The ninth open Badminton tournament for youngsters under 11 and 13 was conducted successfully by the YMCA Moratuwa at its indoor sports complex recently.

Nearly 300 up and coming youngsters exhibited a high standard of play in the tournament. The chief guest at the finals and the presentation ceremony was R.M. Jumar - former President of Western Province Badminton Association. This tourney has become a popular event in the YMCA’s annual calendar. Services of Chandana Nilantha (International umpire) were available throughout this tournament. Winners and runner-ups received valuable mementos, gifts, medals, and certificates. Among the main sponsors of the tournament were Exa-Bind, Alphalex Sports Shop, Hameedias, Puwakaramba Agencies (PVT) Ltd., HNB Prime Grameen Micro

Finance, Commercial Bank Moratuwa, R.M. Jumar and Prof. Ranjith De Silva.

The final results are as follows.

Under 11-Boys

Winner - K.H. Budhi Shenal, Runner up – Sehas Perera

Under 11- Girls

Winner - Sithuli Ranasingha, Runner up – Senudi Amarasingha

Under 13- Boys

Winner - Sehandu Thewmika, Runner up – M.D. Achinthya Imeshak

Under 13 Girls

Winner - Sithumdi Seneviratne, Runner up – Dinumi Sehansa Cordon

Sri Lanka’s experienced batters Lahiru Thirimanne made a late attempt to catch the selectors’ eyes with a well composed century for Galle which enabled them to knock up an impressive score of 337-7 in 50 overs in the Super Four Provincial limited-over final against Colombo at Rangiri Dambulla Stadium yesterday.

With an exciting run chase on the cards the heavens opened up and Colombo never had a chance of commencing their run chase and the final eventually ended in a no-result with Galle and Colombo sharing the Champions trophy.

Thirimanne opening the batting enabled Galle to recover from the setback of losing Sandun Weerakkody for a fourth ball duck in the first over to post their competitive total after winning the toss and batting.

Thirimanne struck nine fours and one six in his innings of 115 off 128 balls. With Wanindu Hasaranga who scored an attractive 87 off 53 balls with 13 fours and a six, Thirimanne added 144 for the fifth wicket.

Thirimanne was dismissed in the 46th over with the score on 296 but Minod Bhanuka and Lahiru Madushanka ensured Galle crossed the 300-run mark with cameo knocks of 21 and 24 not out respectively.

Dhananjaya de Silva was adjudged the Player of the Tournament, and Angelo Mathews and Lasith Malinga as the Best Batsman and Best Bowler of the Tournament respectively.

The eight-match Super Four Provincial limited-over tournament was organized by Sri Lanka Cricket to provide a guideline to the national selectors to pick the Sri Lanka squad of 15 for the World Cup. The selection will be done after the New Year holidays.

S Thomas’ College captain Sithara Hapuhinna hit a brilliant century but the loss of the last seven wickets for 49 runs saw his side finish with a moderate total of 216 on the opening day of the Singer Trophy Under 19 division 1 inter-schools 2-day cricket final against defending champions St Joseph’s College at Royal College grounds, Reid Avenue yesterday.

By the close the match was evenly poised with St Joseph’s having lost four wickets for 120 runs.

Opener Hapuhinna struck 21 fours and a six in his knock of 117 off 127 balls and shared in two half century stands with Ryan Fernando (24) and Shalin de Mel (12) before Josephian left-arm leg spinner Dunith Wellalage ran through the rest of the batting to finish with figures of 5 for 45.

Wellalage then showed his prowess with the bat scoring an unbeaten 28 and putting together an unfinished fifth wicket stand of 60 with Dineth Jayakody (39 n.o.).

A lot depends on this pair if Joes are to win and retain the title when the match continues today.

Scores:

S. Thomas’: 216 in 59.1 overs (Sithara Hapuhinna 117, Ryan Fernando 24, Delon Peiris 21, Ravindu de Silva 19, Yohan Perera 14, Shalin De Mel 12, Dunith Wellalage 5/45, Salinda Seneviratne 2/34, Ashain Daniel 2/61)

St. Joseph’s: 120/4 at close in 35 overs (Dineth Jayakody 39 n.o., Dunith Wellalage 28 n.o., Dinal Anuradha 18, Sheran Fonseka 17, Johannne de Zylva 12, Thevin Eriyagama 1/15) - YK

Royal College Colombo emerged champions of the ‘Singer Trophy’ Under 19 division 11 inter schools 2 day cricket tournament when they posted a first innings win over St. Anthony’s College Kandy in the final played at Colts grounds yesterday.

St. Anthony’s College Kandy won the toss and elected to bat 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) helped to build their innings. Kalhara Senarathne and Mohommed Kameel made 69-run stand for 7th wicket. Kalhara and Nimnaka Jayathilake made 53-run stand for the last wicket.

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.

Royal College Colombo were bowled out for 314 runs in 84.3 overs. Top order batsman Ahan Wickramasinhe scored 116 runs in 148 balls with 11 boundaries. Bhagya Dissanayake scored 91 runs in 153 balls with 11 boundaries. Pasindu Sooriyabandara scored 52 runs. Ahan Wickramasinhe and Pasindu Sooriyabandara made 93-run stand for 4th wicket partnership. Ahan Wickramasinhe and Ishiwara Dissanayake made 76-run stand for 2nd wicket. Bhagya Dissanayake and Manula Perera made 71-run stand for 9th wicket. Nimnaka Jayathilake took 5 wickets for 119 runs and Thamashana Abeykoon took 2 wickets for 20 runs.

Both teams were promoted to division one tournament from next season.

