LONDON, Tuesday: Former Ireland scrum-half Peter Stringer on Tuesday announced his retirement from professional rugby union at the age of 40.

Stringer won 98 Test caps in an 11-year international career that saw him play a key role in Ireland’s 2009 Grand Slam in the Six Nations Championship.

He also made more than 200 appearances for Munster, helping the Irish province win the European Cup in 2006.

Stringer then went on to play for several English Premiership clubs, most recently representing Worcester.

“From the age of five all I ever dreamed of doing was playing rugby. I cannot describe how it feels to have lived that dream for nearly all my life,” Stringer said.

“The journey has been an uncompromising obsession filled with memories I will cherish forever.” – AFP

WELLINGTON, Tuesday : Samoa’s prime minister has fired stinging criticism at the national rugby union team, saying they “have no guts”, while also rubbishing Germany ahead of their crunch Rugby World Cup qualifier in Apia on Saturday.

After a disappointing run of defeats, Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi turned up at training and told the players if they should quit if they can’t beat Germany, the Samoa Observer reported Monday.

“You played 10 games and you lost in all of those 10 games, so what does that tell me? ‘You have no guts.’ That is what I said to them,” Malielegaoi said. “I said, if you don’t win this game then you all have to resign from the team.”

The prime minister further insulted the players by telling them they keep dropping the ball because they are “afraid”. Samoa need to beat Germany on aggregate at home this weekend and away two weeks later to complete Pool A at next year’s World Cup, which already includes Ireland, Russia, Scotland and hosts Japan.

Later, during a weekly media session, the prime minister was calmer and predicted a Samoa win over Germany, who he said have “no knowledge whatsoever” about rugby. “The reason being is because we have reached the very bottom and there is nowhere else for us to go except coming back up,” he said.

“They will be playing against the team that has no knowledge whatsoever on how to play rugby, so we must win this game. “And the other good thing about this is that when we win against Germany

and make it through the World Cup, we will be in a good pool. So I would be very shocked if we don’t make it to the quarter-final.” Samoan captain Chris Vui said the fiery condemnation would only strengthen the determination of the side to extend their record of playing every World Cup since 1991.

“We will keep on going and we will keep on fighting because there is a future for this team,” he said. “We do get battles from outside but as a family does, as a village does, we

would stay tight as a team. We take the feedback and we take on that stuff and move on.”

Samoa have lost their last nine matches including defeats by tier one nations New Zealand, Wales, Scotland and England in the past 12 months, as well as South Pacific neighbours Fiji and Tonga in the recent Pacific Nations Cup tournament.

Their last win was against Canada in November 2016. – AFP

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Tuesday: Sri Lanka were 63 runs away from a first ever Test victory over the West Indies at the Kensington Oval on Monday following an action-packed third day of the final Test.

A stunning day's play which saw 20 wickets fall in the day/night Test saw Sri Lanka be set a target of 144 to level the series and become the first Asian team ever to win at the venue.

At stumps however, Sri Lanka's hopes of victory remained in the balance with the tourists stumbling to 81 for five in their second innings.

Sri Lanka's hopes of victory were dealt a further blow after an injury to batsman Kusal Perera.

Perera had to be taken from the field in an ambulance after he crashed into an advertising board attempting to take a catch on the long-on boundary which would have ended the West Indies second innings on 82.

As it was, they added just 11 more runs to be dismissed for 93, their lowest-ever total in a Test innings at the ground. Still, with a lead of 50 runs after the Sri Lankans folded swiftly in the first session to be dismissed for 154 in reply to the hosts' first innings total of 204, the task was expected to be a challenging one on a pitch that continues to be very helpful to faster bowlers.

So it has proved with Jason Holder leading the way with the ball yet again in what is turning out to be personal tour de force for the West Indies captain on his home ground.

He topscored in the West Indies first innings with 74 and polished of the Sri Lankan tail in the first innings to finish with the excellent figures of four for 18. Sri Lanka will rely on Kusal Mendis (25 not out) to guide the tourists to their target in partnership with off-spinning all-rounder Dilruwan Perera.

In a match where batsmen have struggled throughout, Niroshan Dickwella’s topscore of 42 was the only effort of note in Sri Lanka’s first innings as Shannon Gabriel and Kemar Roach combined for five wickets before Holder took over to clean up the tail.

But he had very little time to reflect on his effort as the visitors hit back hard in having the West Indies tottering at nine for three in their second innings just before the day’s first interval.

This was the first time in 90 years of Test cricket that the West Indies lost their first three wickets with less than ten runs on the board in both innings.

BARBADOS, Monday: An ambulance had to be rushed on to the field of play on Monday after Kusal Perera sustained injuries while attempting a catch at the long-on boundary. He was immediately rushed to hospital for a scan.

The incident occurred in the 29th over, with West Indies reeling on 82 for 9. Kusal intercepted a slog, but lost control with the momentum from his leap taking him beyond the boundary.

He overbalanced and crashed into the advertising hoardings, thereby landing awkwardly on his fron tside.

Kusal immediately clutched his chest and signaled for assistance. Play was halted and dinner break was taken.

With an hour to go for stumps, it was confirmed by the official broadcasters that Kusal was still under observation in hospital and wouldn't bat for the remainder of the day.

In his absence, Danushka Gunathilaka and Mahela Udawatte opened in Sri Lanka's quest to chase down 144. An official word on his participation for the remainder of the Test is awaited.

The Sri Lanka Schools Relay Championship organized by the Education Ministry in association with Uva Province Ministry of Education held at Vincent Dias Stadium in Badulla came to a successful end yesterday with St. Peter’s College with a tally of 118 points winning the Boys’ overall championship and A Ratnayake MMV with 127 points taking the Girls’ title.

