs.Antonians SC
Meanwhile,at Maitland Place,NCC's batsmen sent the Old Antonian bowlers on a leather hunt as the side rattled a massive 307 for 9 wickets.Among the runs for NCC were Naveed Nawaz (72),Asela Pathirana (73 n.o.) and contributions also coming from Anil Redeegammanagedera 34 and Suwanji Madanayake 26.

Krishan Dharmasena took 3 wickets for 35 runs for Antonian SC.

CC 315/5 wkts
At Maitland Crescent Colombo Cricket Club's batsmen put the weak Matara SC bowling attack to the sword as they amassed 315 for 5 wickets declared with Lanka de Silva leading the way with a well compiled 95 runs.Hemantha Boteju made an unbeaten 72.

Matara SC were 134 for 5 wickets at the close with P.Rangana top scoring with 76 runs.

Chaminda Mendis 101
At Panadura,Colts CC opening batsman Chaminda Mendis cracked a century (101) as Colts made 347 against Panadura SC at the Panadura Esplanade.Indika de Saram gave him good support with a well compiled 79.Mendis made 101 inclusive of 12 fours.

Panadura were struggling on 88 for 6 wickets at the close.

SCORES:

At Maitland Crescent

CCC 227/4 wkts.,overnight,315 /5 decl.(Lanka de Silva 95,Hemantha Boteju 72 n.o.).

Matara SC 134/5 wkts. At close(P.Rangana 76).

At Reid Avenue

Galle CC 61/4 wkts., overnight,152 all out.(Dhammika Sudarshana 26,Charinda Fernando 22,Champaka Ramanayake 50,Hemantha Alles 3/46,Kumar Dharmasena 3/30,Priyankara Wickramasinghe 2/44).

Bloomfield 111/4 wkts. At close.

(Sajeeka Abeynayake 17,Roshan Mahanama 55 n.o., J.C.Gamage 2/21).

At P.Sara Stadium

Singha SC 134/7 wkts.,overniught,184 all out.(H.Premasiri 30,Suraj Sanjeewa 27,Upul Chandana 4/65,Dhammika Rajapakse 3/17).

Tamil Union 192/4 wkts. At the close.(Sagara Kumara 95 n.o.,Nayantha Weeraman 34,Upul Chandana 26,Saman Jayantha 3/34)..

At Police Park

BRC 275/9 wkts.,decl.(Deepal Madurapperuma 66,Shaun Mackay 56,S.Wimalasiri 3/28,N.Zoysa 3/50,S.Wimalaratne 2/79).

Police SC 36/2 wkts.,at the close.(p.Liyanage 18 n.o.).

At Maitland Place

NCC 307/9 wkts.,at the close.(Pradeep Hewage 26,Naveed Nawaz 72,Chinthaka Jayasinghe 18,Kumar Sangakkara 21,Anil Reedeegammanagedera 34,Asela Pathirana 73 n.o.,Suwanji Madanayake 26,Krishan Dharmasena 3/35,C.Silva 2/37,Udaya Mahiarachchi 2/35) vs.Antonians.

At Panadura

Colts 347 all out,(Chaminda Mendis 101,Sajith Fernando 36,Sujith Janaka 28,Indika de Saram 79,Bathiya Perera 32,Dinuk Hettiarachchi 20,Amila Perera 4/79).

Panadura SC 88/6 wkts.at the close.(Suchitra Alexander 3/46,Ishara Amarasinghe 3/25).

Asian countries to pull out of Soccer World Cup 2002 ?

The possibility of the Asian countries pulling out of the 2002 soccer world cup hosted jointly by Korea and Japan is still on said the President of the Football Federation (FFSL) V. Manilal Fernando.

He said that the final meeting in this regard held in March 15th in Zurich. "Since Asia is hosting this World Cup we have requested for additional berths to include more Asian countries," He said. "This request was not accepted by the FIFA the World Soccer governing body," he added.

Fernando explained that at the last World Cup in France, Japan, Korea and Iran and Saudi Arabia qualified for the World Cup. "Since Korea and Japan are co hosts this year, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) had requested the FIFA to give five berths," he disclosed.

