Addalaichenai Ashraff Youth Club won the volleyball championship defeating Al-Hudha Youth Club, Addalaichenai by 2-0 in the final of the Addalaichenai DS division Volleyball tournament championship conducted by the Addalaichenai Divisional Secretariat and held at the Addalaichenai al-Arham Vidyalaya Play Grounds recently.

This tournament was organized by the Addalaichenai Divisional Secretariat Youth Services Officer B.M.Riyath under the guidance and supervision of Addalaichenai Divisional Secretary J. Liyakath Ali. The Volleyball tournament was held as a part of Addalaichenai inter-divisional youth sports meet. Several registered youth clubs volleyball teams from Addalaichenai DS division took part. The Addalaichenai Ashraff youth Club and Addalaichenai Al-Hudha Youth Club volleyball teams qualified for the final.

Ashraff Youth Club, divisional champions will participate at the Ampara District level volleyball competition. the district tournament will be conducted by the National Youth Services Council.

The quartrerfinal matches of the ongoing Nelson Mendis trophy under-14 inter academy cricket tournament were worked off at Colombo venues yesterday. The first quarterfinal saw Mahara Cricket Academy beating Colombo Premier CA by one wicket at the Kotte Ananda Shastralaya ground. Batting firts Colombo Premier scored 168 in 29 overs. Sharon Fernando top scored with 54 run. Isira Anupala bowled best to capture 4/26. In reply Mahara CA reached the victory target in 29.2 overs with Denura Demansith top scoring with unbeaten 49 runs.

Colombo Premier CA 168 (Sharon Fernando 54, Adeesha Jerom 25, Sumar Fawaz 20, Isira Anupala 4/26, Sadeesha Charuka 3/33)

Mahara CA 169/9 (Isira Anupala 22, Denura Demansith 49n.o., Chathu Kavisha 24, Dilash Kumaranayake 3/25, Sumar Fawaz 2/24)

CCC Maroons win by 59 runs

In another quarter final match, CCC Maroons beat Kingfisher CA by 59 runs at the Sri Jayawardenapura MV grounds. Taking the first lease of the bat CCC Maroons piled up 217/8 in 29 overs with Yasith Kalupahana and Sasindu Sayakkara making 67 runs and 48 runs respectively.

Chasing a challenging victory target of 218 runs, Kingfisher CA lads could only managed to score 158/8 in their allotted 29 overs. Thenuka Dewapriya (49 runs) and Minada Katugampola (29 runs) made the highest contributions for Kingfisher CA.

CCC Maroons 217/8 in 29 overs (Yasith Kalupahana 67, Sasindu Sayakkara 48, Sahan Dabare 20, Themiya Gunaratne 24 n.o., Hiran Jayasundara 2/25, Yevin Athukorala 2/57, Navindu Ranwatte 2/24

Kingfisher CA 158/8 in 29 overs (Thenuka Dewapriya 49, Hiran Jayasundara 24, Minada Katugampola 29, Nimuthu Gunawardane 2/19, Themiya Gunaratne 2/34)

Swinger CA beat

Sanath Jayasuriya CA

Swinger CA registered a thrilling two-run victory over Sanath Jayasuriya CA in the third quarterfinal at the Ananda Shastralaya grounds. Batting first Swinger CA were skittled out for 124 runs in 24.2 overs. In reply Sanath Jayasuriya CA boys were removed for 122 runs in 25.3 overs.

Swinger CA 124 in 24.2 overs (Chamath Gomas 35, Kavin Fernando 21, Kevin Ranjer 3/23)

Sanath Jayasuriya CA 122 in 25.3 overs (Vihanga Sadanjana 63, Chamath Gomas 4/14)

Eight-wicket win for Madampe CA

The last quarterfinal saw Madampe CA defeated HR Cricket Academy by eight wickets. HR Cricket Academy batted first were removed for 140 runs in 21.4 overs. Madampe CA reached the victory target comfortably in 20.3 overs with eight wickets intact.

HR Cricket Academy 140 in 21.4 overs (Mohammed Minnaj 35, Thenura Heshan 20, Mithila Fernando 3/25)

Madampe CA 141/2 in 20.3 overs (Randul Samarahewa 93 n.o., Thavindu de Silva 21)

LONDON, Sunday - Hampshire put themselves on course for a big innings victory against Essex after Fidel Edwards ripped through the visitors’ first innings.

Edwards took 5-51 as Essex were dismissed for just 164 in reply to Hampshire’s declaration of 525-8.

Only an Alastair Cook half-century and Ravi Bopara’s unbeaten 37 offered any resistance for the 2017 champions.

Bopara moved to an unbeaten 60 in the follow-on but Essex slumped to 132-4, still 229 runs behind with a day left.

Hampshire will only need another five wickets for victory as Essex are without wicketkeeper Adam Wheater who injured his thumb on the first day and will miss at least six weeks following surgery.

Joe Clarke moved to the brink of his second century of the match as Nottinghamshire built a commanding lead against Yorkshire at Trent Bridge.

Clarke (97 not out) built on good work by Ben Duckett (61) and Chris Nash (75) as the hosts finished the day 446 runs ahead. Steve Mullaney (52) also scored a half-century in a total of 329-5.

Earlier spinner Samit Patel took three wickets - including England Test captain Joe Root for 73 - as Yorkshire slumped from 206-5 to 291 all out.

