In the 5th annual mini battle between the 2nd XI teams of Trinity College and St. Anthony’s College took place on 3rd and 4th at the Asgiriya Stadium, and Trinity college ‘A’ team came out as winners. Where the best batsman and Man of the Match Agbo Amarasinghe of Trinity College helped his school to beat their arch rivals St. Anthony’s College in their annual mini battle played by the two 2nd XI teams. The best bowler’s award went to Kavidu Dias, Fielder Ranuda Somarathne Best all Rounder Nagitha Wijesooriya all from Trinity College.

Trinity won the toss and invited St .Anthony’s College to take the first turn of the wicket they made 174 all out in 56 overs

Lasith Werellegama 49, Ranmal Narampanawa and Kavindu Dias took three wickets each and in the second innings 112 all out in 31.5 overs Mohamed Rukshan 31, Kavindu Dias and Nagitha Wijesundara took four wickets each.

Trinity in their turn made 206 all out in 47 overs Agbo Amarasinghe top scored with 108 in 134 balls. Tharindu Hewage and Chamindu Samarasinghe took threE wickets each. And in the 2nd innings 81/ 4

St Anthony’s College ‘A’ -174 all out in 56 overs Lasith Werellegama 49, Mohomed Rukshan 31, Ranmal Narampanawa 3/31 Kavindu Dias 3/33 and112 all out in 31.5 overs Mohamed Rukshan 31, Kavindu Dias 4/23, Nagitha Wijesundara 4/27

Trinity College ‘A’ - 206 all out in 47 overs Agbo Amarasinghe 108, Tharindu Hewage 3/34, Chamindu Samarasinghe 3/48, Dinesh Ramaiyha 2/47, Gayan Samarasinghe2/26 and 81/ 4 in 28.4 overs Agbo Amarasinghe 26, Ranuda Somarathne 26,Deemantha Bandara 20 n.o

John Keells Properties has announced its official sponsorship of the Royal-Thomian ‘Big Match’ this year as the exclusive property partner for the 140th edition of the most-anticipated sporting event of the school calendar.

The annual ‘Battle of the Blues’, is scheduled this year to take place at the SSC from the 7th to the 9th of March. In partnering with Sri Lanka’s longest running and the world’s second longest uninterrupted cricket encounter, John Keells Properties is endorsing the legacy of comradery and sportsmanship bequeathed from generation to generation - a set of principles consistent with the strong set of corporate values the John Keells Group represents.

At a press conference held at the BMICH on Wednesday, the sponsorship cheque was handed over to B. A. Abeyratne, Principal of Royal College and Asanka Perera, Sub Warden of S. Thomas’ College by Ms. Roshanie Jayasundera-Moreas, Chief Marketing Officer and Nadeem Shums, Head of Sales of John Keells Properties.

DUBAI, Wednesday - Former Zimbabwe Cricket director Enock Ikope has been banned from the game for 10 years for corruption linked to the 2017 West Indies tour fix attempt.

Ikope was found guilty of breaching three counts of the the International Cricket Council’s Anti-Corruption Code.

Ikope’s suspension announced by the ICC on Wednesday follows the 20 year ban handed out to Rajan Nayer, a former senior Zimbabwe cricket official, in March 2018.

Nayer, the treasurer and marketing director of the Harare Metropolitan Cricket Association, admitted to offering Zimbabwe captain Graeme Cremer US$30,000 to fix the result of the Test series with the West Indies, which the visitors won.

Cremer informed then coach Heath Streak of the approach and the matter was referred to the ICC.

The ICC in a statement said Ikope had failed and obstructed to cooperate with its investigation, including the “deletion of data from his mobile phone before handing it over to the ICC’s anti-corruption tribunal.

ICC general manager Alex Marshall said: “Non-cooperation and obstruction of our investigations by participants to the Code are simply not acceptable and I hope this and other recent sanctions sends out a clear message to anyone involved in the sport.”

He added: “Once again we must thank an international captain, Graeme Cremer, for his absolute professionalism in recognizing the initial approach by Mr Nayer, rejecting and then reporting it.

“We are thankful to him and to Zimbabwe Cricket for all the help during the investigations.” – AFP

Elephant House and Keells Krest will once again delight fans at this year’s Royal-Thomian “Battle of the Blues” big match, which will be played between Royal College and S. Thomas’ College on March 7, 8 and 9, 2019, at the SSC Grounds in Colombo.

The Royal-Thomian “Battle of the Blues”, now in its 140th year, is the world’s second longest-running, uninterrupted school cricketing encounter and, as longtime supporters of this big match, Elephant House and Keells Krest will support this fine tradition as its official “Food, Beverage and Ice Cream Partner” in 2019.

Itself backed by 150 years of company tradition; Elephant House continues to hold true to its mission of refreshing all Sri Lankans with a range of high quality products embracing a ‘goodness of life’ philosophy.

All hail the arrival of March and mother nature flexing her seasonal skills in anticipation of longer daylight hours and shorter nights.

The world according to planet rugby.... rotating quite independently with absolute precision and timing.

2019 might just boost the games profile to its maximum. Consider the Rugby World Cup in Asia, hosted by the ubiquitous sport crazy Japanese this September.

Furthermore Japan’s rugby culture is positively deep and hugely patronized between the islands.

Facilities are top class and inspiration to toddlers, schools, clubs, Corp teams, rep teams and the National Squads.

Both men and women are currently Asian champions in all formats.

Rugby in Japan, is almost an unofficial religion ... quite the same Passion for the game and following as in New Zealandů the Olympus of our World order - and champions of the planet in every known format and category.

Historically and physically, the NZ All Blacks are the warriors and the team everyone needs to beat to become world no 1.

It is a remarkable phenomenon that each coach has the luxury of marking players from the gene pool of super rugby...for national duty.

The richest mix of rugby talent skill and class from both hemispheres

Take a few moments and contemplate the current wave of international rugby and consider the millions who watch the live matches, plus radio, internet access, print and other media channels.

