Liverpool took command of their Champions League quarter-final with Porto thanks to two first-half goals in the first leg at Anfield.

Naby Keita put Liverpool in front in just the fifth minute when his shot from the edge of the penalty area deflected in off Oliver Torres.

Roberto Firmino then tapped home the second from Trent Alexander-Arnold's cross after Jordan Henderson's fine ball from midfield.

Porto did create chances but striker Moussa Marega failed to convert meaning his side leave Merseyside without what could have been a crucial away goal.

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson produced an excellent block with his feet to deny him in the 30th minute and moments later the Mali international failed to connect fully with a volley from eight yards.

Maraga had two further chances in the second half but Alisson was first able to comfortably save at his near post and later watch on as the Porto striker blazed over the bar.

There was another nervous first-half moment for Liverpool when Alisson tipped away a deflected cross with the ball deflecting on to Alexander-Arnold's arm. The incident was checked by VAR but the referee awarded a corner rather than a penalty.

Mohamed Salah could have been sent off late on for a high tackle with his studs on to Danilo Pereira's shin but after another VAR review no foul was given.

Liverpool failed to find a third goal which would have made them even more comfortable but they will head to Portugal for the second leg on 17 April as strong favourites to reach the semi-finals for the second-successive year.
 

M. H. Rashen Dilshan of Lions Swimming Club, Ambalangoda and Thilijana Parakramasinghe of Sirimavo Bandaranike Vidyalaya, Colombo won the men’s and women’s titles respectively in the annual 10km Sea Swim conducted by the Kinross Swimming & Life Saving Club of Wellawatte recently.

This is the 54th edition of the annual sea swim which is known to be the longest sea swim event of the country.

The event has a long history and became one of the most anticipated annual events of the Sri Lankan swimming championship calendar.

Rashen took 2h:29m.20s to win the open men’s event while school swimming prodigy Thilijana clocked 3h:09m.49s to bag the women’s open title. The competition commenced from the seas near Kinross club and proceeded through to Mt Lavinia and returned to the starting point. W. Wimal Kumara (2h:30m.26s) of SL Army and W. M. V. L. Abeyratne (2h:31m.53s) who is also from the Army won the open men’s second and third places.

In the women’s competition, Thilijana clinched the victory convincingly beating many experienced and senior swimmers. She displayed a superb performance and none of the other swimmers were able to pose a challenge to her. The second-placed D. Hiruni Maheshika of Lions Swimming Club, Ambalangoda reached the finish line way behind to Thilijana clocking 3h:22m.57s. R. K. Jayathilaka of SL Army won the women’s third place with a timing of 3h:26m.24s.

Meanwhile, the SL Army won the team championship scoring 189 points while Lions Swimming Club, Ambalangoda (108 points) and Police Swimming Club (90 points) became second and third respectively in the team event. Oshadha Prathibha of Lions Swimming Club, Ambalangoda was the youngest male swimmer while his club-mate D. Hiruni Maheshika was the youngest female contestant at this year’s event. C. I. S. Edirisinghe of Kinross Swimming & Life Saving Club was the oldest to compete this year.

Buwaneka Gunatilleka and Thilini Hendahewa emerged open men’s and women’s singles champions at the inaugural Defenders Open Badminton championships which concluded at the Army Indoor Stadium Panagoda on Tuesday.

Buwaneka completed the double by winning the men’s singles and doubles partnered by Sachin Dias but missed the triple crown losing the mixed doubles final.

Buwaneka who upset Dinuka Karunaratna in the semifinals earlier won in straight sets 21/14, 21/13 over Hasitha Chanaka in the men’s final. In the women’s open singles final young Dilmi Dias fought hard against Thilini Hendahewa to win the first set 22/20. But Thilini made a good come back winning the second set 26/24. Thilini outclassed her opponent to win the third and final set 21/9.

In the men’s doubles, Buwaneka partnered by Sachin Dias scored an easy two sets win over Omal Dharmawardana and Ravidu Ranatunga 21/8, 21/9. However, Achini Ratnasiri and Upuli Samanthika defeated Thilini Hendahewa and Kavidi Sirimannage 21/18, 21/12 to win the women’s doubles title.

The mixed doubles final was won by Sachin Dias and Thilini Hendahewa who defeated Buwanaka Gunatilleka and Kavidi Sirimannage in straight sets 21/12, 21/8.

This inaugural Defenders tournament was successfully conducted by the Army Badminton committee together with the Sri Lanka Badminton Association at the newly built Army Badminton courts.

Army Commander Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake was the Chief Guest. SLBA Interim President Nishantha Jayasinghe and Chairman of the Army Badminton Committee Brigadier D.T. Gamage also graced this occasion.

