The president of Sri Lanka Cricket Shammi Silva will leave for Dubai today to meet with top ICC officials and also attend several ICC meetings.

On Friday (1st March) he will attend the ‘Induction Session for New Directors;’ and on the following day will take part in the ‘ICC Directors Board meeting.’

Silva will also attend the ‘ICC Business Corporation (IBC) Directors’ Board Meeting on the same evening.

“I will discuss with the ICC to release the funds due to SLC, which was withheld by the governing body, until an elected body was established at SLC;” said Silva.

Ashley de Silva; CEO of the SLC is already in Dubai attending the ongoing CEC meetings. Several executive committee members will also accompany Silva during the visit.

Montmeló, Tuesday: Mercedes and Ferrari suffered from technical difficulties on the fifth day of pre-season Formula One testing on Tuesday, as British rookie Lando Norris was quickest for McLaren.

Ferrari youngster Charles Leclerc only managed 29 laps of the Barcelona circuit before the team held his car in the garage for “checks on the cooling system”.

Valtteri Bottas was limited to just seven laps for Mercedes after an oil problem which forced the reigning world constructors’ champions to change his engine.

Norris showed decent pace for McLaren, but was only 0.006sec faster than Red Bull’s Pierre Gasly, despite the Frenchman using a harder tyre.

“The potential is there, we will try to improve in all areas where we can,” said Gasly.

The 2019 Formula One season gets underway in Australia on March 17, with Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton the defending world champion. AFP

Ravishka Wijesiri took a match bag of seven wickets to propel Lumbini College to a ten-wicket win over St. Joseph Vaz College Wennappuwa in their traditional fixture of the Singer Trophy Under 19 inter-schools cricket tournament played at BRC grounds yesterday.

Kalutara Vidyalaya beat S. de S. Jayasinghe Central College Dehiwala by an innings and 34 runs at Dehiwala and Ananda Sastralaya Matugama beat Gamini NS Bentota by an innings and 4 runs at Matugama.

Supun Sumanaratne of Maliyadeva College Kurunegala passed the 1000-run milestone for the season.

RESULTS:

 At BRC: Lumbini won by 10 wickets.

St. Joseph Vaz Wennappuwa: 121 and 86 in 23.4 overs (Achintha Deshan 23, Kanishka Gamage 20, Ravishka Wijesiri 5/42, Ravindu Rasanka 3/20)

Lumbini: 166 (152/9 o/n) in 77.2 overs (Prabashwara Gamlath 49, Tharusha Nimhara 34, Nipun Dhananjaya 6/43) and 44/0 in 9.2 overs (Prabashana Gamlath 26 n.o.)

 At Dehiwala: Kalutara Vidyalaya won by inns & 34 runs.

S. de S. Jayasinghe Central Dehiwala: 126 in 52.1 overs (Dilshan Kavinda 40, Isuru Ushantha 24, Shaveen Dilmin 5/14, Vismika Costa 2/33) and 145 in 35.5 overs (Ravindu Udayanga 35, Himantha Keshan 24, Dilshan Kavinda 24, Shaveen Dilmin 5/39)

Kalutara Vidyalaya: 305/7 decl. in 46.5 overs (Avishka Lakshan 103, Praboth Wanigasinghe 59, Vishara Fernando 55, Krishan Viranga 44, Gihan Sanjana 20, Nidul Dulnath 4/79, Dilshan Kavinda 2/45)

At Bentota: Ananda Sastralaya Matugama won by inns & 4 runs.

Gamini NS Bentota: 74 and 136 (22/1 o/n) in 40 overs (Pasindu Niroshan 29, Umesh Dinujaya 25, Pasindu Bhashana 5/60, Ulindu Prabashwara 3/55)

Ananda Sastralaya Matugama: 214.

DAY ONE SCORES

 At Kurunegala: Maliyadeva: 153 in 43 overs (Brian Karunanayake 84, Supun Sumanaratne 26, Upendra Warnakulasuriya 5/32, Thushan Bandara 2/33)

Dharmaraja: 131/5 at close in 39.2 overs (Yasitha Samararatne 36, Sachintha Senanayake 22, Maduranga Naveen 2/41)

At Anuradhapura: P. de S. Kularatne MV Ambalangoda: 293 in 93.1 overs (Lakila Tehan 63, Umindu Nimsara 43, Tharindu Harshana 33 n.o., Kaveesha Sathsara 32, Kalpa Harshajith 24, Rusith Dilshan 2/29, Wageesha Herath 2/45) vs Anuradhapura Central College

At Gankanda: Gankanda Central: 248 in 63 overs (Pubudu Shashi 110, Dinusha Pathirana 36, Sachith Madhuranga 34, Pethum Shanaka 33, Rasika Chathuranga 4/73, Viraj Bandara 3/41, Dilmika Dodanthanne 2/23) vs

Nugawela Central Nugawela

At Bandarawela: Bandarawela Central: 224/7 in 72 overs (Lakshan Shalinda 67 n.o., Pasindu Shamil 28 n.o., Chanthuka Janith 25, Nadun Kavshalya 21, Sachith Ratnayake 20, Ishan Malinga 2/34, Hirusha Viduranga 2/27) vs Seevali MMV, Ratnapura

 At Prison ground Pallekele:

Sri Sumangala Kandy: 150/5 in 51 overs (Shemel Niradya 45, Chamara Bandara 41 n.o., Umega Silva 24) vs

C.W.W. Kannangara MV Colombo - YK

This week heralds the onset of Big Match Fever. An ‘affliction’ which is contrary to it’s literal meaning. Instead, it raises the spirits and engenders revelry and camaraderie and hopefully healthy competition.

It is fair game for students after a gruelling term of study to let loose and deservedly enjoy. It brings to the Big Match Theater old boys of the schools, parents, and admirers many of them of the fair sex.

One cannot grudge the festive atmosphere as it creates the occasion for musical accompaniment of every fine stroke, a sixer, a boundary, a yorker, a googly, a bouncer, a doosra, a daring run-out or a dexterous catch. In the midst of all this a touch of cricketing romance gets into the mix. Call it a mixed grill fully worth indulging in!