Asked as to how Sri Lanka, which has never qualified for the Football World Cup, fits in to this dialog he told it was because of him. "The AFC held a meeting in this regard at the last Asian Games in Bangkok and since I am a lawyer and the AFC Vice President I was appointed to represent the AFC," he said. "If the FIFA does not agree to these additional berths the Asian countries are likely to pull out of the World Cup," he said.

Another term

Meanwhile the Sports Minister S. B. Dissanayake has granted Manilal permission for the record fourth year in succession to continue as President of the FFSL once again. "This is in response to an appeal made by 42 football leagues to the Sports Minister. The FFSL will be getting their headquarters at Reid Avenue when a Rs. 40 million project takes off soon. The proposed headquarters will house a referees quarters, secretariat, conference room, restaurant for players, and will have a hostel, even to accommodate international teams.

Manilal who is the Managing Director, Puttalam Cement Ltd. will fund this mammoth project.

Nimesh 120 for President's College

By Vijitha Seneratne, our Kurunegala Sports Corr.
Nimesh Perera of President's College, Rajagiriya hit twin centuries in their drawn inter-school cricket match against Maliyadeva at Kurunegala yesterday.

President's College made 289 and 303 for seven wickets declared while Devans made 336 for nine declared and 107 for two at close.

Nimesh Perera scored 157 with 23 fours and two sixes in the first innings and 120 in the second essay which was spliced with 16 fours.

For Devans, Izmi Hamim hit 97 with 12 fours and five sixes.

Scores:

* President's College 289 in 51 overs (B. Gunawardane 19, Nimesh Perera 157, P. Munasinghe 22, C. de Silva 32, A. Bandaranayake 2/52, T. Wijesinghe 2/51, D. Gunatilleka 2/17, C. P. Rajapakse 3/56) and 303 for 7 wkts. dec. in 59 overs Nimesh Perera 120, B. Munasinghe 40, S. Silva 45, N. Jayasundara 33, A. Bandaranayake 3/40, D. Gunatilleka 3/54).

* Maliyadeva 336 for 9 wkts. dec. (I. Dharmawardane 65, I. Hamin 97, A. Samarakoon 47, A. Basnayake 52, D. Gunatilleka 28, A. Kankanamge 3/74, D. L. Jayasundara 4/175) and 107 for 2 wkts. at close. (I. Dharmawardane 27, I. Hamin 39, A. Basnayake 38 n.o.)

Accent on importance of fielding - is it mere rhetoric?

by Mahinda Wijesinghe
The question why India were given first lease of the wicket at the SSC grounds, home ground of the Sri Lanka skipper, intrigues most observers. A question which can only be answered by Ranatunga himself. When the Sri Lanka skipper, defying all cricketing logic, asked England to bat at the Oval last summer, and turned it around for a resounding 10-wicket victory, the critics were silenced. No doubt, that was mainly due to an astounding double-century by Sanath Jayasuriya who first set the stage for Muralitharan to weave his magic spell and lure, not less than 16 Englishmen, to their demise. The best-ever Test performance by a bowler at the Oval. So, it took two fantastic feats to achieve that win. However, at the S.S.C. grounds when Sri Lanka met India, both Jayasuriya and Muralitharan were out of action.

NOT LARWOOD, LILLEE OR LINDWALL

That was not all. The three pace bowlers Sri Lanka had were by no means worthy successors to those masters of the pace bowling art such as the Larwoods, Lindwalls or the Lillees. At least, not as yet. Two of them, Ruchira Perera and Eric Upashantha, were playing their first Test - and it showed. The third, Chaminda Vaas, is currently struggling for form, and in fact, was not even given first use of the second new ball when the Indians were zooming to their 500-plus total. To cap it all, India was without their most successful and inform paceman Javagal Srinath who just turned in his best-ever performance of 8 wickets in an innings, against the Pakistanis, and ended with a match-haul of 13 wickets. In spite of all this evidence, India was given first lease of a wicket usually well known for its docility.

WHY NOT A BALANCED BOWLING ATTACK?

