A five-wicket haul by Maleesha de Seram and unbeaten half tons by Hirantha Lakshan and Mihisal Amoda saw St Thomas College, Matara in a strong position on the first day of the under 19 division one group A encounter against Bandaranayake College, Gampaha commenced at the Uyanwatta stadium yesterday.

STC elected to bowl first and Maleesha de Seram 5/23 and Sineth Sithara 3/08 restricted Bandaranayake College to a first innings score of 70 before lunch. Skipper Hacitha Madushan scored 29 off 41 balls with seven boundaries.

Arosha Madushan put STC in a spot capturing the wickets of both openers with the score on five. But an unbroken 119 third wicket partnrrship between Hirantha Lakshan (51 not out) and Mihisal Amoda (63 not out) saw them reach 124/2 at tea. The third session of day one was called off due to rain. Play is scheduled to resume at 9.25 this morning

Bandaranayaike 70 in 28.5 overs - Hacintha Thimal 29, Maleesha de Seram 5/23, Sineth Sithara 3/08

STC Matara 124/2 in 33 overs - Hirantha Lakshan 51 not out, Mihisal Amoda 66 not out, Arosha Madushan 2/22

Left-hander Raveen Yasas of Devapathiraja College Ratgama scored an unbeaten 286 against Karandeniya Central College on the opening day of their ‘Singer Cup’ Under 19 inter-school cricket match played at Ratgama esplanade yesterday.

Yasas’ second ton of the season came off 341 balls and comprised 21 fours and 18 sixes.

Revan Kelly of St. Joseph’s College passed the 1000-run milestone for the season.

On the bowling front Udesh Kavinda of Rajasinghe Central Hanwella took 12 wickets for 46 runs to bowl his school to victory over Bandaranayake Central Veyangoda.

Holy Cross Kalutara, Taxila Horana, Nalanda Boys Minuwangoda, Galahitiyawa Central and Rajasinghe Central Hanwella all won their matches.

RESULTS:

n At Lake View Kandy: Match drawn (rain).

Dharmaraja:137 in 45.2 overs (Dulaj Bandara 73, Isuru Dayananda 24, Asel Sigera 3/32, Chamika Gunasekara 2/23, Daminda Reshan 2/24, Shamal Hirushan 2/27)

Ananda: 128/2 (74/1 o/n) in 21 overs (Kanishka Ranthilakage 72 n.o., Dushan Hettige 25)

n At Katuneriya: Match drawn.

St. Joseph Vaz Wennappuwa: 169 and 96/9 decl. in 46 overs (Nipun Dhananjaya 55, Shashika Dulshan 7/24)

St. Servatius Matara: 256 (59/2 o/n) in 86.2 overs (Supun Kavinda 68, Chethaka Denuwan 37, Keshara Nuwantha 33, Pasindu Manupriya 23, Ruwinda Rochana 20, Nipun Dhananjaya 5/68, Dineth Fernando 3/67)

n At Kalutara: Holy Cross Kalutara won by inns & 43 runs.

Holy Cross: 246;

Kalutara Vidyalaya: 94 and 109 (13/1 o/n) in 44.3 overs (Kavind Gayashan 32, Sasanka Perera 2/08, Vihanga Gunarathna 2/14, Dilhara Nanayakkara 3/26, Malinda Jayod 2/19)

n At CMS Kotte: Taxila Horana won by 5 wickets.

Sri Jayawardanapura MV Kotte: 167 and 114 in 40.3 overs (Sampath Nishshanka 20, Thilina Tharindu 6/46, Thisara Sachinthana 3/15)

Taxila Horana: 120 and 164/5 in 56 overs (Sandun Ranga 46, Theneth Vinwinu 37 n.o., Eranga Jayakody 23, Sasanka Adesha 20, Sampath Nissanka 3/43, Lakshitha Kumara 2/46)

n At Veyangoda: Rajasinghe Central Hanwella won by 4 wickets. Bandaranayake Central Veyangoda: 101 and 42 (23/4 o/n) in 30 overs (Udesh Kavinda 7/12)

Rajasinghe Central Hanwella: 61 and 83/6 in 32.2 overs (Sachin Malinda 21, Chamod Sanjaya 27, Chathushka Kalunayaka 3/07)

n At Divulapitiya: Nalanda Boys Minuwangoda won by 3 wickets.

St. Joseph’s Wattala: 52 and 218 in 65.5 overs (Chamod Gayan 46, Pasindu Munasingha 43, Isuru Udara 26, Shahene Randika 20, Chanuka Sameera 3/33, Kavinu Madhuranga 3/65, Charuka janith 2/62)

Nalanda Boys Minuwangoda: 104 and 172/7 (41.5)Kavindu Gimhana 53, Kavindu Maduranga 51, Amith Akalanka 6/58)

n At Dalupotha: Match drawn.

Sri Sumangala Kandy: 88 and 112/9 in 58 overs (Thimira Akalanka 30 n.o., Isura Kulathunge 20, Krishan Darmakeerthi 4/11, Chathuranga Gunasekara 3/34)

Dudley Senanayake Central Tholangamuwa: 222/8 decl. (140/4 o/n) in 67 overs (Harsha Karunarathne 42, Lakjith Jayaweera 37, Sithum Wickramarachchi 53, Chathuranga gunasekara 23, Sandakan Jayaweera 23, Avishka Gunathilake 3/40. Isuru Kulathunga 2/31)

n At Ja Ela: Galahitiyawa Central won by 3 wickets.