Super Rugby, 6 Nations, the Bledsoe Cup, World Cup, etc for XVs ...then the 7s...World Series, Commonwealth Games, 7s World Cup, the Olympic Games 7s.... its endemic, and definitely the 3rd most patronized sport in the world.

Football and the Olympics the two who command and capture the global imagination.

All said and done... as islanders our appetite for the code, like in Japan, is nothing less than bewildering. Pound for pound, we can certainly match up to our Asian super rugby nationůnot in XVs but in 7s.

80mins against full time contracted professionals is somewhat unrealistic to say the least.

In total context. Eddie Jones, the master of wizardry and craft, took Australia to a World Cupů he transformed Japan and their mindset from just players to an impact focus warrior class.

Only Jones and boys knew their strategy to contest everything with the Springboks...to pressure them relentlessly, to run at pace ...and the element of surprise for the duration.

South Africa could only watch with absolute disbelief as Japan outwitted the Boks and perhaps the biggest upset in world rugby?

At home... the Kandy Lions stamped their class and power to finish no. 1 for the 5th year running.

A telling statement of hardwork, belief, patience and fitness.

The depth of their squad, almost impossible to counter.

Havelocks really stepping out of their skins and nearly outscoring them in Colombo.

Captain Ritchie and coach Sean justifying their reputation and status.

CH also had a grand opportunity but lacked fitness and depth to get past a Nigel Ratwatte inspired clinical 4-try finish that blew the fans away.

Kalhara, Anthony, Shehan Pathirana, Jason, were efficient and broke opponents into bits.

Ritchie, Wilivera, Danushka Ranjan, Lavanga.. Thilina W, and Nigel Ratwatte, too consistent and calm under pressure ...right through all the games.

A dream season for the Lions to defy all odds and defend their league title again.

Survival at the top and maintaining that edge is a phenomenal achievement and a job well done.

The Singer school’s league is by far the most popular sport in sunny Sri...let’s wish all the stables and their management... a good hard challenge ...but absolutely fair season.

Hosts must ensure total security and protection for players and fans alike.

Schools rugby should be the most positive example of fairplay, committment, pride and teamwork.

The SLSRFA should seek to take the game to the next level.

Vital that we project and promote the big matches on a live interactive format.

Live streaming creates interest and a global TV following.

Make schools rugby a valuable partnership for edu sport and good health.

Rugby islanders...biggerůbetter, faster, harder and clean.

Bula bula api Sri!

Over the course of Kandy Sports Club’s career in the rugby field, they are the only club to win the league title 20 times in 25 years from 1994, which is regarded as one of the greatest achievements in the field of local rugby. Very few clubs anywhere in the sporting field have won so many titles. The club’s greatest pride and joy remain as the one and only club who have won the league and the knockouts the highest number of times. Kandy SC is one of the most widely supported teams, and the club has one of the largest spectator support among sports teams.

Kandy SC led by Richard Dharmapala continued to walk the local league rugby scene like a colossus and won the league for the 20th time when they defeated Havelocks SC in the final Super league match. The defending league champions were crowned once again on Sunday for yet another year in a newly adopted tournament, where the first four teams in the table met in a K/O and the leading team was awarded the Trophy. Despite losing three games Kandy SC still came back to win which gave them the title for the fifth consecutive year. Earlier Kandy won the league title for a record nine consecutive years between 2000 and 2009. The players need to be congratulated and applauded for their commitment and will to win.

In the deciding game against Havelock SC it was a superb effort by the hill country team who showed outstanding quality of play, determination, wonderful defence and inventive attacking to subdue what has been a lively team. They showed how rugby should be played, their play was far better than the Park Club, who got a little lost in their play especially in the first half. However in the second half they came back strongly, but the first half score by Kandy was a big margin to bridge. The Park club must have been sorry for allowing to Kandy to secure three penalties in the first half accurately converted by Thilina Wijesinghe.

They struggled for survival in the rough seas of the forwards play and drowned. Kandy’s defence was beyond par. The loser’s couldn’t get any momentum and couldn’t shift it wider as the winners were off the line so quickly. A dominant first half from Kandy SC put the game out of reach of the Havies. Sad to say in this game the overseas referee was below expectation and was diffidently unsuitable for a final.

Kandy SC were coached by Sean Wijesinghe and Fazil Marija. Their success has been due to the players, that is the forwards and backs. They have solid props, towering second rows who did their best to win the ball and were also outstanding in loose play. The fast breaking flankers were there to always to hound the loose ball and were solid in defence and finally the last and the best of them all was the number eight forwards who played in different matches.

The way Kandy SC forwards played it will be good for some clubs to take a few lessons from them. The scrum was outstanding and actually the play maker of the game Fly half, centers and the wingers were at their best and the last line of defence was well manned. They owe a lot to their playmaker Nigel Ratwatte for doing a wonderful job. Today the name of Ratwatte is synonymous with rugger and he is one player who can make or break a game. He can be rated as a top fly half.

Rugby chairman Lasantha Wijasuriya who is in his 19th year as head of rugby, did a grand job like in the past, and also not forgetting team manager Kapila de Silva who is in his 15th year. The happiest moment would have been for the president Mahes Weerasinghe and the rest comprising vice presidents L. Wijesuriya, S. Tennakoon, Secretary S. Liyanage, Treasurer A. Laphir, committee members S. Perera, A. Nanayakkara, A. Ranasinghe, J. Pathirana, M. Rasheed, Dr A.D. Welikella, U. Silva, C. Jayathilake, M. Stephen, A Jayasena, S. Wijesinghe and F. Marija

All in all the man behind the success was none other than ‘Mr. Rugby’ Malik Samarawickrema. Everyone who supports Kandy SC are proud of the contribution made by Samarawickrema. From the day he chose to promote rugby at Kandy SC the game has flourished. He is the man who helped them win the first ever trophy in rugby. Sans Malik Kandy rugby will be like a carnival without lights.

A big hand should also go to the long time sponsors Cargill’s Food City and newcomers Mobitel for their support of Kandy SC.