Kent gave themselves a good chance of marking their Division One return with a win on a seesaw day at Taunton.

They were restricted to a 38-run first-innings lead, mustering only 209 all out after resuming on 84-2.

Lewis Gregory (3-26) and Craig Overton (3-46) bowled superbly, but the Kent attack proved just as effective.

Marcus Trescothick and James Hildreth went cheaply and Mitch Claydon took 3-30 before Somerset recovered to 171-7 at stumps, 133 runs ahead.

Dawid Malan led a Middlesex rearguard with an unbeaten 55 after his side were forced to follow-on against Northants.

Malan and Sam Robson (40 not out) added 99 for the third wicket before bad light ended the third day early with the visitors still trailing by 65 runs.

Nathan Buck’s 5-54 earlier helped Northants bowl Middlesex out for 271 after James Harris (61 not out) and Steven Finn (34) had frustrated them.

Buck claimed two more to reduce Middlesex to 10-2 in their follow-on.

Durham closed day three on 10-0, chasing a daunting target of 361 to beat Derbyshire at the County Ground.

Tom Lace scored a career-best 61 and Matt Critchley made 51 as Derbyshire built an imposing lead.

Harvey Hosein (62) also chipped in with a half-century - his second of the match - before the hosts were bowled out for 334 in their second innings.

Durham openers Tom Lees and Gareth Harte survived the final 14.2 overs of the day before bad light stopped play.

Leicestershire closed a rain-affected day three on 99-1 and look favourites to chase down 230 to win at Sussex.

After Ateeq Javid had been trapped lbw by David Wiese, Paul Horton (53*) and Hasan Azad (27*) built an unbroken second-wicket partnership of 72 to put the visitors on course for victory.

Rain prevented the players from taking the field after tea. Earlier, Tom Taylor took 4-75 and Colin Ackermann claimed 5-69 as Sussex were all out for 308.

COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIPS

DAY 3

Division One

*Trent Bridge: Nottinghamshire 408 & 329-5: (Clarke 97 n.o., Nash 75; Olivier 2-66)

Yorkshire 291: (Lyth 81, Root 73; Patel 3-31)

*Southampton: Hampshire 525-8 dec: (Northeast 169, Rossouw 76, Dawson 64)

Essex 164: (Cook 50, Bopara 37 n.o.; Edwards 5-51) & 132-4 (f/o): (Bopara 60 n.o.; Abbott 2-38)

*Taunton: Somerset 171 & 171-7: (Davies 39, Bartlett 35 n.o.; Claydon 3-30)

Kent 209: (Dickson 43; Gregory 3-26, C Overton 3-46)

Division Two

*Northampton: Northamptonshire 445: (Procter 81 n.o., Wakely 76; Murtagh 6-80)

Middlesex 271: (Harris 61 n.o., Finn 34; Buck 5-54) & 109-2 (f/o): (Malan 55 n.o., Robson 40 n.o.; Buck 2-13)

*Derby: Derbyshire 197 & 334: (Hosein 62, Lace 61; Salisbury 3-65)

Durham 171 & 10-0.

*Hove: Sussex 173 & 308: (Salt 80; Ackermann 5-69, Taylor 4-75)

Leicestershire 252 & 99-1: (Horton 53 n.o.)

A good bowling spell of 4 for 8 by Dimantha Dinujaya enabled Royal College, Horana to beat Herman Gminner School, Kesbewa by 57 runs and book a berth in the third round of the inter-school under 19 division three level two tournament cricket match played at Horana.

Batting first, Horana Royalists scored 116 runs with 3 for 20 runs by Yoshitha Dinura and in reply Herman Gminner School was bundled out for a paltry 59 runs.

Chief Scores

Royal College, Horana – 116 in 29.4 overs – (Sahan Divyanjana 23, Rukshan de Silva 20, Pasan Pramod 18, Yoshitha Dinura 3/20, Navoda Perera 2/28).

Herman Gminner School – 59 in 21.3 overs – Vibaddana Shashmika 19, Dimantha Dinujaya 4/8, Rukshan de Silva 3/5 Imesh Umayanga 2/19.

H.L.D. Wasantha Kumarihami, the Art In-service Adviser of Teldeniya Education Zone won a gold medal for shot putt event at the Thailand Masters Athletic Championship organized by the Thailand Veterans Athletic Association. Sixty athletes represented Sri Lanka and forty-eight countries participated for the competition which was held at Nakhon Swan main ground in Thailand.

It seems the more our cricketers are exposed to playing matches the more things become complicated with selections for the 2019 Cricket World Cup.

The ongoing Super Four Provincial tournament in Dambulla and Pallekele was expected to provide the national selectors a guideline to select Sri Lanka’s 15 for the World Cup by April 23 which is the final date for submitting the names. But the manner in which the regular ODI players have performed has caused a much bigger headache than when the tournament started.

With six matches out of the possible eight completed the national selectors are still in a quandary as to whom they should select.

Chief selector Ashantha de Mel who is in Dambulla and Pallekele along with his co-selectors Brendon Kuruppu, Hemantha Wickremaratne and Chaminda Mendis said, “We are getting a good look at all the players but the main players’ performances we cannot be happy, the two openers haven’t done well but the younger boys are performing well.”

“With these performances we’ve got some sort of an idea and are close to selecting the 15, we have to take current form as well. But with the World Cup we can’t be taking many young players, that is why we are having a huge issue,” he said.

