Sri Lanka youth cap and left-arm paceman Kalana Perera of S. Thomas’ College Mt. Lavinia took 8 wickets for 17 runs to rout St. Mary’s College Kegalle for 72 in the first innings and followed it up with four wickets for no runs in the second innings when they were forced to follow-on on the first day of their Singer Trophy under 19 inter-schools cricket tournament played at Mt. Lavinia yesterday.

Perera ended the first day with a bag of 12 wickets for 17 runs.

Dunith Jayatunge scored his second hundred for the season as St. Sebastian’s College Moratuwa ran up the highest total 505-7 declared in their drawn game against St Anne’s Kurunegala at Moratuwa.

Lyceum International School Wattala beat Welapura Maha Vidyalaya Kalutara by innings and 173 runs and D.S. Senanayake National School beat Nugawela Central College by innings and 1 run. The other matches ended in draws.

RESULTS

 At Moratuwa: Match drawn.

 St. Anne’s Kurunegala: 203

St. Sebastian’s Moratuwa: 505/7 (8/0 o/n) in 98 overs (Janishka Perera 143, Dunith Jaythunge 141, Praveen Cooray 62 n.o., Nuwanindu Fernando 39, Rumesh Mendis 41, Sukitha Prasanna 27, Nishitha Abilash 26,Pasindu Thennakoon 3/101)

 At BRC: Match drawn.

Gurukula Kelaniya: 94 and 249 (72/3 o/n) in 94.5 overs (Kemira Nayanatharu 80, Nuwan Chanaka 74, Likshan Sasanka 27, Dilip Chamara 22, Ravindu Rathnayake 4/38, Dinath Dissanayaka 3/19, Madushika Sandaruwan 2/51)

Isipathana: 185 and 100/5 in 18 overs (Thevindu Dickwella 32, Leshan Amarasinghe 31, Likshan Sasanga 2/28)

 At Lake View Kandy: Match drawn.

Moratu Vidyalaya: 141 (119/6 o/n) in 49.4 overs (Viraj Kavishka 33, Nadith Mishendra 21, Yasitha Samararathna 4/43, Navinda Dilshan 3/27, Virajith Ehelepola 2/33) and 120/4 in 28.3 overs (Nishan Madushka 74, Madushanka Dilakshana 25 n.o., Virajith Ehelepola 3/29)

Dharmaraja: 159 in 52.4 overs (Dulaj Bandara 40, Kasun Gunawardhane 38, Virajith Ehelepola 29 n.o., Eran Hansamal 5/32, Vishwa Didulana 2/44, Nadith Mishendra 2/44)

 At Balapitiya: Match drawn.

Sri Devananda Ambalangoda: 110 and 250 (82/2 o/n) in 74.2 overs (Shohan de Livera 67, Mithila Achinthika 42, Praveen Avishka 37 n.o., Sheron Shehan 26, Chamika Jayasanka 22, Kavinda Ishwara 4/111, Chanaka Madushan 2/68)

Siri Piyarathana MV, Padukka: 161 and 180/7 in 46 overs (Kavinda Ishwara 35, Saveen Dewmina 35, Rajitha Ashan 32, Ruchika Pramod 29, Chamindu Anushka 5/62)

 At Godigamuwa: Match drawn.

Sri Dharmaloka Kelaniya: 254 and 69/1 in 19 overs (Pasindu Lakshitha 43 n.o.)

Henegama Central: 227 (51/2 o/n) in 104.3 overs (Shehan Lakshan 68 n.o., Janith Madushanaka 68, Tharindu Sandaruwan 21, Yugeesha Dishan 5/68, Madushka Nadeeshan 2/28)

 At Meerigama: Match drawn.

Sri Chandrajothi Vidyalaya, Yakkala: 223 and 47/3 in 28 overs (Kumara Sampath 2/16)

D. S. Senanayake Central Meerigama:103 (84/7 o/n) in 48 overs (Shehan Malinda 24, Waruna Ravimal 22, M. Oshada 3/13, Samitha Rukshan 2/6)

 At Hindu Jaffna: Match drawn.

Seethawaka Central Avissawella: 366/8 decl. and 84/5 in 24.2 overs (Buddi Madushan 31, Dasith Tharusha 20 n.o.)

Hindu Jaffna: 163 (44/7 o/n) in 15 overs (K. Komainthan 89, S. Ankwan 32, Kalana Madushanka 5/26, N. Dilukshan 2/26, Buddi Madushan 2/45) and 192/6 in 46 overs (N. Madumilan 52, S. Dirumthawan 41, S. Ankwan 24, Kalana Madushanka 4/25)

r At Kalutara: Lyceum Wattala won by inns and 173 runs.

Lyceum Wattala: 292

Welapura MV Kalutara: 76 and 43 (3/0 o/n) in 30 overs (Madushan Chathuranga 21, Pasindu Fernando 3/8, Vinura Premathilake 3/11, Duleepa Geethanjana 3/12)

 At Ampara: D. S. Senanayake NS Ampara won by inns and 31 runs. Nugawela Central: 83 and 150 in 51.5 overs (Viraj Hemantha 93, Inura Amantha 6/45)

D. S. Senanayake Ampara: 264/9 decl.

DAY ONE SCORES

Matches will be continued today.