The final day saw over 20 records being lowered with the total number of records for the 3-day competition reaching a staggering 38. The boys and girls athletes were responsible for setting up 19 records apiece.

Two new meet records were established yesterday by under 12 Boys of Trinity College while in the under 14 age group the records were set by Rahula College, and two records by St. Peter’s College squads. In the under 16 age group Dharmapala boys were responsible for setting up three records while the other came from St Peter’s.

In the under 18 age group there were six new records from which three of were established by St. Benedict’s College athletes and the others by A Ratnayake MMV.

St. Benedict’s College athletes also excelled in the under 22 age group setting up two new meet records. The other new marks were set by Maris Stella College (2) and A Ratnayake MMV.

Out of the 19 new marks set by girls A Ratnayake figured in nine records. Sir John Kotalawa MMV athletes set up four new marks while girl athletes of President’s College Nawala were involved in two. The closing ceremony was attended by Harin Fernando, Minister of Telecommunication, Digital Infrastructure and Foreign Employment who was chief guest. Other distinguish guests present at the occasion were Chief Minister Uva Province Chamara Sampath Dassanayake and State Minister for Education V. Radhakrishnan.

The All Island Schools Relay Championship was sponsored by Milo.

MOSCOW Tuesday: France secured first place ahead of Denmark in Group C on Tuesday following a 0-0 draw in Moscow that could set up a heavyweight World Cup clash with Lionel Messi's Argentina in the last 16.

Didier Deschamps' side dominated possession but struggled to create any clear-cut chances against a determined Denmark, who will likely meet Croatia for a place in the quarter-finals.

France have scored just three times in three games in Russia, including a penalty and an own goal, and it was another disjointed display from one of the title favourites.

They will discover their opponents in the next round later on Tuesday, with Argentina needing to beat Nigeria in Saint Petersburg to stand a chance of qualifying.

Deschamps rested captain Hugo Lloris and Paul Pogba, with the Manchester United midfielder a booking away from suspension, while Kylian Mbappe was also left out among six changes.

Marseille goalkeeper Steve Mandanda, 33, made his first appearance at a major tournament, having been an unused substitute at the last three European Championships and the 2010 World Cup.

After much debate about the video assistant referee (VAR) following further controversy on Monday, it was inevitable any penalty area tussles would prompt strong appeals at the Luzhniki Stadium.

There have already been 20 penalties given at this World Cup, a tournament record before the group stage has even concluded.

Denmark's Martin Braithwaite laid an early claim after going down under pressure from Presnel Kimpembe, although there appeared minimal contact at best.

France had a penalty shout of their own when Henrik Dalsgaard slid in on Lucas Hernandez, with Kasper Schmeichel tipping behind Olivier Giroud's looping follow-up effort.

Committed play from Thomas Delaney saw him release Andreas Cornelius down the left flank but Christian Eriksen was unable to apply a finishing touch as Mandanda and Hernandez combined to clear.

Antoine Griezmann then shot tamely at Schmeichel from 20 yards, the Atletico Madrid forward's biggest contribution coming just before the break when he sparked a threatening counter that drew a cynical foul from Mathias Jorgensen. AFP

MOSCOW Tuesday: Australia's World Cup ended with a whimper as goals from Andre Carrillo and Paolo Guerrero gave Peru a 2-0 victory in the teams' group finale on Tuesday.

The Socceroos needed a win to stand any chance of reaching the last 16 for the first time since 2006, but they were undone by Carrillo's 18th-minute strike and Guerrero's goal early in the second half at the Fisht Stadium.

They go home without a win, joining Peru in being eliminated in Group C. However, for the South Americans there was only elation at ending their long wait for a victory in the competition.

Peru were already out before this game but they still had a huge travelling support, clad in the country's distinctive white and red colours.

They made up the majority of the 44,073 crowd in sauna-like conditions by Russia's Black Sea coast, and the stadium exploded when Carrillo scored their first goal at a World Cup since 1982.

It was their first win in nine games at the tournament since they defeated Iran 4-1 in Argentina in 1978, and they will now hope to build on their performances in Russia after finally coming in from the international wilderness.

Whatever Australia did would ultimately have been in vain as they needed Denmark to lose against France to maintain any chance of making it out of Group C -- the Danes played out a 0-0 draw in Moscow that allowed them to advance behind the French.

For the Socceroos it is a third consecutive World Cup in which they have failed to make it beyond the group stage. Bert van Marwijk's team took just one point, against the Danes, in between defeats at the hands of France and then Peru.

The Dutchman did not bow to the pressure back home to give veteran forward Tim Cahill a start in the game, with Tomi Juric preferred to the 38-year-old up front in the absence of the injured Andrew Nabbout.

Cahill came on early in the second half but was unable to score the goal that would have seen him join an elite group of players -- including Pele and Cristiano Ronaldo -- to have found the net at four World Cups.

Australia were already two goals down, and heading for the exit, by the time Cahill was introduced.

Guerrero set up Watford winger Carrillo to volley in a fine goal from 16 yards, low into the far corner beyond the dive of Mathew Ryan, to become the first player to score for Peru at the World Cup since Guillermo La Rosa 36 years ago.

Australia played most of the football in the first half, however, with Aaron Mooy and Tom Rogic pulling the strings at times. Rogic, the languid Celtic playmaker, came closest to scoring, but after dribbling into the area his effort was saved by Pedro Gallese.

Yet their hopes of turning the tide in the second half were dealt a hammer blow five minutes after the break as Peru increased their advantage, Christian Cueva setting up Guerrero to hook a shot beyond Ryan.

AFP

Former Secretary of the Sri Lanka Schools Cricket Association (SLSCA), B.S. Perera commended the role played by the Lake House and the Sunday Observer for launching country’s first ever school cricket awards ceremony four decades ago, stating that it was a huge inspiration for schoolboy cricketers.