One of the key concerns is the inability of the players to bat out the full 50 overs and even if they have done so the absence of any big individual contributions has resulted in the totals falling far short of the required 300 plus which is the benchmark in contemporary ODIs.

So far in the six Super Four Provincial matches played todate only one team Galle has made over 300 (345-8) that is because two batsmen Lahiru Thirimanne and Dhananjaya de Silva made eighties apiece and only one batsman Shehan Jayasuriya has made a hundred for Colombo against Kandy.

“The big problem is we can’t bat 50 overs. We are trying to tell the players we have two more games to go at least and make sure they bat the full 50 overs and get a score of over 300,” said De Mel.

“We only got one hundred in this whole tournament. If you make a big hundred or if two batsmen get 80s then the 300 will be there.”

One of the reasons why the top order is not delivering said De Mel was due to better wickets prepared with grass.

“There is a little bit more bounce and movement in the first few overs. We left about five millimetres of grass. The ball is swinging around a little bit in the early overs and the batsmen are playing some loose shots and losing their wickets. They must get used to playing similar to the English conditions,” said De Mel.

Whereas selections are concerned everything is not doom and gloom. One bright spark amongst the muddle is the batting of Sri Lanka Test captain and opener Dimuth Karunaratne.

Following his excellent leadership qualities which he displayed in winning the two-Test series in South Africa, the national selectors picked him to lead the Kandy team and he has not disappointed them.

Karunaratne has responded with scores of 35 (n.o.), 44 and 86 and no doubt has booked himself a place in the 15 as an opener.

“I am very happy with him. We are looking at him more as an opener and we need somebody up in the order who can bat throughout the innings. Dimuth can come in as opener that is one of the issues that we have been having with opening batsmen. The other openers place is open,” said De Mel.

“The two openers whom we thought were good are batting very badly. With Dimuth we need an explosive opener someone like Kusal Perera (if he is fit) because we need to maximise on the first power play,” he said.

Sri Lanka are looking to pick eight batters and seven bowlers and at present they have three slots to fill – an opening bat, a no. 3 bat and one fast bowler.

As far as one can gather among those who are likely to get the nod are Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis, Mathews, Chandimal and/or Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva among the batters, Akila Dananjaya and Vandersay as spinners, Thisara Perera and Isuru Udana as fast bowling all-rounders, Malinga, Lakmal and either Chameera, Pradeep or Lahiru Kumara as fast bowlers.

Dickwella we are made to understand is batting so badly that his place as wicket-keeper/batsman hangs in the balance. If he fails to make the side Sri Lanka has the option of Kusal Perera as first choice wicket-keeper, Chandimal or Mendis.

The selectors are keeping their fingers crossed that the final two matches of the Super Four Provincial tournament will provide them with the answers to fill the empty spaces that exist at the moment.

Defending champion St. Joseph’s College Colombo commanding the game against St. Sebastian’s College Moratuwa in the semifinal of the ‘Singer Trophy’ Under 19 division 1 inter schools 2 day cricket tournament played at Royal College ground on Monday.

St. Joseph’s College won the toss and elected to bat first scored 415 runs for 8 wickets in 100 overs on day one. Right hand batsman Dineth Jayakodi made his third century in this season. Dineth Jayakodi scored 116 runs in 148 balls with 11 boundaries and 4 sixes. Lakshan Gamage scored 79 runs and Dunith Wellalage scored 62 runs. Johan de Zylva (59), Yesith Rupasingha (26n.o.) and Dinal Anurada (26) helped to build their innings. Praveen Cooray, Nuwanindu Fernando and Vinuja Ranasinghe took 2 wickets each.

St. Joseph’s Colombo: 415/8 in 100 overs (Dineth Jayakodi 116, Lakshan Gamage 79, Dunith Wellalage 62, Johan de Zylva 59, Yesith Rupasinghe 26 n.o., Dinal Anurada 26, Praveen Cooray 2/42, Nuwanindu Fernando 2/71, Vinuja Ranasinghe 2/108) vs St. Sebastian’s Moratuwa.

YK

Gayan Sirisoma, left arm spinner of Galle CC took 8 wickets for 50 runs against Panadura SC in their SLC Major League Tier ‘B’ Inter Clubs Cricket tournament match at Panadura on Monday.

n At Police park. Bloomfield C & AC: 385 in 134.3 overs (Sachin Jayawardena 165, Madushan Ravichandrakumar 61, Sanoj Darshika 29, Nipun Haggalla 25, Asantha Singappuli 24, Aravinda Premaratne 21 n.o., Dinuka Hettiarachchi 5/116, Mahesh Priyadarshana 2/50)

Police SC: 178/5 in 44 overs (Pawan Dias 73, Amit Kumar 29, Sanath Ranjan 33, Gitansh Khera 30, Madushan Ravichandrakumar 2/53)

On day One

n At Panadura. Panadura SC: 111 in 31.4 overs (Kashif Naved 26 n.o., Asantha Basnayake 20, Gayan Sirisoma 8/50)

Galle CC: 273/8 in 56 overs (Harsha Vithana 75, Ashan Madushanka 39, Suraj Randiv 38, Kevin Koththiigoda 37, Lakshan Rodrigo 29, Shehan Weerasinghe 3/69, Kaumal Nanayakkara 3/97, Imranullah Aslam 2/60). YK

Buwaneka Gunatilleka made a fine display to beat National champion Dinuka Karunaratna at the men's open semifinal of the inaugural Defenders Open Badminton championships at the Army Indoor Stadium Panagoda on Monday. This was the major upset of the day. The same pair met each other at the last National championship semifinal but Dinuka beat Buwaneka at that occasion after hard fought game.