Results (Finals)

Men’s open singles
Buwaneka Gunatilleka bt Hasitha Chanaka 21/14,21/13
Women’s open singles
Thilini Hendahewa bt Dilmi Dias 20/22,26/24,21/9
Men’s open doubles
Sachin Dias/Buwanaka Gunatilleka bt Omal Dharmawardana/Ravidu Ranathunga 21/8,21/9
Women’s open doubles
Achini Ratnasiri /Upuli Samanthika bt Thilini Hendahewa/Kavidi Sirimannage 21/18,21/12
Mixed doubles
Thilini Hendahewa /Sachin Dias bt Buwaneka Gunatilleka /Kavidi Sirimannage 21/12.21/8
Men’s over 50 doubles
Clarance Hormer/Upendra Jayawardena bt Nishan Ranasinghe/Randika Pieris 21/7,21/15
Men’s over 50 singles
Nihal Amarasena bt Dhammika Tillekaratna 21/10,21/16
Men’s over 35 singles
A.K.Hemantha bt Thanuja Liyanage 21/13,21/19
Women’s over 40 singles
Vipuli Abeysekara bt Priyanka Abeyratna 21/15,21/16
Women’s over 40 doubles
Vipuli Abeysekara /Malika Waduge bt Priyanka Abeyratna/Ranjani Seneviratna 21/18,21/15
Men’s over 40 singles
Upendra Jayawardena bt Conrad de Silva 21/10,21/12
Men’s over 45 singles
Duminda Jayakody bt Subash Janaka 21/23,21/17,21/19
Men’s over 45 doubles
Duminda Jayakody/Subash Janaka bt A.W.S Jayasinghe/Cheran Samaranayake21/11,21/11
Men’s over 55 singles
Senaka Wickramasinghe bt Adrian Lima 21/10,21/12
Men’s over 60 singles
Ariyasena Wannisinghe bt Sunil Jayasiri 21/18,21/11
Men’s over 60 doubles
Luvi Karunaratna/Mohan Wijesinghe bt Gamini Jayawardena/Ariyasena Wannisinghe 21/19,21/13

The Kandy District Hockey Association, which held their AGM fourteen days ago, elected a hockey promoting committee and are all out to bring the game back to the position where it was in the early days. The new committee need to start thinking for themselves - they will have to develop an analytical approach if they want to succeed consistently at the highest level. It is high time Kandy hockey began a revival. They are hoping to start with the inter-club league, knockouts and sevens tournament. The new committee comprises R. Maheswaran was once again elected as president, vice presidents - H. Marikar, P. Kumara, D. Herath, S. Dissanayake, G. G. Dharmaratne, secretary - M. A. M. Ashraf, asst. secretary - N. Paraneetharan, treasurer - A. B. Godigamuwa and Asst. Treasurer - R. T. R. Raheem.

The game of hockey has a long history in Kandy. Hockey was first played in Kandy in 1907 when the Indian Raj-put Regiment were housed at the Kandy Military Barracks, now called Police Barracks. At that time St. Anthony’s College was housed at the present St. Sylvester’s College premises. The students used Barracks grounds present Police grounds for all their sports. Antonian schoolboys seeing the Indians playing hockey, they were drawn to the game and tried their hand at knocking the ball about with a borrowed stick. Gradually, more and more boys found the glamour of the game irresistible and, in a matter of few months, threw down the gauntlet and soon found themselves at grips with the Indian Military men. Glancing through some old records, the first “Bully Off” in Kandy was in 1907 at the Bogambara grounds, when the Kandy Sports Club packed with Europeans and the Industrial School Team met they too were with Europeans. These two clubs played hockey regularly and had opposition from the Regiments stationed in Kandy. Then somewhere in 1910, a new club was formed, the Kandy Rovers SC. They had the Vanlangenberg brothers Hugh and Lloyd, Wicky and Percy, all first class players. In addition, they had Edwin Boulton, a teacher at Kingswood College, and H. John Gaye a teacher at St. Anthony’s College.

In 1909 hockey ‘died’ with Charlie Hamilton’s death, who was a little 10-year-old prodigy from St. Anthony’s, who played as a centre-half. This lionhearted midget had learnt the game the hard way, in the company of the Indian stalwarts. That year, a team from Kandy went down to Colombo to play matches against Colombo Municipal Council and Bloomfield C & AC in the last week of October 1901. The first match ended 1-1 draw and the second match Kandy won. The hero of these two games was Charlie Hamilton, whose display had evoked repeated rounds of applause. The anti-climax of this was that, following the teams return to Kandy, Hamilton suddenly took ill and died on 5th November 1909. After which, the game too, died a natural death.

Once again in 1926, Kandy SC, with Europeans, started a tournament. Special mention must be made of the Kandy SC Secretary John Jackson Smale, some stalwarts such as Hamer, Trailm Mclaughlanm, the Bengan brothers, B. and R., Trinity teacher K.R. Pilcher (Oxford Blue), and Strefield (English County player). There was a Big Match between the Upcountry and Low Country in August, with the teams composed of all Europeans.

It was in the mid-1930’s that the game was revived due to the keenness of people like P.T. Rajan, M.S. Jainudeen K.V.D. Paul and J.O. Mendis. At that time only a hand full of clubs showed interest. As the years rolled by hockey flourished in Kandy. During the World War, a large number of clubs and schools including foreign teams played in Kandy. Hockey in Kandy was well organized with local tournaments in full swing. By 1940 hockey in Kandy was well organized with tournaments in full swing. As years rolled by hockey flourished in Kandy with several schools in and around taking to the game. During World War II, a large number of clubs and schools, including foreign teams, played in Kandy. In the early days, there were tournaments such as PT Rajan Trophy, MS Jainudeen Cup for the League runners-up, 7-a-side Tournament for the KPMM Seyed Ahamed Challenge Cup and the VHL Anthonisz Challenge Cup for the Knockout tournament. The teams during that period were St. Anthony’s College known as “Hotspurs”, Trinity College known as “Rabbits”, Indian Students Hostel, Kingswood College, Kandy Rovers SC, Young Stars SC, and Imperial Motor Garage Hockey Club.