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: 314 (26/1 o/n) in 84.3 overs (Ahan Wickramasinhe 116, Bhagya Dissanayake 91, Pasindu Sooriyabandara 52, Ishiwara Dissanayake 13, Kavindu Pathrathne 10, Nimanaka Jayathilake 5/119, Thamashana Abeykoon 2/20). YK

The Sri Lanka Junior Golf Match-Play Championship 2019 reached the final stage with four top seeds in the Gold Boys, Gold & Silver Combined Girls, Silver Boys and Bronze divisions entering the finals apart from C. Dharaniyan, the top seed in the Copper division who was beaten by Varun Fernando 4 & 3.

Varun’s comprehensive victory was no fluke when in the quarterfinal he edged out Thejas Rathis Kanth (4th seed) in a closely fought match.

Varun seeded fifth meets Ayaan Gunasekera the second seed, who comfortably entered the final of the Copper Division beating Kaiyan Johnpillai 4 and 2 in the other semi-final. The 9-hole final for the age group 9+ & under juniors promises to be a super battle for the Rukmani Kodagoda Trophy Copper Division Championship.

Haroon Aslam cruised through to the final of the Gold Division and Junior champion title, with an emphatic 8 & 7 victory over Dilshan Malinda and now meets S. Dhuwarshan from NEGC who beat P.A. Dimuthu of Victoria Golf Club 2 down on the 18th hole.

In the Gold & Silver combined Girls division the two sisters Taniya and Sherine created history to become the first sisters in Sri Lanka to enter a final in golf. Taniya Minel the more accomplished player is expected to win but if she doesn’t take her younger sister seriously, anything can happen.

Nirekh Tejwani seemed unstoppable in the Silver Division for Boys when he beat Chethana Perera 8 & 7 and qualified to meet K. Danushan in the final. Danushan overcame the challenge of big-hitting Levon Niyarepola 2 & 1. The final will be a repeat of 2018 and Danushan may find it tough to change last years’ result, with Nirekh playing even better golf this year.

Kaya Daluwatte stamped her authority as the ‘rose’ among the ‘thorns’ when she defeated Kvahn Tejwani (4th seed) emphatically by a 4 & 2 margin to reach the Bronze Division final played over 14 holes. In the second semi-final Reshan Algama beat Shanal Binuksha in a humdinger of a match by the narrowest margin 1 up. Reshan proved his metal to handle the pressure very well to overcome Shanal to enter the final and meet top seeded Kaya Daluwatte.

The P & S Bakers sponsored 2019 Sri Lanka Junior Golf Match-Play Championship enters the final stage, and promises five fantastic finals for five Junior champions to emerge in the five different age group categories.

RESULTS (SEMI-FINALS)

Gold Division Boys

Haroon Aslam beat Dilshan Malinda 8 & 7

S. Dhuwarshan beat P.A. Dimuthu 2up

Gold & Silver Division Combined Girls

Taniya Minel Balasuiriya beat Anelka Desinghe 8 & 7

Sherin Mithara Balasuriya beat Arika Wickramasinghe 4 & 3

Silver Division Boys

Nirekh Tejwani beat Chethana Perera 8 & 7

K. Danushan beat Levon Niyarepola 2 & 1

Bronze Division Combined Boys & Girls

Kaya Daluwatte beat Kvahn Tejwani 4 & 2

Reshan Algama beat Shanal Binuksha 1 up

Copper Division Combined Boys & Girls

Varun Fernando beat C. Dharaniyan 4 & 3

Ayaan Gunasekera beat Kaiyan Johnpillai 4 & 2

Sri Lanka Rugby selectors has announced a 39-man squad for the upcoming Sri Lanka rugby tour of Malaysia and the Asian Rugby Championship to be held in Chinese Taipei at the end of next month.

The 39-member squad was finalized following the selection game that was played between Colombo Origins and Outstation Origins held earlier this week.

The selected 39 member Sri Lankan squad is as follows:

Jason Melder, Faiz Abdulla, Kasun De Silva, Charles Praveen, Sathya Ranathunga, Azmeer Fajudeen, Prasad Madusanka, Umesh Madushan, Sahiru Anthony, Sajith Saranga, Thilina Bandara, Lasindu Heshan, Omalka Gunarathne, Sudarshan Muthuthanthri, Shabeer Mohamed, Prabath Kumara, Tharindu Chathuranga, Nivanka Prasad, Gihan Perera, Mithun Hapugoda, Rahul de Silva, Nuwan Perera, Ashan Bandara, Roshan Weerarathne, Sandesh Jayawickrama, Theekshana Dasanayaka, Dinuk Amarasinghe, Anuradha Herath, Buddima Priyarathana, Sudaraka Dikkumbura, Kavindu Perera, Reeza Rafaideen, Kevin Dixon, Sachith Silva, Thilina Wijesinghe, Yakoob Ali, Chathura Senevirathne, Samuel Maduwantha, Absal Mohamed.

West Indies appointed Floyd Reifer as their new interim head coach on Thursday, replacing Richard Pybus as part of a series of administrative changes less than two months before the World Cup.

Pybus’s contract ran beyond the World Cup in England and Wales, but new Cricket West Indies (CWI) president Ricky Skerritt said changes were necessary and a “calculated strategic move” to reignite the passion for cricket in the region.

Barbados-born Reifer played six tests, eight one-day internationals and one Twenty20 for West Indies between 1997 and 2009 before moving into coaching.

“Up to the end of 2018 Floyd Reifer had been identified as the outstanding emerging local coach,” Skerritt told a news conference in Antigua.

“He displayed this by leading the West Indies A team successfully, including victories against the England Lions, and ended the past year by coaching the Senior men’s team to a T20 series win in Bangladesh.”

England’s Pybus replaced Australian Stuart Law in January. He guided the team to a test series win over England, while the ODI series against the top-ranked side ended 2-2.