 At Mt. Lavinia: S. Thomas’ Mount Lavinia: 311/8 decl. in 64.3 overs (Umayanga Suwaris 107 n.o., Shalin de Mel 66, Sithara Hapuinna 47, Deon Fernando 46, Kalana Perera 25, Hiran Biyagama 4/85, Sineth Weerasooriya 3/102) St. Mary’s Kegalle: 72 in 23 overs (M. Walisinghe 34, Kalana Perera 8/17) and 4/5 at close in 4 overs (Kalana Perera 4/0)

 At Mattegoda: President’s Kotte: 120 in 37.1 overs (Iranga Hashan 44, Chamath Yatawara 7/31, Muditha Lakshan 2/14) D.S. Senanayake: 178/5 at close in 36.3 overs (Amitha Dabare 64, Pasindu Adithya 42, Shashika Nirmal 2/30)

 At Matara: Rahula Matara: 230/9 decl. in 81.5 overs (Sahan Bandara 59, Binara Sankith 39, Lakindu Chamodya 32, Pethum Madusanka 3/51, Sudeera Weeraratne 2/17, Irushaka Thimira 2/46)

Devapathiraja Ratgama: 1/0 at close in 2 overs - (YK)

Colombo, Tuesday: England's cricket stars have been told to stay away from political demonstrations while touring Sri Lanka, which is in the grip of a constitutional power struggle.

One man has been killed in upheaval after President Maithripala Sirisena sacked the country's prime minister and replaced him with former strongman leader Mahinda Rajapakse.

"We are exercising vigilance and avoiding all demonstrations or large political gatherings," England spokesman Danny Reuben told AFP.

"We are aware of a political demonstration today, but for us it is all about preparations for the first Test."

Reuben said a four-day practice match in Colombo would go ahead as planned, despite the troubles in the capital.

England take on Sri Lanka in the first Test at Galle, in the south of the country, on November 6. England are due to stay in Sri Lanka until November 27 when the third Test ends. The dispute between sacked prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Rajapakse has already hit Sri Lanka's cricket establishment.

On Sunday, bodyguards for Petroleum Minister Arjuna Ranatunga, Sri Lanka's captain when they won the 1996 World Cup, opened fire at a crowd as they moved to rescue him from Rajapakse supporters. One man was killed and two others were wounded. Ranatunga was arrested Monday on an allegation of ordering the shooting, but was released on bail. AFP

Opening bat Kaushal Silva and former captain Angelo Mathews made good use of the two-day practice game against touring England to get runs under their belt on the opening day at the NCC grounds yesterday.

Sri Lanka Board XI winning the toss and batting first ended the day on an impressive 392-9 declared keeping the England bowlers the entire day on the field.

Silva attempting to make a comeback to the Test side after a year on the sidelines scored a compact 62 off 82 balls (9 fours) before retiring out at the lunch break. With skipper Lahiru Thirimanne who scored 45 before edging a drive to slip Silva put on an opening stand of 99. Mathews returning to competitive cricket after being left out of the recently concluded five-match ODI series struck five fours and two sixes in an aggressive knock of 45 off 38 balls before drilling one to cover.

Roshen Silva, a member of the 16-member Test squad failed to make use of the opportunity to get some runs behind him ahead of the first Test at Galle on November 6 when he was dismissed for 11.

Sadeera Samarawickrama, Ashan Priyanjan and Manoj Sarathchandra all made full use of the match to hit attractive half-centuries. Samaraweera hit 11 fours in his 66-ball knock for 58, Priyanjan hit an accomplished half century off 86 balls with six fours before retiring out and Tamil Union wicket-keeper batsman Sarathchandra struck seven fours and a six in his unbeaten innings of 59 off 56 balls. England’s new ball bowler James Anderson and Stuart Broad bowled 23 overs between them taking one wicket for 80 runs.

Spinners Moeen Ali, Adil Rashid and Joe Denly who are expected to play big roles in the Test series proved costly. Ali’s two wickets cost 64 runs, Rashid one for 82 off his 19 overs and Denly’s one wicket cost him 48 runs. England are expected to bat making use of the entire second day today.

Sonal Dinusha and Hasan Tamim scored half centuries but rain ruined what could have turned out to be a close contest in the first under 19 ODI match played at the Rangiri Dambulla Stadium yesterday forcing a no-result.

Dinusha made a top score of 59 out of Sri Lanka’s total of 207-9 in 50 overs. M Chowdhury picked up four wickets for 44 for Bangladesh.

In Bangladesh’s reply Hasan Tamim hit an impressive half century out of their total of 66 for one wicket when rain brought an end to play after 13.2 overs.

The second under 19 ODI will take place at the same venue on November 1.

Scores: Sri Lanka (U19) 207-9 in 50 overs (Sonal Dinusha 59, Navod Paranavitana 33, Nipun Dhananjaya 32, M Chowdhury 4/44, Rakibul Hasan 2/25, Shoriful Islam 2/50)

Bangladesh (U19) 66-1 in 13.2 overs (Hasan Tamim 50)

Mumbai, Tuesday: India paceman Khaleel Ahmed has received an official warning for aggressively charging towards West Indies batsman Marlon Samuels in the fourth ODI in Mumbai, the International Cricket Council announced Tuesday.

The 20-year-old Ahmed fell foul of the global governing body's code of conduct during the 14th over in West Indies' chase on Monday when he yelled at Samuels after taking his wicket.

"The left-armer, after having Marlon Samuels caught in the slips by Rohit Sharma, advanced aggressively towards the departing batter, which, in the view of the on-field umpires, could have provoked a reaction from the Windies player," said an ICC statement.

Ahmed, who has played five ODIs since making his debut in September, returned career-best figures of 3-13 in India's 224-run crushing win over West Indies to lead the five-match series 2-1.

One demerit point has now been added to Ahmed's disciplinary record after he admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by match referee Chris Broad.