Now, where does Kandy actually stand, at one time being the top-ranked Sri Lanka Hockey Association? Kandy officials are now learning the art of patient build-up. The hit and miss tactics of the past and the all-out counter-attacks are no longer preferred. The Kandy hockey committee has been regrouped in a structured way. They are all-out to an improvement in the game in all aspects.

The visiting Moreton Legends Cricket Team from Brisbane, Australia, defeated Sri Lanka Customs by five wickets with ease in their cricket match played at Colombo Cricket Club Grounds.

Batting first, Customs scored 171 for 9 in their allotted overs with Darshana Amerasinghe scoring 52 runs and Nugg Lunt captured 3 for 15 runs. In reply, the tourists notched up the required score for the loss of five wickets with Brett Collins scoring 50 runs.

Chief Scores

Sri Lanka Customs – 171/9 in 35 overs – Indika Vithanage 27, Darshana Amerasinghe 52, Jude Monty 23, Athula Unantenne 3/28, Nugg Lunt 3/15.

Moreton Legends – 174/5 in 31.2 overs – Ross Entriken 19, Ramin Sourjah 33, Brett Collins 50, Nugg Lunt 23, Darshana Gamage 29 n/o, Thilina Thilakarathne 2/24.

Sri Lanka selectors’ prayers were finally answered when in the play-off for third place in the Super Four Provincial limited-over tournament match at Dambulla Stadium yesterday former captain Angelo Mathews struck form to score a timely hundred (101 off 106 balls) and aided by a brilliant knock of 95 off 87 balls from Bhanuka Rajapaksa (11 fours, 2 sixes) enabled Dambulla to post an imposing total of 325-5 and beat Kandy by 94 runs.

Invited to bat first Dambulla slumped to 45-3 in the 13th over losing the wickets of Niroshan Dickwella (4), Danushka Gunathilaka (15) and Oshada Fernando (6) cheaply to Thisara Perera and Nuwan Pradeep.

Rajapaksa joined by Mathews set about repairing the innings by indulging in a fourth wicket partnership of 150 that boosted the total immensely and allowed Jeevan Mendis (50 n.o. off 33 balls, 3 sixes, 2 fours) and Isuru Udana (34 n.o. off 14 balls, 2 sixes, 3 fours) to figure in a rollicking sixth wicket stand of 59 off 27 balls that boosted the total beyond the 300-run mark.

Despite losing Dimuth Karunaratne for a second ball duck in the first over Kandy recovered to 121-1 through half centuries from Sadeera Samarawickrama (70) and Sangeeth Cooray (57) before folding up tamely for 231 to the spin of Gunathilaka and Mendis.

The final between Galle and Colombo will be played at the same venue today.

Scores:

Dambulla 325-5 in 50 overs (Bhanuka Rajapakse 95, Angelo Mathews 101, Jeevan Mendis 50 n.o., Isuru Udana 34 n.o., Nuwan Pradeep 2/68, Thisara Perera 2/54)

Kandy 231 in 42.2 overs (Sadeera Samarawickrama 70, Sangeeth Cooray 57, Chaturanga de Silva 30, Thisara Perera 21, Vishwa Fernando 2/40, Danushka Gunathilaka 2/34, Isuru Udana 2/21, Jeevan Mendis 2/47)

Nuwara Eliya and Walapane divisions won the men’s and women’s championship respectively in the District Secretary Challenge Trophy limited five-over cricket tournament which was held at Dunbar grounds, Hatton recently.

Kotmale team emerged men’s runner-up, while Nuwara Eliya team became runner-up in women’s tournament. Indika Lakmal of Nuwara Eliya won the men’s Best Player award while Deepthi Wathsala of Walapane team was adjudged the women’s Best Player. The tournament was organised by the Ambagamuwa Korale Divisional Secretariat.

The tournament saw teams from Ambagamuwa Korale, Walapane, Kotmale, Hanguranketha, and Nuwara Eliya district secretariats battling for supremacy. Nuwara Eliya District secretary Rohana Pushpakumara and Ambagamuwa Korale District Secretary R.T. Pradeep Sumanasekara presided over the award ceremony.

Depending champions St. Joseph’s College Colombo advanced to the final of the ‘Singer Trophy’ Under 19 division 1 inter-schools 2-day cricket tournament, gained a first innings win over St. Sebastian’s College, Moratuwa in the semifinal played at Reid Avenue on Tuesday.

St. Joseph’s College won the toss and elected to bat first scored 433 runs in 107.5 overs. in

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) and Ashain Daniel (22n.o.) helped to build their innings.

Vinuja Ranasinghe took 4 wickets for 118 runs. Praveen Cooray and Nuwanindu Fernando took each 2 wickets.

In reply to Joes 433 runs, the Sebs bowled out for a paltry 85 runs in 34.4 overs. Dunith Jayathunga scored 28 runs and Lahiru Fernando put on 23 runs. Left-arm legspinner Sri Lanka youth cap Dunith Wellalage ran through the Sebs batting lineup claiming 7 wickets for 22 runs in 10.4 overs, while Johane De Zylva with figures of 3 for 18 runs.

St. Joseph’s College Colombo will meet S. Thomas’ College Mt. Lavinia on April 11 and 12 in the final at the same venue.