Christ King Ja-Ela: 210 and 109 (49/3) in 21.4 overs (Nisal Malinga 24, Tharaka Appuhami 20, Ashen Thilakaratna 5/27, Buddika Kamesh 2/09, Ashen Perera 2/49)

Galahitiyawa Central: 193 and 129/7 in 19.2 overs (Sandaruwan Chinthaka 75, Nisal Malinga 2/23, Lahiru Silva 4/33)

DAY ONE SCORES

Matches will be continued today on day two.

n At Darley Road: St. Joseph’s: 299/7 decl. in 70 overs (Jehan Daniel 77, Nipun Sumanasinghe 63, Dineth Jayakody 53, Revan Kelly 29, Kalhara Senarathne 3/79)

St. Anthony’s Kandy: 93/4 at close in 19 overs (Kavinda Stouter 40, Sunera Jayasighe 20, Dunith Wellalage 2/26)

n At Moratuwa: Dharmasoka Ambalangoda: 76 in 34 overs (Chamindu Dilshan 24, Praveen Jayawickrama 4/23, Thasik Perera 2/17)

St. Sebastian’s Moratuwa: 321 in 60.4 overs (Nuwanidu Fernando 55, Praveen Cooray 46, Shenal Fernando 42, Malintha Peiris 42, Tharusha Fernando 33, Praveen Jayawickrame 31, Gihan Senanayake 25, Nimesh Mendis 3/36, Sanjana Mendis 3/59, Kavindu Nadeeshan 3/98)

n At Kadirana: Mahanama: 250 in 91 overs (Shonal Dinusha 123 n.o., Pawantha Weerasinghe 31, Pathum Boteju 23, Pasindu Ushetti 4/68, Ravindu Fernando 3/61, Aveesha Keshan 2/37)

Maris Stella, Negombo: 2/0 at close in 2 overs

n At Kurunegala:. Maliyadeva: 135 in 33.5 overs (Chaluka Atapaththu 42, Brian Karunanayake 41, Yeshan Wickramarachchi 5/26, Bimara Ranatunge 3/31)

Thurstan: 313/9 at close in 61 overs (Nipun Lakshan 107 n.o., Nimesh Perera 57, Bhawantha Jayasingha 51, Yoshan Wickramaarachchi 27, Imesh Viranga 20, Pasindu Thennakoon 2/40)

n At Balapitiya: Sri Devananda Ambalangoda: 353/8 decl. in 62.3 overs (Shohan Livera 109, Kavindu Rajapaksa 82, Samith Abeysekara 59, Sasidu de Silva 33 n.o., Lakila Tehan 4/83)

P. de S. Kularatne MV Ambalangoda: 88/6 at close in 27 overs (Lakila Tehan 29, Sandun de Soiza 3/19, Sasindu de Silva 3/25)

n At Ratgama: Devapathiraja Ratgama: 417/8 at close in 117 overs (Raveen Yasas 286 n.o., Pathum Madushanka 84, Ishara Maduwantha 2/54, Ravindu Milan 2/87) vs Karandeniya Central

n At Dehiwala: President’s Maharagama: 223 in 43.1 overs (Thiran Sasindu 70, Naveen Charinda 24, Sasindu Lochana 24, Sanka Prasad 3/34, Sayuru Jayakodi 2/77, Charithanga Lakshan 3/52)

Loyola Bopitiya: 47 in 21 overs (Pasindu Lochana 6/22, Chathuranga Devinda 2/18) and 74/1 at close in 26 overs (Kumesh Thamuthka 28 n.o., Charithanga Lakshan 20n.o.)

n At Kegalle: Piliyandala Central: 182/8 at close in 61 overs (Malshan Gunathilake 40 n.o., Kushan Thenura 34 n.o., Chamod Sandaru 29, Jamith Dilshan 21, Madushan Gunasinghe 2/32, Umesha Tharaka 2/37, Tharindu Sandaruwan 2/38) vs Kegalu Vidyalaya

n At Bambalapitiya: St. Peter’s: 259/7 decl. in 61 overs (Shannon Fernando 77, Ranmith Jayasena 58, Shivan Perera 37 n.o., Prithvi Jegarajasingham 2/40, Indika Wanasinghe 2/58, Maheesh Theeksha 2/78)

St. Benedict’s: 65/3 at close in 34 overs

n At Kalutara: Tissa Central Kalutara: 234 in 45.3 overs (Kosala Ravindu 57, Hathin Himasha 50, Yohan Ravishka 22, Lasith de Silva 20 n.o., Nilupul Darshana 20, Gimantha Malisha 3/72, Mohamad Ismail 4/56, Shehan Avandya 2/16)

St.Thomas’ Matale: 83/5 at close in 34 overs (Sachin Himasha 2/23)

n At Mutwal: St. Anthony’s Wattala: 174 in 39.1 overs (Sanka Madhubashana 69, Harinda Pasindu 26, Kaveeshan Dulanja 21, Sajeewa Ranjith 5/69, Ishan Weerasooriya 2/13)