This year further impetus is being provided by the sponsorship of renowned Big Matches by Dialog Axiata who are the country’s leading sports promoters as well as the prime sponsors of Sri Lanka’s Cricket team.

And then there is Hatton National Bank who are powering the 85th ‘Battle of the Blues’ between the two leading saints, St.Peter and St.Joseph. The other day it was pleasing to see the presentation of sponsorship cheques by the Chief Executive and MD of HNB Jonathon Alles, a former Joes captain, a stylish left hand bat and also Head Prefect and brilliant student of the Darley Road school. He presented the cheque to the two schools’ Rectors Travis Gabriel and Trevor Martin.

Jonathan scored heavily in inter-school cricket had the talent needed and would have earned the Sri Lanka cap had he continued his promising cricket career but opted for Baking instead. Right so, I may add.

Back to the ‘Big Matches.’ Before the country attained Test status inter-school cricket was played by only a few schools. For instance this columnist’s school St. Benedict’s College played only seven matches in the first term and two before the pre season. Most schools played similarly.

But today with almost every school in the country taking to the game, they play nearly 20 matches during the pre season and season proper. Cricketers scoring 1000 runs and taking a near hundred wickets is now no big deal.

With the ‘BIG MATCH’ fever almost catching up, schoolboys travelling in buses and cars will have the flags of their respective schools fluttering and shouts ‘come on’ whatever the name of the school being cheered loud and clear.

Also on the days of the ‘BIG MATCHES’ it was customary for schoolboys to organize jalopies, take tills round and collect money to support their fun an frolic.

Also former cricketers who had played in these big matches and old boy supporters living abroad make it a pilgrimage to fly in their numbers to meet, greet and recalling old times and having a good time at the dinners and dances that are organized.

It was all good fun with hardly any out of line behavior. Sadly however, in recent times values have fallen taking a turn for the worst with some of the revelers misbehaving .

Of the ‘BIG MATCHES’ the one that undoubtedly ‘prized’ is the Royal-Thomian, tagged the ‘Battle of the Blues’ that has an over 100 year tradition and is still continued with great enthusiasm, nostalgia and emotion.

While incidents are many in these matches, one incident that is still vivid in my mind is the century made by T. Jothilingam for Royal probably in 1955. And that is that he allegedly consumed 17 glasses of water during that marathon and memorable innings which still remain as what could be called a record.

Incidentally it must be mentioned that Jothilingam was the son of the famous Queen’s Counsel T.Thiagalingam, Thiagalingam’s other sons were T.Parathalingam, T.Jayalingam and T.Nirmalingam. Sadly Jothilingam passed away in the prime of his life. Thiagalingam’s brothers were C. Nagalingam, C. Suntheralingam, Dr. C.Amirthalingam and C.Panchalingam. They had super class in their genes.

While Parathalingam, Jothilingam and Nirmalingam played for Royal, Jayalingam played for the school by the sea S.Thomas College. The four brothers were outstanding cricketers all playing for the Tamil Union. Parathalingam and Nirmalingam captained Royal.

Another ‘big match’ which is spoken about is the 1954 game known as the ‘Battle of the Kandyans’ between St.Anthony’s Kandy and Trinity College. That was the game when Antonian openers the one and only Abdul.C.M Lafir and Ronnie Stevens who put up an opening stand of 266 which still stands unbroken. Lafir made 175 and Stevens 120.

In school cricket, later in club cricket and when he played for Sri Lanka, Lafir was one of the most stylish right hand opening batsman that the cricket scene in the country had seen. We still remember his century and the opening stand as though it was yesterday.

‘BIG MATCHES’ have names coined like the Royal-Thomian being called the ‘Battle of the Blues’, the Joe-Pete called the ‘Battle of the Saints’ the Ananda-Nalanda called the ‘Battle of the Maroons’ and the Trinity-Antonian called the ‘Battle of the Kandyans’.

There are also other ‘big matches’ termed ‘Battle of the Babes’, ‘Battle of the Rocks’, ‘Battle of the Mangoosteens, ‘Battle of the Crabs’ and many more that don’t come to mind.

Surprisingly my school St. Benedict’s College failed to find a school to play a ’Big Match’. During the time of that sports loving Director Rev.Bro Alban Patrick who gave the turf wicket and imposing pavilion to schools sportsmen and which pavilion is now named in his honour and once in a life time Prefect of Games A. Gnanapragasam, was the battle between St. Benedict’s and the ‘Combined Sister Schools’.

The Sisters School comprised cricketers from other Christian brothers schools like St. Anne’s Kurunegala, St. Anthony’s Wattala, St. Sebastians, Moratuwa, De La Sale College, Mutwal and St.Mary’s Chilaw.

That game began in 1957 and ended prematurely when in 1961 owing to the schools take over made some of the Christian brothers schools Maha Vidyalayas. It was a sad end to a ‘Big Match’ that promised good, interesting and exciting cricket like do the other big matches.

In that final game with St.Benedict’s poised to chalk up a victory, Kingsley Fernando of St.Sebastian’s and Maximus Abeynaike of De La Salle who led the Sister Schools put up a stubborn stand to deprive SBC of a certain victory with Fernando making a magnificent 154 not out studded with strokes all round the wicket. I recall Abeynaike made an unbeaten half century.

Later on SBC managed to lure D.S. Senanayake to playing a ‘big match’. The game was played for a few years until after the usual one-day encounter the DSSC supporters there went berserk and the contests had to be abandoned.

By the way play a straight bat and enjoy life now. It has an expiry date on it.

erodrigopulle@gmail.com

Udayasooriyan Sports Club Football Team, Thirukkovil beat Supersonic Sports Club Football Team, Addalaichenai 1:0 in the final and emerged champions of the football match which was held at the Addalaichenai Government Teachers’ College Play grounds recently.

Addalaichenai Supersonic Sports Club President A.L.A.Fathah organized the match to mark Sri Lanka’s 71st National Independence Day. High Court Judge N.M.Abdullah was the chief guest on the occasion.

Addalaichenai Sports Officer M.H.M.Ashwath, Retired In-service Advisor N.Samsudeen, the Nintavur, Government Ayurvedic Research (NCD) Hospital Director Dr.K.L.M.Nagfer, former Addalaichenai Pradeshiya Sabha Member I.L.Munaff, Club Secretary and Addalaichenai National College of Education Lecturer A.R.M.Sathique, Supersonic Sports Club high ranking officials participated as the guests. Prizes for winners were distributed by the guests.