St. Joseph’s: 433 (415/8 o/n) in 107.5 overs (Dineth Jayakodi 116, Lakshan Gamage 79, Dunith Wellalage 62, Johan de Zylva 59, Yesith Rupasinghe 26, Dinal Anurada 26, Ashain Daniel 22 n.o., Vinuja Ranasinghe 4/118, Praveen Cooray 2/42, Nuwanindu Fernando 2/78).

St. Sebastian’s: 85 in 34.4 overs (Dunith Jayathunga 28, Lahiru Fernando 23, Dunith Wellalage 7/22, Johane De Sylva 3/18). (YK)

Airtel Sri Lanka,‘93% buffer-free video streaming’ mobile service provider, in keeping with its promise to develop fastest bowling talent in Sri Lanka, has finalised a pool of 45 fast bowlers for further training.

‘Airtel Fastest’, a hunt to identify Sri Lanka’s undiscovered fastest bowling talent, with a view to enriching the national fast bowling talent pool was launched by Airtel Sri Lanka in last February.

Promising to travel the length and breadth of the country to unearth grass-root talent ‘Airtel Fastest’ spanned through 11 trial locations across the country. The talent hunt was initially conducted in Jaffna, Polonnaruwa, Batticaloa, Matara, Badulla, Ruwanwella, Gampaha, Kurunegala, Kandy, Horana and Colombo. A total number of 145 fast bowlers were selected from the initial programme under three categories; under 19 and over 19 boys as well as an open category for girls.

Jinesh Hegde, Chief Executive Officer, and Managing Director, Airtel Sri Lanka speaking at the event said, ‘As a brand that has pledged to enrich the lives of youth, we make it our priority to continuously create opportunities for the youth of the nation to showcase their talent. We’ve put together a team of some of the world’s best coaches to help the 45 boys and girls who made it through to the second achieve greater things.

These competitors have earned themselves an opportunity to learn and from the best.’

Speaking at the top 45 selection, Anusha Samaranyake, the coach behind ‘Airtel Fastest’ said, “The players that we have identified through Airtel Fastest have great potential which we can nurture and bring up-to-the international standards. The program is a huge service to the sport itself to identify much-needed talent to represent the country”.

Out of the 145 initial pool that was selected, the organizers selected the top 45 fastest bowlers for the second round which will commence with a coaching camp. The coaching camp is said to focus the youngsters on key attributes like biomechanics of fast bowling, fitness, endurance, speed, and agility.

‘Airtel Fastest’ will challenge the amateur bowlers in different forms and 05 fast bowlers will be selected for the final round.

Chathuranga Dilshan Abeysinghe, a competitor from Polonnaruwa said, ‘I bowled at 132 kmph at the initial competition and got selected and I am really excited about this achievement. Most of the boys and girls here today are playing using a leather ball for the first time. Airtel has given us a unique opportunity to showcase our skills and work with top-level national coaches, bringing us closer to our dream of representing the national team one day’.For the second round of ‘Airtel Fastest’, 18 players will be selected from both the U-19 and over 19 levels while 09 players will be selected from the open girl`s category.

Thus, the national duty of ensuring Sri Lanka Cricket`s future will continue with ‘Airtel Fastest’ and in the near future, the final ‘Airtel Fastest’ will take the nation to its utmost glory in the international arena just as the cricketing great, Lasith Malinga, the brand ambassador of the competition.

The Pakistan Under 19 team will tour Sri Lanka in April and May 2019 to play two four day games and three Youth ODI games vs Sri Lanka under 19. YK

The tour schedule

April 2019 - Pakistan Team Arrives

3rd – 6th May - 1st Four Day Game at Galle International Cricket Stadium

9th – 12th May – 2nd Four Day Game at MRICS, Hambantota

15th May – 1st Youth ODI at MRICS, Hambantota

17th May – 2nd Youth ODI at MRICS - Hambantota

20th May – 3rd Youth ODI at Galle International Cricket Stadium

Sri Lanka’s hero of their 1996 World Cup win Aravinda de Silva and Coca Cola have a lot in common. It was Coca Cola who sponsored his brainchild Cricket Pathway for a decade and moreover it was when Coca Cola was a sponsor of the World Cup that Sri Lanka won the coveted title in 1996 where De Silva played the leading role in helping his country to win the most prized trophy in cricket with a blazing century in the final against Australia at Lahore and was adjudged the Player of the Final.

De Silva was among the distinguished guests invited for the Coca Cola launch of ‘Drink of Togetherness’ at Shangri-La Hotel where the soft drink beverage company has once again tied up with the ICC for the 2019 Cricket World Cup in England starting from late next month.

De Silva said that he could not refuse the invitation extended to him by Coca Cola because of the support they had given him in the past and he postponed his scheduled trip abroad to be present for the occasion.

“I couldn’t turn down the request especially something that is very close to my heart,” said De Silva. “Coca Cola has contributed in some way maybe through me to support one of those kids. That prompted me to start something to support the junior cricketers and to give something back to the game and to the country which is very close to my heart I set up this Coca Cola Pathway.”

Sports Minister Harin Fernando (right) and former Sri Lankan captain and 1996 World Cup Man of the Match Aravinda de Silva exchange views in the presence of Sundeep Bajoria  - Vice President, South West Asia Operations, Coca Cola during the  ‘Drink of Togetherness’ campaign held at Shangri-La Hotel on Tuesday. Pictures by Herbert Perera

“Even at that time there were different camps but they all supported the cause in every possible way without any hesitation. That kind of support is what we require today for the national cricketers. It needs to start from the top. The hierarchy should be strong and together and have one vision to get to where you want in cricket today. That goes not only to the cricketers but also to the government officials in this country. We have to be an example to make sure that the youth of this country follows the same,” he said.