St. Mary’s Kegalle: 213/3 at close in 40 overs (Gajitha Kotuwegoda 92 n.o., Thimira Kumara 64)

n At Galle: Mahinda: 276/7 decl. in 82.3 overs (Ashen Kandambi 85, Kavindu Ediriwera 59 n.o., K. K. Kevin 48, Navod Paranavithna 26, Hareen Buddila 4/88, Ravindu Sanjana 2/74)

St. Aloysius: 32/1 at close in 18 overs

n At Horana: Henry Olcott Kolonnawa: 45 in 27.3 overs (Kavishan Wickramasinghe 4/27, Chamindu Imash 3/16)

St. Mary’s Matugama: 171/9 at close in 71 overs (Tharindu Welgama 36 n.o., Randev Senevirathne 26, Lahiru Dilshan 26, Ishan Fernando 21, Eranda Madushanka 5/39, Ayantha Shavinda 2/47)

n At Thurstan: St. John’s Panadura: 179 in 62 overs (Praveen Sandamal 56 n.o., Pasan Perera 42, Rukshan Dissanayake 20, Ashan Dilhara 20, Madushika Sandaruwan 4/35, Ayana Siriwardhane 3/37, Eshan Fernando 2/17)

Isipathana: 82/3 at close in 32.2 overs (Sanjula Bandara 32, Thamindu Wickramarachchi 2/16)

n At Matugama: Ananda Sasthralaya Matugama: 221 in 55.3 overs (Pulindu Prabashwara 80, Ravindu Chanuka 48, Bihan Randika 29, Theeraka Ranathunga 3/35, Imantha Fernando 3/81, Aaron Vas 2/11)

Lyceum Wattala: 75/5 at close in 21 overs (Ulindu Prabashwara 2/7, Kavindu Theekshana 2/19)

n At Sedawatte: Veluwana: 58 in 33.2 overs (Mithila Poornajith 5/13, Thanusha Sandaruwn 2/14)

St. John’s Nugegoda: 272/8 at close in 62 overs (Nuraj Prasnaga 64, Ashen Milinda 44, Dinusha Sandeepa 40, Mithila Poornajith 37, Selwa Kumar 34, Theshan Malinda 27, Risitha Sankalpa 3/42, Pasindu Samoditha 2/49)

n At Reid Avenue: Sri Dharmaloka Kelaniya: 92 in 35.5 overs (Yugeesha Dishan 22, Sharala Gunathilake 4/35, Dimal Wijesekara 2/12, Lahiru Madusanka 2/30)

Royal: 237/8 at close in 57 overs (Bhagya Dissanayake 88, Kavindu Chathuranga 57 Lahiru Madusanka 28, Yugeesha Dishan 3/71, Sachintha Lakshan 2/46)

n At Padukka: Siri Piyaratana MV, Padukka: 172 in 55.5 overs (Kavinda Eshwara 54, Ravindu Keshan 22, Anuka Pradeepika 5/42)

Sri Sumangala Panadura: 116/4 at close in 29 overs (Anjana Maduwantha 43 n.o., Nipuna Deshan 41, Rajitha Ashan 2/14)

n At Katugastota: Sir John Kotalawala Kurunegala: 199 in 77.5 overs (Ayesh Dewmina 46, Akila Samarakoon 50, Sachintha Lakshan 30, Madushanka Dasanayake 28, Madushan Paranawithana 5/59, Amila Wijesooriya 2/33)

Sri Rahula Katugastota: 72/3 at close in 14 overs (Chamika Samaraseka 34 n.o., Akila Samarakoon 3/21) - YK

GANGNEUNG : Japan's “Ice Prince” Yuzuru Hanyu must recover from serious injury and see off the challenge of American quad sensation Nathan Chen if he is to claim the first back-to-back Olympic men's figure skating titles in nearly 70 years.

The floppy-haired superstar alarmed his legion of fans when he damaged ankle ligaments in November, and has since been training behind closed doors.

All of Japan are willing on Hanyu, who is aiming to become the first man to secure back-to-back titles since American Dick Button in 1952.

The 23-year-old from Sendai is the polished product, combining innate technical ability with emotionally intelligent performances.

But the right ankle injury he suffered in November has seen his standing as favourite for a repeat gold slip.

He misses the team event, which kicks off action at the Gangneung Ice Arena on Friday, after completing his preparations at a secret location.

“He will be 100 percent,” promised coach Brian Orser, who also has two time ex-world champion Javier Fernandez under his wing.

Fernandez, the veteran Spaniard, narrowly missed out on a first podium in Sochi and arrives at his swansong Games in form after claiming a sixth consecutive European title in Moscow.

Chen, too, is flying. The Salt Lake City-born son of Chinese immigrants has emerged as a serious contender to Hanyu's crown with his high-risk, quad-heavy routine.

From October to December Chen won three Grand Prix competitions, defeating Hanyu along the way, before an emphatic triumph in the US championships last month.

“Eighteen years we've been looking at the rings and now we're here. It's really cool to have that happen,” said the excited 18-year-old on Wednesday.