Among other changes, Skerritt overhauled the selection panel, with Robert Haynes replacing Courtney Browne as interim head of selectors. “We have found it necessary to immediately adjust our selection policy to become more open, inclusive, and player-centric,” he said.

“I am therefore pleased to confirm that we have terminated the old embedded selection policy which secretly, but actively, victimised some players and banished them from selection consideration.”

As part of the old selection policy, availability for domestic tournaments was a requirement to be picked for West Indies squads, but Skerritt said selectors would be allowed to pick all players who make themselves available. Contractual disputes between players and CWI have weakened the team for several years, but Thursday’s announcement could pave the way for players such as Keiron Pollard to return to the ODI fold for the first time since 2016. “Participating in a World Cup is a career defining experience for West Indian players and coaching staff,” Skerritt said.

“We therefore believe it is strategically more beneficial for a West Indian coach with the proven skill sets to have this exposure at CWI’s expense - rather than a foreign coach.”

Twice winners West Indies open their World Cup campaign against Pakistan in Nottingham on May 31. – Agencies

ANTIGUA, Guatemala, Thursday - The West Indies sacked controversial coach Richard Pybus amid a flurry of changes announced on Thursday, only seven weeks before the start of the World Cup.

Floyd Reifer will become interim head coach, with Robert Haynes replacing Courtney Browne as interim head of selectors, while the entire selection panel has also been changed.

"We are confident that in Mr Haynes we have found an interim chairman who shares the philosophy of inclusiveness and shares our selection policy," Cricket West Indies (CWI) president Ricky Skerritt said.

"(Reifer) has lived the same principles of West Indian excellence that we now insist must prevail in our cricket."

The Windies had seen an upturn in fortunes on the pitch in recent months, with a shock 2-1 Test series win over England and 2-2 one-day international series draw.

They open their World Cup campaign against Pakistan at Trent Bridge on May 31 -- the second day of the tournament in England and Wales.

The appointment of Englishman Pybus had been met with criticism, including from former captain Darren Sammy, who blamed him for causing the West Indies squad to strike on the 2016 India tour while the director of cricket.

"Moses led God's children out of Egypt and a 40days journey took them 40years because of stubbornness. The 2019 worldcup will be 40years since WI won," tweeted Sammy in January.

The change of coach could potentially pave the way for star players to return to the team, with the likes of Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard playing almost exclusively franchise Twenty20 cricket, with Andre Russell also having not played an ODI since last July.

Skerritt replaced former CWI president Dave Cameron last month after beating him in an election.

– AFP

MS Dhoni, the Chennai Super Kings captain, has been fined 50% of his match fees for a code of conduct breach during his team's match against Rajasthan Royals in the 2019 Indian Premier League.

Dhoni, whose measured knock of 58 on Thursday, 11 April, was instrumental in Chennai's tense win at the Sawai Mansingh stadium in Jaipur, was penalised for storming onto the field in an uncharacteristic outburst over a no-ball decision in the final over of a close match.

Chennai needed 18 to win at the start of the over and managed to reduce the equation to eight from four before Dhoni was bowled off a yorker on the third legitimate ball. Ben Stokes then bowled what appeared to be a waist-high full toss to Mitchell Santner, the new batsman. Umpire Ulhas Gandhe, who was at the bowler's end, signalled a no-ball for height, but his colleague at square-leg, Bruce Oxenford, overturned the decision.

The drama led to confusion among the Chennai batsmen. Dhoni, who appeared agitated at the sidelines, joined the confrontation on the field and was seen animatedly gesticulating to the umpires.

He subsequently admitted to a Level 2 offence of the IPL’s Code of Conduct and accepted the sanction. The 50% fine levied on Dhoni is the minimum sanction for a first-time Level 2 offence.

Article 2.20 of the IPL's Code of Conduct, under which he was penalised, refers to actions that are contrary to the spirit of the game.

Stephen Fleming, the Chennai coach, defended the usually calm 'Captain Cool' at the post-match press conference. "My understanding in discussing it with the captain was that there was a no-ball called, and then there was confusion," he said.

"Our understanding was the umpire at the bowler's end had called the no-ball, then there was confusion around whether it was a no-ball or not.

MS was after some clarity and it didn't seem to be coming, so he took the opportunity to go out and discuss it with the umpires."

Eventually, Santner's Dhoni-like six off the last ball helped Chennai clinch their sixth win this season. It was also Dhoni's 100th IPL win as captain. "Firstly, a hundred wins is great," Fleming said. "Secondly, Dhoni as captain is very successful, Dhoni as a player is outstanding. They are both very closely related."

Chennai play Kolkata Knight Riders next on 14 April.

Girls Open Gold and Silver combined match play winner 3/2 Tania Balasuriya of Royal Colombo Golf Club (who was the winner last year too) with her Champions Trophy (on left), and Boys Gold winner S. Dhuwarshan of Victoria Golf Club, Nuwara Eliya with his Champion’s Trophy at the awards ceremony.  (Picture by HERBERT PERERA)

The Sri Lanka Junior Golf Match-play Championship 2019 sponsored by P & S Bakers concluded with five fantastic finals played in five different age group categories and Dhuwarshan of Nuwara-Eliya Golf Club and Taniya Minel Balasuriya of Royal Colombo Golf Club were crowned Junior Champs for Boys & Girls respectively.

Dhuwarshan beat the top seed Haroon Aslam 3 & 2 to win the Gold Division age category and be crowned Boys Junior Champion 2019.

In the Girls Championship, Taniya Minel Balasuriya beat her sister Sherin Mithara in the final 3 & 2, to win the Girls Championship for the second successive year.

K. Danushan beat Nirekh Tejwani the top seed in the Silver Division for Boys 3 & 2 in the final to become the Silver Division champion.