The champion team comprised players of the caliber of Richard Dharmapala [captain], Lavanga Perera, Damith Dissanayake, Sashika Jayawardene, Roshan Weeraratne, Keshan Kalhara, Buwenaka Udangamuwa, Thilina Wijesinghe, Tharindu Chathuranga, Jason Dissanayake, Suhiru Anthony, Ganuka Dissanayake, Yakoob Ali, Shen Pathirana, Nigel Ratwatte, Vishwamithra Jayasinghe, Danush Dayam, Anushka Ranjan, Ashan Darling, Uchitha Jayasuriya, Lasitha Aththangoda, Heshan Jasen, Omantha Panthiywantha, Kelum Madussanka, Nipouna Thaak, Diluksha Fange, Malith Wijesundara, M. Shabeer, Sanushka Abeyawickrema, Laskitha Ranaweera, Asitha Ratnayake, Chamika Perera, Team Manager Kapila Silva, and the masseur Mobie Perera and the ever green team attendant S. Kumar.

GROS ISLET, Saint Lucia, Tuesday - Jonny Bairstow made the most of the absence of a few specialists with a blistering early assault to set England on the way to a four-wicket victory over the West Indies in the first day/night T20 international of a three-match series at the Darren Sammy Stadium in St Lucia on Tuesday.

Replying to the home team’s total of 161 for eight, Bairstow led the charge at the top of the order with his best T20I score of 68 off 40 balls with two sixes and nine fours. His entertaining innings ended in the 12th over via a catch on the boundary by Carlos Brathwaite off spinner Ashley Nurse.

“A few guys are not playing in this series so it was an opportunity to continue from the one-day series,” said the wicketkeeper-batsman after receiving the man-of-the-match award. “It was great fun because you get to play with a lot of freedom.”

Joe Denly (30) and Sam Billings appeared to have finished the job with a 50-run fifth-wicket stand. However both were dismissed with victory in sight although the target was still easily attained with seven balls to spare.

As well as England batted the West Indies did not aid their cause with a succession of errors in the field throughout their opponents’ innings. Left-arm pacer Sheldon Cottrell was the Caribbean team’s most successful bowler with three for 29.

“There were too many extras (conceded),” said captain Jason Holder in reflecting on his team’s loss. “We were a bit scrappy in the field and the wicket was a bit two-paced.”

England will defend the early advantage when the series heads to St Kitts for the final two matches of the T20 contest and the tour on Friday and Sunday.

Nicholas Pooran’s pyrotechnic half-century had lifted the West Indies to a respectable total as the hosts suffered early setbacks, including big-hitting opener Chris Gayle, after being put in.

He was one of two wickets to fall to Chris Jordan, the Barbados-born all-rounder also removing Darren Bravo (28) via a spectacular diving effort off his own bowling to break a 64-run fourth-wicket stand with Pooran.

Tom Curran was England’s top wicket-taker though with four for 36. He dismissed makeshift opener Shai Hope and then Shimron Hetmyer before returning to york the rampant Pooran in the 18th over. Curran also removed Holder to the final ball of the innings to finish with his best figures in T20Is.

Dropped after his one-day international debut in the opening fixture of the preceding five-match series, Pooran smashed four sixes and three fours in getting to 58 off 37 deliveries to underline his value in the shortest form of the international game.

Leg-spinner Adil Rashid made amends for dropping Hope on the third man boundary off David Willey in the first over of the match with an excellent effort with the ball, conceding just 15 runs off his four overs and claiming the wicket of Brathwaite. – AFP

SYDNEY, Wednesday - Steve Smith and David Warner’s year-long exile has likely left them hungrier than ever and their return can spark Australia to World Cup glory, Test great Shane Warne said Wednesday.

The star pair’s ban from state and international cricket for ball-tampering expires later this month and they are expected to be rushed back into the Australian side for the defence of their title at the showpiece tournament in England this year.

Both players have recently undergone elbow surgery and the great unknown is how they will perform back on the world stage, particularly in what is sure to be a hostile atmosphere in England.

But Warne has no doubt they will be as good as ever, benefiting from the break rather than their skills being blunted.

He is talking from experience.

Warne was suspended in 2003 for a year after testing positive to banned diuretic drugs. Many wrote him off, but the leg-spinning legend quickly bounced back and enjoyed several more years playing at the highest level with the Australian team.

“Sometimes having an enforced lay off -- like I’m used to, I had 12 months off myself -- what that means is you become really fresh,” he told Fox Sports. “You freshen your mind up, you become hungry again and realise how important cricket is to you.”

Warne said both players would also “have a point to prove” when they eventually pad up again.

“That’s why I reckon Australia can win the World Cup,” he said, despite the team’s recent patchy one-day form.

“They’ll walk straight back in, they’ll be hungry. They’ll be a bit nervous in the first few games but that’ll be good for them, they’ll be excited and I would expect them to play as good as they always have.”

Newly-appointed assistant Australia coach Ricky Ponting echoed similar sentiments recently.

Both players are expected to feature at the upcoming Indian Premier League as they tune-up for the World Cup.

Smith only returned to the nets last week from surgery in January after being forced to drop out of the Bangladesh Premier League Twenty20 tournament with a ligament problem.

Warner’s injury, sustained at the same event, was less serious and he could play his first game since then for his club side Randwick-Petersham this weekend. – AFP

Sachithra Senanayake of SSC made 150 runs against Sri Lanka Ports Authority CC in the day two of the SLC Major T20 Inter Clubs Cricket tournament yesterday.

Dineth Thimodya (Ragama CC) scored 127 runs against Negombo CC and Ayana Siriwadhane (Moors SC) scored unbeaten 105 runs against Navy SC.

Colts CC, SSC, Panadura SC, NCC, Chilaw Marians CC, Navy SC, Army SC, CCC, Ragama CC, Galle CC and Saracens SC won the matches on day two.

Sangeeth Cooray (Colts CC), Lahiru Udara (NCC), Pethum Nissanka (NCC), Tharushan Iddamalgoda (Navy SC) and Ashan Randika (Army CC) recorded centuries.