De Silva stated that when the team is down it is the time to extend your full support to them.

“I heard someone mentioning reunite the fans but it’s not the case. The fans are always together and they all want one thing - for Sri Lanka cricket to flourish and to be successful,” said De Silva.

“Every time I go out of the country and hand my passport at emigration the first thing they say is ‘I don’t feel like watching cricket now unlike your days’. That is the wrong idea because we have to remember that during our time we also faced defeats and we have learnt so much through those mistakes. That is what brings success. You learn from your mistakes and you need proper people to guide you.

De Silva recalled that he was fortunate that when he played for his school (DS Senanayake College) he had the privilege of having the best coaches at the time WAN Silva, Charlie Warnakulasuriya and PW Perera of whom two were coaching the national team.

“Life is such that it’s like your heart beat, it goes up and down. If it goes in one straight line you’ll be dead. Similarly cricket is the same and we have to understand that. We don’t have success all along there will be failures also but we need to identify where we have gone wrong and make sure that we don’t keep repeating those mistakes over and over again.”

De Silva appealed to the media not to be too critical on the players but to criticize the hierarchy.

“When it comes to the cricketers the impact is greater because they are carrying a huge burden by representing 21 million people of the country and getting onto the field with a lot of pressure. I meet these cricketers quite often, they come and talk to me for advice and sometimes I have to tell them to just forget about social media and criticism that is being thrown around for the simple reason for that is what puts pressure on them to go out there and perform,” said De Silva.

“One thing that I can humbly ask is to support these cricketers. They have the talent to be successful and even if they lose as long as they give out their 100 percent on behalf of our country we should be proud of them. My wishes and prayers will be for a successful World Cup,” he said.

SPORTS MINISTER BACKS TEAM TO THE HILT

Sports Minister Harin Fernando who was the chief guest whilst admitting that he was a huge fan of Aravinda de Silva said that the present Sri Lanka team although currently going through a rough patch had all the ingredients in them to reach the top during the Cricket World Cup.

“Sri Lanka has always been competitive and do not make a mistake Sri Lankans do well when we are underdogs. You never be doing well when you are rated as one of the top sides but when everybody starts laughing at us that’s when I always say ‘when the going gets tough the tough gets going’. We do go through a rough patch but I am pretty confident knowing the 1996 World Cup sponsor was also Coca Cola be rest assured this time Sri Lanka will do fantastically well. I am 100 percent sure,” said the Minister.

WIN WORLD CUP TICKETS AND SMART PHONES

Sundeep Bajoria, vice president South West Asia Operations Coca Cola said the first phase of the Coca Cola partnership with ICC unfolds in Sri Lanka through an Under the Cap campaign where consumers have to pick up a Coke, Sprite or Fanta look under the special yellow caps and SMS the unique Coke code under the cover to 2343.

Throughout the campaign period 30 lucky winners will receive an ICC World Cup ticket from Coca Cola Sri Lanka. In addition the company will also give away 600 smart phones to consumers through a digital raffle draw which will be conducted throughout the campaign. The campaign is active from April 1 to June 1, 2019.

Malaysia defeated Sri Lanka national team by 8 goals (48-39) to enter the final of the Tri Nation Invitation Netball tournament at the Sugathadasa Stadium yesterday. The Lankan girls were in good form in the first two quarters playing extremely well to hold the Malaysians at bay.

From the start Lankans got off to a flying start to gain a a slender lead in the first quarter 11-9. The second quarter saw Lankans add 11 more goals while their opponent too managed the same amount to come to equal terms to end the second quarter at 22-all.

Malaysians came back strongly in the following quarters adding 12 goals against Sri Lanka’s 8 which gave them a lead of 4 making the tally 30-34. The visitors entered the court for the final session of play with confidence and went on scoring goals at regular intervals adding 14 while the locals were able to collect only 9 during the session to lose the match – a result which sees them out of Friday’s final scheduled at 5.00 p.m. at the same venue.

The Lankans failure was mainly due to failing to collect the most needed passes to score. This failure was the key factor especially in the last two sessions of play that led to their defeat. On the other hand the Malaysians capitalized on the Lankans’ mistakes and took advantage to score.

The first match between Kenya and Sri Lanka Youth team saw Kenyans score a comfortable 83-23 victory. From the beginning the Lankans failed to cope up with the speed of the Kenyans which was main cause for the defeat. Though Sri Lanka Youth team lost this game they were ahead of the National team’s score against Kenya on the opening day where the Lankans could make only a meager total of 16 against Kenya’s 73.

The Sri Lanka Schools Cricket Association (SLSCA) is determined to stamp out unruly behavior by spectators during school matches.

This follows the ugly incident that took place at the Galle International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday where soon after S Thomas’ College Mt Lavinia had beaten Richmond College to win the Singer trophy under 19 division I inter-schools limited-over final around 200 Richmond supporters had set upon the Thomian captain, the acting master in charge and a reserve player and assaulted them.

SLSCA secretary Dilshan de Silva whilst condemning the incident said that they would ensure that school matches of this nature would be played with security so that the players and officials are not harmed in any way.