Reshan Algama played excellent golf to beat Kaya Daluwatte 3 & 2 in the final of the Bronze Division.

Ayaan Gunasekera beat Varun Fernando in the final of the Copper Division.

The Sri Lanka Junior Golf Championship 2019 sponsored by P & S Bakers for the 6th consecutive year was a great success and was played in memory of the late Rukmani Kodagoda, a former national champion in golf and tennis.

President Sri Lanka Golf Rtd. Air Chief Marshall Harsha Abeywickrema, Chairperson Sri Lanka Junior Golf Niloo Jayathilaka, Captain RCGC, Shiran Fernando, Vice President SLGU and president RCGC Sanjiva Vairavanathan together with family members of P & S Bakers the match-play championship sponsors, gave away the awards.

FINAL RESULTS

Gold Division Boys – Junior Boys: S. Dhuwarshan (NEGC) beat Haroon Aslam(VGCR) 3 & 2

Gold & Silver Combined Girls – Junior: Taniya Minel Balsuriya beat Sherin Mithara Balasuriya 3 & 2

Silver Division Boys: K. Danushan beat Nirekh Tejwani 3 & 2

Bronze Division Boys & Girls: Reshan Algama beat Kaya Daluwatte 3 & 2

Copper Division Boys & Girls: Ayaan Gunasekera beat Varun Fernando 3 & 2

JAIPUR, Thursday - Mahendra Singh Dhoni notched his 100th win as a captain in the Indian Premier League on Thursday after helping Chennai Super Kings pull off a thrilling chase amid dramatic scenes in the final over.

Dhoni top-scored with 58 off 43 deliveries as Chennai chased down their target of 152 with number eight Mitchell Santner hitting a last-ball six against Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur. The visitors won by four wickets. But the emotionally-charged encounter witnessed Dhoni losing his cool as he argued an umpiring call in the 20th over after storming on to the field.

Dhoni was bowled by England all-rounder Ben Stokes from the third ball of the final over to leave Chennai needing eight runs off the last three deliveries.

New man Santner then faced a full toss from Stokes that seemed above waist height and the umpire stuck out his hand to signal a no-ball that was over-ruled by his officiating partner at square leg.

An angry Dhoni walked out of the dugout to get into a heated exchange with the umpires as Stokes tried to pacify the supposed 'captain cool'.

Santner, though, kept his nerves amid the commotion to hit Stokes' last ball for a six over long-on to help Dhoni become the only captain with 100 wins, from 166 IPL games.

"They (Rajasthan) were able to build up pressure right till the end. Once you win games like these, you are able to take a lot," the wicketkeeper-batsman said after the win.

"But it's important to work on the negatives that have not gone well, while enjoying the win. Otherwise it can come back to hurt us later in the tournament."

The former India captain has led Chennai to three titles in the world's most popular T20 league and has also had a runners-up finish with the now defunct Rising Pune Supergiants in their two years of existence.

With Chennai tottering at 24-4, Dhoni once again soaked up the pressure to put on 95 runs with Ambati Rayudu, who made 57, for the fifth wicket to set up the chase.

– AFP

Sri Rahula College Katugastota qualified to play in the semi-final of the under 19 Singer division III level I cricket tournament. The Rahula cricketers beat St. Mary’s College Matugama in the quarterfinals on first innings. The players who excelled and helped the team win were Dilshan Arabegedera, Tharindu Fonseka, Thushan Senarath, Lahiru Wijewardana, Krishantha Dilshan, Shairi Ranatunga, Janith Maitipe, Dilshan Arambegedera and Akash Ghariyawasiri.

Fazil to help in Matt Lee

Former national and Kandy SC Fazil Marija will help Matt Lee in coaching the backs of the Sri Lanka Rugby team for 2019. Fazil has a good knowledge of coaching back division players.

Trinity-St. Peter's Cup game on April 27

Trinity College the only Kandy school to have qualified to play in the Cup competition of the Singer inter-school League rugby championship will play their first game on April 27 against St. Peter’s College at Bambalapitiya. Trinity College last won the League in 1987. Last year, they were placed third

Rajans-Antonian Plate game on April 22

On April 22 at Nittawela, one of the Plate rugby games between Dharmaraja College and St. Anthony’s College will take place. In 2017 it was the Antonians who made Kandy proud by winning the “Plate”. The eight-team Plate contest, took place on par with the Cup championship and SACK came out on top with some top class rugby to win the first league title for the Katugastota school.

Kingswood will play Sri Sumangala in Plate

On April 20 Kingswood College will play Sri Sumangala College at Nittawela in a Plate rugby game. Both teams are equally balanced. The second game is with D.S. Senanayake College on April 28 at Nittawela followed by Zahira College game on 5 May at Havelock Park and St. Anthony’s College at Nittawela on May 13.

Vidyartha vs Zahira on April 21

The Plate game between Vidyartha College and Zahira College has been fixed for April 21 Sunday at the Nittawala grounds. Vidyartha in their first round division I B group games won four and lost one out of five.

St. Sylvester’s take on Ananda in Bowl

St. Sylvester’s will play Ananda in Colombo on April 20 in their Bowl competition game. Sylvestrians in their first round Division I B group, won two and lost three out of five games.

Sri Rahula qualify for Shield

Sri Rahula are in the Shield competition of the inter school rugby tournament. A school which took up to rugby in the 1990’s and was famous in mini rugby Sri Rahula won three out of five games in the first round and lost two. In the first round they had great difficulties finding grounds and have done well with limited facilities. Their fixtures are first match Moratuwa Vidyalaya away, CWW Kannangara home, v Dharmapala MV away and v Priyarthna MV home. They have a problem getting venues.