Asitha Fernando (NCC) took 5 wickets for 33 runs against Police SC.

At Colts. Colts CC won by 73 runs.

Colts CC: 280/7 in 45 overs (Sangeeth Cooray 107, Hashan Dumindu 50, Sadeera Samarawickrama 45, Jehan Daniel 38, Eranga Rathnayake 5/46)

Kalutara TC: 207 in 44.5 overs (Nipuna Gamage 46, Eranga Rathnayake 35, Akeel Inham 26, Nilushan Nonis 21, Vishad Randika 2/21, Prabath Jayasuriya 2/25, Nipun Ranshika 2/38, Kavishka Anjula 2/45)

 At Dombagoda. SSC won by 72 runs.

SSC: 364/8 in 50 overs (Sachithra Senanayake 150, Dasun Shanaka 64, Kavindu Kulasekara 38, Chamara Kapugedara 30, Chaminda Bandara 4/67, Ranesh Perera 2/60)

Sri Lanka Ports Authority CC: 282/7 in 50 overs (Gayan Maneeshan 97, Adeesha Nanayakkara 54, Prashan Wickramasinghe 48, Sachithra Senanayake 2/43)

 At BRC. Panadura SC won by 62 runs.

Panadura SC: 195/9 in 45 overs (Ajith Basnayake 36, Shehan Weerasinghe 30, Vishwa Chathuranga 29, Charana Nanayakkara 26, Mohammad Shiraz 3/30, Vikum Sanjaya 3/55)

BRC: 133 in 36.4 overs (Raminda Wijesooriya 38, Hashen Ramanayake 31, Savin Gunasekara 25, Sehan Weerasinghe 4/34, Tharindu Maduranga 2/25)

At NCC. NCC won by 166 runs.

NCC: 340/9 in 50 overs (Lahiru Udara 110, Pethum Nissanka 100, Dinesh Chandimal 59, Mahela Udawatte 21, Dinuk Hettiarachchi 4/53, Amit Kumar 4/58)

Police SC: 174 in 42.1 overs (Gitansh Khera 74, Amit Kumar 55, Asitha Fernando 5/33, Chaturanga de Silva 2/34)

At Katunayake. Chilaw Marians CC won by 3 wickets.

Negombo CC: 236 in 49.5 overs (Lasith Croospulle 50, Sahan Arachchige 45, Prasansana Jayamanne 42, Ravindra Karunaratne 26, Dilasri Lokubandara 21, Shehan Jayasuriya 21, Thikshila de Silva 5/42, Roshan Jayatissa 2/38, Sagar Udeshi 2/42)

Chilaw Marians CC: 240/7 in 47.2 overs (Risith Upamal 67, Pulina Tharanga 54 n.o., Harsha Cooray 29, Yashodha Lanka 23, Roshen Fernando 4/35)

At Welagedara. Navy won by 63 runs.

Navy SC: 292/9 in 50 overs (Tharushan Iddamalgoda 127, Salitha Fernando 57, Revan Kelly 23, Sathik Nimalsha 22 n.o., Anurudda Rajapakse 3/52, Lahiru Jayaratne 3/58, Dhanushka Dharmasiri 2/21)

Kurunegala YCC: 229 in 45.5 overs (Dinushka Malan 61, Dhanushka Dharmasiri 41, Lahiru Jayaratne 34, Damith Perera 30, Buddhi Madushan 2/26, Dilanka Auwardt 3/39, Dushan Hemantha 2/35)

 At Panagoda. Army SC won by 161 runs.

Army CC: 388/7 in 50 overs (Ashan Randika 108, Janith Silva 56, Dushan Vimukthi 50, Asela Gunarathne 44, Kasun de Silva 42 n.o., Lakshan Edirisinghe 38, Sanjika Ridma 32 n.o., Vimukthi Umagiliyage 3/65, Sumeda Dissanayake 2/68)

Kandy Customs SC: 127 in 28.5 overs (Nimnaka Ratnayake 36, Anju Karunanayake 22, Sumeda Dissanayake 20, Sekkuge Prasanna 4/34, Danusika Bandara 3/25)

 At CCC. CCC won by 4 wickets.

Lankan CC: 225/8 in 50 overs (Chanaka Ruwansiri 67, Geeth Kumara 58, Maduranga Zoysa 46, Wanindu Hasaranga 4/47, Lahiru Madushanka 2/30)

CCC: 226/6 in 36.5 overs (Wanindu Hasaranga 85 n.o., Dilshan Munaweera 64, Ron Chandraguptha 31, Madawa Warnapura 22, Dulanjana Mendis 3/41, Chanaka Devinda 2/53)

 At Katunayake. Ragama CC won by 142 runs.

Ragama CC: 300/4 in 50 overs (Shehan Fernando 79, Roshen Silva 68 n.o., Dineth Thimodya 59, Sameera de Zoysa 30, Janith Liyanage 26 n.o., Suminda Lakshan 2/41)

Air Force SC: 158 in 39.5 overs (Suminda Lakshan 36, Dilip Tharaka 30, Nishan Peiris 4/33, Chathura Peiris 3/21, Janith Liyanage 2/15)

At Galle. Galle CC won by 7 wickets.

Bloomfield C & AC: 139 in 36.2 overs (Asel Sigera 35, Asantha Singappulli 28, Sachin Jayawardane 20, Rajeev Weerasinghe 3/25, Gayan Sirisoma 2/18)

Galle CC: 142/3 in 32.5 overs (Damitha Hunukumbura 54 n.o., Harsha Vithana 41 n.o., Lakshan Rodrigo 26)

At Maggona. Saracens SC won by 129 runs.