AFP

Kuala Lumpur, Tuesday: Asia's football body has signed a major commercial rights deal with sports marketing agency DDMC Fortis aimed at securing the financial future of the game in the region for the coming years.

The deal gives the agency, a joint venture between Chinese and Swiss groups, exclusive rights from 2021 to 2028 starting with the final qualifying round of the 2022 World Cup, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said in a statement.

The AFC did not say how much the agreement was worth but reports put it at $3.4 billion, a huge boost for the rapidly growing football scene in Asia.

"This is a most significant day in the history of the AFC," the body's president Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa said as the deal was signed Monday in Kuala Lumpur, where the AFC is based.

"With the signing of this contract, the AFC can guarantee its member associations that the game in Asia has tremendously solid financial foundations from which to build."

DDMC Fortis CEO, Patrick Murphy, said that the group "strongly feel that, in cooperation with the AFC, we are in a position to transform the way Asian football is organised, enjoyed and commercialised across Asia".

DDMC Fortis is a joint venture between Swiss group Fortis Sports and China's DDMC Sports International. The new deal signals an end to a long-running commercial partnership between the AFC and Lagardere Sports and Entertainment.

The announcement came ahead of an AFC congress Wednesday in Kuala Lumpur, in which Sheikh Salman will be seeking support for a re-election bid next year.

The Bahraini royal first took the reins in 2013 when the AFC was still reeling from a corruption scandal which saw his predecessor, Mohamed bin Hammam, banned from football for life.

At the AFC Congress next April, Sheikh Salman could face a challenge from Saudi Arabia's Adel Ezzat, head of a new regional bloc, the South West Asian Football Federation.

Delegates arriving ahead of this week's meeting voiced support for the Bahraini. Anura De Silva, president of the Football Federation of Sri Lanka, said that Sheikh Salman's position looked solid.

"Sponsorship is booming under his leadership," he told AFP.

"The increase in sponsorship reflects his credibility and he is transparent in his job." AFP

 Viren Nettasinghe from St Peters College Bambalapitiya advanced to the final of the under 17 boys event at the 66 th National Badminton Championship at Royal College sports complex Reid Avenue yesterday..Pyramid Wilmer Pvt Ltd and Yonex Sunrise are sponsoring this tournament which is organised by Sri Lanka Badminton.

It was a keen tussle between Viren and Royalist Dumindu Abeywickrama which went to three sets Dumindu won first set 21/19 but Viren the number two player coached by Danesh Malliyawadu came back strongly to win next two sets 21/17,21/14 to enter the final which will be played on 2nd November.Venura Pelawatte from Ananda and Chaniru Mirando from Royal Institute qualified to play in the other semi final of the boys under 17.

Meanwhile former National players Chandrika de Silva and Nadeesga Gayanthi entered the second round of the women's open singles.Former National champion Thilini Hendahewa in a hard fought three set game beat young Hasini Amvalangodage who was the Youth Olympic Games gold medal winner at the International mixed event recently.

The finals of the National Badminton championship will be held on 3rd November . Sport Minister Faiszer Mustapha will be the chief guest at the awards ceremony.

Ashan Silva won the Best Driver Trophy while Mangi Team won the best driving team trophy at the Rotherham Circuit meet conducted by the Sri Lanka automobile Drivers Association (SLADA) in collaboration with CEAT Kelani International Tyre (Pvt) Ltd at the Katukurunda Air Force Racing Trace recently.

The colourful event of the whole meet SL/GT 3500 cc Grand Prix won by Ashan Silva without any challenge. More than 20 drivers including veteran drivers namely Aravinda Premadasa, Kushan Pieris, Ushan Perera, Derren Weerasinghe, Dinesh Jayawardena and Janaka Dias were participated. Ashan spear hearded in all 22 rounds and claimed the best driver Trophy. Missaka, Kushan, Sajaad, Missara and Janaka were placed second to fifth respectively.

A souvenir was presented to every drivers of the ground prix event which was conducted to the international standard.

The second fasted event of the day SL-H 1618 cc standard cars event was won by in fan fuard. Randika Nirosh, Pasindu Pieris, Kushan Pieris and Gihan Deerugekara won the second to fifth places respectively.

Kushan Pieris got an easy win at the SL-N 1500 cc Ford Laser/Mazda event. Tharindu Dharmaratne and Randika Nirosh won second and third places respectively. Eventhough Upulwan Serasinghe make a protest against the results, race referee decided to award trophies. Many are competitors were participated in the SL-E 1300 cc Ford Laser/Mazda event. Manura Wickramarachchi won the first place making a challenge to Dewin Serasinghe, who was a top score holder of the ‘CEAT-SLADA’ series.

Dewin had to be satisfied with the second place.

Gihan Deeraseker won the SL-S 1500 cc special car event defeating Zaakir Wahab Veteran 10 riders including Maduranga Kaldera, Sriyantha Anuradha, Pramuka Sesath and Nadun Wijesekara made a protest against 1000 cc GT Grand Prix event and as a result, the event did not held.

Hansika Abeysinghe won the ‘O’ 125-160 cc (4T) Mono Cylinder event. Dushan Mudalige won the SM Super Motard 250 cc event while Sangeeth Sooriyage won the 250 – 750 cc (4T) 125-500 cc (2T) event.

Grand prix event was introduced to the Rotherham meet for the first time and it will be a good rehearsal for the competitors to win at international meets.

More than 150 competitors were competed in 11 driving and 5 riding events.

CEAT Kelani (Pvt) Ltd and Browns and company were the co-sponsors to the meet.