Once again Dinuka the experience shuttler was the favorite to win the match but Buwaneka played with confidence to control the game with winning first set 21/19. In the second set Dinuka came up with 21/16 to equal the game.

However the deciding third set once again Buwaneka beat Dinuka to ensure his final berth. In fact this was the first time Buwaneka defeated Dinuka at a major domestic tournament.

Hasitha Chanaka defeated young Dumidu Abeywickrama in straight sets 21/16,21/18 to qualify for the final.

Meanwhile Thilini Hendahewa outclassed Hasara Wijayaratna 21/16,21/13 to enter the women's open final. Nadeesha Gayanthi retired hurt during her women's open semifinal and Dilmi Dias won that match after first set due to Gayanthee's injury.

Thilini Hendahewa the National champion will meet Dilmi Dias at the women's open final.

In the men's double semifinal math, Sachin Dias partnered with Buwaneka Gunatilleka defeated Karunaratna brothers Dinuka and Diluka in straight sets 21/13, 21/12 while Omal Dharmawardane and Ravidu Ranarhunga created an upset victory over Hasitha Chanaka and R.S.Kasun at the other semifinal 21/18, 7/21, 21/13 .

Meanwhile Achini Ratnasiri and Upuli Samanthika beat Jananuwani Amanda and Chatiri Ishara 21/6,21/9 to enter women's doubles final while top seed pair Thilini Hendahewa and Kavidi Sirimannage received walk over from Nadeesha Gayanthi and Oshadi Kuruppu to enter the women's doubles final.

Army Commander Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake was the chief guest at the awards ceremony. This tournament was organized by the Army Badminton Committee together with Sri Lanka Badminton Association.

Results of the semifinals

Men's open singles

Buwaneka Gunatilleka beat Dinuka Karunaratna 21/19, 16/21, 21/19

Hasitha Chanaka beat Dumidu Abeywickrama 21/16, 21/18

Women's open singles

Thilini Hendahewa beat Hasara Wijayaratna 21/15,21/13

Dilmi Dias w/o from Nadeesha Gayanthi

Men's open doubles

Buwaneka Gunathilleka/Sachin Dias beat Dinuka Karunarata/Diluka Karunaratna 21/13, 21/12

Omal Dharmawardena/ Ravidu Ranathunga beat Hasitha Chanaka/ R.S Kasun 21/18, 7/21, 21/13

Women's open doubles

Thilini Hendahewa/Kavidi Sirimannage w/o from Nadeesha Gayanthi/ Oshadi Kuruppu

Achini Ratnasiri/ Upuli Samanthika beat Jananuwani Amanda/ Chaturi Ishara 21/6, 21/9

Over 90 Juniors gathered at the Royal Colombo Golf Club from Nuwara-Eliya Golf Club, Victoria Golf Club Digana, Anuradhapura, Kilinochchi, Welisara Golf Range and Shangri-La Hambantota to participate in the Perera & Sons Bakers sponsored Sri Lanka Junior Match-Play Championship 2019. The P&S is sponsoring the event for the 6th consecutive year.

The Qualifying Round for the Match-Play stage Teed-Off with children competing in five different divisions.

The premier category, The Sri Lanka Junior Boys Gold Division Age Group 15-18+, competing to win the Rukmini Kodagoda Challenge Trophy, was led by Haroon Aslam, the highly improved youngster from Victoria Golf Club Digana, who secured the #1 Seeding for the Gold Division Match-play stage.

The significant performance was of Jestin Robinson, representing Killinochchi Golf to have made the Match-play stage and meets the Top Seed Haroon Aslam in the 1st Round.

Taniya Minel Balasuriya expected to win the Gold & Silver combined division for Girls 2019, in the absence of Kayla Perera secured Top Seeding with 75 Gross. There were several girls from Anuradhapura, Hambantota, NEGC and VGCR too participating with credit in the premier Girls division.

Nirekh Tejwani appears to be head and shoulders above the rest of the field in the Silver Division, Age Category 12-14+, with Yannik Kumara a notable absentee in the field, currently playing in overseas tournaments. Nirekh’s Gross 72, the best score of the day secured Top Seeding.

In the Bronze Division, Age Category 10 – 11+ Boys & Girls combined all playing off the same Tee Markers, competing over 14 Holes saw Kaya Daluwatte securing #1 Seeding from Reshan Algama, Shanal Binuksha and Kvahn Tejwani seeded 2,3 and 4 respectively all tied on 64 Gross but separated on the count-back for Seeding purposes.

The Copper Division for Juniors in the age group 9 + & under also saw three players tied on 43 over 9 holes and on the count-back, C. Daraniyan Winner of the Category from Hambantota, gained the Top Seeding while Ayaan Gunasekera was Seeded #2 and Kaiyan Johnpillai Seeded # 3.

The Finals of each Division will be played at the RCGC on Thursday followed by the prize giving at 1.00 p.m. The development of the standard of Junior Golf is certainly accelerated thanks to tournaments of this magnitude and a great salute is in order to P&S Bakers for sponsoring this Match-Play format Championship.