Kandy Gateway juniors do well in badminton, TT

Kandy Gateway College were runners-up at the Central Province Badminton Tournament 2019 organized by Mahanuwara Y.M.B.A at the Peradeniya University indoor stadium. The team comprised players like Asjad Asam, Akindu Abeyratne and Mishal Mumthas and were coached by Rohan Wijesinghe. The TIC was Nayathri Halangoda.

In the Central Province table tennis tournament also organized by the Mahanuwara Y.M.B.A at the same venue, their girls u-12 became champions and boys team were the runner-up. The players who gave their best were Mithara Premadasa, Lisara Ranaweera Himali Hippola (TIC and coach of the girls), Chamathka Ratnayake, Dhanuja Jayawickrama, Adhil Lafir, and Amaar Akram (boys).

Rugger ball

Old Trinitians are preparing for their unique event, the traditional “Rugger Ball” which traditionally follows the Kandy leg of the Bradby encounter held a few hours after the game, this time too it will at the Grand Kandyan Hotel on May 11.

The Rugger Ball is organized by the Kandy branch of the TCK-OBA. Further details can be obtained from the organizing committee chairman Dr. Ajay Jayaseelan on 0777804455/0777877199

Antonians and Sylvestrians excel at T 20

St. Anthony’s College won the T20 cricket tournament organized by the Provincial Education Department with the support of Kandurata FM and Infortec International and held at the Asgiriya grounds. The winners were presented with the Kandy Schools provincial level Kandy City Centre trophy. In the deciding game St. Anthony’s College beat St. Sylvester’s College, by 10 runs to win the championship. Scores: St. Anthony’s 105 in 17.4 overs and St. Sylvester’s 95 in 19.1 overs. The schools that took part were Trinity, Dharmaraja, Vidyartha, St. Anthony’s, Kingswood and St. Sylvester’s. The tournament was well organized thanks to Dulanjali Amarakoon the event coordinator and Ajith de Alwis Director of Infortec International and Madawa Jayasinghe manager KCC - the main sponsors.

Kandy finish fourth

Kandy cricket team led by Dimuth Karunaratne finished fourth in the Sri Lanka cricket super provincial 50 over tournament. They beat only Dambulla in their last first round game and lost the third place playoff game against Dambulla by 94 runs.

Roshan tipped to lead Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Rugby has picked a squad of 39, out of which seven players are from Kandy SC. Out of this squad only 24 will be selected. Kandy SC’s Roshan Weeratne is tipped to lead the side. The rest of the Kandy SC players are Yakoob Ali, Uchitha Jayasuriya, Mohamed Shabeer, Suhiru Anthony, Tharindu Chathuranga, and Thilina Wijesinghe. The teams is being selected for the tour of Malaysia. The matches are: 1 Match on 2nd May - Sri Lanka Select vs Malaysia Select at National Stadium, Sports City, Kuala Lumpur, 2nd Match on 4th May - Sri Lanka Select vs Malaysia Select at National Stadium, Sports City, Kuala Lumpur. This will be followed by the Asian Rugby Championship to be held in Chinese Taipei where Sri Lanka’s first match is on 29 May vs Philippine at Taipei Municipal Stadium, 2nd Match on 1 June Loser or winner of match No. 1 vs Loser or winner of Match No. 2.

Antonians U19 Div II 2018/19 runner-up

The final of the Under 19 division II two-day cricket final ended in a draw with Royal taking the first innings lead. Batting first St. Anthony’s 266 in 88.5 overs and Royal replied with 314 in 84.3 overs. OY

Shaminda and Rizmert to coach Madina Warriors

Madina Warriors academy has picked Shaminda Kumara as the head coach and Rizmeer Jabar as his assistant. The Academy has a good number of youngsters.

Dudley remembered

Sportsman Dudley Senanayake will be remembered by Kandy sports lovers, on his 46th death anniversary. He died on 13thof April 1973. Dudley received his secondary education at S. Thomas' College, where he excelled in sports. He became the Head Prefect, captained the cricket team, and gained colours in hockey, boxing and athletics. He won the Victoria Gold Medal for the most outstanding student at S. Thomas’. He served as Prime Minister from 1952 to 1953 (first term as the second Prime Minister of Ceylon), in 1960 (second term) and from 1965 to 1970 (third term).

The 85thMahagastota Festival of Speed got underway in the beautiful hills of Nuwara Eliya last weekend. The iconic event saw Sri Lanka’s finest drivers and riders demonstrate their skills by going up the narrow and fast uphill challenge.

Dilan Seneviratne stole the show, winning the Standard up to 1600cc Formula Ford event for seventh consecutive time; he also holds the record in this event which he set last year. Nadeera Jinasena went on to finish 2nd in this event and Rohan de Silva, another member of the McLarens Racing Team, finished 3rd.

Dilan also went onto win the Modified Formula event in his Formula McLarens Special, and secured the award for the fastest Formula of the day. Meanwhile, Nadeera Jinasena finished 2nd in this event ahead of Chandima Gunaratne.

Speaking at the event Dilan said, ‘It was a great weekend of racing. I am extremely pleased with the performance, mine and the team’s success. The track was a second or two off its usual pace, which made going for course record out of the question this year. I couldn’t ask for more to be honest: considering that I’ve won both the standard and modified Formula events at Eliyakanda and Mahagasthota. 2019 has been a great year for us at McLarens Racing. I am extremely grateful to my team and amazing crew at McLarens Racing, our sponsors Mobil Lubricants and 3M, my family, friends, and fans.”

The McLarens Racing Team went onto to secure two more podium finishes as Dinesh Jayawardana finished in 3rd position in the SL-GT up to 3500cc event, and Shehara Jayawaradana secured 3rd place in the SL-H up to 1665cc event.