He added that more schoolboy cricketers are stepping into the Test arena now, than in the past, but only a few have been able to cement their places. Comparing the richest era of local school cricket – 1979 to 1991, during which legendary Sri Lanka cricketers in the caliber of Ranjan Madugalle, Arjuna Ranatunga, Roshan Mahanama, Asanka Gurusinha, Aravinda de Silva, Sanath Jayasuriya, Muttiah Muralitharan, Marvan Atapattu, Kumara Dharmasena, Chaminda Vaas, to name a few, to present day school cricket, the veteran school cricket official said a greater number of schoolboy cricketers are being produced at present although most of them have failed to retain their places.

“If you go by the number, there are more schoolboys stepping directly to the national tram. But quality-wise there is a vast gap compared to what was dished out in the 80s and early 90s,” he said.

The former SLSCA Secretary, who was affectionately known as ‘BS’ during his unblemished three-decade long career as a top school cricket official and a veteran teacher at Sri Jayewardenepura MV, recalled the origin of Sri Lanka’s inter-school league tournament in late 1980s.

“We did not have an official inter-school under-19 league tournament for the under-19 age group, though the SLSCA had its own structure for junior age groups. There were only friendly traditional games for first X1 teams. But with Coca-Cola stepping in to sponsor a knock out limited over tournament for Under-19 school teams, we had to find criteria to select the top eight school teams,” he said.

BS said since the Coca-Cola Under-19 limited over knock out tournament was organized after the First X1 season in April, they decided to take the performances of the teams during the first X1 season into account to pick the best eight teams that would play in the knock out tournament. “Although there was no league tournament as such, we introduced a points system for friendly matches played during the season so that we could find some basic criteria to pick the teams,” he said.

“There could have been mistakes when selecting the best eight teams for the limited over knock out as there was no official league tournament.

“It was a difficult task. It is easy to organize things now but in an era where there had not been any organized under-19 league tournament, we had to work hard to get things going. At the same time, we had to look after the interests of the sponsors who preferred to accommodate teams considered as crowd pullers,” he said.

Comparing the present day school cricket to that of yesteryear, BS said schoolboy cricketers are rewarded better as tournaments now have a better monitory value.

“At the initial stages, we did not get any financial support from the national governing body, the then Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka. I remember how former SLSCA President Merrill Fernando, the then Principal of Prince of Wales College, presented the case to the then board president, the late minister Gamini Dissanayake who had responded favorably,” he added.

BS said the late Fernando was of the view that school cricket should be a mere extra-curricular activity for schoolboys as in other sport and not with the sole intention of producing Test cricketers. “Yet, we produced top Sri Lanka cricketers during that era,” he said.

Asked about lack of spectator interest for school cricket now, the former school cricket stalwart said people would prefer to watch action from home.

“Not only for school matches, there are hardly any spectators even for club matches. The lives of people have turned out to be more complicated and busy. Moreover, with the development of technology, people could watch action in home comfort. That’s why even home Test matches project virtually empty stadia,” he pointed out.

BS said the decision makers at the school cricket governing body should be knowledgeable. But he alleged that the SLSCA has a huge executive committee in which the majority is from division 11 and 111 schools with relatively poor knowledge of the game.

He said most qualified teachers in the past had volunteered to serve as masters-in-charge of cricket purely for the love for the game, forgoing numerous opportunities they had to make an extra earning through private tuition in the evenings.

“There are only a few good school teachers and masters who devote their time with school teams now. You can’t blame them, circumstances are different now. Some school teams, mostly in division 11 and 111, don’t even have a master-in-charge and their coaches play a dual role. Then the boys lack the protection of a guardian to look into their needs. This is an unfortunate situation,” he said.

BS maintained his old stance to scrapping Under-13 and 15 inter-school tournaments. “I still maintain what I have told about junior tournaments, that the Under-13 and under-15 inter-school cricket should only be confined to friendly matches. They should not be exposed to undue competition at that age,” he explained.

He alleged that the present school cricket structure is designed to promote school teams individually but not the game in general. BS stressed to need to change the SLSCA Constitution and also to introduce a better tournament structure to meet present day challenges.

“We need more knowledgeable people to man school cricket and dedicated people who are willing to sacrifice their free time for the game and take care of schoolboy cricketers,” Perera said.

Asia Gateway Terminals (Pvt) Ltd (SAGT) performed well in the MCA F Division Group 25-Over Tournament 2018 beat MAS, United Tobacco Processing Technologies International Group of Companies and forced a nail-biting draw with Hatton National Bank.

The match between SAGT and MAS teams played at Bandaranayake Grounds, Veyangoda and SAGT won by four wickets.

The MAS team decided to bat when they won the toss and were all out for 145 runs in 21.4 overs. D. M. Dissanayake and Dilshan Kadawathaarachchi claimed four wickets each for 15 and 46 runs respectively. In reply SAGT were scored 146 runs for six wickets in 23 overs while K.N. Weerasinghe piled up 38 runs and Dilshan Kadawathaarachchi scored 28.

The SAGT recorded three-wicket win over United Tobacco Processing (Pvt) Ltd at the same venue. The match was limited to 13 overs due to bad weather while United Tobacco scored 81 runs for 8 wickets and SAGT overcome the target for 7 wickets.

Another match tied up with Hatton National Bank (B) (HNB) played at MCA Grounds. SAGT decided to bat when they won the toss and scored 138 runs while opponents were all out in 24.5 overs for 138 runs.

SAGT recorded six wickets win over Technomedics International Group of Companies played at St. Benedict’s College Grounds, Moratuwa.

Technomedics decided to bat first after they won the toss and scored 115 runs for 9 wickets. In reply SAGT reached the target in 17.5 overs for 4 wickets.