Chen is the first skater in the history of the sport to line up five quads in a four-and-a-half-minute free dance routine. Others with claims to Hanyu's crown include his compatriot and world championship runner-up Shoma Uno, Canada's Patrick Chan and China's Jin Boyang. AFP

PYEONGCHANG AFP Feb8, 2018

Thirteen more Russians joined the legal push to beat their country's doping ban and take part in the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics on Thursday, taking the total number of appeals to 60 one day before the opening ceremony.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport, which was already dealing with 47 Russian appeals, said six athletes plus seven doctors, coaches and support staff had joined the list of last-ditch cases. “The applicants are challenging the IOC's refusal to invite them to participate in the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympic Winter Games,” a CAS statement said.

“They request that CAS overturn the IOC decision and allow them to participate in these Games.” In December, the International Olympic Committee suspended Russia over a state-sponsored doping conspiracy culminating in its hosting of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.

But the IOC left open a loophole when it said a large group of “clean” Russian athletes could take part under a neutral flag as “Olympic Athletes from Russia”.

The CAS drew criticism last week when it lifted life Olympic bans imposed on 28 Russians. But when 15 of them applied to take part in Pyeongchang, the IOC refused to give them invitations. 

A magnificent century by Savindu Eranga (102) helped Sanghabodhi College, Nittambuwa to record a 1st innings victory over Mahanama College, Colombo in their Inter-School Under 13 Division three Cricket Tournament third round cricket encounter worked off at Upali Gunaratne Public Grounds, Kirindiwela recently.

Mahanama decided to bat when they won the toss and were bundled out for 142 with Gimantha Harshana scoring 26 while Damitha Ashinsana made 20. Lakindu Atukorala and Lasith Tharanga claimed 3 wickets each for 19 and 21 respectively.

In reply Sanghabodhi declared at 237 for 4 wickets with Savindu Eranga 102 not out, Sanura Ruwantha scored 69 and Dilshan Kaushika made 41 while Senura Dewmina claimed 1 for 13.

Mahanama College: 142 all out (Gimantha Harshana 26, Damitha Ashinsana 20, Lasith Tharanga 3 for 21, Lakindu Atukorala 3 for 19).

Sangabodhi College: 237 for 4 wickets (Savindu Eranga 102 not out, Sanura Ruwantha 69, Dilshan Kaushika 41, Senura Dewmina 1 for 13).

The 2017 Under 14 Interschool Football Championship sponsored by Samaposha was held for the ninth consecutive year at the Race Course grounds recently with pver 10,000 schoolchildren from schools across the island vying for the coveted trophy.

A total of 548 schools participated in the event. There were 30 boys’ teams and 21 girls’ teams. Qualifying matches were held at five locations in Colombo.

Pandateruppu Girls High School in Jaffna emerged champion beating Maliyadeva Balika, Kurunegala to second place 2-0 in the final. Mahajana College, Jaffna finished second runner-up. The Best Player from the Girls teams was Krishanthi Rajendra from Pandateruppu Girls High School while the Best Goal Keeper from the Girls teams was Sharmila Suriyakumar, also from the champion team.

The Boys final saw St Joseph’s College Colombo 10 beating Gateway International College, Rajagiriya 3-0 to clinch the championship. De Mazenod Kandana were the second runner-up.

The Best Player from the Boys teams was Pathum Gimhana from St, Joseph College and the Best Goal Keeper from the Boys teams was Thisula de Silva from Gateway International College.

Girls champions - Pandateruppu Girls High School in Jaffna

The Championship achieved several important milestones. For the first time an international school, Gateway International came into the finals. Another record achievement was from Maliyadeva Balika Kurunegala that came to the finals for the sixth time in the history of Samaposha School Football Championships.

Shammi Karunaratne, Director/CEO of Plenty Foods commented: “As a company dedicated to encouraging young people to achieve excellence in sports and enjoy an active lifestyle that ensures good health and fitness, we take great pride in sponsoring the under 14 interschool Football Championship for the ninth successive year and are pleased to congratulate this year’s champions.

An international college such as Gateway making its presence felt in the championship is also a significant achievement.”

The Chairman of the Football Federation, Anura de Silva said, “We greatly appreciate the important role CBL plays as a long standing sponsor. This has contributed significantly to uplifting sports in Sri Lanka and inspiring schoolchildren to focus on sports as an important step in building a healthy nation.”

The Senior Managers at CBL Plenty Foods who were present as the sponsors at the final awards presentation included Shammi Karunaratne Director/CEO, together with Theja Peiris - COO, Jayanga Perera – General Manager, Marketing, V.P. Govinna - Brand Manager and Sisira Gunawardane – Promotions Manager.

Officials who graced the occasion included Anura de Silva - president of the Football Federation, Sri Lanka, Colonel Manjula Kariyawasam - Director of Sports Education Ministry, U.S Jashwar - Secretary of the Football Federation, Sri Lanka, Athula Jayawardena - Deputy Director of Sports Education Ministry and N.S.B Dissanayake - Secretary of the School Football Association, Sri Lanka.