CCC School of Cricket Maroons and Madampa CA will battle in the ongoing Nelson Mendis Trophy under-14 inter-academy cricket tournament finals today at the CCC grounds.

CCC Maroons beat Swinger CA by 36 runs while Madampa CA defeated Mahara CA by seven wickets in yesterday’s semifinals.

Batting first in the first semifinal, Mahara CA were bowled out for 187 runs in 44.1 overs. Isera Ayupala and Chathura Kavishka scored 38 and 24 runs respectively.

In contrast, Madampa CA reached the victory target scoring 191/3 in 25.1 overs with seven wickets intact. Malsha Tharupathi top scored with unbeaten 75 runs while Mithila Achintha added 52 n.o.,

Brief scores:

Mahara CA 187 in 44.1 overs (Isera Ayupala 38, Chathura Kavishka 24, Denura Demansith 20, Mithila Achintha 2/25, Thavindu de Silva 2/30, Malsha Tharupathi 2/37)

Madampa CA 191/3 in 25.1 overs (Randula Samarahewa 31, Malsha Tharuoathi 75n.o.,Mithila Achintha 52n.o.,

The second semifinal saw CCC maroons piling up 279 in 45 overs with Sasindu Sayakkara making the top score of 70 runs against Swinger CA. Sahan Dabare added 68 runs and Nimuthu Gunawardane scored 40 runs. Shane Wijesinghe was the pick of the bowlers who captured 4/33.

Chasing a challenging victory target of 280, Swinger CA team was skittled out for 243 runs in 43.1 overs. Shane Wijesinghe fought a solitary battle and scored a well deserve century (110 runs). Linal Subasinghe bowled best for CCC Maroons and took 4/48.

Brief scores:

CCC Maroons 279 in 45 overs (Sasindu Sayakkara 70, Sahan Dabare 68, Nimuthu Gunawardane 40, Dinura Wanigasekara 33, Bhashana de Silva 30, Shane Wijesinghe 4/33, Muditha Dissanayake 2/40)

Swinger CA 243 in 43.1 overs (Shane Wijesinghe 110, Muditha Dissanayaka 30, Linal Subasinghe 4/48, Vishwa Weerasinghe 2/47, Dinura Wanigasekara 2/41)

George Steuart Health Senior Managing Director Eranjith Ranasinghe is the chief guest at the final while former Test cap Chaminda Vaas is the chief guest at the award ceremony.

Galahitiyawa Central College beat Vidyaloka College, Galle on 1st innings and entered into the semifinal of the Singer under 19 division III cricket tournament.

Match was played at Weliveriya recently. Isuru Tharaka and Sandaruwan Chinthaka had their share in beating their opponents.

Scores:

Galahitiyawa Central- 152 (?Sanju Lakshan? 6/34) and 234/8 (?Sandaruwan Chinthaka 61, Isuru Tharaka 75, Sanju Lakshan 3/68

Vidyaloka - 125 (Minsara Sadupa? 5/34, Sandaruwan Chinthaka 3/44)

Heavy polling took place in last week’s competition of the Observer-Mobitel Most Popular Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year contest as the voting is expected to end shortly.

Even in the Observer-Mobitel Most Popular Schoolgirl Cricketer of the Year contest, a staggering number of votes were the order of the day.

The leading contestants in both the competitions were faced stiff competition as two new leaders were emerged.

Sri Lanka cricketer Naweed Nawaz, who won the Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year mega title in 1993, was the first and only cricketer from D.S. Senanayake College to achieve that honour.

During his illustrious career at D.S. Senanayake College, Nawaz was a household name with some aggressive batting and a number of big scores. Even after his exemplary school career, Nawaz scored consistently for his club side, Nondescript Cricket Club (NCC) for a number of years,with an attractive average.

Despite maintaining a stunning average of 99.00 in the only Test he played in, his international opportunities were limited. He made his Test debut against Bangladesh on July 28, 2002 but was unfortunate to be demoted to Sri Lanka ‘A’ team after scoring 21 and 78 not out in his respective Test innings on debut.

Until his surprise recall for the Nat West series in England in 2002, he had made just a solitary one-day appearance - against Zimbabwe in 1997-98. However, he failed to impress at No. 3 position on that occasion, scratching around for a 23-ball five runs.

In March 2004, Nawaz led Sri Lanka ‘A’ in its unofficial Test tour of New Zealand. His strong team included five fast bowlers, an all-rounder and a solitary spinner on the five-week tour, in which Sri Lanka ‘A’ played a series of three five-day unofficial Tests, and three one-day matches against New Zealand ‘A’. The Lankan team included Lasith Malinga.

Nawaz later played the role of Consultant Coach for the Sri Lanka women’s team and in May 2009, he was named Sri Lanka Under-19 coach. Sri Lanka’s first ever award show for schoolboy cricketers, which has produced many champion Sri Lanka cricketers, is back in the true spirit of the game to continue its role in fostering school cricket.

It is with pride and honour that we plan to conduct the 41st Observer-Mobitel Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year 2019 event. The proud principal sponsor of the Mega Show is Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel, Sri Lanka’s national mobile communication network.

This is the 11th successive year that SLT Mobitel is sponsoring the show, at a time the company is heading towards new horizons under the dynamic leadership of SLT and Mobitel Chairman Kumarasinghe Sirisena and the SLT Mobitel CEO Nalin Perera.

It is heartening to see that more and more school cricket award shows are emerging, following that great initiative of Sri Lanka’s flagship English newspaper – the Sunday Observer way back in 1978/79.