Saracens SC: 278/8 in 50 overs (Gamindu Kanishka 94, Nipun Karunanayake 45, Navindu Nirmal 31, Raveen Sayer 25 n.o., Saliya Saman 20, Nuwan Thushara 3/52, Sachith Pathirana 2/54, Lahiru Samarakoon 2/54)

Badureliya CC: 149 in 37.5 overs (Lahiru Samarakoon 40, Denuwan Rajakaruna 28, Kosala Kulasekara 27, Ashen Bandara 4/17, Raveen Sayer 3/19, Gamindu Kanishka 2/29). YK

The 140th Battle of the Blues three-day contest between Royal College and S. Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia will unfold with the usual comradeship at the SSC grounds with the Thomians holding the edge over their opponents due to their recent purple patch leading upto today’s encounter.

This match is played for the prestigious D.S. Senanayake Memorial Shield. The shield first presented in 1928 is currently held by Royal College after they won the 137th Battle of the Blues in 2016 and drawing the next two.

Three days of exciting cricket can be expected from these two major schools with Royal trying hard to turn tables on the Thomians and retain the shield which they won in 2016 under the captaincy of Geeshath Panditharatne.

Of the 139 matches played so far, Royal leads the tally with 35 wins while the Thomians have won on 34 occasions and 70 matches have ended in draws.

The Thomians last won the Battle of the Blues under the leadership of Ashan Peiris in 2007. They are led this year by wicket keeper cum opening batsman Sithara Hapuhinna and have registered six outright wins and are unbeaten.

Veteran cricket coach Dinesh Kumarasinghe who is the Thomian head coach said, “We got a balanced team and done really well to secure six outright wins and remain unbeaten for the season. But when it comes to a Royal-Thomian, it’s a totally different game since it’s played over three days. Unfortunately we could not win the game last year due to bad weather. This time we are going out in a positive manner to create a win for the college.”

Highest run getter for the Mount Lavinia boys is their skipper Hapuhinna who has scored nearly 850 runs. Left hander Shalin de Mel has also shown great form scoring over 650 runs and Ravindu de Silva nearly 500 runs. Among the others who are capable of keeping the scoreboard moving are Sri Lanka national under 19 player cum left hander Kalana Perera (close to 450 runs) , Umayanga Swaris (over 400 runs) along with batsman Deon Fernando (the younger brother of Shanon Fernando) who has nearly 400 runs.

Kalana Perera is the highest Thomian wicket-taker this season with 76 wickets. Last year’s skipper Dellon Peiris, who has a total of nearly 74 wickets, Dilmin Ratnayake 39 wickets along with another left arm leg spinner Shannon Fernando who has 36 wickets to his credit are expected to bowl the Thomians to victory.

Royal has emerged victorious on five occasions this season being unbeaten as well and they will be led by top order batsman cum last year’s big match saviour left hander Kavindu Madarasinghe, who is also the wicket keeper of the side.

Royal head coach Jehan Mubarak was confident of his team performing well. “We have a very young and a balance side this year. The team is willing to give of their best in this big game. I have represented Royal in the Big Match and what I could say is that when it comes to a Roy-Tho it’s a different ball game. Hence whoever who absorb pressure on that day will come out on top.”

The pillars of the Royal batting are last year’s skipper and Sri Lanka under 19 cricketer right hander Pasindu Sooriyabandara who has scored close to 850 runs.

Besides Sooriyabandara, the other Royalists who have scored heavily this season are Ahan Wickramasinghe and Isiwara Dissanayake both with over 700 runs each, while another Sri Lanka national under 19 player left hander Kamil Mishara has scored over 500 runs with right hander Bhagya Dissanayake chipping in with nearly 400 runs. They will be expected to make their contributions to bolster the Royal scoreboard.

Royal could boast of many bowlers who have performed really well with left-arm spinner Gishan Balasuriya heading the honours list with close to 50 wickets, off spinner Kawshan Kulasooriya 35 wickets, left arm spinner Manula Perera close to 30 wickets and Kamil Mishara the off-spinner capturing nearly 20 wickets. Hence they could keep their options open when it comes to their bowling department.

Centurion, Wednesday: Kagiso Rabada led a pace assault as South Africa defended a below-par total in the second one-day international against Sri Lanka at SuperSport Park on Wednesday.

Rabada, bowling at more than 150 km/h at times, took three for 43 as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 138 in reply to South Africa’s 251.

Rabada was backed up by fellow fast bowlers Lungi Ngidi (two for 14) and Anrich Nortje (two for 25), while veteran leg-spinner Imran Tahir picked up two for 39.

“The way we responded in the field was exactly what we wanted,” said South Africa captain Faf du Plessis after what he said was a disappointing batting performance.

Man of the match Quinton de Kock hit a dazzling 94 off 70 balls, with 17 fours and a six, but the South African batting fell away after it looked as though they were set to make more than 300 on a ground which frequently yields high totals.

Thisara Perera dismissed De Kock and took three for 26 as the Sri Lankan bowlers fought back. The last six South African wickets fell for 31 runs.

Rabada showed from the first over of the second innings that South Africa’s policy was to try to blast through the Sri Lankan batting.

In striving for pace, he was erratic at times, sending down three wides, including one that went far down the leg side for an extra four runs.

But Rabada hurried Niroshan Dickwella into a rash shot -- his 100th one-day international wicket in his 68th match -- and Ngidi bowled fellow opener Avishka Fernando.

“KG (Rabada) came out with great intent,” said De Kock, whose wicketkeeping ability was tested by Rabada’s express deliveries.

“It is the fastest he has bowled in quite a while.”

There was no respite when the new ball bowlers were rested, with Nortje having Kusal Perera caught off a leading edge off his first ball.

Nortje, in his second international match, bowled seven overs in an unbroken spell, pulled off a direct-hit run-out of Kusal Mendis and trapped Oshada Fernando leg before four balls later.

Rabada came back to take two more wickets in his second spell.

With South Africa in total control, David Miller took over the wicketkeeping gloves in the final overs in a clear indication that he will take the role of second wicketkeeper at the World Cup, starting in May.

“We are working with him to make him a better ‘keeper,” said De Kock.

Sri Lanka captain Lasith Malinga made no attempt to hide his disappointment with his team’s batting after what he said was “a really good effort by the bowlers”.