Results:

[Motor Cycles]

Group O – Motor Cycles Over 125cc upto 160cc 4T Mono Cylinder

* Hansika Abesinghe, 2 Nikila Pathirage, 3 Vinula Pathirage

Group SM – Super Motard Motor Cycles - up to 250 cc

* Dushan Mudalige, 2 Chaminda de Silva, 3 M D Sanjaya

Group M – STD/MOD Cyclrs – Over 100cc up to 125cc (2T)

* W MWeerasinghe, 2 Dhanushka De Silva, 3 Chathura Madushanka

Group SM – Super Motard Motor Cycles including 250 up to 750cc (4T) also including 125cc up to 500cc

* Sangeet Suruyage, 2 Deshan Solanki, 3 Dushan Mudalige

Group M – STD / MOD Motor cycles up to 250cc (4T)

* Nipun Dilanka, 2 Deneth Ranasinghe, 3 D M Ishan Kavindu

[Motor Cars]

SL - E Mini 1275cc

* Chanaka Rathnayaka, 2 Kushan Perera, 3 Neel Weerasinghe

Group SL – S Specials Cas up to 1500cc

* Gihan Deerasekara, 2 Zaakir Wahab, 3 Shehara Jayawardana

Group SL – N Standard Cas - Ford Lazer / Mazda 1300cc

* Shenal Gunawardana, 2 Tharuka Rathnayeka, 3 Imesh Silva

Group SL – E Standard Cas - Ford Lazer / Mazda 1300cc

* Manura Wanniarchi, 2 Devin Serasinghe, 3 Induwara Senadeera, 4 Amila Kalugampitiya, 5 Roshitha Pasan

Group SL – H Standard Cars - Subaru Lagacy 2200cc One Make

* Malika Kuruwitarachchi, 2 Malinda Gunasekara, 3 Shiran Dool

Group SL – E Standard Cars up to 1000cc One Make –Nissan March

* Devin Serasinghe, 2 Kesare Godage, 3 Dilupa Palliyaguru, 4 Mihan Peiris, 5 jagath Fernando

Group SL – GT cars uo to 3500cc

*Ashan Silva, 2 Kushan Peiris, 3 Saiaad Zuhair, 4 Missaka Naveen, 5 Janaka Dias

Group SL – A Modified Cars Mini 7 – 1000cc

*Lakmal Wijerathna, 2 Namal Silva, 3 W N S Tissera

Group SL – A Modified Cars up to and including 1050cc

*Thiran Perera, 2 Nadeera Jinasena, 3 Duminda Amarasiri

Group SL – N Standard Cars - Ford Lazer / Mazda 1500cc

*Kushan Peiris, 2 Tharindu Dharmaratna, 3 Randika Niroshan, 4 Lakith Jinadasa, 5 Upulwan Serasinghe

Group SL – H Standard Cars up to 1618cc

*Irfan Fuard, 2 Randika Niroshan, 3 Pasindu Peris, 4 Kushan Peiris, 5 Gihan Deerasekara

The bond between old Anandians and old Nalandians living in the UAE will be renewed once again at the 11th Battle of the Maroons to be held on November 2 at the Eden Gardens Grounds in Ajman UAE. The first ever Battle of the Maroons encounter in the UAE was initiated by former Ananda Cricket Captain Saliya Senanyake along with former Nalanda Cricketer Sumedha Dharmasena way back in 2004.

The 11th edition of the Battle of the Maroons will be played in memory of the Legendary Principal P de S Kularatne, who was the Principal of Ananda College for 25 years.

A well known educationist. He also established Nalanda College Colombo, Ananda Balika Vidyalaya, Moratuwa Vidyalaya and Dharmapala Vidyalaya.

Last year, for the first time, Battle of Maroons Cricket Matches in the UAE was played with hard leather ball according to International T20 format, which was a testament to the ever growing enthusiasm and development of cricket in the UAE.

The second eleven game that was introduced at the 7th Battle of the Maroons will be played this year too, in memory of the Veteran Coach Lionel Mendis.

The much loved teacher and cricket coach, Lionel Mendis has been instrumental in contributing many talented cricketers who have represented Sri Lanka at the highest level.

With the success of introducing Old Anandians and Old Nalandians rugby teams in the UAE, this year too, at the 11th Battle of the Maroons, the Tag Ruby Big Match will be played, contesting for the P de S Kularatne Challenge Shield.

At the first Battle of the Maroons in the UAE that was played in 2004, Old Anandians cricket team led by former Ananda and Tamil Union Cricketer Sanjeewa Karunasekara beat Old Nalandians cricket team led by former Nalanda Cricketer Sumedha Dharmasena.

Since then, there were 10 Battle of the Maroons big matches played so far in the UAE, where Nalanda has won the coveted trophy 6 times and Ananda 4 times. The second eleven game introduced at the 7th edition of the Battle of the Maroons, has so far been played 4 times, where Ananda had won twice and Nalanda twice, whereas the Tag Rugby game has been won by Nalanda once and Ananda twice.

All-rounder Achinda Witharamalage, who is also a famous name in the UAE cricketing circles, will lead Old Anandians while former Nalanda Cricketer Namal Gunawardena will lead Old Nalandians.

The second eleven team of Old Anandians will be led by experienced Nipuna Nalith Amarasinghe and Sandun Kosala will lead the Old Nalandians. The Old Anandians tag rugby team will be led by Lahiru Prabath Werahera, while Ishan Weerasuriya will lead the Old Nalandians tag rugby team.

One of the key sporting spectacles in the UAE’s Event Calendar, Battle of the Maroons is organized to foster the friendship and brotherhood between the two foremost schools, and is expected to draw a large gathering of Old Anandians and Old Nalandians, their families and friends for a day long activities at the Eden Gardens in Ajman UAE.