Chief Scores:

* SAGT vs MAS:

MAS: 145 in 21.4 overs (Sampath Dharmasiri 45, Thiranga Hapugaspitiya 44, Kavinda Soyza 29, D.M. Dissanayaka 4/15, Dilshan Kadawathaarachchi 4/46).

SAGT: 146 for 6 wickets in 23 overs (K. N. Weerasinghe 38, Dilshan Kadawathaarachchi 28, Sameera Bulathsinhala 3/26).

* SAGT vs United Tobacco Processing (Pvt) Ltd:

United Tobacco: 81/8 in 13 overs (Nilantha Yapa 30, M. B. A. Pushpakumara 2 for 8, D. M. K. P. Dissanayake 2/17, L.H.M.N. Kanchana 2/20).

SAGT: 82/7 in 13 overs (L.H.M.N. Kanchana 35 not out, D. Kadawathaarachchi 20, Chaminda Dissanayake 2/7, Jude Wijesinghe 2/15).

* SAGT vs HNB (B):

SAGT: 138 in 25 overs (Dilshan Kadawatharachchi 34, Dilshan Wijerathna 21, Mahen William 3/25, Pasindu Asiri 2/18, Anush Perera 2 /25).

HNB (B): 138 in 24.5 overs (Trevin Fernando 39, Damith Hunukumbura 28, Gihan Hondamunige 20, Theekshana Dilshan 20, Amila Pushpakumara 4/12, A Manoj 2 /26).

*SAGT vs Technomedics International Group of Companies:

Technomedics: 115 for 9 wickets in 25 overs (S.A.V. Indika 25, Saranga Perera 24, Dilshan Kadawathaarachchi 4 for 11).

SAGT: 116 for 4 in 17.5 overs (A.W. Dias 44, K.K. Mahamalage 36).

Asia Gateway Terminals (Pvt) Ltd (SAGT) performed well in the MCA F Division Group 25-Over Tournament 2018 beat MAS, United Tobacco Processing Technologies International Group of Companies and forced a nail-biting draw with Hatton National Bank.

The match between SAGT and MAS teams played at Bandaranayake Grounds, Veyangoda and SAGT won by four wickets.

The MAS team decided to bat when they won the toss and were all out for 145 runs in 21.4 overs. D. M. Dissanayake and Dilshan Kadawathaarachchi claimed four wickets each for 15 and 46 runs respectively. In reply SAGT were scored 146 runs for six wickets in 23 overs while K.N. Weerasinghe piled up 38 runs and Dilshan Kadawathaarachchi scored 28.

The SAGT recorded three-wicket win over United Tobacco Processing (Pvt) Ltd at the same venue. The match was limited to 13 overs due to bad weather while United Tobacco scored 81 runs for 8 wickets and SAGT overcome the target for 7 wickets.

Another match tied up with Hatton National Bank (B) (HNB) played at MCA Grounds. SAGT decided to bat when they won the toss and scored 138 runs while opponents were all out in 24.5 overs for 138 runs.

SAGT recorded six wickets win over Technomedics International Group of Companies played at St. Benedict’s College Grounds, Moratuwa.

Technomedics decided to bat first after they won the toss and scored 115 runs for 9 wickets. In reply SAGT reached the target in 17.5 overs for 4 wickets.

Chief Scores:

* SAGT vs MAS:

MAS: 145 in 21.4 overs (Sampath Dharmasiri 45, Thiranga Hapugaspitiya 44, Kavinda Soyza 29, D.M. Dissanayaka 4/15, Dilshan Kadawathaarachchi 4/46).

SAGT: 146 for 6 wickets in 23 overs (K. N. Weerasinghe 38, Dilshan Kadawathaarachchi 28, Sameera Bulathsinhala 3/26).

* SAGT vs United Tobacco Processing (Pvt) Ltd:

United Tobacco: 81/8 in 13 overs (Nilantha Yapa 30, M. B. A. Pushpakumara 2 for 8, D. M. K. P. Dissanayake 2/17, L.H.M.N. Kanchana 2/20).

SAGT: 82/7 in 13 overs (L.H.M.N. Kanchana 35 not out, D. Kadawathaarachchi 20, Chaminda Dissanayake 2/7, Jude Wijesinghe 2/15).

* SAGT vs HNB (B):

SAGT: 138 in 25 overs (Dilshan Kadawatharachchi 34, Dilshan Wijerathna 21, Mahen William 3/25, Pasindu Asiri 2/18, Anush Perera 2 /25).

HNB (B): 138 in 24.5 overs (Trevin Fernando 39, Damith Hunukumbura 28, Gihan Hondamunige 20, Theekshana Dilshan 20, Amila Pushpakumara 4/12, A Manoj 2 /26).

*SAGT vs Technomedics International Group of Companies:

Technomedics: 115 for 9 wickets in 25 overs (S.A.V. Indika 25, Saranga Perera 24, Dilshan Kadawathaarachchi 4 for 11).

SAGT: 116 for 4 in 17.5 overs (A.W. Dias 44, K.K. Mahamalage 36).

The Married and Unmarried football teams of the Supersonic Sports club, Addalaichenai emerged joint champions by drawing two all in their football match to mark the introduction of a new jersey to Addalaichenai Supersonic SC football team at the Government Teachers’ College Play Grounds, Addalaichenai recently.

Addalaichenai Supersonic Sports Club launched a programme to promote goodwill among players and encourage public to engage in sports activities.

The foot ball match was conducted as a part of the programme. Addalaichenai Supersonic Sports Club President and Co-orndinator of the Health Deputy Minister, A. L. A. Fathah, Northern Province Vavuniya High Court Judge N. M. Abdullah, Supersonic SC Secretary and Addalaichenai National College of Education Lecturer A. R. M. Sadhik, club officials and players were present.