“We will be writing to the principals of both schools and calling them for a discussion. Due to the school holidays and the New Year we will not be able to act immediately,” said De Silva.

The SLSCA secretary said that they had not yet received any letter from the aggrieved party S. Thomas’ College over the incident.

S. Thomas’ victory in the tournament ended the Southern school’s two-year hold on the title.

All top seeds in the respective Divisions for the different Age Groups qualified for the semifinal stage with top seeded Haroon Aslam receiving a walk-over in the Gold Division for Boys from Jestin Robinson from Kilinochchi.

Robinson grabbed the opportunity to win the Plate Division on a count-back from Lidurshan, who didn’t qualify for the match-play stage.

Aslam will meet Dilshan Malinda who overcame 4th seeded T, Vikash in a nail-biting finish on the 19th hole having being all-square after 18 holes. S. Dhuwarshan seeded number 2 cruised to an 8 & 7 victory over P.G. Dewmina Shovin to meet P.A. Dimuthu of Victoria Golf who defeated Niyas Abdulla 2 & 1 in a match closer than expected.

In the Gold and Silver combined Division for Girls, Taniya Minel won by the maximum margin of 10 & 7 over H M Dhaliya. She will meet fourth seed Anelka Desinghe who won comfortably beating Dhevinka Kanag-Iswaran 5 & 4.

In the bottom half of the draw, no. 2 seed Sherin Mithara beat Binaara Dias 8 & 7 to set-up a semifinal clash with Arika Wickramasinghe who defeated T. Atshaya 7 up.

Top seeded Nirekh Tejwani beat H.P. Alokshana Weerasinghe from Anuradhapura Golf Club 6 & 5 in the Silver Division Age Group for boys, which was a very creditable performance by the 8th qualifier from Anuradhapura who succeeded in extending the match to the 13th hole. Fourth seeded Chethana Perera beat Nidushka Bandaranayake of Welisara Golf by a comfortable 6-up, to meet top seed Nirekh in the first semi-final of the Silver Division for Boys.

In the bottom half of the draw no. 2 seed K. Danushan beat Pranav Muralidaran 7 & 5. He will meet 3rd seeded Levon Niyarepola who also received a walk-over from K.M.M.F. Imran Nazeer from NEGC.

The Bronze Division for Boys and Girls playing off the same Tee Marker saw the top four seeds, Kaya Daluwatte, Kvahn Tejwani, Reshan Algama and Shanal Binuksha going through to the semifinals. The two semifinal clashes promise some excellent golf by the four juniors and the matches should be tight and the competition close. Kaya meets Kvahn while Reshan battles Shanal Binuksha for a place in the final.

The Copper Division for juniors aged 9+ & under, the 9 hole matches were quite close with no. 5 seed Varun Fernando pulling off a victory over 4th seeded Thejas Rathis Kanth 1 up to meet top seed Dharaniyan who received a walk-over from Taj Perera, in the first semifinal. The second semifinal is sure to be a tense battle with no.2 seed Ayaan Gunasekera meeting no.3 seed Kaiyan Johnpillai, who are both well matched. Ayaan beat Raradhi Samararatne 2 up, a creditable game played by Raradhi against the no. 2 seed. Third seed Kaiyan had a tough battle to beat 6th seeded Keshav Algama 1up.

Royal College Colombo scored 26 runs for one wicket against St. Anthony’s College Kandy in the final of the ‘Singer Trophy’ Under 19 division 11 inter schools 2 day cricket tournament commenced at Colts Cricket grounds yesterday.

St. Anthony’s College won the toss and decided to bat first were bowled out for 266 runs in 88.5 overs. Sri Lanka youth cap Kalhara Senarathne scored unbeaten 102 runs in 173 balls with 13 boundaries. Asitha Wanninayake (32), Thamashana Abeykon (31), Mohommed Kameel (27), Prabath Sachin (15) and Nimanak Jayathilake (14) helped to build their innings. Manula Perera took 3 wickets for 50 runs and Kamil Mishara took 3 wickets for 73 runs. Kavindu Pathirathne took 2 wickets for 33 runs.

St. Anthony’s: 266 in 88.5 overs (Kalhara Senarathne 102 n.o, Asitha Wanninayake 32, Thamashana Abeykon 31, Mohommed Kameel 27, Manula Perera 3/50, Kamil Mishara 3/73, Kavindu Pathirathne 2/33)

Royal: 26/1 in 4 overs (Ahan Wickckramasinhe 14 n.o.). YK

Umpires are often taken for granted and hardly recognised for the great --and sometimes thankless-- service they render. We pay tribute to Allan Felsinger who’s passing is remembered with sadness.

As cricket umpire who sported the long white coat in the pre-Test era of the game here and did an outstanding job Allan was known for his impeccable judgement. The turf will surely lie lightly over him.

Felsinger played cricket for his school Carey College and on leaving school joined McClarens where he continued his cricket as an opening batsman.

Felsinger who loved the game later took to standing in the middle in school cricket where he did an efficient job and quickly graduated to standing in first class cricket in the country.

Felsinger loved umpiring and it was second religion to him. He did an efficient job and had the rules of the game and umpiring at his fingertips. He was respected for his honesty and would not rule out a batsman unless he was sure he was out.