St. John’s College, Nugegoda beat Ananda Shastralaya, Kotte by 21 runs on first innings in their inter school under 13 division one cricket match played at Kotte. Batting first homesters were all out for 48 runs and Nugegoda Johnian’s replied with 69 runs and Thusith Subasingha had a good spell of 6 for 9.

Ananda Shsthralaya – 48 in 38.2 overs – Thusith Subasingha 22, Dulwan Nethsilu 2/6, Lochana Rukshan 3/15, Piyumal Devranga 4/16

St. John’s – 69 in 34 overs – Chamitha Ranketh 20, Themika Leesath 21, Thusith Subasingha 6/9, Mansilu Perera3/9

Piliyandala CC wins by 3runs

In another game in the same division and same group Johnians beat Piliyandala Central by 3 runs on first innings and the match was played at Horana.

Batting first Centralians all out for 97 runs with Lochana Rukshan claiming 5/24 and at the close Johnians were 100 for 7 with Theneth Salin capturing 4 for 19.

Piliyandala Central – 97 in 37.2 overs – Pasan Anurudda 21, Lochana Rukshan 5/24, Themika Leesath 2/20, Piyumal Devranga 3/24

St. John’s – 100/7 in 38 overs – Kavishka Ravindu 40, Theneth Salin 4/19

Bens beat Minuwangoda Nalanda

In another game St. benedict’s beat Nalanda Boys School, Minuwangoda by 21 runs on first innings in the under 13 division one game and played at Marapol. Batting first Nalanda Boys scored 59 runs and in reply Bens declared at 80 for 6 and following on Homesters wer 8 for 0at stumps.

Nalanda Boys School – 59 in 33.1 overs – Mari Shevan 3/20, Mevan Disanayake 3/15 and 8/0

St. Benedicts – 80/6 dec. in 14 overs – Shanmuganathan Sharujan 21, Mario Shvean 23, Vanuja Jananjith 3/4, Maneesha Nimsara 2/19

The Thevakumar Brothers, Brent and Clinton continued to dominate the Mercantile Basketball scene, as they handed over Commercial Credit & Finance their third successive win, beating HNB, 74/55, in the ongoing 28th MSBA League ‘A’ division Basketball Tournament 2018, continued at Henry Pedris and SJC courts.

Commercial Credit held a commanding lead of 43/26 at half time. Brent Thevakumar who was the POG, top scored with 30 points, whilst Clinton Thevakumar chipped in with 13 points. Anushka Jayalath (15) was the top scorer for HNB.

Following are all ‘A’ division matches:

HNB after holding MAS Holdings ‘A’ to a 27/27 draw at half time, lost their zest in the second half, to lose the game, 69/58. Michael Alphonsus, the POG was unstoppable scoring 28 points, whilst his team mate Sudesh Ahamed gave him good support with 27 points for the winners. Maheel Egodawatte (13) and Anushka Jayalath (12) stood out for HNB

HNB succumbed to their third defeat, losing to Fairfirst Insurance, 76/51, after conceding a 17/37 lead at half time. POG, Praneeth Udugampola (33) and Nichula Liyanage (22) did not allow any breathing space for the bankers.

Anushka Jayalath and Kanishka Vishwanath with 15 points each stood out for HNB. DFCC Bank scored a comprehensive 71/50 win over MAS Holdings ‘A’, after leading, 35/18 at the breather. POG, Charith Perera (11) Roshan Fernando (11) and Dasun Mendis (10) were the top shooters for DFCC. Sudesh Ahamed

(15), Michael Alponsus (11) and S. Weerakoon (10) played well for MAS.

In a match that swung like a pendulum, DFCC Bank edged out Fairfirst Insurance by two points (69/67), after holding on to a one point lead at half time (37/36). Fairfirst took control of the third quarter as they led 55/46. POG, Charith Perera (18) Dasun Mendis (16) and Tharinda Sankalpa (15) played a tireless game for DFCC. Praneeth Udugmpola (20), Shehan Udayanga (13) and Isuru Perera (12) played their hearts out for Fairfirst.

It was the Thevakumar Brothers, Brent and Clinton in the fore front once again, as they steered Commercial Credit & Finance to their fourth successive win, thus topping the points table, beating Fairfirst Insurance 70/55 , after leading 45/27 at half time. POG, Clinton Thevakumar (28), Brent Thevakumar (23) scored the bulk of the points. Praneeth Udugampola (20), Isuru Perera (17) and Nichula Liyanage (10) were the top shooters for Fairfirst.

Dialog Axiata ‘A’ was good upto the half time 28/28 Vs. DFCC Bank, but the bankers showed their true colours in the second half, as they trounced them, 74/46. Prageeth Pushpakumar (14), Charith Perera (12) were the shooting stars for DFCC. Dhanushka Muthukandaarachchi (12) and Mafas Mohideen (10) stood out for Dialog. The tournament is being continued at the same venues .

Udesh Chnadima and Dineth Dulakshana of SL Air Force recorded an easy win by beating Anas Ahamed and Suraj Maduwantha of SL Army by 2/0 rounds (25/03, 25/23) at men’s doubles finals in the 18th President’s Cup Carrom Championship conducted by Carrom Federation of Sri Lanka at the Kohuwala Carrom Federation of Sri Lanka headquarters recently.

Over three hundred competitors representing all areas of the island participated in this tournament which is comprised four events namely men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles and women’s doubles. This year also Yasika Rahubadda and Chalani Lakmali of SL Air Force won women’s doubles final beating Maduwanthi Gunadasa and M. Chitradevi of SL Army convincingly in 2/0 rounds (25/13,25/04).