Addalaichenai Supersonic SC Athletic Leader M.L.M.Sajinas was the referee in this match.

A scincilating chanceless knock of 122 runs by the opener, wicket keeper and the Captain of Moratu Vidyalaya and the Sri Lanka Under 19 player. Nishan Madushka guided his alma mater to defeat Gurukula Vidyalaya Kelaniya by eight wickets in their school first eleven cricket encounter worked off at Moratuwa. Incidently this is their final game prior to their Big match with Panadura Sumangalians in the on going cricket season. Nishan had fourteen hits to the ropes and two over and occupied the crease for 245 minutes and faced 182 balls. He had a valuable fourth wicket partnership of 89 runs with Madushan Dilakshana who contributed 13 runs. With this century Nishan brought his tally to 1387 runs in thirteen matches at an average of 77.1.

Batting first visitors were all out for 134 runs with Eran Hansamal claiming 5 for 35 and in reply Vidyalians declared at 218 for 9 and in their second essay visitors were bowled out for 149 runs with Hansamal Capturing 4 for 67 and set to make 66 runs for an outright victory homesters notched up the required score for the loss of two wickets with Hashen Aditya unbeaten on 35 and Nishan Madushka scoring 29 runs.

Gurukula – 134 in 48.2 overs – (Praveen Nimesh 34, Sithija Chamod 33, Sathisha Ashan 26, Eran Hansamal 5/35, Rashna Kavishka 2/31) and 149 – (Praveen Nimesh 31, Nuwan Chanaka 25, Eran Hansamal 4/67, Rashan Kavishka 2/42).

Moratu Vidyalaya – 218/9 dec.-(Nishan Madushka 122, Janitha Sewmith 22, Praveen Nimesh 2/85, Nuwantha Madushan 2/44, Nuwan Chanaka 2/14) and 69/2 – (Hashen Adithya 35 n/o, Nishan Madushka 29).

Seylan Bank has once again extended its sponsorship as the official banking partner for the annual Royal-Thomian cricket encounter from March 7 to 9 at SSC ground.

The sponsorship cheque was handed over to Royal College Principal B. A. Abeyratne and S. Thomas’ College Warden Rev. Marc Bilimoria, by Seylan Bank Deputy General Manager – Retail Banking, Tilan Wijeyesekera, at Mihilaka Madura, BMICH recently.

The Royal - Thomian has a rich history and is also the second longest uninterrupted cricket series played in the world. Both teams have fortified their strengths over the years and ‘Battle of the Blues’ is one of the most celebrated school - level cricket played in Sri Lanka.

Commenting on Seylan Bank’s sponsorship, Gamika De Silva - Head of Marketing and Sales at Seylan Bank PLC said “We are extremely proud to announce our association with the 140 th Battle of the Blues as the Banking Partner for the second year.

The fourth year coloursman, all rounder and captain of Siri Piyarathna College, Padukka Ashan Jayasinghe became the second under 19 division two player to pass the 1,000 mark in the on going inter school cricket season and he was short of 30 runs when he walked into the middle in their inter school first eleven cricket match against Dudley Senanayake Vidyalaya and worked off at Horana and homesters beat them by 24 runs. Ashan scored 1032 runs in fifteen matches with 26 innings and unbeaten twice at an average of 43.1.

Siri Piyarathna - 187 in 61.2 overs - (Ashan Jayasinghe 62, Madushan Peiris 32, Ishan Danushka 3/16, Ravindu Malshan 3/40 and 66 - Githmin Kolambage 22, Avantha Lakshan 6/29, Ravindu Malshan 4/18)

Dudley Senanayake - 139 in 43.1 overs - (Mihindu Madushan 59, Anjana Chamod 24, madushan Peiris 5/44, Yasiru Dineth 2/7, Kavinda Ishwara 3/50) and 90 (Kushan Darmakeerthi 54, Kavinda Ishwara 7/32, Madushan Peiris 2/48)

Chitra House collected a total of 456 points and won the Overall Athletic Championship Cup at the annual inter-house sports meet of Sri Sumangala Balika National School, Panadura, held at the college playground, recently.

Maya House with 388 points won the overall runner-up cup. Sumithra House with 346 points, was placed third and the fourth place was received by Anula House with 291 points.

The chief guest at the event was Sri Lanka Women’s Cricketer Chief/Co-ordinator Mrs Apsari Tillakaratne and the Kalutara Zonal Director of Education Mrs O M V Priyani Mudalige and the Panadura Divisional Director of Education M N H Thilak de Silva graced the occasion.

Principals of Wadduwa Central College, St. John’s College, Panadura Royal College, Panadura, Mahanama MV and several other school representatives too were in attendance.

Six best athletes were awarded championship cups for their achievements displayed at the sports meet.

A Induni Upnya de Silva (under 12) of Chitra House, I A D Nilumi Pambasara (under 14) of Maya House, K A Benuli Pasodara (under 16) and Nisuli Sasvindi (under 16) of Sumithra House, G A Vibhathi Fernando (under 18) of Chitra House and D A Amandi Malneththi Wijesekara (College’s Vice Captain of Sports) were felicitated and awarded cups.

Mrs Devika Gunasekara, Mrs M A Hasara Savindi Parakrama, Mrs Nalini Alwis and Mrs Chandrika Suriyarachchi organized the Sports Festival under the direction and instructions of its Principal Mrs A D D S Nepala.

Championship and Runner-up Cups for the best houses were distributed by the chief guest Mrs Apsari Tillakaratne with the Principal Mrs Nepala.

The significant difference in this Battle of the Maroons cricketing encounter is the friendly atmosphere not only in the ground but also off the field as supporters of both schools have used this opportunity to strengthen their friendship and co-operation. This unique gesture of course is a real example to others as well.

This Battle of the Maroons brings back undying memories of other “Battles” that thrilled us in yesteryears.