He stood in a game against Pakistan prior to Sri Lanka gaining Test status and in a match at the Colombo Oval. I remember him having to warn Pakistani fast bowler Sarfraz Nawaz because of his constant chattering and disturbing the concentration of the batsmen.

And Nawaz like all fast bowlers was temperamental and tied a handkerchief round his mouth to take a dig at Felsinger. It was all in good fun.

But Felsinger will always stay etched in my memory because he was the head umpire in the inter-school match between St. Benedict’s College and St.Peter’s College at Kotahena when I took a hat-trick in 1961.

While I lured David Heyn to be stumped by Ranjit Fernando and bowled Tyronne LeMercier round his legs, it was Felsinger who raised his finger to rule Aditiya de Silva LBW which signaled my hat-trick and ecstasy.

I will also remember him because he ruled me out LBW to Hong Kong paceman Carl Myert when I played for the Board President’s X1 under Michael Tissera at the CCC in 1972.

Allan’s brother Herbie who also represented Carey College later played for Moors Sports ` Club in Sara Trophy cricket and was involved in record opening stand of 351 with former Sri Lanka opener Makin Saliah.

He too was an umpire and stood in the historical Inaugural Test against England at the Colombo Oval after Sri Lanka obtained Test status in 1982.

Reemerging Aussies

It was amazing to watch the reemergence of Australian cricket in recent times. After the loss of their greats who brought honour to the game and country hung up their cricketing gear, their game dropped alarmingly.

Then to add salt to injury, came to the ball tampering ignominy that saw regular captain Steve Smith and vice captain David Warner and opening batsman Bancroft banned from the game. Smith and Warner for one year and Bancroft a lesser sentence.

While Steve Smith had the Test captaincy bestowed on him and he did not taste much success, the Australian selectors turned to the big -hitting opening batsman the big made Aaron Finch to resurrect their one-day fortunes what with Cup of all Cups, the 2019 World Cup drawing near.

It was no walk in the park for Finch to show the way for them to regain lost prestige and glory. But Finch has made the Indians and the Pakistanis feel his stinging pinch with amazing performances.

Finch with clever leadership and admirable example first brought the much-hyped Indians down to their knees, by rallying to win the five match one-day series 3-2 in India after losing the first two games.

Then winging their way to the desert, they buried the Pakistanis thrashing them 5-zero which was magnificent, satisfying and raising their hopes and chances of retaining the World Cup they won in New Zealand and Australia last time around.

With Finch and Glen Maxwell in rollicking form with the bats, the other batsmen rallied around them and contributed to match winning or chasing to win totals which were stunning.

Former captain Smith and Warner have got the feeling after a 12—month suspension and playing in the IPL and staking claims to be included in the 2019 World Cup squad the selectors will be hard pressed and will have a heartbreaking job as to whom to leave out of this match winning combination. It will be a pity on those left out, but that is how the game goes.

In the past in addition to their cricket stunning the cricket world with their expertise in the game which they ruled as kings for nearly a decade, their coaches too were in great demand with other Test playing countries keen to play the Australian style of cricket which was mesmerizing.

But it is said that all good things must come to an end. And it was no different with their cricket. During the transitional period of their cricket, which all teams go through at some stage or the other, they became easy beats which would have been galling to the cricketers, the administrators and the legion of fans.

Then with Stephen Smith taking over the onerous duties as captain from Ricky Ponting, and when their cricket seemed to be snail pacing to regain their lost glory, calamity struck with the unsporting ball tampering which was also called ‘sandpaper gate’ unfolding in South Africa.

That moment of madness was inexplicable and unacceptable and earned the rightful condemnation from all sporting circles. It was a sad indictment and a black mark on the Baggy Green caps of their cricketers past who would have been turning in their graves and the present.

But now that Finch and his squads to India and the desert having made their cricket a team to be feared, it will be interesting to watch how their selectors go what with more cricketers to be considered, especially Mitchell Starc and Jos Hazlewood. One thing is certain and that is that Aaron Finch will not be brought down.

erodrigopulle@gmail.com

CCC Maroons bagged the under-14 Nelson Mendis Trophy when they beat Madampe CA by six wickets in the final at the CCC ground on Wednesday.

Batting first, Madampe CA lads were skittled out for 145 runs in 32.1 overs. Randul Samarahewa top scored with 54 runs.

Linal Subasinghe in a superb bowling spell captured 4/29 while Dinura Wanigasekara and Nimuthu Gunawardane took two wickets each.

In reply, CCC School of Cricket Maroons reached the victory target in 34.2 overs with six wickets intact. Nimuthu Gunawardane scored 54 not out while Sasindu Sayakkara (24 runs) and Bhashana de Silva (22 runs) made good contributions with the bat.

Meanwhile, in the third-place fight, Swinger CA registered an easy eight-wicket win over Mahara CA at the CCC grounds.

Taking the first lease of the bat, Mahara CA scored 162/9 in their allotted 45 overs. Denura Demansith and Thathsara Eshan scored 43 runs and 37 runs respectively. Nadun Pulukuttiarachchi (2/13), Brendon Fernando (2/37) bowled best for Swinger CA.

In reply Swinger, CA reached the winning target in just 15 overs with eight wickets to spare. Kavin Fernando top scored with 57 runs and Maleesha Fernando added 51 runs.

There was a time when school cricket in the country was of a high standard that schoolboy cricketers were able to walk into the Sri Lanka side and play like veterans without a care in the world. Such was the quality of the cricket they played and the talent they possessed that bridging the gap between school cricket and international cricket was no barrier.