Lake House inaugurated the Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year contest at a time when there wasn’t a single awards ceremony to recognize the talents of schoolboy cricketers.

Neither the school cricket governing body (Sri Lanka Schools Cricket Association) nor the national governing body for cricket (Sri Lanka Cricket or then BCCSL), had a program to reward outstanding schoolboy cricketers then. There were no inter-school tournaments for first X1 cricket either. But 41 years ago, the Sunday Observer, as the country’s undisputed English newspaper since 1928, realized the need to recognize talents of budding schoolboy cricketers who could step into Sri Lanka national teams and become international stars by organizing this show of shows. Our initiative has proved fruitful as the Observer Schoolboy Cricketer show winners have gone to hit the top as international cricketers.

It was the then Royal College captain Ranjan Madugalle who was adjudged Observer Schoolboy Cricketer in 1978 and 1979. That inspired Madugalle to go places, captaining NCC in club cricket, leading Sri Lanka with distinction and currently holding the top post in international cricket as the Chief ICC Match Referee.

Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup winning captain Arjuna Ranatunga had the honour of winning the Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year title twice – in 1980 and 1982.

Over the past four decades, the Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year contest has gone from strength to strength, producing some of the best Sri Lanka cricketers – Asanka Gurusinha, Roshan Mahanama, Muttiah Muralitharan, Kumara Dharmasena, Marvan Atapattu, Sanath Jayasuriya, Thilan Samaraweera, Dinesh Chandimal, Niroshan Dickwella and Kusal Mendis, to name a few. All of them have entered the big league after their ‘graduation’ as Observer-Mobitel Schoolboy Cricketers.

The success and immense popularity of the Observer-Mobitel Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year contest has persuaded some to follow our great initiative and conduct schoolboy cricketer awards shows but none of them would ever be able to emulate the Observer-Mobitel Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year contest which continues to maintain its rich traditions.

On the other hand, we are delighted and honoured to see more school cricket award shows emerging because that eventually meets our initial goal. We are happy to see others following the Sunday Observer example because it helps its country’s budding schoolboy cricketers who would ultimately benefit from all these shows.

Hence, the Mother of all Shows – the Observer-Mobitel Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year contest continues for the 41st time, breaking new ground and serves as a talent search for tomorrow’s cricketing heroes.

Although the 2018-19 season is coming to a successful conclusion, you could still vote for your favourite cricketer from any school in the Observer-Mobitel Most Popular Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year contest as well as for your favourite Schoolgirl Cricketer. Voting coupons are published in the Sunday Observer, Daily News, Dinamina.

Mens Winners from 1 to 8. Front line from left:- Udesh Chandima, Shaheed Hilmy, Dineth Dulakshan, Hasitha Anuruddha. Backline from left:- Nishantha Fernando, Anas Ahamed, Avon Wickramasinghe, M Sherifdeen

Womens winners from 1 to 8 – Front line from left:- Chalani Lakmali, Joseph Roshita, M Chithradevi, Maduwanthi Gunadasa. Backline from left:- Rebecca Dalrine, Madhuka Dilshani, Tashmila Kavindi, Sashika Sandamali

Udesh Chandima of SL Air Force beats Shaheed Hilmy of Royal College who is the defending

national champion by 2-1 (25/07, 15/25, 25/23), at the Grand Slam championships -2019

worked off at the Carrom Federation, Kohuwala recently. Udesh beat Nishantha who is a former World Champion at the quarterfinals by 2-1 (25/00, 04/25, 25/06)

Chalani Lakmali of SL Airforce beat Joseph Roshita of SL Navy by 2-0 (25/00, 25/24) in the women’s singles final. Roshita is an experienced slicer who has won the National championship for six times.

Twenty three men and women players qualified for this tournament which is the latest ranking

tournament soon after 51st National Championships- 2019

There were 11 Slams (finish the frame at the first turn of the player) reported by Shaheed Hilmy - 03, Nishantha Fernando -02, Udesh Chandima-01, Anas Ahamed -01, Prameda Mendis-01,

Suraj Maduwantha-01, Dineth Dulakshan-01 and Joseph Roshita -01 at this tournament.

Positions

Men’s

1. Udesh Chandima (SL Air Force), 2. Shaheed Hilmy (Royal College, Colombo), 3. Dineth Dulakshana (SL Air Force), 4. Hasitha Anuruddha (SL Air Force), 5. Nishantha Fernando (Sl Navy), 6. Anas Ahamed (SL Army), 7. Avon Wickramasinghe (SL Air Force), 8. M Sherifdeen (SL Army)

Women’s

1. Chalani Lakmali (SL Air Force), 2. Joseph Roshita (SL Navy), 3. M. Chitradevi (SL Army), 4. Maduwanthi Gunadasa (SL Army), 5. Rebecca Dalrine (SL Army), 6. Maduka Dilshani (SL Army), 7. Tashmila Kavindi (Mahamaya Balika Vidyalaya, Nugegoda), 8. Shahsika Sandamali (SL Army)

S. Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia first eleven cricket team was at the receiving end of an unruly crowd supporting Richmond College being subjected to assault on the captain, acting master-in-charge and a player at the end of the Singer Trophy Under 19 division 1 inter-schools limited-over final at the Galle International Cricket Stadium yesterday.

The incident took place soon after S Thomas’ had beaten Richmond by 12 runs to win the final and end the southern school’s two-year dominance in the tournament.