One such memorable occasion that comes to mind is the second day of play in that gutty clash of the Maroons in the year 1963, when Nalanda was faced with a challenge task of making 114 runs in 90 minutes of play after tea, without the present day 20 mandatory overs. This match saw a great display of batting by Nihal de Silva and Mahinda Bogalagama who cut, glanced and dispatched the ball to all parts of the Oval with fours and sixes.

Nalanda who faced defeat would have won the day had jubilant spectators not invaded the field.

In 1965, the Nalanda team consisting of greats, like Shanthi Peiris, Laksman Jayawardana, Wasantha Seneviratne, Cholmondeley Amarasekara were bundled out by the spin and the medium pace of Ananda’s AG Perera and Lalith Gunaratne, preventing Nalanda from getting the 144 runs from lunch time.

In 1966 Anura de Silva of Nalanda, in his nervous nineties, could not steady himself to complete the century, offering a catch to Tilak de Silva.

Another glorious flashback is the impeccable mastery of batting by Sunil Wettimuny of Ananda in 1968 when he scored a scintillating 96 with drives all along the ground not lifting the ball depicting his masterly technicalities of the game. Yet while set for a glorious century the rush of blood made him lift the ball for a six and was caught at deep midwicket by Leslie Narangoda off the bowling of Anura de Silva. Such was the penalty for haste.

In that same encounter, the two Seneviratne brothers Palitha and Jayantha kept the spectators spell-bound by their display of batting when they amassed the almost impossible score of 102 to rescue Nalanda from defeat, personifying the grit and determination required when faced with defeat.

My thoughts take me to the clashes of the year 1972 when both Ananda and Nalanda were studded with fiery bowlers such as HDK Subash, Ajith de Silva, Priyantha Seneviratne, USI Perera (Ananda) came down on the Nalandians when Bandula Warnapura heroically faced the barrage of bowling to break a 46-year-old record of 111, by scoring 118. He established a first wicket partnership of 129 runs with Nalin Jayasinghe. Determination was the hallmark of these batsmen.

The 1973 encounter spearheaded by Priyanka Seneviratne (Ananda) and Dammika Samarawickrama was another unforgettable battle between bat and ball. When Ananda having scored 162 in the first innings and Nalanda 241 put in Ananda to bat with a first innings lead of 79 runs.

The fireworks started when Wasantha Chandrasekera took the wicket of Lalith Ranatunga before scoring and the scoreboard reading 0-1.

The next four Nalandian stroke makers were dismissed for a paltry 15 runs by speed merchants Palitha Amarasekera and Wasantha Chandrasekera who were at the height of form and capable of dismissing the tailenders for even less than 15 runs.

But the rain that came down in buckets rescued Ananda from a humiliating defeat. I have still to see the likes of Palitha Amarasekara and Wasantha Chadrasekara. When will there be another pair of that cricketing calibre.

The year 1975 saw the bowling display by young Anura Ranasinghe who broke the 35 year old record of P W Perera (8 for 51) by taking eight Anandian wickets for 36 runs. He entered the score book as the bowler with the most number of wickets in an innings up to then. Anura Ranasinghe followed this bowling feat with a sparkling score of 47 runs. His display of batting was ended by a fantastic catch taken by Kushil Gunasekara which brought the spectators to their feet, applauding the magical manner of the superb catch.

In 1978 Prasanna Amarasinghe lowered the record of Bandula Warnapura by scoring 126 runs.

This encounter was full of batting prowess. Susantha Karunaratna, Anura Ranasinghe, Bandula de Silva and Roshan Gunaratna making lavish scores that took to pieces the Nalanda attack. My mind goes back to 1982 when a fresher Manjula Thenuwara skittled the Nalanda brigade by his unpredictable spin which sent seven Nalandians back to the pavilion.

Then 1984 was an unforgettable year for Nalanda when that indomitable schoolboy, the cricketing prodigy Roshan Mahanama created an indelible record of 145.

My memory harks back to the Big Match of 1997.

Nalanda were badly placed at 56 for 3. Then came the classic innings of Nalanda skipper Shantha Kalawitigoda which lit up the grounds. He scored a brilliant 149 off 150 balls in 165 minutes bettering the record held by Sri Lanka Test cap Roshan Mahanama of 145. Kalawitigoda’s innings had 17 boundaries. Kalawitigoda and fresher Mevan Porage went on to make a useful fifth wicket stand of 114 runs in 81 minutes. Porage, usually a hard-hitter of the ball, played the patient partner to his inform captain Kalawitigoda, scoring 28 runs in 92 minutes. Porage’s tolerant innings serves as an example for young up and coming cricketers.

The 85th Battle of the Saints between St. Peter’s College and St. Joseph’s College will unfold with usual comradeship at P.Sara Oval today and tomorrow.

Two days of exciting cricket can be expected from these two Catholic schools, even though St. Peter’s College has a slight edge due to their recent purple-patch leading up to the ‘Big Match’. Meanwhile St. Joseph’s will try hard to turn tables on the Peterites and bring a victory to the Darley Road school.

The two prestigious institutions will battle it out for the Rev.Fr. Maurice LeGoc trophy, which started way back in 1933 with St. Joseph’s College winning the inaugural clash. Robert Fernando led St. Joseph’s College in the first encounter while George Jayaweera led St. Peter’s College. Rev.Fr. Maurice Le Goc was the rector of both schools and the trophy for the ‘Big’ match is named in his honour. He first served at St. Joseph’s College and then went on to become the first rector at St. Peter’s College.

Out of the 84 matches played between these two great cricketing schools so far St. Joseph’s lead the tally with 12 wins while St. Peter’s have won on 10 occasions with 62 matches ending in draws.

St. Joseph’s last won the 74th Battle of the Saints under the leadership of Ruwantha Fernandopulle in 2008 and St. Peter’s won the 82nd Battle of the Saints under all rounder Vinu Mohotti’s captaincy in 2016.

The highest total in the ‘Battle of the Saints’ series is by St Joseph’s when they made 382 in 1982 under the leadership of Ken Serpanchy. The highest Peterite total was in 1938 under Percy Perera where they accumulated 345 runs.