M. Sherifdeen and Charith Madushanka of SL Army won men’s doubles third place (13/25, 25/08, 25/17) and Joseph Roshita of SL Navy and Tharushi Himahansika of Mahamnaya Balika Vidyalaya, Nugegoda won women’s doubles third place (25/17, 25/05). Men’s and women’s singles preliminary rounds will be commenced on October 27 and finals will be on November 3,4 at the CFSL headquaretrs.

All hail Sri island rugby as the fans feasting on both hemispheres showcasing skills and playing some heart stopping rugby...enjoy max weekends.

As we bid Septimus and Octavius goodbye...our 7s calendar closes on what has been a teasing season for us skilled islanders Asia wide.

Both our men and women still unable to make the top 3 rankings and missing the cut for World Cup and Olympic qualifications.

This is the hardest pill to swallow and much huffing and puffing at HQ.

This burden of proof further complicated by our juniors ...easily the best natural talent in Asia...but falling desperately short against Japan, Hong Kong and Korea.

Pointless the Union going thru this meaningless and senseless one tournament selection process and pretending we can manufacture playing experience.

Young players are hungry for game time in the middle and need to build their confidence against all sorts.

The learning has to be our priority for the kids to sharpen skills and mentally toughen up.

Expecting them to step up on pinhead experience and zero exposure is totally delusional and smacks of lacking vision at the top.

This is hardly rocket science or trying to invent a new DNA test..... It’s nurturing emerging talent with the necessary tools to be world class and compete with the best.

It’s in our own hands to get this absolutely right and step up into that new atmosphere.

But we seem chained to old habits that are based on a combination of drilling set skills and anticipation of good luck to get us up there.

We need comprehensive planning and a solid system that maxes our remarkable potential not just in Asia, but on the world rugby platform.

Much has been said about our progress and huge potential ...but very little about how we upgrade and establish a perfect grading program to pick and educate.

We must learn from the best...and qualify our educators in those stables......like Japan, England, Australia, and New Zealand.

History has shown us that waiting and watching... is not progress on any practical level.

I am rather hopeful that we have the necessary acumen and vision at the big office to hit the right track...and meet HK and Japan head on.

By 2020 we need Sri Lanka to be the dominant force in Asian junior rugby and the most skilled players that other countries are struggling to match.

I firmly believe we will succeed and end years of speculation about potential....... but lacking real solid progress in the middle.

My dream is to be the junior rugby force in Asia and set new standards for developing potential winners.

Let us believe in ourselves and give our kids maximum support to change history.

This is not an impossible dream and is based purely on practical vision and clean rational thinking.

Time to shed the old and sharpen up to be the force…it’s just a matter of time acumen and investment to carve our new history.

All club systems and management charged up for a November 9th league season kick off amidst a heap of progressive changes that aim to clarify a razor sharp competitive edge.

Let’s wish the union and clubs great focus and maximum impact for a mega season 2018/19.

Mighty questions to be answered in the middle.

Can Kandy defend their title? Will there be a new force in Sri club rugby?

Will the union be under pressure to start funding the stakeholder clubs to raise the profile of our club game?

Bula bula pride, vìsion and core Sri strength to be the new force in Asia.

Today 1st of November 2018, is the 22nd death anniversary of that popular sportsman, politician and sports promoter J. R. Jayewardene. He was born on September 17, 1906 and passed away on November 1, 1996.

The former President was a great lover of sports. Every single sportsman in Sri Lanka, be it young or old as well as thousands of sports fans and fanatics will remember this great Sri Lankan. Born to a prominent Ceylonese family with a strong association with the legal profession, JR was the eldest of 11 children. His uncles were Colonel Theodore Jayewardene, Justice Valentine Jayewardene and the press baron D. R. Wijewardene.

JR received his primary education at Bishop’s College, Colombo and later attended Royal College, Colombo for his secondary education. Excelling in studies, sports and extracurricular activities. He was the first secretary of the Royal College Social Services League in 1921 and he became the head prefect in 1925 and also represented the school in rugger, football and boxing in addition to cricket. He was also a member of the cadet corps. He later served as secretary of the Royal College Union.

He was a versatile sportsman, sports benefactor, philanthropist and gentleman. JR as he was popularly known tasted both victory and defeat as a schoolboy in the same spirit. He played for Royal in 1925 and was a member of the Royal College team in the Battle of the Blues. In that encounter although JR was dismissed for a duck he held the catch that brought victory to Royal. He also played cricket for Law College and SSC.

As a keen ruggerite and cricketer he often visited Kandy to play against Trinity College in the 1920’s. JR’s name was extremely popular among the Royalists not because he participated in a numerous sports disciplines but for his outstanding contributions.

He led the Royal College rugby team in 1924. That year although Royal had a good side they lost to Trinity led by P.A. Buultjens by 3-37 at Bogambara. (37 points came off 2 goals and 9 tries) to 3 points (one try scored by D.W.L. Lieversz (Snr), the first try by a Royalist against Trinity). JR was a fine line-out jumper and played in the company of V.C. Bartholomeusz, W.L. Siebel, R.F.C. Schrader, E. D. de Silva, E.F. Don, C.D.R. Bastian, K.S. Surendranath, V.E. Jayasundara, C.G.A. Perera, P.C.W. Peiris, N.S. Joseph, D.W.L. Lieversz (Snr), F.S. de Silva and L.D.S. Gunasekara.