Malinga said it was not a case of analysing or discussing what had gone wrong.

“Each player knows their value. They have to come up and value their opportunity,” he said.

With South Africa 2-0 up in the five-match series, the next two matches are in Durban and Port Elizabeth, where Sri Lanka won Test matches last month, on pitches which will give less assistance to South Africa’s fast bowlers. AFP

Colombo Football Club playing in the third game of the AFC Cup 2019 held strong Chennaiyin Football Club to a nil all draw yesterday at the Race Course ground in Colombo. The first half saw Colombo FC in control of the game for nearly 25 minutes. During this period they missed around three scoring opportunities M.N.M. Fazal, Chalana Chameera and Seka Jean Yapo missed these chances.

Throughout the first half locals were able to hold the opponents from penetrating the Colombo FC’s goal with the defense line doing a great job. In the meantime locals also went on the attack on many occasions but failed to find the right target to score. However the visitors never were comfortable in controlling the ball and had to work hard to get themselves settled as one unit to go on the attack.

With around 15 minutes left for the breather Chennaiyin FC front liners tried their best to go past the defense of the Colombo FC to score and to get the most needed lead to be in front but all their efforts were thwarted by the goalie and the back division. With both teams failing to score they returned to the pavilion for lemons minus any scoring.

The second session of the game commenced with the local team coming out with confidence and did their best as was in the first half going on the attack. Still they failed to get to the right target to score. Chennaiyin somehow held their fort not allowing the locals to score.

Fifteen minutes away from the final whistle Chennaiyin came back strongly to attack the goal on many occasions but they were not successful and had to fight further with everything they had in store. During this time Colombo FC too had scoring opportunities from which they too failed to take good use of. The final whistle was blown by Jordanian Referee Mohammad Hasan Mahmood Arafah with a blank score card on the board.

Colombo FC’s Priyantha Kumara the coach speaking after the game said that his team played well to hold the Chennaiyin FC to draw in the first leg on home soil as they did against Bhutan two weeks ago and went on to win the second leg in Bhutan under difficult weather conditions. He was confident that in India the weather will be quite different to our local conditions but our boys got used to play in cold conditions and said they will do the same during their second leg in Ahmadabad next week.

Joihn Grgory the coach of Chennaiyin noted that his boys failed to deliver the expectations due to hot conditions that prevailed here yesterday. It was proven beyond doubt when they came up well when the sun was setting down my boys always play under light and cold conditions. When we meet in the second leg I hope my boys will come up with a better performance to challenge the Colombo Football Club to make a good win.

The Royal-Thomian (The Battle of the Blues)is an annual cricket match played between Royal College, Colombo and St.Thomas' college, Mount Lavinia since 1879. It is known as The Battle of the Blues due to the colours of the two school's flags i.e. blue, gold and blue of Royal College and blue, black and blue of St.Thomas' College.

ST. SYLVESTER’S: Manoharan Pavithran (captain), Chandula Jayakody (vice-captain), Avindu Herath, Nadeera Balasooriya, Pasan Hettiarachchi, Husindu Nishshanka, Kanishka Jayasekara, U.C Jayaguru, Kasun Edirithilaka, Nishantha Jayawardhana, Kevin Nimshan, C. Hiroshan, Shabeer Ahamed, Hashan Ratnayaka, Abishek Kumara, Mohamad Reeza, Shashika Basnayaka, Malisha Silva, Coach - Krishantha Gunawardena.

VIDYARTHA COLLEGE: Isuru Prabodha (captain), Kasun Karunathilaka (vice-captain), Chathuranga Dilshan, Medunaka Wijayathilake, Kavishka Dilhara, Dumindu Imantha, Ishan Sangeeth, Shyamal Priyabashana, Adithya Kalalpitiya, Pabasara Hasaranga, Kumuditha Perera, Navod Dilshitha, Anjula Kasun, Avishka Weerasooriya, Ashen Senanayake, Heshan Eranda, Ramindu Jayarathna, Asanka Isur, Dilan Sandeepa, Chathura Madushanka, Coach - Namal Perera.

The 61st Battle of the Babes Big Match between St. Sylvester’s College and Vidyartha College will take place at the Pallekele International Stadium today and tomorrow.

The winning tally of this series is in favour of the Sylvestrians with 13 wins to Vidyartha’s 3. The question is whether Vidyartha can break the 52-year-old hoodoo? They last won in 1967 under R.M. Lafir, the famous cricketer who played for Police and Government Services.

The contest is expected to be a close game with both teams at equal strength. This big match is played for a trophy in memory of Rev. Fr. Don George, who gave a big hand to start cricket at St. Sylvester’s. The trophy was introduced in 1982.

This season Vidyartha is led by Isuru Prabodha a fine stroke maker who has scored over 600 runs and much is expected from him. There is also Medunaka Wijayathilaka who has scored over 800 runs and Kavishka Dilhara nearly 600 runs all capable of coming up with a big score. In the bowling Kasun Karunathilaka with 60 wickets, Adithya Kalalpitiya with 50 wickets, Dumindu Imantha and Ishan Sangeeth with 35 wickets each are sure to trouble the Sylvestrians batting.

Vidyartha is coached by a former captain Namal Perera. Under his guidance they have won six matches outright against Revatha College Balapitiya, Anuradhapura Central, Holy Cross College Kalutara, Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte, Dudley Senanayake College, Tholangamuwa and St. Thomas’ College Matale. They have three first innings wins against St. Thomas’ College Matara, Kegalu Vidyalaya Kegalle and Kingswood College Kandy.

Sylvestrians are led by Manoharan Pavithran, a 4th year coluorsman and right hander who has scored 440 runs and taken 25 wickets. He is a good fielder at any position. Chandula Jayakody in his third year is the vice captain and has scored a century this season. Others who should do well are Nadeera Balasooriya, Pasan Hettiarachchi, Husindu Nishshanka and Kanishka Jayasekara. This season they have played 14 games and have won seven on first innings against Devapathiraja College Ratgama, Maliyadeva College Kurunegala, Gurukula College Kelaniya, Mahinda College Galle, St. Anne’s College Kurunegala, St. Mary’s College Kegalle and Kingswood College Kandy.