It was on a Sunday morning that I and two colleagues of mine stepped into the SSC ground to watch the proceedings and we were thrilled to witness the carnival atmosphere which prevailed there.

Carlton’s youngsters were playing in the middle of the famous SSC turf which indeed was a rare privilege to them. They were watched by keen parents dotted around the pavilion; I was informed that on the 12th of May the final will be played, there will be a full house. He was kind enough for me to do some promotion work about my fourth cricket book “Reminiscing Cricket with Tilak,” I must also thank Sampath and Ramani who accompanied me for their assistance.

Carlton did not want to “blow his own trumpet” instead he let his deputy and a keen parent handle that task. As a matter of fact I conversed with many proud parents but unfortunately due to space restrictions I had to confine myself only to two of them.

However, Carlton stated that the SSC Cricket Committee headed by Samantha Dodanwela and the members Mahinda Halangoda and Michael de Zoysa another stalwart of the club gave Carlton all the support to ensure that the juniors are well looked after. Further, he said that the Executive Committee of SSC headed by Tommy Ellawela was an inspiration and gave the Academy its fullest support and the ExCo backed them to the hilt in all initiatives with the clear intentions to provide facilities towards the youngsters.

This is what they said:

D.D.P. Alwis - The deputy to Carlton, he played first eleven cricket for Dharmaraja from 1964 to 1968 and also managed to have yours truly bowled with his googly at Police Park Kandy. Alwis has been in this academy long before Carlton took up the reins.

According to Alwis, this academy was started in 2006 with only 30 odd students and then it was run by the late Ranil Abeynaike who represented Sri Lanka as a left-arm leg-spinner. The academy has around 300 students, and they have teams in the following categories - under 10, 12.13, 15 and over 15.

Alwis is fit as a fiddle, and noted that Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Jehan Daniel were a few famous names that went through there coaching.

Chinthaka de Silva - He was another keen spectator I happened to interview, he has played for D.S Senanayake alongside Aravinda de Silva and Hashan Tillakaratne. He was proud that his son could play at SSC which was almost a hallowed ground to them in their days. He also stressed the fact that in this academy boys had the advantage of direct connection to the Sinhalese Sports Club team provided they had the talent.

I was mildly surprised by the atmosphere created by the mustard keen parents. Carlton, as usual, was conducting the proceedings with great care.

S.Tilak de Silva

Vietnam Youth Chess team accomplished three gold, four silver, medals, and two bronze medals and was crowned as the overall champions in their Asian Youth Chess championship. Uzbekistan won three gold, one silver medal and emerged runner-ups. Placed third in the championship, India bagged two gold, four silver, and two bronze medals. The event was held recently at the Citrus Beach Resort, Waskaduwa.

The contest was organized by the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka on behalf of the Asian Chess Federation and the World Chess Federation, under the guidance of the vice president of Asian Chess Federation, Secretary of Commonwealth Chess federation Luxman Wijesuriya, secretary of the Sri Lanka Chess federation Budhi Panagoda and the Sri Lanka Asian Youth Chess organising committee.

The tournament consisted of 570 competitors under the categories 8,10,12,14,16 and 18 Girls' and Boys' open standard chess, open Rapid and open Blitz) from 23 counties Australia, Bangladesh, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Iran, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Mongolia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Syria, Thailand, Turkmenistan, Chinese Taipei, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.

General Secretary of the Asian chess federation Hisham Al Taher was accompanied as the chief guest at the final and awarded the certificates, medals, and trophies to the winners. Deputy president ACF, president Commonwealth Chess Association Barath Singh Chauhan, FIDE representative - representing FIDE president advisor to the FIDE Bent Balagabaev, the chairman of Sri Lanka tourism development Kishu Gomes also graced the closing ceremony.

It is noteworthy that the Kurunegala Maliyadeva Vidyalaya student and highest international rated (2417) IM norm completed in national 2nd place in 2018, Gampaha Mudiyansalage Harshana Thilakratne won the gold medal in under 16 open blitz event and under 18 open standard event silver medal, by the end of the tournament (final ranking after 9th round) Sri Lanka retained the ninth place.

Alcazaba, the 9-year-old seasoned mare owned by Deepthika Jayakody and Purni Edwards, will be eying for a rare hat-trick at the RTC Governor's Cup 2019, which will take place on Monday, post Sinhala and Tamil new year, at the Racecourse in Nuwara Eliya.

Alcazaba, was rested for the RTC Spring and Summer Raceday Cup held on 31 March, on medical advice, but has been included into the lineup of 12 Class 1 thoroughbred horses in the 1600-metre race.

Nicknamed the 'Queen of Nuwara Eliya', Alcazaba, however, will not be given easy access to gain the feat achieved by 'Ludo', who claimed a hat-trick in 1898, 1899 and 1900. The similarity between Ludo and Alcazaba will be the respective jockeys -- Ludo was guided to the hat-trick by Payne Gallwey, who incidentally owned the horse along with Arthur Gallwey, while Indian jockey Irvan Singh, guided by trainer S.D. Mahesh, Alcazaba has remained unbeaten over the past few seasons.

Joining from the same stable will be Silver Streak ridden by S.D. Janaka, but the real threat will be Spirited Touch, owned by Fearless Stables and ridden by jockey Aneel with S.V. Mathialagan as the trainer. The stable will unleash their second challenger Chul Bul Panday but Parushram owned by David Anthony and ridden by Ajeet Kumar could possess a greater threat to the bunch. Santos, owned by Purni Edwards and ridden by Nikhil Parmar, claimed a thriller after a photo-finish on 31 March against Baashagar, owned by Mr. and Mrs. Gamini Jayaratne, has the possibility of creating an upset. Baashagar too would be eager to finish off this important race in style as redemption to what it missed a fortnight ago.