St.Peter’s were bowled out for a paltry score of 36 in 1972 and incidentally this remains the lowest score of the series. St. Joseph’s lowest score was 56 in 1938. The highest individual score of the series is 204 by Clive Inman in 1954 and the best bowling figures for an inning is 9 for 41 by Shenal Warnakula of St Joseph’s in 1997. St.Peters will be led by all rounder Ranmith Jayasena and they’ve had a good season recording two outright wins and a solitary outright defeat as well.

Spinners Kanishka Maduwantha and Ruvin Seneviratne have brought many strong batting lineups down to their knees as they have taken close to 120 wickets between them this season. If these two bowlers show the same form St. Joseph’s will have a difficult time.

The two pillars of the Peterite batting are last years skipper and Sri Lanka national under 19 World cup player right hander Santhush Gunathilake who tops the batting with nearly 1350 runs while captain cum left handed batsmen Ranmith Jayasena with a tally of over 700 runs.

The other top scorers are Dineth Anjula nearly 500 runs, Banuka de Silva over 400 runs and Nipunaka Fonseka close to 400 runs. They will be expected to make their contributions to bolster the Peterite score. They have got their team off to blazing starts many times this season and they will be itching to continue the trend this weekend in the most important big match as well. Former St.Peter’s 1st XI skipper and Sri Lanka cricketer Malinda Warnapura who coaches the Peterites said, “We have won two games outright this year due to having a balanced side and we go out as slight favourites with Santhush and Ranmith leading the way in the batting department. We are also have Shanaka Fernando as assistant coach and a brilliant bowling coach in Crishantha Peiris. He (Peiris) has produced two wicket-taking match winners in spinners Maduwantha who has got over 65 wickets under his belt and Ruwin 55 scalps.

This is the main reason we have achieved two outright wins along with our batters this season. We will try our level best to play a good brand of cricket and since this is a big match, like I always say whoever absorbs the pressure in the end will come out on top.”

Dineth Jayakody, Johanne de Zilva, Sheran Fonseka Shevon Daniel’s success with the bat will be very vital for the Josephian’s chances of regaining the trophy. Dineth is the top run-scorer for the Darley Road boys with over 700 runs this season while Johanne, Sheran and Shevon Daniel have scored over 1500 runs.

Meanwhile Salinda Seneviratne together with Miranga Wickramage and Ashien Daniel have been lethal throughout the season taking over 120 wickets among them.

“Both sides are very strong and have done well this season. Batting is our strength with our batters doing really well in the ongoing school season along with our bowlers,” said veteran Sri Lanka test cricketer cum Josephian coach Roger Wijesuriya. “I am trying my best to see the match ends on a good note”.

With the first-innings restricted to 60 over’s per side since year 2000, both these teams will have an equal opportunity to produce a noteworthy team performance and win the game, but most of the matches at P. Sara Oval have produced high scores even though the bowlers had enjoyed the surface.

St. Peter’s probable squad : Ranmith Jayasena (Captain), Santhush Gunathilake, Ruvin Seneviratne, Trishen Wickramasinghe, Shannon Fernando, Kanishka Maduwantha, Shivaan Perera, Nipunaka Fonseka, Wanuja Kumara, Dinith Anjula, Vinuda Liyanage, Tariq Saboor, Rishika Dawatage, Lakshane Rodrigo,Himsara Randeniya, Banuka De Silva, Prabhasara Herath, Shenal Boteju.

St. Joseph’s probable squad : Ashain Daniel (Captain), Lakshan Gamage , Ashan De Alwis, Miranga Wickramage, Dinal Anuradha, Shevon Daniel, Vesith Rupasinghe, Dilesh Perera, Johanne De Zilva, Rishitha Perera, Shevaan Rasool, Dineth Jayakody, Dunith Wellalage, Sachintha Ravindu, Shalinda Seneviratne

Laws will be introduced soon to curb match fixing, Telecommunication, Foreign Employment and Sports Minister Harin Fernando said.

Addressing the opening of new SLADA building in Colombo yesterday the Minister said that at the moment there is no law in Sri Lanka to punish for match fixing.

“Now the Legal Draftsman has completed all laws. The law will be presented to Parliament soon. Sri Lanka will be the first country in the region to introduce the law,” he said.

According to Minister Fernando, once the laws are enacted, a minimum of five years imprisonment and a maximum of five million rupees fine can be imposed against the offence of match fixing.

“We need to educate the children on these issues and not to punish them,” the Minister said. He pointed out that still children in villages do not know what doping is. “Sometimes the coaches may put something into the mouths of children in order to get popularity for them. There are very talented school children in villages. The ICC banned a cricketer we love. Now school children who do sports have become professionals. Nowadays sportsmen do sports for money,” the Minister said.

Madhuranga Naveen of Maliyadeva College Kurunegala took a match bag of 10 wickets against Dharmaraja College Kandy in their Singer Trophy Under 19 inter-schools cricket match which ended in a draw at Kurunegala yesterday.

All the other matches were also drawn.

RESULTS:

n At Kurunegala: Match drawn.

Maliyadeva: 153 and 138 in 48.4 overs (Brian Karunanayake 36, Supun Sumanarathne 21, Mudhitha Premadasa 21, Sahan Siriwardane 4/39, Upendra Warnakulasuriya 3/60)

Dharmaraja: 176 (131/5 o/n) in 55.3 overs (Yasitha Samararathne 36, Dhanuka Marasinghe 24, Sachintha Senanayake 22, Maduranga Naveen 5/59, Gayantha Wikramarachchi 2/18) and 92/9 in 33 overs (Sachintha Senanayake 22, Maduranga Naveen 5/18, Nikila Darmadasa 4/43)

n At Anuradhapura: Match drawn.

P. de S. Kularatne MV Ambalangoda: 293 and 159/8 in 45 overs (Kaveesha Sathsara 55, Tharindu Harshana 40 n.o., Lakila Tehan 23, Wageesha Herath 3/25, Rusith Dilshan 3/59)

Anuradhapura Central: 132 in 49.5 overs (Chamodya Induwara 38, Indika Madushan 26, Ashan Kavindu 23, Thaveesh Sathsara 5/30, Charith Chiranjeewa 2/38)

n At Gankanda: Match drawn.