They are coached by Krishantha Gunawardena who has done a good job and are well backed by the MIC Palinda Mahi de Silva and the principal P.G.S. Bandara.

TRINITY COLLEGE: Pubudu Bandara (captain), Kavishka Senadeera (vice-captain), Avishka Senadeera, Ashan Lokukettiya, Ruvin Peiris, Abhishek Anandakumara, Shane Gunathilake, Chanuka Kumarasinghe, Umair Raizan, Agbo Amarasinghe, Dinitha Siriwardena, Jeff Weerasinghe, Kavindu Dias, Nagitha Wijesundara, Deemantha Bandara, Ranuda Somaratne, Shashidaran Kaveen, Pasan Kularatne, Ranmal Narampanawa, Uvindu Wimaladarma, Kavinda Jayasuriya - Head Coach, Lahiru Sandakelum and Naveen Ekanayake - Assistant Coaches, Lasantha Herath – Team Physiotherapist, Shantha Kumara Wickramanayake –Trainer, Dammika Kulatunga – Master in Charge and Shane de Silva – Prefect of Games.

ST. ANTHONY’S COLLEGE: Theeksha Gunasinghe (captain), Tamashana Abeyakoon (vice-captain), Kalhara Senarath, Gihan Achintha, Sasith Hirudika, Nimanka Jayatilake, Mohamed Rukshan, Promodith Panditharathne, Gayan Samarasinghe, Mohamed Kamil, Chamika Samarasinghe, Asitha Waninayake,  Chaminda Wickremasinghe, Dayan Pankaja, Lasitha Werellagama, G.A. Ebert,  Tharindu Lamahewage, Nilukshan Udayakumara, Prabath Sachin, Shenalak Abeyawardene, Coach - Suneth Gunatilake, Master-in-charge - Lenin Jayasinghe.

SRI JAYAWARDENEPURA MV: 1st row seated from left: Heshan Thilakarathna (Coach), Dilani Kumarasihe (Vice Principal), Kanishka Maduranga (Captain), Lt. Col. D.A.D. Wanaguru (Principal), Rishith Ishara (Vice Captain), Jayathilaka (V.P. Sports), Deepthi Mollogoda (Vice Principal), Sunanda Godevithana (MIC). 2nd row standing from left: Maleesha Iduwara, Nadun Priyasanka, Heshan Vdava, Kavishka Gihan, Janith Akash, Joseph Senivirathna, Hasitha Hishan, Pasindu Akarshan, Anuja Chamod, Ronan Duveesha, Lisuka Dinasara, Duminda Gavishta. 3rd row standing from left: Buddhika Chamdinda, Sampath Nishshanka, Lakshitha Kumara, Chamod Supun.

ST. THOMAS’ COLLEGE: Seated from left: Deshan Perera, Ashen Chamuditha (Vice Captain), Sachintha Williams (Captain), Rev. Sister A.P. Robert (Asst. Principal), A.P. Shamali (Vice Principal), Rev. Fr. Rector Nilantha Uduwaka (Principal), Wasanthi Kiriwandeniya (Vice Principal), Prasanna Ramanayake (MIC), Lakshman (Coach), Sanjeewa Kadawatharachchi (Manager-Cricket), Malindu Perera, Adithya Sooryabandara. Standing from left: Jevan David, Tharin Weerasinghe, Umayanga Subasinghe, Kevin Rajaston, Virul Dias, Manuja Nayanajith, Tharushka Perera, Sethum Sandiya, Sakith Perera, Duranga Pramod, kulara Pramod.  

The 42nd Battle of Kotte cricket encounter between two historical schools from the new capital of Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte - Sri Jayawardenepura Maha Vidyalaya (formerly Christian College, Kotte) and St. Thomas’ College Kotte will be played today and tomorrow at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium commencing 10 am each day.

This year the big match is played for the K. J. Ranasinghe Memorial Challenge Shield, the first cricket captain of Christian College, Kotte in 1919. On the other hand Sri Jayawardenepura M.V. celebrates their Centenary in cricket this year.

Sri Jayawardenepura team will be led by fourth year coloursman Kanishka Madushanka. The college has played 12 matches in Division 2 and won two outright and six on first innings and qualified to enter the 50 overs cricket tournament organized by the School Cricket Association.

The batting line up for Sri Jayawardenepura is spearheaded by Chamod Supun who scored 600 runs this year while last year’s skipper Buddhika Chaminda has scored 500 runs. In bowling pacemen Sampath Nissanka has baggged 55 wickets and Rishith Ishara 33 wickets and are bound to trouble the Kotte Thomians.

Kotte Thomian will be led by third year coloursman Sachintha Shehan William. The school who play in division 2 has won three outright and three on first innings this year. The batting line up comprises Ashen Chamuditha and Aithya Suriyabandara who have individually scored 800 runs each. Jehan James and Manuja Nayanajith has taken 50 and 30 wickets respectively this season. This duo will try to minimise the score of the Kotte Jayapurians this year.

This year’s big match is organised by the Old Boy’s Association of Sri Jayawardenepura MV.

The Limited Overs match will be organised by the Old Boy’s Association of St. Thomas’ College, Kotte which will be played at St. Peter’s College grounds on Sunday 17 March commencing at 9.30 am.

In the local sports world many promising sportsmen and women who are of international class who could bring honour to the country by participating in international events are unable to do so lacking the all-important funds.

Other than for cricket that carries money bags with it and a lesser extent rugby are the only two sports that can fund their teams abroad. Other sports sadly lack funds and their talented sportspeople are left mid track.

When lack of funds are spoken about, the grand and generous gesture by the sports loving Deputy Leader of the United National Party and Housing and Construction and Cultural Affairs SAJITH PREMADASA must be commended and applauded.