Well, the game loved by billions set foot into a daunting phase in the year 2005 when the first ever T20I was played. How does it affect the technique? Are the players capable of adapting? Will this mark the end of Test cricket? These were the questions that were pondered over in the eventuality of T20 cricket’s inception.

However, today the game is highly popular amongst the cricketing fraternity and credit must be given to the ICC and the cricketers as well- Test cricket has survived and it has also evaded the “endangered” tag with ease.

Till date, many great cricketers have had a shot at adapting to the challenging format and many have even quit the longest format for T20s. Perhaps, quite a few of them should have never played the T20 format of the game, simply because they weren’t really exceptional as they were in the other formats of the game.

Let’s look at the 5 great players who should have never played T20 cricket.

5 SHIVNARINE CHANDERPAUL

Infamous for his crab-like batting stance, the unconventional Shivnarine Chanderpaul has had his fair share of glory across two decades of his cricketing career.

With over 20,000 runs in ODI and Test matches combined, despite his unorthodox technique, Chanderpaul was a colossal presence and averaged 51.37 in Tests with 30 Test hundreds to his name.

Come to the T20 format, he represented Windies for 22 Internationals but possessed a hapless average of 20.17 with 41 being his highest score. He last played T20I in 2010 but plied his trade in many domestic camps since then, but only to managed a T20 career average of 23.

Strictly, Chanderpaul should have distanced himself from the shortest format to take more pride in the immense success he garnered in the other two formats of the game.

4 SOURAV GANGULY

A man of aggression; a leader with passion; a shot through the covers with perfection. This sums up the ‘Bengal Tiger’ who is one of the greatest left-handed batsmen to have graced Indian cricket.

From attacking the spinners to playing over the in-field to cleverly pacing an innings, Sourav Ganguly was a master with averages of 42.17 and 41.02 in Tests and ODIs, respectively. With age being a dominant factor in the shortest format of the game and with the inception of T20 cricket in Ganguly’s final phase of his career, he played only in the IPL but struggled to make an impact and cement his position in the line-up.

He represented KKR and Pune Warriors India in the IPL but showcased a poor strike rate of just 107. The bottom line is that ‘Dada’ could not repeat his heroics in the shortest format of the game.

3 VVS LAXMAN

When you talk about Australia, you talk about VVS Laxman. When you talk about victorious chases, you talk about ‘Very Very Special’ Laxman.

One of the most proficient right-handers to have represented India, Laxman was the calm and composed head that solidified the middle order in Test matches.

He did a decent job in the ODIs but in the Test arena, he secured a name as one of the batting greats, with an average close to 46, which was combined with adroit wrists and delightful stroke play.

In the shortest format of the game, he played for Deccan Chargers and Kochi Tuskers Kerala but failed to leave any footprint as his average slumped to just 22.31 with a strike rate of 114.71. Simply, the game was too demanding for the crafty player.

2 RICKY PONTING

In the history of Australian cricket, Ricky Ponting is second to only one and that is Sir Donald Bradman. From three World Cups to 71 career hundreds, Ricky Ponting was the protagonist and the face of Australian cricket in the 21st century.

Ponting boasts of a staggering Test average of 51.85 with 13,378 runs and along with an ODI average of 42.03, that comprises thirty centuries, he is certainly a modern day great.

Ponting was gifted with the ability to adapt and thrive at will in any format of the game. But the greatest ever Australian skipper struggled to consolidate the same in the T20 format as he averaged just over 25 in the T20 format with a strike rate close to 121.

The ‘Punter’ registered only 2 international fifties, with his career-best score being 98. Apart from these figures, Ponting had a daunting task adjusting to the emphatic requirements of the T20 format.

1 JAMES ANDERSON

Simply a genius in the Test arena, Jimmy Anderson is England’s highest wicket-taker in the Tests and ODIs. No current English bowler is close to surpassing Anderson’s degree of achievement.

He has 269 wickets in the ODIs with an impressive economy of 4.92 and in the longest format, he has 523 scalps at a strike-rate of 56.5. Overwhelmingly, Anderson couldn’t manufacture anything similar in the shortest format of the game.

He was punished at hemorrhaging rate in the T20, which is highlighted by his economy of 8.16. He had to toil hard for wickets as well. He has an unhealthy average of 31.40, which emphasizes that he probably should have never played the T20 format. - SK

The annual Big match between Prince of Wales’ College and St. Sebastian’s College was inaugurated in 1933.

This encounter was worked off at their respective grounds vice versa and commenced at 12 noon on both days and the inaugural captains were Cambrian Duncan Fernando and Sebastianite Eugine de Silva. From 1938 to 1953 there was a stoppage due to unknown reasons.

Again in 1954 it was revived and it went on without any interruption until the second stoppage in 1968. It was revived again in 1971 and since then the Big Match has been played without any hindrance. This year both schools are meeting for the 68th occasion on 9 and 10 March. Since the commencement of the second series in 1968 this year it will be completing 50 years.

The 1968 captains were Ray Fernando of Cambrians and Marian Cooray of Sebastianites. Unfortunately Marian Cooray is no more and the Daily News was able to speak to Ray Fernando at his residence at 66, Jubilee Road, Laxapathiya, Moratuwa.