“It happened soon after the match when about 200 supporters with poles surrounded the pavilion preventing the players from entering the dressing room. Some players managed to run and escape into the dressing room but the captain Sithara Hapuhinna, acting MIC Yohan Mendis and one other boy who was a reserve were surrounded by the unruly crowd and assaulted,” said Thomian coach Dinesh Kumarasinghe describing the incident that unfolded in front of the pavilion.

Kumarasinghe was also the coach when the Thomians last won this title in 2002 under the captaincy of Dilshan Gunawardene. “They were hit all over the body and were also kicked and Hapuhinna’s wicket-keeping gloves were forcibly snatched away from him,” said Kumarasinghe. “They did not sustain any major injuries but the police had to come and escort us out of the ground.”

“The spectators were drunk otherwise they would not have behaved the way did. The Richmond supporters clearly showed that they were bad losers. This is the first time in my 30 years as a cricket coach I have experienced such an ugly incident,” he further stated.

“We sensed that something like this would happen for during the match the spectators were going around the ground shouting and disturbing the players and lighting firecrackers.

“What I am really angry with is that the Richmond College principal and other staff members were present at the match and they never made any attempt to stop it. Even when the incident took place at the end of the match the Richmond principal who was present right throughout never made any move to stop them,” said Kumarasinghe. “After the match, they came and told us to come for the prize distribution but we refused because the spectators were there waiting outside to hit our players.”

Kumarasinghe said that they had made a complaint to the Galle police regarding the assault on their players. Galle police confirmed that they had received a complaint regarding an assault on one of the Thomian players.

Acting MiC Yohan Mendis said that he was also hit by the spectators when he tried to protect the captain whom the unruly crowd had targeted and had surrounded.

Sri Lanka Schools Cricket Association (SLSCA) secretary Dilshan de Silva who was present at the match along with other SLSCA officials said, “Some of the parents and old boys who were present and cheering during the match behaved in an ungentlemanly manner soon after the match ended. They assaulted some of the Thomian players, and started abusing the umpires and us.

“There was a Richmond old boy he is the one who started abusing us. In future we are going to ensure that matches of this nature should not be played without any security,” said De Silva.

The SLSCA secretary stated that they had not so far received any complaints regarding the incident from S. Thomas’ College but added, “We will have a discussion regarding the incident and take appropriate action shortly”.

Malaysia defeated Kenya 44-42 in a close game to remain unbeaten in the ongoing Invitation Triangular Netball Series at the Sugathadasa Stadium yesterday.

In the opening quarter Malaysians were in front with a slender one point to be 12-11. During the second quarter they extended it by 12 goals while Kenyans could add only 8 goals giving Malaysians a lead of four goals. From the third quarter the game became a ding dong battle as the Kenyans fought back gallantly to collect 11 goals while their opponents too added the same number of goals to their tally bringing the score to 30-34.

The Malaysian girls had to fight with all their strength in the final quarter as the Kenyans came back with everything they had in store to challenge their fast-moving opponents.

This was the best quarter for the Kenyans with 12 goals whereas Malaysians could muster only 10, but the lead they gained in the early quarters helped them to emerge winners.

The second game between Sri Lanka National Pool and Youth Pool ended in favor of the senior pool by 73 goals to 34. The Youth team was never able to come closer to the seniors and always trailed in all four quarters - 22- 8, 40-17, 60-30 and 73-34.

Today Sri Lanka Youth Team play Kenya in the first game scheduled to commence at 3.00 p.m. followed by Malaysia v Sri Lanka at 5.00 p.m.

Galle CC beat Panadura SC by an innings and 39 runs in their SLC Major League Tier ‘B’ Inter Club cricket match played at Panadura yesterday. Left-arm spinner Gayan Sirisoma took 12 wickets for 93 runs for Galle CC.

RESULTS:

*At Police Park: Match drawn.

Bloomfield C & AC: 385 and 266/5 in 57 overs (Asantha Singappuli 117, Geeshath Panditharatne 40, Sanoj Darshika 26 n.o., Madushan Ravichandrakumar 22 n.o., Supun Madushanka 2/28)

Police SC: 239 (178/5 o/n) in 73.5 overs (Pawan Dias 73, Sanath Ranjan 33, Gitansh Khera 30, Amit Kumar 29, Manjula Jayawardene 28, Mahesh Priyadarshana 24, Madushan Ravichandrakumar 6/76)

*At Welagedara: Match drawn.

Kurunegala YCC: 509;

Air Force SC: 334 (273/7 o/n) in 78.1 overs (Suminda Lakshan 120, Dilip Tharaka 78 n.o., Umega Chaturanga 51, Roscoe Thattil 33, Chamikara Hewage 20, Lahiru Jayaratne 4/69, Dinushka Malan 2/34, Rasanjana Jayaratne 2/106) and 346/5 in 60 overs (Chamikara Hewage 142 n.o., Roscoe Thattil 118, Dilip Tharaka 25 n.o., Dulash Udayanga 26, Sanjeewan Priyadharshana 2/108)

*At Panadura: Galle CC won by inns & 39 runs.