Albertino, ridden by R.P. Shinde is the second challenger to represent the Jayaratne Stables, as Another Ace, owned by Manishraj Sethi, Hasanga Jayaratne and Ranbir Singh and ridden by A. Ajinkya, has gained attention like never before from other contenders.

Areca Wonder, owned by David Anthony and ridden by S. Suganthan, has had a good record in the recent past as Brilliant Cut, owned by Ajantha de Soyza and ridden by Mohan Raj and Carlton, owned by Anita Dorai and K. Sanjeewan.

The 12 runners will cover eight furlongs with intentions of laying the hands on the coveted RTC Governor's Cup, which is scheduled as the fifth and final race of the exciting day at 1.20pm.

Prior to the main race, at 12.45pm, the RTC Queen's Cup will be run with a fleet of six horses of Class 2, covering a distance of 2000 metres. The runners lined up for the second most anticipated race of the day include Roswald, Star Scholar, Stormont, Celestial Fire and Star Ace.

The Class 4, 1400-metre race for the Sporting Star Challenge Cup will include five runners -- Tuscano, Torpedo, Honourious, Night King and Legal Legecy, while the Mayor's Cup for Class 3 horses of 1600 metres will be a challenge among six runners where Olive, Glittering, Bouquet, Vigorous, Maracana and Charming Grey are in fray.

The RTC Governor's Cup Raceday will kick off at 10.45am with the Class 5 race of 1070 metres for the Emanuel Woehrl Memorial Trophy, where 11 runners are in line. They are Crimson Quest, Zulu Fantasy, Krabi, Scarlet Prince, Waiting for Glory, Miss Ivory, Goldie Girl, Aries, Cosmopolitan, Salsa Dancer and Tender Mist.

In addition to the five exciting races, the Royal Turf Club (RTC) has lined up exciting activities inclusive of entertainment, competitions for spectators and an eventful day for holiday makers who are visiting Nuwara Eliya, during the April season.

Following the Raceday, the RTC Magic Million Cup will be held on 21 of April, where winners are expected to walk away with grand prizes. The RTC events for the Holiday Season are sponsored by Colombo Hilton, Blackpool Hotel Nuwara Eliya, Alpine Hotel, The Hill Club, Red FM, Mosh and Chereux.

Regarded as Sri Lanka's very own horseracing derby and the island's own 'Royal Ascot', the Governor's Cup will be held for the 144th year in 2019.

This year, which happens to be the running of the 144th year of the Governor’s Cup, was first run in the year 1892 at a distance of 1000 metres.

The inaugural Governor's Cup was won by a filly named 'Duchess' owned by Major Hickman, ridden by Jockey Charlie.

The first Dead Heat recorded in the Governor’s Cup was in the year 1900 between 'Ludo' and 'Comewell' in a distance of 1400 metres.

Incidentally 'Ludo' owned by M/s. Arthur and Payne Gallwey completed the hat-trick winning the prestigious event in year 1898, 1899 and in 1900 ridden by Mr. Payne Gallwey, who as a owner incidentally rode as a 'Gentleman Rider'.

The second Dead Heat was recorded in the year 1948 between 'Cosy Corner' and 'Breech' in a distance of 2000 metres.

Horseracing was first introduced to Sri Lanka in the 1840’s by Mr. John Baker, the brother of Samuel Baker, with the inaugural race taking place at the Nuwara Eliya Racecourse in 1875.

In the 1840s Mr. John Baker created a training course for his imported English thoroughbreds on a hill close to his home.

The then Governor of Ceylon, Sir Henry Edward McCallum, inaugurated the prestigious Governor’s Cup and the Queen’s Cup in the early 1900s, through the top two races have been taking place since the inception.

The inaugural race at Nuwara Eliya was held in 1875 and was organised by the Nuwara Eliya Gymkhana Club.

These meetings carried on intermittently until 1900 the current racecourse was laid out.

In 1910, in a meeting presided over by the Governor of Ceylon, Sir Henry Edward McCallum (1852–1919), it was resolved that the Colombo-based Ceylon Turf Club would be in a better position to manage the Nuwara Eliya course and the race meets, as it had greater financial clout, the ability to offer better prizes and was able to make improvements to the course and its buildings.

The upper tiers of the modest but historic grandstand housed the race stewards, members and other assorted VIPs, giving them the best view over the course.

Outside of the racing calendar, the town library was located in the ground floor of the grandstand.

Horseracing in Sri Lanka peaked in the 1950s.

In 1956 horse racing was banned in Sri Lanka, with the historic Colombo Racecourse in Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo together with the Nuwara Eliya course both being shut down.

The Colombo Racecourse was subsequently converted into an international rugby venue, and when horseracing returned to Sri Lanka in 1981 the Nuwara Eliya Racecourse became the only surviving race track in the country.

Situated 1,868 metres (6,129 ft) above sea level the race course is one of the highest in the world.

The track has a circumference of 1,800 metres (5,900 ft) (approx. 9 furlongs) with a 333-metre straight.

The Jet Ski Championship – Navy Cup 2019 organized by the Jet Ski and Power Boating Pool of Sri Lanka Navy for the 6th time, was held at the Beira Lake recently, on a successful note. Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Piyal De Silva graced the event as the Chief Guest.

Jet skiing is a recreational watersport which is popular among the fans of watercraft racing around the world. In a bid to promote water sports in the island and catch the eye of sports-loving spectators who swarm the city of Colombo this festive season, this spectacular tournament was set in motion by the pioneer in water sports in the country-Sri Lanka Navy. Further, Jet Ski Championship of Sri Lanka Navy remains to be the only such tournament taking place in the country for the promotion of jet skiing.