Another factor confusing the ordinary cricket fan is why did the Selectors include only three specialist bowlers - all three pacemen at that, as well! - for this Test? And, as mentioned earlier, certainly not posing much potential of dismissing Tendulkar, Azharuddin & Co. twice within five days. Surely, even school selectors will not go in for their 2-day games with only three specialist bowlers? This is not being smart after the event. That one must have a balanced bowling attack is a sine qua non in cricket. This is simple, tried and tested cricket logic. Of course, provided the motive is to beat the opposition. Or, is it that the Selectors are trying to show that these are all the new faces we have got, in order to reinstate those in storage? Or, are our canny Selectors having some master- plan that, eventually, Sri Lanka wins the Asian Test championships and makes all critics look fools. You know, lose a battle but win the war!

WHY ONLY LIP-SERVICE TO FIELDING?

The next glaring spectre in the Sri Lankan ranks is the sloppy fielding. Having a threadbare bowling attack makes it imperative that the fielding should be spot-on. Naming names will not help. Suffice it to say, that if young cricketers watched the Sri Lankans field, they will not gain any inspiration. For instance, a lone slip was not even bending when the bowler delivers, and he is no specialist in this position such as a Keith Miller or Ian Botham. The wicket-keeper does not come up to the stumps fast enough to collect throws consistently, and on one occasion at least proved costly. It was only the other day, that coach Roy Dias was speaking about the importance of fielding. Quite rightly too. But, was it mere rhetoric? Of course, one must pay tribute to a blinder that substitute fielder Ruwan Kalpage clung on to dismiss a dangerous-looking Ganguly, and a well judged catch by Hathurusinghe to get rid of Azharuddin. Then, these two are not regulars! And, the best Sri Lankan fielder, Roshan Mahanama, is not even in the squad. Especially in the absence of regulars, Muralitharan and Jayasuriya, the Sri Lankans certainly looked as if they were merely going through the motions on the field. A zippy fielding side adds spice to the bowling and will make run-getting for the opposition more difficult. But, why am I telling this to our Selectors? But, it certainly does irritate when officials pay lip-service to the all-important fielding department. Surely, are we going to field in this manner at the World Cup?

UMPIRES BEING TREATED MOST SHODDILY

Another disturbing factor emerging from this game is the dismissive manner foreign TV commentators treat the decisions made by the international umpires. Firstly, except for line decisions, it is not technically possible for those watching the screen to pass judgement with 100% accuracy, especially with regard to lbw decisions. There are two reasons for this. Firstly, the camera is aligned from over the umpire's head. So, the angle will make it difficult to gauge the proper height. Secondly, the TV picture lacks depth and does not help to get the actual position. Some of the commentators have played the game for a long time, no doubt, but a few of them, being primarily batsmen, may not have even asked the question, during their playing days, from an umpire! So, they should not be so dogmatic in their views. Of course, an umpire may be reprimanded for not asking the Third Umpire's assistance in certain instances. Still, it should be done more graciously. Umpires must be treated with respect, especially at a time when players are trying their utmost to 'fool' umpires with incessant, unfair appeals. For instance, in the recently concluded India v Pakistan Test match at Calcutta, a slip fieldsman retrieved the ball which bounced very clearly - it would have been to him - in front of him. Yet, he threw the ball in the air and came racing at the bowler (or umpire?), and the bowler was on a hat-trick too! With 90,000 home crowd cheering themselves hoarse, it would have been the easiest thing in the world for the umpire to have raised his finger. Yet, he didn't. Probably, he would have observed the ball bouncing in front of the fielder, himself. Discretion being the better part of valour, the umpire preferred the Third Umpire, to say so. And, he did. Such are the pressures modern umpires have to face.

DO NOT KILL THE GOLDEN GOOSE

Some of the TV commentators have been international captains and most of them cricketers of great repute but who have a huge responsibility not only to their employers - by creating controversial and provocative situations to interest the viewer? - but also to the younger generation by teaching them the importance of respecting umpires. Otherwise, the whole edifice of the game will eventually crumble. That would be akin to killing the golden goose. Something these great players of yesteryear could well bear in mind.

St.Sebastians dismissed for 173

by Hafiz Marikar
St.Sebastians scored 173 runs on the first day in their inter-school cricket encounter against St. Sebastian's College, which took off to a start at the Katugastota turf wicket.