Muthumali Priyasadi of CSCT Campus, Chanul Dulsen of Darmasoka College, Ambalangoda emerged girls’ and boys’ Best Players in the Mahiepala Herath Challenge Trophy All Island Open Ranking Table Tennis Championship conducted by the Kegalle District TT Association and worked off at the Jagath Rajapakse indoor Table Tennis Stadium in Kandy recently.

Muthumali won both Open Women’s singles beating Jithara warnakulasooriya of Laides College, Colombo (11/5,11/4,9/11,15/13,9/11,11/8) and under 21 girl’s singles against Umasha De Silva of Darmasoka college, Ambalangoda (11/1,11/8,11/2).

Chanul also won the under 18 boy’s singles against Senura Silva of Ananda College, Colombo (11/6,11/8,16/14).

Seasoned campaigner, Vidyarthian Uday Ranasinghe bagged Open men’s crown beating Supun Warusavithana of Ananda College, Colombo in a tough battle. (11/5, 11/4, 9/11, 15/13, 9/11, 11/8).

Hiruna warusavithana of Darmasoka college, Ambalangoda clinched the under 15 boy’s singles title taming Chanul Dulsen of Darmasoka college, Ambalangoda (11/6,12/10,6/11,11/9).

Former Chief Minister of the Sabaragamuwa Province, Mahiepala Herath was the chief guest at the award ceremony.

Best Player (Girls) Muthumali Priyadarshani receiving the trophy from the chief guest

Results of the finals:

Under 10 Girl’s Singles:

Sadinthi Jayasinghe Of Musaeus College,Colombo beat Thamadi Kavindya Of Devananda College,Ambalangoda (11/8,11/6,11/5)

Under 10 Boy’s Singles:

Saifulla Akram Of Alhuda International School,kandy beat Dewmeth Werasena Of Lyceum International School ,Nugegoda (12/10,11/7,11/7)

Under 12 Girl’s Singles:

Navindi Senavirathne Of Kegalu Balika Maha Vidyalaya,Kegalla beat Oneli Lehansa Of Musaeus College,Colambo (11/9,12/10,11/9)

Under 12 Boy’s Singles:

Oshan Senaratharachchi Of Royal College ,Colombo beat Sanuth Jayasumana Of Lyceum International School,Yakkala 95/11,13/11,8/11,11/8,11/9)

Under 15 Girl’s Single:

Kavishka Kavindi Of Darmasoka College ,Ambalangoda beat Jithara Warnakulasooriya Of Ladies college ,Colombo (11/6,08/11,11/3,12/10)

Under 15 Boy’s Singles:

Hiruna warusavithana Of Darmasoka college ,Ambalangoda beat Chanul Dulsen Of Darmasoka college ,Ambalangoda (11/6,12/10,6/11,11/9)

Under 18 Girl’s Singles:

Imasha De Silva Of Darmasoka college ,Ambalangoda beat Saduni Prabuddika Of Darmasoka college, Ambalangoda (11/7,12/10,9/11,11/3)

Under 18 Boy’s Singles:

Chanul Dulsen Of Darmasoka college ,Ambalangoda beat Senura Silva Of Ananda College ,Colombo (11/6,11/8,16/14)

Under 21 Girl’s Singles:

Muthumali Priyadarshani Of CSCT Campus beat Umasha De Silva Of Darmasoka college, Ambalangoda (11/1,11/8,11/2)

Under 21 Boy’s Singles:

Isuru Anjana Of Darmasoka college ,Ambalangoda beat Prasad De Silva Nexgen Campus, Kandy (11/9,11/9,11/2)

Open Women’s Singles:

Muthumali Priyadarshani Of CSCT Campus beat Jithara warnakulasooriya ,Laides College ,Colombo (11/5,11/4,9/11,15/13,9/11,11/8)

Open Men’s Singles:

Udaya Ranasinghe Of Vidyarhha College ,Kandy beat Supuna Warusavithana Of Ananda College ,Colambo (11/5,09/11,03/11,11/04,11/03,05/11,11/09)

One of the finest rugby forwards of the mid 1980’s Duraisamy Sivasubramaniam was elected as chairman of the Old Trinitians Rugby Scrummage at their Annual General Meeting held last Saturday at the at the Orient Club. The previous committee under Dharshan Munasinghe from 2016/17 resigned to make way for the next OTRS Committee to establish themselves.

Siva, as he is popularly known was a top front row forward who sported Trinity College jersey in 1983, for the first time under the leadership of Ashan Ratwatte, and some of his first team mates were R. Gunasekara, Rohan Abeyakoon, D. Ratwatte, Hassan Ally, Manoj Jayatissa, J. Hadunge, J. Perera. In his first year he won his colors and the following year 1984 he led the side in five games when the regular captain was injured, and guided Trinity to win the Cannon R de Saram Shield against S. Thomas’ College.

That is the year he won the coveted Lion and it was the one and only award for that season. He played for Outstation Schools against Colombo Schools in the Gratiaen Cup and also for the Combined Schools XV. Straight from school he joined Kandy Sports Club and played for many years and also for Up-Country, and later was in the committee, as a committee member, treasurer, vice president and rugby chairman for well over ten years. It was under his chairmanship that Kandy SC won the first League title in 1994. He was involved with Kandy SC for nearly 25 years. He was also the Up Country Lions SC chairman. So, with his experience he is sure to continue the good work done by the past chairman.

New appointees to the Scrummage apart from the chairman are: Vice Chairmen: Adrain Basnayake, a prop forward and Channa Pathirana, a second row forward, Secretary: Dinesh Nugegoda played as a forward, Treasurer: Amil Ramanathan a good runner as wing-three-quarter. Filling the role as committee members are M.T.L.J. Perera a top full back, N.L.K. Ratnayake a talented wing-three-quarter, Jannindra Dunwuille hooked well during his days, Thaksala Hettiarachchi second row, Shalindra Wickramasiri a center, Murad Ramzeen third row forward and Hariss Omar a talented third row forward.