But over time while other countries have improved their cricket at junior levels, Sri Lanka’s once admired school system started to take a downward curve apparently with the Sri Lanka Schools Cricket Association (SLSCA) opening out its tournament to lesser privileged schools especially from the outstations that led to a diluting of the standard of cricket in schools and thereby reducing the quality of players coming through the system.

Some may argue that by allowing outstation schools the SLSCA has opened the doors for lesser known schools to come to the limelight and thereby gain the recognition which they would not have got if they had remained in the wilderness. But while some may support SLSCAs move, on the other hand, it has increased the number of matches played by a school for a season more than twofold and thus taken away that competitive edge that existed in the seventies, eighties and nineties. Today you find more than 500 schools playing first eleven cricket.

The lesser the number of matches the higher the quality of cricket that was played in the past, that was one of the reasons why players of class came through and were even able to walk into the national side.

But today during a season, schools play more than 20 matches, some even on weekdays and some of them against weaker opposition that has led to the standard of cricket being lowered from what it was at one time.

Senarath Alwis, a former junior cricket coach who thinks deeply about the game has a solution to revive those old days when school cricketers walked into the national team.

“More than the talent it is the lack of experience that has seen the drop in schoolboy cricket standards,” said Senarath.

“My proposal to overcome this malady is that as a rule two players who are playing at under 15 level should be included in the first eleven (under 19) team of every school. This should be made compulsory for every school. This means the first eleven team will have 9 players of last year plus the two under 15 players. By doing so there is going to be competition for places,” he said.

“From April to September is the under 15 season and from September to March these selected two boys can play in the first eleven. Some schools have already adopted this method by having an under 15 cricketer playing in the first eleven team for instance a player like Kamindu Mendis who has benefitted playing under 19 cricket at a younger age. But this is only an isolated case. There are about 130 schools playing first eleven cricket and if each school comes up with two players there will be 260 players coming through each year,” pointed out Senarath, a former junior coach of Bangladesh, junior cricket coach of Royal College (under 13, 15 and 17) for 12 years, a Level 4 cricket coach and ex-director Physical Education, University of Colombo.

“These boys who are playing under 15 cricket can continue playing at under 17 level as well the following year. There is no rule to say that they cannot play under 17 cricket because they have played in the first eleven.”

“Today you don’t find cricketers in the calibre of Arjuna Ranatunga, Aravinda de Silva, Roshan Mahanama and so many others who played for their country while still at school. They had that experience of playing in the first eleven when they were under 15 that helped them when they were selected to represent their country. Today there are no players of that standard. Through my personal experience I have thought out this plan to bring today’s cricketers to that level,” said Senarath.

“Once the talent is identified and the boys picked at under 15 level there should be a follow up like giving them special training not from school coaches, but from Sri Lanka Cricket coaches so that their cricket will improve vastly. We have to monitor them carefully from the under 15 stage and gradually bring them up like a cycle.

The Sri Lanka Schools Cricket Association or Sri Lanka Cricket should take the responsibility of doing it. If we do that I believe our cricket can improve in great strides,” he concluded.

Rishad Badiudeen Champion Trophy Invitation Soccer Tournament is scheduled to take place today (April 12) at the Mashoor Moulana Square, Maruthamunai at 3.30pm.

Ampara District Football Association in collaboration with Maruthamunai Universe Sports Club conducts this tournament.

A total of 16 veteran teams from the Ampara district are slated to participate in this tournament, which is organized by Ampara District Football Federation sponsored by Maruthamunai Universe Sports Club.

Maruthamunai Goldmind Sports Club and Maruthamunai Marutham Sports Club will battle in the opening ceremony with the first encounter.

The winners will receive a cash prize and a trophy, while the runners up will receive a cash prize and a trophy according to the organizers. Parliamentarian and All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC) High Command Member Prof. S.M.M. Ismail will be the Chief Guest at the inaugural session, while Kalmunai Zonal Education Director M.S.Abdul Jaleel will participate as Guest of Honour.

Ampara District Football Association President and Kalmunai Municipal Mayor Senior Attorney-at-law A.M.Rakeeb, Maruthamunai Universe Sports Club President and Kalmunai Zonal Education Office Accountant Lion K.Risvi Yahzar, All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC) Eastern Province Youth Co-ordinator S.M.M.Muszaraff, Kalmunai Municipal Councilors A. Naina Mohamed, Y.K.Rahman, Ampara District Football Association General Secretary M.I.M.Abdul Manaff and Maruthamunai Universe Sports Club General Secretary A.M.M.Raji along with several others guests will take part as well.

The Inter-Departmental Carrom Tournament organized by Link Natural Products (Pvt) Ltd sports society, was held at the Dompe, Malida Factory Premises recently. This Tournament was held as a men’s and women’s combined event.

From the eighteen teams that had participated, the men’s championship title went to the production and supply section, while the production section bagged the women’s title as well. Accounts Sections became runner-ups.

The Champion team players, are Niluka Sampath, Pradeep Balasuriya, Nandika Adikari and Rasangika Wanasinghe.

The runners up team players are Asanka Kelum, Dumindu Akalanka, Ayoma Krishanthi and Vishaka Ranatunga.

Link Company maintenance Engineer Pradeep Chathuranga and sports society Secretary Lahiru Randika were among the distinguished guests at this event.