This was in 77 overs and took 282 minutes.

Suranga de Silva made a stroke-filled 68. Prasad Jayawardene bowled to a line and length to take 4 for 47.

Antonians in reply wer 80 for 1, in 28 overs with Kasun Jayaratne unbeaten on 41, and Prasad Ranawaka on 25.

Scores

St. Sebastian's 173 all out (Premesh Perera 19, Suranga de Silva 68, Manoj Fernando 20, Nuwan Fernando 17, Sumanjan Fernando 10, Prasad Jayawardene 4/47), St. Anthony's 80 for 1, (Kasun Jayarathne 41 n.o., Prasad Ranawaka 25 n.o.)

Duncan White awards ceremony in Kandy

by Hafiz Marikar
The Duncan White Sports Foundation will be having their Annual Awards Ceremony on Saturday the 6th of March at the Trinity College Hall commencing at 5.30 p.m.White,Sri Lanka's only Olympic medalist died last year.

Duncan White the well known athlete, of Kandy was first seen in Kandy after years due to the efforts of then President of the NOC Roy de Silva and his committee which invited him to the country. Later he became a regular visitor.

Ten elected students engaged in Olympic sports have been entitled to attend the function from twenty five schools in Kandy District. Five of Sri Lanka's top athletes will also receive their awards.

Several top class past and present sportsmen and women are to be invited.

Old Trinitians vs.Kent County XI

by Hafiz Marikar
Today at the Asgiriya Stadium Old Trinitians Sports Club will take on the visiting over 40 Kent County Cricketers in a limited overs game.

Today the Old Trinitians are expected to present a well talented side against these tourists, Sunil Wickremanayake the former Sebasianite cricketer is tipped to lead the side and will comprise players like Malsiri Kulakulasuriya, Jayampathy Weerasekera, Shan Wanigasekara, Deva Amunugama, Mahinda Pethiyagoda, Bernard Perera, Kosala Jayasundara, Suresh Kumar, Ronnie Gunarathne are sure to give off their best,

The visitors will be led by Len Morris, and will be expecting a lot from Mike Baldcock, Mike Stevens, and David Thorpe.

Manilal who is the Managing Director, Puttalam Cement Ltd. will fund this mammoth project.

Yachting away to greater heights

by Shirajiv Sirimane
In Sri Lanka,yachting may look to be just another sport.Not one of the elite ones.But Sri Lanka’s yachtsmen came into the reckoning in a big way when W.P.K.Janaka and Lalin Jeerasinghe,both of the Sri Lanka Navy became the first to strike gold for the country at the recent Asian Games in Bangkok.

And with the sport breaking new ground,fittingly,the Yachting Association of Sri Lanka has finally decided to move in to a house of their own. They have year marked a venue near the Dehiwala canal for this purpose, belonging to the Government Railway.

"We have decided it is high time to move the sport to the sea where the sport belongs" said former president of the YASL, Joseph Kenny.

This was disclosed at the eagerly looked forward to and long over due felicitation ceremony by the YASL for their two bronze medal winners at the 198 Bangkok Asian Games. "We had ten course races for the enterprize Class Championships at the Asian Games and until the eighth race we were in for a gold medal. It was in the last two race that our fortunes started fluctuating when Nalin Jeerasinghe, the experienced partner decide to go for the bronze rather than returning empty handed" he said.

Kenny also agreed, somewhat reluctantly that the sport, at the South Asian level is an elite sport. "But that concept is fast changing like medallist Janaka many other talented sailors are taking to the sport", he said. He also noted that 20 years ago Sri Lankan teams could thrash Indian and Pakistan teams effortlessly. "But times have now changed. The Governments and forces have helped these countries tremendously to raise their standards to Asian level".

Kenny, who himself has represented the sport at inter national level on many occasions, thanked the Navy and specially the Sports Ministry for giving them due recognision now. "You know, unlike athletics swimming or cricket we have no timing or scores to prove how capable we are. Therefore, we must thank the Ministry for granting us permission to represent the country at the Asian Games’, he said.