Old Trinitians Rugby Scrummage (OTRS) is an organization affiliated to the Old Boys Association of Trinity College Kandy and manages rugby across all age groups at the school under the guidance of the principal. It remains responsible in the areas of management, administration and coaching of rugby at Trinity. From the day, they started this Scrummage; it has been good for Trinity rugby in all forms of the game. The main object of the Scrummage is to promote the advancement and progress of rugby, within the means of the rugby Scrummage, in concurrence with the Principal, to enlist the support of the former rugby players of the school to Trinity College, foster fellowship among all former players and to raise funds in support of Trinity rugby.

Rugby Scrummage was the brainchild of Kenneth Boteju who played for Trinity in the late 1940’s as a wing three quarter. Boteju started it around 1992 together with his friend Rajah ‘Dabar’ Adihetty. He gathered around some former players including M.T.M. Zaruk, Dr. Robert Soujha, Dr. Abeyratne, Dr. Kenneth Gunawardena, Wilhelm Balthazar, Ken de Joodt. Dr. Robert Soujha was the first chairman with Dr. Kenneth Gunawardena as vice chairman, Kenneth Boteju as secretary, Dabar Adihetty as treasurer. With a fifteen member committee in the next few years many stalwarts like Jayantha Jayawardena, Jayantissa Ratwatta, Indrajith Balasooriya who travelled all the way from Matara for meetings joined in.

The aim was to help in all aspects of rugby, in an advisory capacity and financially wherever possible and also getting together and fellowship of all former players.

In those early years a few small projects were tried out to collect some money, mugs, ceramic wall-hangings of the Bradby Shield, etc. Later on the younger ex players took over the Committee.

The Group matches and quarter finals of Red Bull Campus Cricket National Finals 2018 successfully concluded on the June 26 at the Colts Cricket Ground. The Semifinals of the tournament will take place on June 29 at Colts grounds. BMS will battle it out against the Foundation of Goodness at 9.00 am, followed by the match between KDU and Saegis at 2.00 pm. The winners will go on to compete in the highly anticipated finals on June 30 from 11.00 am onward.

Results of quarters at Colts ground

1 quarter final: BMS won by 3 wickets

ICBT 155 all out in 19.4 overs

BMS 156/7 in 19.2 overs

2 quarter final: Saegis won by 43 runs

Saegis 181/6 in 20 overs

ESOFT 143/9 in 20 overs

3 quarter final: KDU won by 3 wickets

APIIT 119/9 in 20 overs

KDU 122/7 in 19.2 overs

4 quarter final: Foundation of Goodness won by 29 runs

Foundation of Goodness 118/8 in 14 overs

Mercury 88/7 in 14 overs

June has proved to be more than competitive and a fair share of drama in the middle ...especially at home with the Milo Knockouts and hemisphere wide with some grinding performances by the world’s elite rugby nations.

Not much doubt about the depth and bench power of this new look All Blacks squad that is way past incredible.

Their 2nd half impact and clinical intensity, too much firepower for the expensive French revolution.

The Blacks intimidate from the Haka threat to the 80th minute. Ipso facto a blackwash v the French and bragging rights for many years to hail from the Eiffel Tower. The All Blacks really stride quite alone at that elusive altitude of pure adrenaline power.

Ireland stunned Australia and England won their last test v the resurgent Springboks ....Eddie Jones ambition for the IRB World Cup, very much a work in progress...

I believe Japan are still seeking consistency with their team on the summer circuit and huge interest in Asia about whom the world will welcome next from our corner of planet rugby.

It’s still a risky toss up to rate Hong Kong or South Korea making that grade and scaling up the international ladder.

Closer to home it’s an All Saints Milo Knockout final under floodlights at the delightful Racecourse in Colombo 7.

Joes, the defending champions have grown in stature and confidence, and are very much the force to beat in this remarkable competition.

St Peter’s on the other side have been a few metres short all season.

The final we be relentless in every sense of the word...and given their league encounter, will go right down to the wire.

Both coaches ...Martis and Ibrahim, more than capable, but probably quite annoyed about the wafer thin line that separates the teams.

On the day ...in the middle, who will be more efficient and motivated?

Will it be blue blood defence to the front or Bamba running skills that fly the flag?

Leadership and decision making will be under the microscope...in fact will Peters repeat the league error in fighting shy to kick at goal...or will there be added kicking power via the FIFA World Cup and silky skills to inspire magic ...without the drama diving to win penalties?

Looking forward to the confrontation and improved crowd control and behavior from the thousands of local faithful.

The Racecourse needs to be secured so all genuine rugby hearts can kick back and really enjoy the enthralling Milo Knockout 2018 final.

Experts will be seen and not quoted ...? As it really boils down to whose got more fire in the belly....these Maradana defenders or the Bamba attackers?

What splendiferous options of possibilities...what nerve wrenching opportunities....

It’s a magnificent start 6.15pm.under lights on June’s penultimate cycle.

Much rhetoric and contemplation will be wasted on referees and anticipated whistle power...it must be said, and as a quiet aside .....we must arguably be the only playing nation on planet rugby that talks about referees and assistant skills, more than the team, players, strategic opportunities, psychology, injuries, prodigies and ground conditions....

Let’s hope that changes ...where cheers and compliments replace ...jeers and insecurities.

Pressure on the TMO to get it right for a cracking finish.

Sri Lanka Rugby have a heap on their plate and desperately need to get our islanders performance platform absolutely right on the button.