Q It is 50 years of leading your alma mater Prince of Wales’ what are your reminiscences?

A - Actually my opposite number Marian Cooray is no more. If he was alive it will be a very interesting interview from both of us. I had very close links with Marian after leaving school. He is a gentleman up to his finger tips and a devout Catholic. I would like to convey my heart felt condolences to his bereaved family and “May His Soul Rest in Peace”.

Q Can you tell something in brief about yourself and your family?

A - My full name is Wannakuwaththawaduge Wilmot Earl Ray Fernando and I was born on 20th March 1949 and my father is Wannakuwaththawaduge Algernon Christopher (Christy) James Fernando and he was a clerk attached to the Engineering Department of Colombo Municipal Council. My mother is Balapuwaduge Rita Merlyn Christabal Fernando nee Mendis and she was a housewife. I have three elder brothers, one elder sister, three younger brothers and a younger sister and my wife is Peduru Peirisge Sepali Dharshani Fernando. She was a confidential secretary at People’s Bank and we have one son and we hail from Moratuwa.

Q - You captained in cricket and what are the other sports you did at school?

A - I was the vice captain of the College First Eleven football team and my coach was Derrick de Silva and I won colours. I did athletics only at the inter-house meets and my events were 400 and 110 yards hurdles. I came second in both these events for two years losing to Ranjan Kurukulasuriya. I was the house captain and a junior and senior cadet and I attended camps at Diyatalawa. I was a prefect too. For my higher studies I joined Stafford College, Colombo.

Q What are your performances whilst at school?

A - I was influenced by cricket because of my uncle R. T. N. Fernando who was a Divisional Revenue Officer he captained Catamarans Sports Club and when they played a match in Kandy he took me there to witness it. Since then I had a liking to cricket. Initially I played for the under 14 cricket team under Ravindra Perera as an opening batsman and wicket keeper. In my next year I played for the under 16 side under Lasantha de Silva and the following year I captained the team. Then I led the second eleven team. All these matches were friendlies. My coach was Nisal Senaratne and in the final stages it was H. I. Fernando.

Q Did you play for the first eleven team?

A - In 1965/66 I played under Leslie de Silva and in 1966/67 under Lloyd Patternot. In 1967/68 I captained the team and this year Sriyan Samararatne kept wickets and I opened the batting. On an earlier occasions I was the glovesman and opening bat.

Q Did you play in big matches?

A - I played for three years. In my first year we lost to Sebs. In my second and third years we drew with them. I got two successive fifties. My elder brother Vere too played for the college cricket team before me.

Q When you played for school were there any unforgettable incidents?

A – In the match against St Peter’s my vice captain Nimal Fernando took a catch off Denham Jurianz. But I noticed it was not clean and I asked from Nilmal whether it was clean. Nimal said no. Then I walked to the head umpire and told him that the catch was not clean and Denham walked away without any hesitation. The umpire asked me to call him back and I called him and he batted again. This incident was witnessed by my Princpal S. C. H. de Silva and at the assembly he appreciated my sportsmanship.

Q What is your first employment and did you play cricket there?

A - I joined the then Royal Ceylon Air Force at the end of 1968. Prior to that I played a few division three matches for Catamarans Sports Club. Due to my Combat and Military Training I could not play in the 1968/69 season and from 1969/70 I played Sara Trophy for the Air Force under Dr. Cyril Ernest.

My service career was 12 years and throughout my period I represented Air Force in Sara Trophy, Daily News and Donovan Andree trophy and I captained once. My coaches were Laddie Outschroon and Jerry Gunaratne. Presently I am attached to the Energy Management Systems (Pvt) Ltd. as a General Manager on Building Controls. At the Inter Unit Level I captained the cricket team and I also did swimming. athletics and football.

Q Who is the best batsman and the best all rounder you have come across during your cricket career at the Air Force?

A - Best batsman is old Josephian Keerthi Caldera and Norbert Fernando is a man for the occasion and very difficult to dislodge. Among the all rounders Sarath Fernando, Nimal Cooray Dr. Cyril Ernest, D. D. P. Alwis and Dilwin Mendis to mention a few. Mohamed Faleel is a very fine bowler on any wicket or under any conditions.

Q Were you involved in any activity after leaving school?

A - In 1970 I joined our old boys association and to-date I am actively involved. I was a committee member, vice president and presently a vice patron for life. I was the chairman of the ground committee when the college grounds were refurbished by spending Rs. 3 million under Dilwin Mendis who was the Hony. General Secretary. I was the co-chairman of the 50th anniversary big match along with Sebs Naval Captain Patrick Jayasinghe. I was the chairman of the big match organizing committee for three successive years. I was in the advisory committee for college cricket appointed by the Principal. For several years I am in the souvenir committee. When the ground were laid with a turf wicket I was in the committee. When we completed that project under our Principal H. L. B. Gomes I was in the committee to put up a swimming pool in 1998. But our dream came true only last year under J. W. S. Siriwardene and Kusala J. Fernando and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe declared open the pool. Annually I am involved with the College Carols.

Q Are you involved in church work?

A - I am an Anglican. I was a member of the Youth Fellowship and an Altar server and presently an active member of the Senior Guild.