The former president also admitted that they have logistical problems to go out of Colombo and seek new talent. "We are weak in this regard. but we have made small boats (optimist) for juniors so that they are geared for the sport".

M. Wimaladharma, Vice President YASL said that the sport is not very well known in Sri Lanka. "Only very few people know that we won a bronze at the ASIAD. This is why we organised a felicitation ceremony of this water." He also said that since Sri Lanka is surrounded by wonder, more people should take to sailing . "Windsurfing will be the ideal launching pad for this", he said.

Not happy
The president of the National Olympic Committee, Hemasiri Fernando who was special invitee said that he was very dejected with the performance of water sports, Despite Sri Lanka being an island.

He said that he never even dreamed that yachting would bring a medal to Sri Lanka from the Asian Games. "Since we had a lot of financial problems to send more participants to the ASIAD, we were at first reluctant to give them the green light" he noted but now we are very pleased with your performances. You brought down an UK coach on you own and did not trouble the ministry for finances", he said.

While thanking the Navy for assisting yachting in a big way, he appealed for the YASL to start some kind of sailing in lakes and reservoirs.

SAF sailing?
On a suggestion made by The Island, the YASL agreed to seriously explore the possibility of hosting SAF sailing championship in Sri Lanka with Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Maldives fielding teams.

Navy Commander, H. C. A. C. Tissera who was a special invitee said that they would help out in this regard and make Trinco a possible venue for this proposed event. "We were already planning to host a local sailing event in Trinco he said. "We are committed to the water and we are all out to encourage water sports. We have given special incentives to sailors who are involved in sports by way of promotions, duty leave, finances etc," he said adding that "We are also planning to bring down a qualified foreign coach or send our Navy team abroad for training."

He also said that the Navy will soon get involved in rowing as well.

The Bristol Tour De Ratnapura, conducted by the Cycling Federation of Sri Lanka and Ratnapura DCA, was won by Nihal Jayaratne of Salaka Cycling Club last Sunday.

The race, which began from Ratnapura, covered a distance of nearly 250 km passing Embilipitiya, Ratnapura, Eheliyagoda and Avissawella. Over 55 riders lined up for the start and as the route was too long only 22 completed the race.

The event was sponsored by Ceylon Tobacco Company Ltd after a lapse of 3 years. Here the winner NIHAL JAYARATNE celebrates by raising his hands in the air at the Ratnapura Town Hall.

Once upon a lifetime

by Mahinda Wijesinghe
There have been so many Sri Lankans who have played just one or two Tests and faded off from the scene, that it would be too painful for all concerned to recall those names. However, I just cannot stop myself from recounting the Test debut of former left-arm seam bowler, Kosala Kuruppuarachchi. Opening the bowling with Ashantha de Mel, he captured 5/44 in the first innings and 2/41 in the second, against Imran Khan’s Pakistanis during the second Test at the Colombo Cricket grounds in the 1985-86 series. The first and only Sri Lankan Test player to have captured five wickets on debut. Four days later, when the third Test was staged Kuruppuarachchi was dropped from the Sri Lankan team! Maybe the Selectors were so thrilled with the performance of a new boy that they decided to drop Kuruppuarachchi and try another! ! That was when Kaushik Amalean made his Test debut. Eventually, Kuruppuarachchi and Amalean played one more Test each before disappearing from the canvas. Just another example of the doings of Selectors without vision. In the main however, those players who made brief appearances have not warranted being retained due to their poor performances.

Yet, there have been instances in international cricket where players - apparently - after making a telling contribution on their debut have vanished from sight. A fact that should make our Selectors feel that "we are not alone!"

ALL FOUR OPENERS SCORE CENTURIES

Take the case of West Indian opening batsman, Andy Ganteaume, a 27 year old clerk in the Trinidad civil service who made his Test debut in the second Test at Port of Spain in February 1948, against England. Selected as a replacement to the injured Jeff Stollmeyer, Ganteaume took the opportunity with both hands and top-scored the innings with a score of 112 runs and was associated in a record opening stand of 173 runs with M. C. Carew (107), helping the West Indies to amass a total of 497. Maybe, it was the five hours that Ganteaume took over his innings - until recently, top-order West Indian batsmen were known for their flamboyance - but he was never picked for his country again! A century and out!