There are huge priorities to be acknowledged and delivered as we strife boldly to tournaments around the globe.

On the very note let’s hope our 7s trip to Paris, sharpens our game power and running skills before our Asian series expedition.

Time we confronted the Hong Kong ghost and exorcise that elusive force in the middle.

I for one join CEO Priyantha Ekanayake on that special victory platform...with the right intensity of prep and top opposition , our islanders understanding and performance under pressure....grow from being intimidated, to confidence, skill and finishing power....

It’s everything to plan and implement, rather than hesitate and speculate.

The future is 7s and lots more skilled islanders winning for Sri Lanka.

Bula bula the islanders away from home and magical skills to elevate our world 7s ranking.

Vive la Sri Api!

Prince of Wales’ College who are unbeaten in the first round of under 15 division one cricket tournament recorded their 5th consecutive win over Kalutara Vidyalaya and pleyed at Kalutara. Batting first Cambrians were 133 runs with Shehan Rodrigo scoring 46 runs and in reply Kalutara Vidyalaya were all out for 89 runs with Yohan Madushanka making 44 runs.

Prince of Wales’ - 133 in 52.5 - Shehan Rodrigo 46, Geeshan Fernando 26, Nimsara Peiris 3/26

Kalutara Vidyalaya - 89 in 47.5 - Yohan Madushanka 44, Aditha Imasha 2/7, Kunchana Perera 2/26, Thinuka Fernando 2/38

Royal Institute victorious

In another game in the division three cricket tournament Royal Institute, Nugegoda beat St. Thomas College Mt. Lavinia by 180 runs on first innings and played at Mt. lavinia. Batting first visitors declared at 262 for 7 with Senura Silva scoring 92 runs and in reply Thomians were all out for 82 runs with Ashan Safeer with a good spell of 5 for 18 and at stumps visitors were a 165 for 6 with Kutana Lekamge scoring 70 runs.

Royal Institute - 262/7 in 38 overs - Senura Silva 92, Adithya Hettiarachchi 45, Ashan Safeer 42 n/o, Ashan Boruppa 23, Visuka Wickramasinghe 24, Yohan de Silva 2/65, Chandupa Gunawardene 2/55 and 165/6 - Kutana Lekamge 70, Lakindu Lekamge 27, Ashan Safeer 36, Sashen Mendis 2/46, Chandupa Gunawardene 2/20

St. Thomas - 82 in 36.2 overs - Samel Arunanandan 23, Ashan Safeer 5/18, Abdul Sattar 3/14

Having viewed the purported footage released by ICC of Sri Lanka skipper Dinesh Chandimal’s alleged ball tampering during the 2nd Sri Lanka – West Indies Test match, it would appear there is MERIT in the allegation.

This does no credit to this country and is reflective of what is happening in the wider arena of its governance. Nevertheless this must be viewed in the context of current realities which apply to this allegation which include:

Over a long period of time no one in authority in the ICC has objected to players (i) applying saliva on the cricket ball during matches (ii) having eatables in the mouth which could include sweets. Under the circumstances, why has ICC selectively cherry picked on Chandimal applying saliva on the ball even if it is after allegedly having a “sweet” in his mouth?

It is now reported that Chandimal has been found Guilty of ball tampering by Michael Beloff, QC - Chairman, ICC Code of Conduct Commission.

I suggest that SLC:

1) Appeal to the ICC to forthwith rescind the finding of guilt on the basis of current realities.

2) Urge ICC to forthwith ban (i) applying of saliva on the cricket ball at all matches (ii) Spitting on the ground during matches. This should be done at least for reasons of hygiene and decorum.

It is puzzling that ICC is tolerating such practice.

Being neither a cricket nor legal expert but merely a lover of the game, I seek the views of knowledgeable persons whether Sri Lanka Cricket by and large not known for its professionalism or integrity has lost the plot in its approach to the alleged ball tampering charge against Chandimal?

Amrit Muttukumaru

BRIDGETOWN, Tuesday: Kusal Perera battled through the considerable discomfort of a painful chest injury in partnership with namesake Dilruwan Perera to guide Sri Lanka to an historic series-levelling four-wicket victory over the West Indies in the third and final Test at Kensington Oval in Barbados on Tuesday.

Set a target of 144 and resuming on the fourth day at the overnight position of 81 for five, Sri Lanka reached their goal for the loss of one additional wicket to become the first Asian team ever to win a Test match at Caribbean cricket’s most iconic venue.

That wicket, which fell in the very first over of the afternoon to West Indies captain Jason Holder, ushered in Kusal, whose further participation in the match was in serious doubt when he injured himself crashing into the advertising boards the previous night.

Kusal Perera (L) and Dilruwan Perera (R) of Sri Lanka celebrate winning the 3rd Test against West Indies on day four at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados, on Tuesday.  AFP

Both Kusal and Dilruwan had made only minimal contributions previously in the three-match series with the all-rounder Dilruwan having been dropped for the second Test while there was speculation that Kusal, the experienced but out-of-form opening batsman, would have been omitted from this final Test were it not for the suspension of regular captain Dinesh Chandimal for ball tampering in the previous match in St Lucia.

However they both played with great determination, weathering the storm from the West Indies fast bowlers in an unbroken seventh-wicket partnership of 63. Kusal finished unbeaten on 28 with Dilruwan on 23. It was Dilruwan who made the winning hit, hoisting Holder over mid-off for the boundary that sealed only Sri Lanka’s second Test victory in the West Indies.

“Me and Kusal play for the same club so we know each other,” said a delighted Dilruwan in savouring the victory. “That experience and knowledge of each other’s games helped a lot because it was challenging. The pitch was bit uneven.”