Gankanda Central: 248 and 110 in 39 overs (Chathuranga Sandeepa 30, Induwara Polkotuwa 4/40, Viraj Bandara 2/21)

Nugawela Central: 123 in 40.1 overs (Nadeshka Bandara 30, Pubudu Shashi 5/69, Chathuranga Sandeepa 2/8) and 129/8 in 26 overs (Viraj Bandara 63, Nadeshka Bandara 29, Pubudu Shashi 4/65, Chathuranga Sandeepa 2/25)

n At Bandarawela: Match drawn.

Bandarawela Central: 279 (224/7 o/n) in 88.2 overs (Lakshan Shalinda 97 n.o., Pasindu Shamil 28, Chanthuka Janith 25, Nadun Kavshalya 21, Sachith Rathnayake 20, Hirusha Viduranga 3/37, Nuwin Charula 2/35, Eshan Malinga 2/61)

Seevali MMV Ratnapura: 179/3 in 55 overs (Luvin Charula 72, Himantha Udakara 29, Mithila Malhara 26 n.o., Sukitha Damsara 23 n.o.)

n At Prison ground Pallekele: Match drawn.

Sri Sumangala Kandy: 246 (150/5 o/n) in 80 overs (Chamara Bandara 54, Shemel Niradya 45, Malintha Bandara 46, Umega Silva 24, Isuru Sampath 23, Pasindu Kumara 3/41, Gimhan Kumara 2/37) and 64/3 in 22 overs (Heshan Shanaka 3/28)

C.W.W. Kannangara MV: 145 in 43.1 overs (Pasindu Kumara 59, Lakshitha Dilshan 26, Thimira Akalanka 4/27, Tharusha Supun 3/19, Shemel Niradya 2/18)

DAY ONE SCORES

n At Moratuwa: Prince of Wales Moratuwa: 77 in 33.5 overs (Devaka Peiris 34 n.o., Achintha Supun 3/9, Roshen Perera 3/13, Pawantha Weerasinghe 2/11)

Mahanama: 211 in 56.4 overs (Pawantha Weerasinghe 62, Vinuka Rubasinghe 60, Pavan Ratnayake 26, Sonal Gamage 22, Kawmal Nanayakkara 5/70, Lakshan Perera 2/27, Suvath Mendis 2/49)

n At Sooriyawewa: Devapathiraja Ratgama: 156 in 71.2 overs (Jeewaka Shashen 56, Pawan Sandesh 24, Sudeera Weerarathne 21, Samudu Pramod 7/48 Chamindu Anushka 2/40)

Sri Devananda Ambalangoda: 45/3 at close in 21 overs (Pawan Sandesh 2/5)

n At Jaffna: Hindu Jaffna: 264 in 63 overs (Mahadevan Kobiram 98, Arikaram Varoom 50, Natgunaraja Ingaran 23, Suresh Birunthavan 21, M. Sinthujan 5/58, S. Navarangan 2/36, R. Vithagan 2/45)

Jaffna College: 99/7 at close in 36 overs (M. Sinthujan 39 n.o., Mahadevan Kobiram 3/25)

nAt Balapitiya: Shastrananda MV Dehiwala: 207 in 80.3 overs (Nimesh Kavindu 35, Dinusha Sandeepa 32, Prasad Dilruksha 24, Sasindu Nimesha 3/27, Dinal Kavinda 2/47)

Siddhartha Balapitiya: 34/2 at close in 16 overs (Tharindu Madushan 29 n.o.) - YK

S. Thomas’ College Mt. Lavinia scored a shocking 20 points (2 tries, 2 conversions) to 19 (3 tries, 2 conversions) win over spirited St. Peter’s College who played without their suspended head coach Sanath Martis pending inquiry in their Singer ‘A’ Division inter-schools league rugby tournament first round match at Mt. Lavinia yesterday.

Peterites led 14 points to nil at half time.

After being contained in the first half of the game the Thomian forwards along with their speedy three quarters led by hard working captain Harith Senanayake came up with a sterling display in the second half to outplay their counterparts in the loose and the midfield.

For S.Thomas’ the two tries were scored by prop forward Lashendra de Silva (one) and wing three quarter Ishak Sadathulla (one). The two conversions and the two penalties were fired across by fly half Jaan de Zoysa.

For St.Peter’s their three tries were scored by wing three quarter Sandesh de Mel, centre three quarter Ravin de Silva and prop forward Julian Charles one apiece with full back Thenuka Nanayakkara slotting in the two conversions.

Joes hard fought win over Science

In another match St. Joseph’s College Maradana scored a hard fought 20 points to 14 win over Science College team in their Singer ‘A’ division inter-schools league rugby tournament first round match played at CR & FC grounds, Longden Place yesterday.

St.Joseph’s led 15 points to 9 at half time.

Thurstan College Colombo were in command on the first day of their Singer trophy under 19 division one inter schools 2-day knockout cricket match against St. Servatius College Matara at Thurstan Road yesterday. Thurstan were bowled out for 283 runs in 79.4 overs with Ayesh Harshana scoring 71 and Ranesh Silva 51.

St. Servatius in reply had lost three wickets for 18 by the close with Bhawantha Jayasinghe capturing 2 wickets for 5 runs. The match will be continued today.

nAt Thurstan Road: Thurstan: 283 in 79.4 overs (Ayesh Harshana 71, Ranesh Silva 51, Bawantha Jayasinghe 35, Yohan Liyanage 26, Nimesh Perera 26, Chethaka Denuwan 2/31, Mateesha Madushan 2/33, Shashika Dulshan 2/70, Kesara Nuwantha 2/74)

St. Servatius Matara: 18/3 at close in 14 overs (Bhawantha Jayasinghe 2/5) – YK

Acapulco, Thursday: Rafael Nadal accused Nick Kyrgios of lacking respect “for the public, the opponent and himself” after a stormy defeat to the Australian firebrand at the Mexico Open.

Kyrgios survived three match points to beat top-seeded Nadal 3-6, 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (8/6) on Wednesday and reach the quarter-finals.

However, 17-time major winner Nadal was furious with Kyrgios who at one stage complained of being sick, served underarm late in the match before cupping his ear to the boos of the crowd at the conclusion of the second round tie.

“He is a player with huge talent and could be winning Grand Slams or fighting for the number one ranking,” said Nadal.

“But he lacks respect for the public, the opponent and for himself.”