Q What is the advice you can give to the young sportsman?

A - Firstly we must obey your parents, teachers and elders and you must be religious, study hard and when you are engaged in a sport devotion and dedication is important and always be a sportsman on and off the field.

Note: Ray can be contacted on 0722252098, 0112648233

A five-wicket haul by Maleesha de Seram and unbeaten half tons by Hirantha Lakshan and Mihisal Amoda saw St Thomas College, Matara in a strong position on the first day of the under 19 division one group A encounter against Bandaranayake College, Gampaha commenced at the Uyanwatta stadium on Thursday.

STC elected to bowl first and Maleesha de Seram 5/23 and Sineth Sithara 3/08 restricted Bandaranayake College to a first innings score of 70 before lunch. Skipper Hacitha Madushan scored 29 off 41 balls with seven boundaries. Arosha Madushan put STC in a spot capturing the wickets of both openers with the score on five. But an unbroken 119 third wicket partnrrship between Hirantha Lakshan (51 not out) and Mihisal Amoda (63 not out) saw them reach 124/2 at tea. The third session of day one was called off due to rain. Play was resumed at 9.25 yesterday.

Bandaranayaike 70 in 28.5 overs - Hacintha Thimal 29, Maleesha de Seram 5/23, Sineth Sithara 3/08

STC Matara 124/2 in 33 overs - Hirantha Lakshan 51 not out, Mihisal Amoda 66 not out, Arosha Madushan 2/22

Left-hander Raveen Yasas of Devapathiraja College Ratgama scored an unbeaten 286 against Karandeniya Central College on the opening day of their ‘Singer Cup’ Under 19 inter-school cricket match played at Ratgama esplanade on Thursday.

Yasas’ second ton of the season came off 341 balls and comprised 21 fours and 18 sixes.

Revan Kelly of St. Joseph’s College passed the 1000-run milestone for the season.

On the bowling front Udesh Kavinda of Rajasinghe Central Hanwella took 12 wickets for 46 runs to bowl his school to victory over Bandaranayake Central Veyangoda.

Holy Cross Kalutara, Taxila Horana, Nalanda Boys Minuwangoda, Galahitiyawa Central and Rajasinghe Central Hanwella all won their matches.

RESULTS:

* At Lake View Kandy: Match drawn (rain).

Dharmaraja:137 in 45.2 overs (Dulaj Bandara 73, Isuru Dayananda 24, Asel Sigera 3/32, Chamika Gunasekara 2/23, Daminda Reshan 2/24, Shamal Hirushan 2/27)

Ananda: 128/2 (74/1 o/n) in 21 overs (Kanishka Ranthilakage 72 n.o., Dushan Hettige 25)

* At Katuneriya: Match drawn.

St. Joseph Vaz Wennappuwa: 169 and 96/9 decl. in 46 overs (Nipun Dhananjaya 55, Shashika Dulshan 7/24)

St. Servatius Matara: 256 (59/2 o/n) in 86.2 overs (Supun Kavinda 68, Chethaka Denuwan 37, Keshara Nuwantha 33, Pasindu Manupriya 23, Ruwinda Rochana 20, Nipun Dhananjaya 5/68, Dineth Fernando 3/67)

* At Kalutara: Holy Cross Kalutara won by inns & 43 runs.

Holy Cross: 246;

Kalutara Vidyalaya: 94 and 109 (13/1 o/n) in 44.3 overs (Kavind Gayashan 32, Sasanka Perera 2/08, Vihanga Gunarathna 2/14, Dilhara Nanayakkara 3/26, Malinda Jayod 2/19)

* At CMS Kotte: Taxila Horana won by 5 wickets.

Sri Jayawardanapura MV Kotte: 167 and 114 in 40.3 overs (Sampath Nishshanka 20, Thilina Tharindu 6/46, Thisara Sachinthana 3/15)

Taxila Horana: 120 and 164/5 in 56 overs (Sandun Ranga 46, Theneth Vinwinu 37 n.o., Eranga Jayakody 23, Sasanka Adesha 20, Sampath Nissanka 3/43, Lakshitha Kumara 2/46)

* At Veyangoda: Rajasinghe Central Hanwella won by 4 wickets. Bandaranayake Central Veyangoda: 101 and 42 (23/4 o/n) in 30 overs (Udesh Kavinda 7/12)

Rajasinghe Central Hanwella: 61 and 83/6 in 32.2 overs (Sachin Malinda 21, Chamod Sanjaya 27, Chathushka Kalunayaka 3/07)

* At Divulapitiya: Nalanda Boys Minuwangoda won by 3 wickets.

St. Joseph’s Wattala: 52 and 218 in 65.5 overs (Chamod Gayan 46, Pasindu Munasingha 43, Isuru Udara 26, Shahene Randika 20, Chanuka Sameera 3/33, Kavinu Madhuranga 3/65, Charuka janith 2/62)

Nalanda Boys Minuwangoda: 104 and 172/7 (41.5)Kavindu Gimhana 53, Kavindu Maduranga 51, Amith Akalanka 6/58)

* At Dalupotha: Match drawn.