Panadura SC: 111 and 135 in 31.4 overs (Thimira Jayasinghe 33, Rajeewa Weerasinghe 5/42, Gayan Sirisoma 4/43)

Galle CC: 285 (273/8 o/n) in 58.5 overs (Harsha Vithana 75, Ashan Madushanka 39, Suraj Randiv 38, Kevin Koththiigoda 37, Lakshan Rodrigo 29, Kaumal Nanayakkara 4/106, Shehan Weerasinghe 3/69, Imranullah Aslam 2/61) - (YK)

S. Thomas’ College Mt. Lavinia emerged champions of the ‘Singer Trophy’ Under 19 division 1 inter-schools limited-over cricket tournament played at Galle International Cricket Stadium yesterday.

S. Thomas’ College Mt. Lavinia beat last year champion Richmond College Galle by 12 runs in the final.

S. Thomas’ invited to bat first scored 261 in 49.4 overs with Yohan Perera scoring a valuable 124 off 132 balls with 14 fours and sharing 96-run third wicket stand with Ryan Fernando and 54 for the fifth with Ravindu de Silva.

Richmond in reply were bowled out for 249 runs in 49.1 overs. Right-hand opener Adithya Sirwardhane scored 53 off 87 balls (5 fours), Bhanuka Manohara 51 off 76 balls (5 fours and a six) and Sandun Mendis 49 off 32 balls (10 fours).

Scores:

S. Thomas’: 261 in 49.4 overs (Yohan Perera 124, Ryan Fernando 44, Ravindu De Silva 21, Sithara Hapuhinna 15, Umayanga Suwaris 10, Chamath Dilsara 3/49, Amshi De Silva 3/58, Dimuth Sandaruwan 2/56)

Richmond: 249 in 49.1 overs (Adithya Sirwardhane 53, Bhanuka Manohara 51, Sandun Mendis 49, Vinuja Kiriella 15, Dimuth Sandaruwan 13, Sammu Vimud 13, Shannon Fernando 3/44, Kalana Perera 2/39, Thevin Eriyagama 2/47) - (YK)

Outstation Origins led by Roshan Weeraratne beat Colombo Origin led by Omalka Gunaratne by 24 points (4 tries, 2 conversions) to 12 (2 tries, 1 conversion) in their fundraiser game played for former CH and FC, Sri Lanka national rugby captain, former chairman of the national rugby selection committee Chandrishan Perera at Havelock Park under floodlights yesterday. At half time Outstation led 19-nil.

Outstation Origins’ four tries were scored by winger.

Reeza Rafaideen, scrum-half cum captain Roshan Weeraratne, centre Kavindu Perera and hooker Uchitha Jayasuriya. The two conversions were put over by fly-half Samuel Maduwantha and full back Thilina Wijesinghe.

Colombo Origins’ two tries were scored by hooker Prasath Madushan and winger Sachith Silva with Reeza Mubarak slotting in the conversion. Referee: Hasantha Weranga

Famous Sri Lanka and Police number eight Hector Gunathilake (the iron man) age 57, died after meeting with a tragic accident in Abha, Saudi Arabia on 7 March.

According to authorities, a vehicle that came from behind the cab which Hector was driving crashed and went without stopping. The cab was totally damaged due to the huge impact in the front and rear after hitting a concrete wall. His body was flown to Sri Lanka yesterday.

Gunathilake played for Isipathana College starting from under 14 and represented the first XV from 1980-81. Starting his club rugby at CR & FC he

played from 1982-84. He was a member of the President’s Trophy winning CR team in 1983 under Cargo Siriwardena where famous Police players like Hafeez Marso, Mahes Perera, Sunil Sahabandu and Dharmakeerthi played when Police withdrew from the tournament due to the July riots. The team toured Bangkok as a reward for winning.

The following year Gunathilake joined Police as a Sub Inspector on 15 June 1984 with Roger Subasinghe and Kapila Peiris. Hector played on and off for the Police till their original number eight Rohan Gunaratne left the force in 1986 and was a regular member occupying the pivotal number eight position from their onwards.

Hector’s achievements for Police was phenomenal where he was a member of the winning ‘A ‘ Division inter-club league team for six consecutive years from 1984-89 and in 1991 (six in all).

Hector was a member of the Police rugby team which won the Clifford Cup in 1985 and 1991, the Premadasa Trophy in 1986 and 1989 and the inter club 7s in 1985,1988 and 1989. Overall he was a member of 14 major championships for Police from 1984-1992 within a period of 9 years.

Hector represented the Sri Lanka rugby team that took part in the Asian Under 25 tournament under Roshan Perera.

Speaking to Daily News all the way from England Roshan recalling one of Hector’s heroics stated how he refused to leave the ground even with a broken jaw in the match against formidable Hong Kong. “He is one player who gives everything for the team a real team man. He has been rated one of the granite like hard players of the time.”

Hector also went on the tour of Wales in 1987 under Hisham Abdeen.

What is more significant is that he has been a member of the Police team that won the triple crown in 1985 and 1989 under Sunil Sahabandu and Hafeez Marso respectively, the best ever milestone achieved in the annals of Police Rugby.

“Hector to me is a granite hard player, trier and a great team man with a “never say die” attitude who will never mince his words. He gave his best to all the captains,” said 1989 triple champion winning skipper DIG Hafeez Marso.

Hector served at Field Force Headquarters, Grandpass, Manampitiya etc. He then left for Japan in 1993.

Hector leaves his 22 year old son, Rositha Kaushalya and his family.

His funeral takes place today from his residence 324/16, N.A.S. Silva Mw. Pepiliyana to Kohuwela Cemetery at 5 pm.