Trinitians were led by P.A. Buultjens and comprised D. Wyse, D. Perera, C.D. Buultjens, M. Than On, C. Bandaranaike, E. Aluwihare, N. Nagendran, C. Kishan Koli, F. Murray, G. Taylor, G. Bandaranaike, N.H. Perera, Yan Lin and L. Lindsay. This game was refereed by T.A. Dunstan. Interestingly, during this period Trinity had a number of foreign students in their rugby team from England, France, Uganda, Burma and China.

JR was also a good footballer and played as centre-half, and was the vice captain of the Royal College team. Later he played for clubs in Colombo with the CH&FC being his favorite club in football. He was also a pugilist and boxed for Royal along with his erstwhile friend the late Dr. Colvin R. de Silva. For a while he also played tennis.

J.R. Jayewardene always gave a big hand for sports. His pet sport was cricket and he gave the game a prominent place and went on to become one of the most honored presidents of the Cricket Board. The late JR was the president of the SSC till his demise.

It was during his leadership as the President of Sri Lanka that the country gained Test status, and also won the First Test beating India in 1985 and also won the Asia Cup.

Although J.R. Jayewardene is no more his memory will remain forever in the minds of all those who knew his qualities.

Dharmaraja College,Kandy beat Moratu Vidyalaya,Moratuwa on 1st innings in their Under 19 Singer Cup Tournament cricket match concluded at Lake view on Tuesday.

Yasith Samararatne, Dharmaraja off spinner claimed 4 for 43 while Moratuwa Vidyalaya off spinner Eran Hansamal bagged 5 wickets for 32 runs. Ishan Madhushanka Scored 74 runs in the second innings for Moratu Vidyalaya.

Moratu Vidyalaya 141 all out in 49.4 overs (Viraj Kavishka 33, Najith Hasendra 21, Yasith Samararatne 4/43, Navindu Dilshan 3/27, Virajith Ehelepola 2/33) and 124 for 4 wickets (Ishan Madhushanka 74, Madhushanka Dilrukshana 25, Virajith Ehelepola 3 for 29).

Dharmaraja College 159 all out in 52.4 overs (Kasun Gunawardena 38, Viraj Bandara 40, Virajith Ehelepola 29 not out, Eran Hansamal 5/32, Ujith Agendra 2/44, Vishwa Didulana 2/44)

Test captain Joe Root’s fluent century for England was overshadowed by a sickening blow to the head of Sri Lanka Board XI fielder Pathum Nissanka on the second day of the two-day warm-up cricket match that ended in a high scoring draw at NCC grounds yesterday.

Nissanka was struck a blow on the forehead of his helmet while fielding at short leg by a fierce pull shot from Jos Buttler. While the fielder fell to the ground clutching his head the ball ballooned into the air and was caught by Angelo Mathews at leg slip to terminate Buttler’s innings at 44.

Nissanka remained motionless for about 20 minutes before he was taken on a stretcher to a waiting ambulance and an MRI scan later confirmed that he was ‘out of danger’ but he will be kept in hospital for a 24-hour observation.

England also had an injury worry when Ben Stokes took a blow above the elbow after missing an attempted pull shot off Lahiru Gamage. He was able to resume his innings later and his injury is not expected to be serious to keep him out of the first Test at Galle starting Tuesday week.

Amidst all this drama Root gained some valuable practice ahead of the Test series reaching an effortless century off 117 balls - playing both spin and pace alike to hit 13 fours before retiring to allow other players the opportunity to bat.

Opener Rory Burns (47 of 79 balls), Moeen Ali (60 off 75 balls) and Buttler (44 from 55 balls) all made use of the match to get some runs under their belt.

Off-spinner Nishan Peiris was the most impressive of the Board XI bowlers finishing with three wickets that included the wickets of Stokes, Buttler and Ali.

England commence another two-day warm-up game against a Sri Lanka Board XI captained by Lahiru Thirimanne on Thursday at the CCC grounds.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has charged Sri Lankan bowling coach Nuwan Zoysa with three counts of breaching the ICC Anti-Corruption Code.

Zoysa has been provisionally suspended with immediate effect states an ICC media release. The charges are as follows:

1.Article 2.1.1 – being party to an effort to fix or contrive or to otherwise influence improperly the result, progress, conduct or other aspect of an International match.

2.Article 2.1.4 – directly soliciting, inducing, enticing or encouraging a player to breach Code Article 2.1.1.

3.Article 2.4.4 – failing to disclose to the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit full details of any approaches or invitations he received to engage in corrupt conduct under the Code.

Zoysa has 14 days from 1 November 2018 to respond to the charges. The ICC will not make any further comment in respect of these charges at this stage.

Meanwhile Sri Lanka Cricket where Zoysa is employed as a bowling coach has decided to send him on compulsory leave with immediate effect.

SLC stated that it has started work towards establishing a fully-fledged anti-corruption unit in the country.

Already SLC has held two dialogues with the ICC to seek its support towards this move.

In another forward step, the Competent Authority of SLC Kamal Pathmasiri; SLC CEO, Ashley de Silva and Deputy Solicitor General of the AG’s Department Sumathi Dharmawardena will travel to the UK in the near future to meet the UK’s chief prosecutor to discuss the modality of setting up such a mechanism in Sri Lanka.

Minister of Sportse Faiszer Musthapa has assured SLC that he will work towards introducing tough anti-corruption laws in Sri Lanka.

The Minister is of the view that setting up a prudent anti-corruption mechanism in Sri Lanka is vital for the future of the game.

Sri Lanka Women cricket team captain Chamari Atapattu said that rankings didn’t matter in T20 cricket and that she was confident that they can make an impact in the ICC Women’s World T20 tournament in the West Indies from November 9-25.