PREMADASA realizing the plight and the sadness of the national netball team that was lacking funds to participate in an international tournament in Zambia in May has, in a god sent gesture, agreed to facilitate the funding needed of Rs. 42 million by inveigling sports lovers in the corporate sector to foot the bill. What a moving gesture!

SAJITH like his illustrious father the late President RANASINGHE PREMADASA is quick to appreciate a good deed and give it the recognition it deserves. Of late SAJITH has rewarded several sportsmen and women who have brought honour to the country by gifting them houses, which they were mostly in need of.

Recently SAJITH granted 12 houses to members of the Sri Lanka National Netball team that triumphed at the Asian Netball Championships in Singapore in 2018. Minister SAJITH is aware that sportsmen and women would be in a better state of mind mentally to perform better if they have an all-important house to live in. Many other sportsmen and women have benefited of his largesse.

SAJITH’S grand gesture is sure to motivate and inspire all other sportsmen and women to excel in international sports and bring honour to the country. The Minister is aware of the good sports could do to the participants and the country. And so his gesture to reward them.

SAJITH from the time he assumed the post of Minister Housing and Construction and Cultural Affairs has his goal and that is building houses so that the needy could live with peace of mind.

That the younger PREMADASA is following in the footsteps of his much loved and venerated father there is no doubt. President PREMADASA was a glutton for work and his first priority was to help the poorest of the poor.

His goal was to see that every citizen had a roof over his or her head. The ‘GAMUDAWA’ village reawakening was his brilliant concept and many were the beneficiaries.

While the son is following in his father’s footsteps, it will be good to recall and mention the many things the senior PREMADASA did for sports and the participants.

Having been a footballer playing for the ‘glamour boys’ of soccer Saunders SC the former President while attending to his many onerous duties when being Minister of Local Government, Prime Minister and then President of the country he never neglected sports.

President PREMADASA was a firm believer that sport is the great leveler and that winning or losing is not what mattered but how one played the game. He always played a straight bat and was loved especially by the down trodden and was the savior of the poorest of the poor.

On a personal note I must mention how the new Sugathadasa Stadium came into being. In my Sunday homily ‘SPORTSCOPE’ in the ‘SUNDAY TIMES’ of old every week I commented on the rack and ruin that the SS was heading for and called on the President and urged him to help restore the SS which was the only stadium the country had that was built by the first Minister of sport V.A. Sugathadasa who was also a sportsman of repute.

President PREMADASA visited the SS and after seeing for himself, immediately summoned a meeting of all Chairmen and MDs of all leading companies at the SS and before the meeting asked his Media Secretary Evans Cooray to ask me to meet him. The President thanked me for bringing to his notice the dilapidated state that the SS was in.

Incidentally Evans Cooray who was my senior at the ‘Times’ and ‘ Daily Mirror’ and who was helpful to me in my beginnings as a journalist remained friends after he became PREMADASA’S Media Secretary and PREMADASA would always send Cooray or phone me on matters when it came to publicity for sports after I became Sports Editor of the ‘DAILY NEWS’.

With the Chairmen and MDs present at that meeting, he explained to them and requested them for financial help to redo the SS. It did not take long for the Chairmen and MDs to contribute lavishly and nearly 20 to 25 million was collected which finally saw to the rebirth of the SS to international standard. There was no cost to the government.

The reconstruction of the SS with floodlights he entrusted to his able lieutenant Sirisena Cooray who did a splendid job and PREMADASA invited a foreign team to play the local team in a football match to mark the opening.

Speaking on the occasion before a sardine packed stadium and speaking in all three languages he made mention that it was the newspaper I worked in that gave him the idea and the impetus to rebuild the SS and expressed his thanks.

Taking the cue from there PREMADASA built a pavilion for his school St. Joseph’s and built the Indoor Stadium which the authorities did well to name it in his honour.

Then with night cricket introduced by Kerry Packer being the in-thing, he set in motion the building of the first floodlit R.PREMADASA INTERNATIONAL CRICKET STADIUM and with it we had a stadium for night cricket for which all cricketers and administrators should be grateful for his vision.

erodrigopulle@gmail.com

Sydney, Thursday: Darren Lehmann was named coach of the Big Bash League’s Brisbane Heat Thursday, his first cricket role since quitting the Australian team over the sandpaper cheating scandal.

Lehmann said returning to the Heat, the team he steered to a Big Bash title in 2013, was a chance to “come back to where it all started” after his bruising experience with the national team.

“I think you learn a lot about yourself during the dark times and for me it’s all about enjoying the game,” he told reporters.

AFP

Moors SC beat Tamil Union by 6 wickets in a SLC Major T20 Inter-Club cricket match played at P. Sara Oval yesterday.

Scores:

Tamil Union C & AC: 213 in 45 overs (Lahiru Milantha 66, Ramith Rambukwella 31, Kithuruwan Vithanage 27, Tharanga Paranavithana 24, Manoj Sarathchandra 20, Ramesh Mendis 4/22, Keshan Wijerathne 3/50, Tharindu Kaushal 2/50)

Moors SC: 214/4 in 35.5 overs (Irosh Samarasooriya 76, Adeesha Thilanchana 69 n.o., Pabasara Waduge 37, Jeevan Mendis 2/43) - YK

Jaffna Central College were 59 for 2 wickets at close of the first day of their 3-day 113th Battle of the North annual cricket encounter against St. John’s College Jaffna at the Jaffna Central College grounds yesterday.

Jaffna Central won the toss and elected to field and dismissed St. John’s for 181 runs in 46.5 overs with Thivendram Dinoshan contributing a valuable 98. Iyalarasan Kamalarasa took 5 wickets for 54 runs and Viyaskanth Vijayakanth took 3 wickets for 43 runs.

The match will be continued today on day two.

St. John’s Jaffna: 181 in 46.5 overs (Thivendram Dinoshan 98, Abinash Murfin 24, Iyalarasan Kamalarasa 5/54, Viyaskanth Vijayakanth 3/43)

Jaffna Central: 59/2 at close in 30 overs (K. Ihlarasan 25 n.o., T. Vinoshan 2/17) - YK