Kyrgios, ranked 72 in the world, hit back at Nadal.

“I’m different, Rafa’s different. He can focus on what he needs to do. He doesn’t know the journey I have been on, he doesn’t know anything about me,” said Kyrgios who famously stunned Nadal as a teenager at Wimbledon in 2014. “I am not going to listen at all. That’s the way I play. The way he plays is very slow between points. AFP

Sri Lanka opening batsman Dimuth Karunaratne will join Hampshire as their overseas player until the start of the T20 Blast in mid-July.

Karunaratne, 30, was appointed stand-in captain for Sri Lanka’s surprise 2-0 series win in South Africa this month.

The left-hander has scored eight centuries in 60 Tests for his country.

“It’s a great coup to have him here,” Hampshire director of cricket Giles While said. “Dimuth is a perfect fit for us as a top-order batsman.”

Karunaratne replaced injured Dinesh Chandimal as skipper for the Tests in South Africa, and also played in series against England, New Zealand and Australia this winter.

He will be available for 10 County Championship fixtures and the 50-over One-Day Cup for Hampshire.

“Dimuth isn’t involved in Sri Lanka’s white-ball side, so he’ll be with us during that period of the World Cup,” White told BBC Radio Solent.

“Availability and a top-order batsman were the key factors when we were looking for an overseas player, so we’re delighted to welcome him for what will be his first taste of county cricket.

“He’s in great form this winter and just led his country to an historic series win away from home.” – BBC

The Akkaraipattu Divisional Team became Ampara district carrom champions when they beat Nintavur Divisional Team in the finals of the carrom tournament conducted by the District Sports Officer M.I.M.Ameer Ali which was played at the South Eastern University of Sri Lanka (SEUSL), Oluvil recently.

The champion Akkaraipattu Divisional team will now take part in the Provincial level competition which will be conducted by the Sports Ministry.

The victorious Akkaraipattu Divisional team included captain M.H.Jainudeen, N.T.Naleem, I.L.Shaifdeen, M.M.Mubeen, I.L.Sajith and M.A.Suhaib.

The winners of the Kandy Sports Club v Havelock Sports Club game on Sunday afternoon at Havelock Park will be crowned the rugby league champions. All points to this being the match of the year. These two sides faced off in the first and second leg and finished with a win each. Last weekend Kandy SC beat CH and FC and Havelock SC beat CR and FC. Against CH and FC, Kandy had plenty of possession but turnovers were too frequent to be able to build pressure, their defence was good for long periods and that put themselves in a position to win by 31-13.They were disciplined on the day, as well. That discipline cost them with a couple of defensive lapses in the first half but they covered it in the second half. If Kandy front up and play smart they can turn the game in their favour. They will look to experienced players to steer them. Havelock SC who last won the league in 2012, have this season achieved performed so well as to top the table. Head-to-head: The battle between the two number eights will be interesting as both play crucial roles for their respective sides. Both fly halves are impressive with ball in hand and will be expected to get their teams over the advantage line with some strong carry. Prediction: There's little separating these sides and it's difficult to predict a winner but can believe home ground advantage will swing things in Havies’ favour. It will be close but the Kandy SC XV knows how to win crucial matches.

All Kandy schools are at their best

This season, the Singer Schools Rugby League 2019 is expected to continue for five straight weeks and all Kandy schools feature in the different divisions divided into groups for the first round. In the first round, each of them will play each other in the group and the top 4 finishers will make it to the Cup championship. The bottom of each group will make it to the Plate championship. There's no doubt that the popularity of rugby among Kandy school students is growing quickly. From scrums to rucks to mauls, the sport's physical and fast paced nature has athletes hooked. All schools are ready to give a good performance. Kingswood is led by Milan Weerasinghe, Trinity by Reshan Bandaranayake, St. Anthony’s by Mohamed Makarim, Vidyartha by H.M.K. Bandara, Dharmaraja by Manuka Hiyarapitiya, St. Sylvester’s by Dilanka Iroshana, Sri Sumangala by Amesh Jayasinghe and Sri Rahula has still to name their captain.

Big Match fever in Kandy

The first big match of the hill country will be on Friday March 8 and 9 at Katugastota between Trinity and St. Anthony’s, which will be the 102nd encounter known as the Hill Country Battle of the Blues. It is one of the most looked forward annual school cricket match and played since 1914. It is the second oldest cricket encounter of Kandy. This encounter is played for the John Halangoda Memorial Trophy and is awarded to the team who manages to win the match by means of an outright win or failing that, a first innings win. The 1993 Antonian captain Mohamed Ajaz will be the chief guest.

Clifford Cup rugby Kandy SC matches at Pallekelle

The Clifford Cup rugby knockouts will kick off from mid March and all Kandy SC matches will be played at Trinity College grounds Pallekele. This is the most prestigious club rugby knockout tournament and arguably the oldest in Asia.

Trinity in Maradana today

Trinity College will be in Maradana to play their first inter school rugger match against Zahira College, kick off is set for 4.30 pm. So, a thrilling game of rugby is in store for rugby fans when these two schools scrum down in the first inter school match. In last year’s game played at Pallkelle grounds Trinity won by 34 points to 15.

It will be interesting to see how both side who are coming out for the first time, will handle the ball. Whatever said and done both schools are famous for playing good quality rugby. Trinity’s asset is their mobile pack which is about the best equipped with some talented players and should deliver the goods. Trinity will also rely more on their speedy outsides. The Zahirians one of the oldest rugby playing schools, will be fielding their best outfit. They will be at full strength to present an exciting game, their speedy three quarters who are good ball handlers, should control the game.

St. Anthony’s v Isipathana

St. Anthony’s will open their inter school rugby season against Isipathana College at Havelock Park at 4.00 pm today. A rousing game is on the cards when these two schools clash. This is the first game for both schools, and the players will be all-out to give off their best. St. Anthony’s are coached by former Kingswoodian Ronny Ibrahim. For the Antonians to gain maximum possession will be of importance if they are to hold the Pathanians off. Isipathana are coached by an Old Antonian Nihal “Viper” Gunaratne. It all points to a battle of wits between Antonian forwards and Pathanians power play.