For Holder it was a cruel final twist of fate in a match in which he excelled all-around. His dismissal of Kusal Mendis, leg-before without adding to his overnight score of 25, was his fifth wicket of the innings and he finished with innings figures of five for 41 and a match analysis of nine for 59.

Holder also contributed a topscore of 74 in the West Indies first innings of 204 and was just one of four batsmen to get into double-figures when they crashed to 93 - their lowest-ever total in a Test innings in Barbados - on the third evening.

He was the obvious choice as “Man of the Match,” small consolation for his team failing to finish the job.

“We just did not have enough runs in the second innings,” Holder reflected. “We missed some chances in the field but it won’t put us down because we have a quick turnaround for the series against Bangladesh starting next week.”

Despite that early success, which raised hopes for the West Indies mowing through the tail in the same manner of 24 hours earlier in Sri Lanka’s first innings, none of the other bowlers could match their skipper’s probing accuracy and penetration.

Shannon Gabriel failed to add to his series-leading tally of 20 wickets while the experienced Kemar Roach and seamer Miguel Cummins lacked potency when it was most needed for the home side to clinch their first series victory in six years against a team ranked higher than themselves.

“Our second innings bowling won us the game,” said Sri Lanka coach Chandika Hathurusingha. “We always had hope but the way the game progressed we were under pressure. Credit to all four bowlers. Suranga (Lakmal) led from the front.”

Charged with the responsibility of leadership for the first time at senior international level, Lakmal could not disguise the delight at his team’s achievement.

“I didn’t expect to be made captain but I thought it was a good opportunity to lead and I took it,” he said. “I’m happy with my contributions but all the bowlers did very well.” AFP

Russia, Wednesday: Germany crashed out of the World Cup on Wednesday after a stoppage-time VAR-assisted goal from Younggwon Kim and a late second by Son Heungmin earned South Korea a famous 2-0 win.

The Germans needed to beat Korea by two clear goals in their final group F match at Kazan stadium to advance to the last 16.

But Joachim Loew’s men wasted a series of chances in a tense match that saw a pale version of the world champions become the fourth holders of the title this century to be sent packing at the first hurdle.

Germany’s team of superstars could only look on in shock in the final minutes of the match as US referee Mark Geiger called for the video assistant referee to intervene after the unmarked Kim had bundled his shot past Germany ‘keeper Manuel Neuer from a corner early in stoppage time.

The goal was awarded because Toni Kroos’ touch had played him onside, and minutes later Germany were 2-0 down after Neuer ran up the pitch in a desperate attempt to get a goal.

A long punt upfield saw Tottenham forward Son chase a clearance to fire into an empty net.

It means Germany, the four-time champions who had competed in the past 16 editions of the World Cup, fail to make it past the first hurdle of the tournament since 1938.

Germany coach Joachim Loew caused a surprise by leaving midfield attacking stalwart Thomas Mueller on the bench for the first time since 2012 after his underwhelming displays against Mexico and Sweden.

But by the end of a frustrating opening half, Loew was left desperately studying his options.

Germany suffered the first of several scares after South Korea won a free kick on the quarter hour when Sami Khedira’s boot connected with the head of Jung Wooyoung.

From 30 yards out, it should have been fodder for World Cup-winning goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, but after fumbling Jung’s dipping drive Neuer scrambled desperately to clear as Son raced to pounce.

Germany spurned a series of chances soon afterwards.

Marco Reus, who hit a crucial leveller in the 2-1 win over Sweden, saw his drive deflected and Mesut Ozil saw his effort deflected off a Korean boot and out for a corner, after which goalkeeper Hyeonwoo Jo smothered desperately when Goretzka’s header found Hummels trying to pounce on the loose ball.

Germany resumed with more urgency after the interval, but despite edging closer when Loew introduced Mario Gomez just before the hour the big Stuttgart striker headed straight at Jo from Kimmich’s cross.

Striker Timo Werner then met another Kimmich ball from the left byeline with a right-foot volley that skewed agonisingly wide of Jo’s upright.

Germany urgency was not matched by their normal efficiency and soon legs started to tire.

Loew played his final card when he introduced Mueller for Leon Goretzka.

But the late changes failed to spark Germany into life as Korea hung on for a famous win that, unfortunately for the impressive Asians, saw them bow out after Sweden beat Mexico 3-0. AFP

Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Wednesday: Defending champion Tommy Fleetwood is keen to land an early blow for Europe ahead of September’s Ryder Cup when he tees off at the French Open on Thursday.

Jon Rahm of Spain and Fleetwood, two of Europe’s leading stars, line up in a strong field at Le Golf National, the widely-acclaimed course which hosts the 42nd Ryder Cup in just under three months’ time.

World number 10 Fleetwood, runner-up at the US Open earlier this month, said he was glad to be back at the challenging French course but noted that it had a new look about it.

“The course seems so different. It’s so set up now for the Ryder Cup in September... it’s like difficult to get your bearings a bit,” said the 27-year-old. Spaniard Rahm, ranked fifth in the world, is another man expected to spearhead the European Ryder Cup challenge. But the 23-year-old said he was looking forward to playing the French Open, not as a scouting exercise for the Ryder Cup, but because it remains one of the top events on the tour and a personal favourite.

“It’s probably one of my favourite courses all year, not only on the European Tour but worldwide,” he said.

“It’s a great golf course but it’s very difficult. It’s fair, you can think your way around it and if you’re smart enough, you can actually get a score but to win you need to play extremely good.”

Rahm said he had originally thought there would be more top Americans at the course, where they will be attempting to win the title on European soil for the first time since 1993.

“I thought there were going to be at least four or five,” he added.

“And if it wasn’t the players that were already in guaranteed, maybe the people who are on the edge (of gaining a Ryder Cup place).”

Justin Thomas, the world number two, is the top American contender in what he said was a “tremendous” French Open field this year. AFP