Sri Lanka Women are drawn in Group A with England, West Indies, South Africa and Bangladesh.

“We have four matches in the first round and all matches were with very tough teams. We have a good combination of players with senior and junior players,” said Chamari at the press conference held at SLC yesterday prior to the team’s departure to the Caribbean.

“We have started training three months ago and playing the first match against England we are determined to make a good impact in the first round. After new coach Harsha de Silva took over he has made a lot of changes. T20 games are decided by the team that plays well on the day.”

“We have not played on the St Lucia ground and this is the first time. It’s a challenge for us and I believe ranking will not affect us in the short game like T20. We didn’t play against England since 2014 and they are a strong team ranking wise, but I believe we don’t need to bother about the rankings because we recently beat India.”

Head coach Harsha de Silva said that when he took over as coach his first task was to lift the morale of the players which was low because of the continued defeats.

“Initially I did some leadership and mental strength programs for the players to bounce back,” said de Silva.

“When compared with other countries there is a huge difference with Sri Lanka, because we don’t have lots of matches internationally or domestically. The women’s team has premier league matches with only eight teams. I don’t think it’s enough to find more players for the future,” he said.

“SLC is planning to conduct provincial matches for women cricketers as a development progress and I believe we can find more players provincials wise.”

De Silva who coached the premier men and women teams in Australia said Sri Lanka has to create more awareness at grassroot level to unearth young cricketers. “Because of some family issues most of the girls are scared to play cricket.”

De Silva said that the dearth of quality leg spinners had forced them to hire male spinners for practices in the build up towards the World T20.

Chairperson of women’s cricket and former national captain Rasanjali de Alwis said that they have given opportunities to young players.

When questioned about the exclusion of Inoka Ranaweera she said that Inoka had failed in the last couple of series and young players who had performed well have been given the opportunity. Inoka she said has been named as a standby.

Third seed Buwaneka Gunathilleka went through a hard fought two setter game against Crishan Dhanushka to enter the men’s open quarterfinals of the 66th Badminton National championships in progress at the Royal College sports complex Reid Avenue yesterday .The tournament is sponsored by Meadowlea and Yonex Sunrise company.

The men’s singles event which is the most competitive event of the Nationals began with all the ranked players including experienced national players in action.

Buwaneka and Sachin Dias are the two top seeds in the men’s singles. Both qualified to play the quarter finals playing with a lot of confidence while vastly experienced Karunaratne brothers Niluka, Dinuka and Diluka won their respective pre-quarter final matches yesterday.

Dias beat Nilantha Hewage in straight sets 21/8, 21/8 and Buwaneka who is favorite to win the title beat Dhanushka 22/20, 21/11.

Niluka Karunaratne defeated Mahen Samaranayake 21/13, 21/15, Diluka beat Chintaka Manimalwadu 21/9, 21/12 and bottom seeded Ranthushka Karunathilaka beat Roshan Padmakaruna 21/11, 21/16.

Peterite Viren Nettasinghe who entered the under 17 boys final was made to fight hard 21/19, 21/19 before beating Imesh de Silva. Another 17 year old shuttler Chiran Sudeera beat Venura Pelawatta 21/12, 21/20 to enter the quarter final round.

Last year’s champion Dinuka had an easy win over Hasith Chanaka 21/13, 21/14 to enter the quarterfinals. In the quarterfinals Buwaneka will meet Niluka today and this match is expected to be thrilling encounter.

Niluka the world ranked player will battle with his experience but Buwaneka the most promising player of the year with good performances at the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games is expected to give him a good challenge.

In the women’s singles second round Kavidi Ishadi won easily over veteran champion Chandrika de Silva in straight sets.

Today the boys and girls under 13, 15, 17 and 19 matches with masters events will be worked out from 9am onwards.

Sri Lanka Youth cap Kalana Perera, left arm paceman of S. Thomas’ College Mt. Lavinia took 8 wickets for 1 run in the second inning against St. Mary’s College, Kegalle in their ‘Singer Trophy’ Under 19 inter Schools Cricket tournament match played at Mt. Lavinia yesterday.

St. Mary’s Kegalle bowled out for 6 runs in 10.5 overs. Only played 6.5 overs on day two. This is the lowest score in the series. The total comprised two runs from bat and four runs from extras.

Sudeera Weerarathne and Jeewaka Shasheen of Devapathiraja, Rathgama made centuries against Rahula College Matara. Sudeera Weerarathne and Jeewaka Shasheen made 252 runs stand for the third wicket partnership.

S. Thomas’ Mt. Lavinia beat St. Mary’s Kegalle by innings and 233 runs. Other matches were drawn.

* At Mt. Lavinia. S. Thomas’ Mount Lavinia won by innings and 233 runs.

S. Thomas’: 311/8 decl. in 64.3 overs

St. Mary’s Kegalle: 72 in 23 overs (M. Walisinghe 34, Kalana Perera 8/17) and 6 (4/5 o/n) in 10.5 overs (Kalana Perera 8/1)

* At Mattegoda. Match drawn.

President’s Kotte: 120 in 37.1 overs

D.S. Senanayake Colombo: 209 (178/5 o/n) in 43.1 overs (Amitha Dabare 64, Pasindu Adithya 42, Sandaru Wickramarathne 23, Thashika Nirmal 4/53, Dinith Nelumdeniya 3/41)

* At Matara. Match drawn.

Rahula Matara: 230/9 decl. in 81.5 overs

Devapathiraja Rathgama: 307/3 (1/0 o/n) in 75.5 overs (Sudeera Weerarathne 133, Jeewaka Shashin 124 n.o., Irushka Thimira 25). YK