Vidyartha v Mahanama at Nittawela

Mahanama College will be in the hills today to meet Vidyartha College in their first inter school rugby match of the season at Nittawela grounds. Vidyartha who under two good coaches are sure to play good quality rugby and attack will be their forte. It will be nice to see them making moves from their own 22 meters, but they should run the ball down the line to make attacking moves. Mahanama College too is blessed with an array of talented players who will go all out to give their opponents a good run.

Kingswood vs Wesley for Blaze trophy on Sunday

Rugby enthusiasts in Kandy will get the opportunity of witnessing two top teams in action on Sunday when Kingswood and Wesley clash for the annual L.E. Blaze memorial trophy. This trophy was introduced in 1986 in memory of the founder and the man who introduced rugby to Kingswood, the trophy was donated by one of Kandy’s renowned sports promoters late Roy de Silva. This is the first outing for the two teams.

Trinity inter-house football tournament

The annual Trinity College inter-house football tournament took place on 23 February at the Trinity College Rugby Stadium, Pallekele. The tournament was split into senior and junior matches, with a total of 10 teams, representing the 5 senior and junior houses. The tournament kicked off with the 5 junior house teams battling each other for victory, the young footballers gave a good display. The junior tournament ended with Squealary House pocketing the championship with 3 wins. Other placings – 2nd Place – Sahayam House, 3rd Place – Pilcher House, 4th Place – Saunders House and 5th Place – Gibson House. In the senior tournament Central Boarding House and Simithraaratchy House became joint champions. Final results 1st Place – Central Boarding House & Simithraaratchy House, 2nd Place – Garrett House, 3rd Place – Oorloff House and 4th Place – Lemuel House.

Nimnaka Jayatilake captures 100 wickets

Antonian Nimnaka Jayatilake became the first cricketer from Kandy to take 100 wickets in the 2018/19 inter school cricket season. This talented bowler reached the 100-wicket mark after nine years. Nimnaka became the fourth bowler of his school (fifth occasion) to reach the 100-wicket milestone, and the first since Aravinda Premaratne in 2010/11. Muthiah Muralitharan achieved this feat twice in successive seasons (1989/90 and 1990/91) and Sajith Fernando in 1991/92. Nimnaka Jayatilake, learnt his cricket at Chandranada Buddhist School under Deelipa Sumanaratne, after playing senior cricket he was invited by the Katugastota school to join them.

Road Race, 2019

With many hard days of training athletes of Trinity gathered around to run the 4km road race where 75 participated. 15 athletes were allowed from each house.

The route was from the school chapel to the Sri Dalada Thapowana Vihara Mawatha (past Udawattakele) to Sri Dhamma Dhassi Mawatha, past Vidyartha College Primary School and through Lady Gordon’s Drive and down the same path to the finishing line at the chapel.

The top 10 athletes were M.N. Divyan (Simithraaratchy), Sanuda Gunawardena (CBH), N.A. Perera (Oorloff), Koojana Kulatunge (Lemuel), Abidh Jameel (Garrett), U. Nevilraj (CBH), S.M. Akash (CBH), D.C. Delician (CBH), S. Aluwihare (Simithraaratchy) and Reshan Bandaranayake (Lemuel). The overall results were 1st Place – Central Boarding House, 2nd Place – Garrett House, 3rd Place – Oorloff House, 4th Place – Simithraaratchy House and 5th Place – Lemuel House

Antonian-Trinity mini battle on March 4 and 5

The St. Anthony’s v Trinity mini cricket battle played between the 2nd XI teams will take place on March 4 and 5 at the Asgiriya Stadium. Last year’s match played at Katugastota ended in a draw.

Dharmaraja-Maliyadeva drawn

The Under 19 traditional cricket match between Dharmaraja and Maliyadeva played at the Maliyadeva grounds, Kurunegala ended in a draw. Scores: Maliyadeva 153 (43 overs) and 138 (48.4); Dharmaraja 176 (55.3) and 92 for 9 (33).

Duncan White remembered on his birthday

The late Duncan White, who was born on 1st March 1918 and departed on 3 July 1998, was remembered in Kandy on his birthday. He is an athlete who has left an indelible mark in Sri Lanka's sporting history. White was the first Ceylonese athlete to win a medal in an Olympic event.

He won silver in the 400-metre hurdles at the 1948 summer Olympics in England. He was also the only South Asian to have won an Olympic medal in track and field at that time. White though he was born in Lathpandura near Kalutara, was educated at Trinity College, Kandy where he was awarded the 'Trinity Lion' for athletics.

He won his Olympic medal the same year Ceylon gained independence from Britain. He was awarded the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 1949. Later in 1988 he was honored with a postage stamp.

William Weerasinghe’s 20th death anniversary

William Weerasinghe was remembered on his 20th death anniversary which false on the first week of March.

Weerasinghe who hailed from down South studied at Dharmaraja College in his last stages of schooling and was involved in Kandy’s football, hockey and with Kandy RFC rugby. Later he was involved with Kandy SC when they were amalgamated. Known as Weera he was one time committee member, Vice President and team manager of Kandy SC. Today his son Mahesh Weerasinghe is the president of Kandy SC.

Thurstan College’s rugby will be powered by HNB Finance for the second consecutive year with the support of Thurstan College Trust fund and the Thurstan College School Development Society in association with the Senior and the Junior Old Boy’s Union’s along with many batches and groups young and old.

The ever demanding financial burden is a tough task for a government school to handle but Thurstanites are confident to make an impact among the leading rugby playing schools in the country this year.

Thurstan fields a strong team in 2019 and is determined to perform well to earn its place in the Segment 1 Division A. Former Thomian ruggerite Rohitha Rajapaksa is assisting the Thurstanites as the Rugby Consultant and former Thurstanite Sasanka Ariyaratne who captained in 2007 and played for CR & FC and presently for CH & FC is the coach and the trainer.

Thurstan are determined to be force to reckon with and commenced their season with a match against C.W.W. Kannangara at Thurstan College grounds yesterday.

The rest of the fixtures for the season are: v Dharmaraja College, Kandy at Pallekele grounds on 9 March, v St. Sylvester’s College, Kandy at Pallekele grounds on 18 March, v Vidyartha College at Thurstan College grounds on 25 March.