Incidentally, in this game S.C. ‘Billy’ Griffith of England, another debutant who also opened the batting, scored yet another century (140). In fact, Griffith thus became the first player to score his maiden first class century in his first Test innings for England. As if to complete the picture, his opening partner, J. D. Roberston also obliged with another century (133). A remarkable instance in Test cricket when all four opening batsmen scored centuries!

ANOTHER OPENING BATSMAN BITES THE DUST

In February 1973, which is 25 years later almost to the day, history repeated. Again it was an opening batsman, left-handed New Zealander, Rodney Redmond, making his Test debut, who suffered the same indignity. Opening the batting, against Pakistan at Eden Park in Auckland, with the illustrious Glenn Turner, Redmond = just like Ganteaume = was associated in a record opening stand (159) for the series and compiled a confident 107 runs (in 145 minutes including 20 fours and a five) in a New Zealand total of 402, which was in reply to the identical Pakistani total of 402! (Incidentally, in another Test match begun on the same day, this one in Jamaica between Australia and the West Indies, Australia declared their first innings closed at 428/7 and West Indies were all out for the identical score of 428! A case two Test matches beginning on the same day with each side scoring the identical score in their respective first innings.)

28-year-old Redmond, unlike Ganteaume, batted in the second innings too and top-scored with 56 in a total of 92/3. So, he scored a hundred and a fifty on his Test debut. Yet, never played in another Test match for his country, defective vision which he subsequently developed being the major factor, though he did tour England soon after.

BEST DEBUT FIGURES THIS CENTURY, YET......

Let us now take a look at the fascinating performance of England’s right-arm leg-spin/googly bowler C. S. (‘Father’) Marriott who made his Test debut against the West Indies at the Kennington Oval in 1933. Counting even the great George Headley as one of his victims, Marriott returned match-figures of 11/96 (5/37 & 6/59) as England trounced the West Indians by an innings and 17 runs. Only Fred Martin who ended with match figures of 12/102 in 1890, against Australia, had better returns for a debutant from England. Yet, Marriott never played for England again.

DEFENDED OWN DIVORCE CASE WITH GUN ON HIP

One of the most intriguing yet poignant stories in cricket lore concerns the Australian all-rounder at the turn of the century, Arthur Coningham. Making his Test debut, against England at the Melbourne Cricket ground in the 2nd Test of the 1894-95 series, he dismissed (caught Trott) the great Archie McLaren with the first ball of the match. It was the first occasion when a wicket fell to the first ball in a Test, and that by the first ball bowled by a debutant - who did not play for his country again. A volatile and an eccentric character, he had, reportedly, deliberately thrown a delivery at England skipper A. E. Stoddart in retaliation, when no-balled during this game. But, ‘Conny’ as he was known, became most famous when he - with a six-gun on the hip - unsuccessfully conducted his own scandalous divorce case having named an eminent priest as his wife’s paramour! Who said those were the good old days?!

ONE-BALL TEST CAREER

Another sad story also concerns an Australian cricketer, Dr. R. L. Park, a dogged right-hand batsman who made his Test debut against England at the Melbourne cricket grounds in 1920-21. Going in to bat at No. 3 after a sound opening partnership of 116 between H. L. Collins (64) and Warren Bardsley (51), he was bowled first ball by Howell, and never wore the Australian cap again. A Test career of having faced one ball which he did not see! Dr. Park died at a relatively young age of 54, and his daughter subsequently married a future captain of Australia Ian Johnson - who also died recently.

TWO DOUBLE INTERNATIONALS - BUT JUST

Finally, there were two Englishmen, John Arnold and Thomas Hardinge who played cricket and soccer, ten years apart. Coincidentally, Arnold and Hardinge were both opening batsmen. Arnold made his Test debut in l921, against Australia, while Hardinge did so in 1931 against New Zealand. They were never picked to play for the England Test cricket team again. Their fortunes on the soccer field were not any better. Each, after having played one soccer International for England, even the national soccer selectors despaired and neither donned the soccer jersey again. A case of two double Internationals - but just about!

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