Meanwhile, this year’s tournament featured 130-300 horsepower ‘Slalom’, ‘Drag’ and ‘Veteran’ events which were contested by a large number of Jet Ski riders in the country. Besides, an inaugural women’s event was featured in this year’s event, making the tournament more exciting.

Apart from that, the Jet Ski and Power Boating Pool had made arrangements to hold Rowing, Dragor Boat, Power Boat, and Kayak events as part of Jet Ski Championship. Accordingly, the following athletes secured places in their respective events.

Besides, naval personnel riding Arrow Boats also showcased their excellent boat manoeuvres, much to the delight of the spectators.

Deputy Chief of Staff of the Navy and Commander Western Naval Area, Rear Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne, Director Generals of the Navy, President Jet Ski and Power Boating Pool, Commodore Anura Danapala, senior officers, state sector officials and a large number of sports-loving public were also present on the occasion.

Results:

Jet Ski up to 130HP (Drag)

1. AMK Adikari, 2. KAND Kodikara, 3. LPS Kumara

Jet Ski up to 260HP (Drag)

1. JAPK Jayasinghe, 2. WM Dulaj Chathuranga, 3. WHMD Wijekoon

Jet Ski up to 300HP (Drag)

1. Janith Wickramarathna, 2. WMR Kumara, 3. HMVSV Kumara

Jet Ski up to 130HP (Slalom)

1. JAPK Jayasinghe, 2. SIS Kumara, 3. Dulina De Silva

Jet Ski up to 260HP (Slalom)

1. WHMD Wijekoon, 2. SIS Kumara, 3. LPS Kumara

Jet Ski up to 300HP (Slalom)

1. WHMD Wijekoon, 2. Janith Wickramarathna, 3. AMK Adikari

Jet Ski Ladies Event – Open (Drag)

1. RAI Madushani, 2. KP Wijenayake, 3.KW Welikala

Jet Ski Ladies Event - Open (Slalom)

1. RAI Madushani, 2. KAC Karunarathna, 3. KW Welikala

Jet Ski Veterans Event - Open (Drag)

1. AB Danapala, 2. TP Weerasingha, 3. Supem De Silva

To lead your country in a World Cup cricket tournament is the dream of every cricketer. For Dimuth Karunaratne primarily a Test batsman the honour has come when he least expected it.

Karunaratne would never have dreamt of leading his country to a World Cup let alone being selected as a member of the one-day side because after the 2015 World Cup he was never considered for selection in the one-day side by succeeding selection committees.

But given the reins of captaincy in the two-Test series in South Africa he managed to motivate a crestfallen team to perform like champions and win the series 2-0, a feat that has not been matched by any team from the subcontinent.

With Sri Lanka running into captaincy problems ahead of the World Cup with two main contenders Lasith Malinga and Angelo Mathews having different issues with players and coach, the selectors had no other option but to turn to Karunaratne and hand the reins to him.

Karunaratne had no issues with the head coach Chandika Hathurusingha or with any members of the team as he clearly demonstrated with his leadership in South Africa.

“The relationship with the coach in this kind of tournament is important. In the South African series Hathu aiya and I had a close relationship. We didn’t have any arguments. I think I can work with him closely,” said Karunaratne.

Speaking further a modest Karunaratne said, “I didn’t expect to be captain of the World Cup team but now that I have been entrusted with the responsibility I will carry it out to the best of my ability. I think I have been given the captaincy because the selectors think that I am the most suitable for that position. To get the team to gel together is my priority. At the moment what I require is full co-operation from all the players. Once you establish team unity going from match to match will be very easy, and team planning etc.

“No one can guarantee the team’s performances, not even the coach, selectors or me. When we take the field we expect the players to give 100 percent. There are occasions where things can go wrong. The players I have been given is a good side and I am looking forward to get their support and perform well in the World Cup,” he said.

Asked why players like him so much compared to others, Karunaratne replied, “I’ve no idea why they like me mostly. I treat them as a friend and I don’t act like a senior player. I always go out with them and ask them what they need and have conversations with them, so I can easily manage them. In the Test series I spoke to all of them and I got all the information I want, that’s why we had a good time in South Africa.”

When it was pointed out that he has been out of ODI cricket for four years and how he will be able to overcome that hurdle, Karunaratne explained, “Although I have been out of ODI cricket I have played domestic limited-over cricket in the last four years and have been scoring runs. I have played Test matches in those four years and it only the format that is different. Why we have been unable to score 350 in ODIs is because we lose wickets early. If we can give a good platform and have wickets in hand we can make that score. We are trying to reach that target. Even Kumar Sangakkara was slow at the beginning but after reaching about 70 he doubles the strike rate that’s what we also intend doing.”

Galle Additional Magistrate Pavvitra Sanjeevani Pathirana yesterday remanded a suspect until April 30 for allegedly assaulting the captain of the U19 cricket squad of S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia at Galle International Cricket Stadium following their victory over Richmond College, Galle in the final of the All Island U 19 School Cricket tournament.

The suspect is an old boy aged 41 of Richmond College, Galle.

In prosecution, the Galle police told the court that as S. Thomas’ College registered a win by 11 runs at the above final match about 150 people had rushed to the middle of the ground and started assaulting the players of the winning team including the captain of S. Thomas’.

The captain of the team had been attacked by the mob using flag poles, the police further told the court.

Following the complaint made by S. Thomas’ captain, the police had initiated investigations into the incident and arrested the suspect.

The police also submitted to the magistrate that there were nearly 20 persons to be arrested in connection with the incident.

Galle Acting HQI IP Udaya Seneviratne together with Sergeant Ranjith Silva (7718) prosecuted following directions of Galle DIG Nuwan Wedasingha and Galle SP Anuruddha Bandara Hakmanage.