Sri Sumangala Kandy: 88 and 112/9 in 58 overs (Thimira Akalanka 30 n.o., Isura Kulathunge 20, Krishan Darmakeerthi 4/11, Chathuranga Gunasekara 3/34)

Dudley Senanayake Central Tholangamuwa: 222/8 decl. (140/4 o/n) in 67 overs (Harsha Karunarathne 42, Lakjith Jayaweera 37, Sithum Wickramarachchi 53, Chathuranga gunasekara 23, Sandakan Jayaweera 23, Avishka Gunathilake 3/40. Isuru Kulathunga 2/31)

* At Ja Ela: Galahitiyawa Central won by 3 wickets.

Christ King Ja-Ela: 210 and 109 (49/3) in 21.4 overs (Nisal Malinga 24, Tharaka Appuhami 20, Ashen Thilakaratna 5/27, Buddika Kamesh 2/09, Ashen Perera 2/49)

Galahitiyawa Central: 193 and 129/7 in 19.2 overs (Sandaruwan Chinthaka 75, Nisal Malinga 2/23, Lahiru Silva 4/33)

DAY ONE SCORES

* At Darley Road: St. Joseph’s: 299/7 decl. in 70 overs (Jehan Daniel 77, Nipun Sumanasinghe 63, Dineth Jayakody 53, Revan Kelly 29, Kalhara Senarathne 3/79)

St. Anthony’s Kandy: 93/4 at close in 19 overs (Kavinda Stouter 40, Sunera Jayasighe 20, Dunith Wellalage 2/26)

* At Moratuwa: Dharmasoka Ambalangoda: 76 in 34 overs (Chamindu Dilshan 24, Praveen Jayawickrama 4/23, Thasik Perera 2/17)

St. Sebastian’s Moratuwa: 321 in 60.4 overs (Nuwanidu Fernando 55, Praveen Cooray 46, Shenal Fernando 42, Malintha Peiris 42, Tharusha Fernando 33, Praveen Jayawickrame 31, Gihan Senanayake 25, Nimesh Mendis 3/36, Sanjana Mendis 3/59, Kavindu Nadeeshan 3/98)

* At Kadirana: Mahanama: 250 in 91 overs (Shonal Dinusha 123 n.o., Pawantha Weerasinghe 31, Pathum Boteju 23, Pasindu Ushetti 4/68, Ravindu Fernando 3/61, Aveesha Keshan 2/37)

Maris Stella, Negombo: 2/0 at close in 2 overs

* At Kurunegala:. Maliyadeva: 135 in 33.5 overs (Chaluka Atapaththu 42, Brian Karunanayake 41, Yeshan Wickramarachchi 5/26, Bimara Ranatunge 3/31)

Thurstan: 313/9 at close in 61 overs (Nipun Lakshan 107 n.o., Nimesh Perera 57, Bhawantha Jayasingha 51, Yoshan Wickramaarachchi 27, Imesh Viranga 20, Pasindu Thennakoon 2/40)

* At Balapitiya: Sri Devananda Ambalangoda: 353/8 decl. in 62.3 overs (Shohan Livera 109, Kavindu Rajapaksa 82, Samith Abeysekara 59, Sasidu de Silva 33 n.o., Lakila Tehan 4/83)

P. de S. Kularatne MV Ambalangoda: 88/6 at close in 27 overs (Lakila Tehan 29, Sandun de Soiza 3/19, Sasindu de Silva 3/25)

* At Ratgama: Devapathiraja Ratgama: 417/8 at close in 117 overs (Raveen Yasas 286 n.o., Pathum Madushanka 84, Ishara Maduwantha 2/54, Ravindu Milan 2/87) vs Karandeniya Central

* At Dehiwala: President’s Maharagama: 223 in 43.1 overs (Thiran Sasindu 70, Naveen Charinda 24, Sasindu Lochana 24, Sanka Prasad 3/34, Sayuru Jayakodi 2/77, Charithanga Lakshan 3/52)

Loyola Bopitiya: 47 in 21 overs (Pasindu Lochana 6/22, Chathuranga Devinda 2/18) and 74/1 at close in 26 overs (Kumesh Thamuthka 28 n.o., Charithanga Lakshan 20n.o.)

* At Kegalle: Piliyandala Central: 182/8 at close in 61 overs (Malshan Gunathilake 40 n.o., Kushan Thenura 34 n.o., Chamod Sandaru 29, Jamith Dilshan 21, Madushan Gunasinghe 2/32, Umesha Tharaka 2/37, Tharindu Sandaruwan 2/38) vs Kegalu Vidyalaya

* At Bambalapitiya: St. Peter’s: 259/7 decl. in 61 overs (Shannon Fernando 77, Ranmith Jayasena 58, Shivan Perera 37 n.o., Prithvi Jegarajasingham 2/40, Indika Wanasinghe 2/58, Maheesh Theeksha 2/78)

St. Benedict’s: 65/3 at close in 34 overs

* At Kalutara: Tissa Central Kalutara: 234 in 45.3 overs (Kosala Ravindu 57, Hathin Himasha 50, Yohan Ravishka 22, Lasith de Silva 20 n.o., Nilupul Darshana 20, Gimantha Malisha 3/72, Mohamad Ismail 4/56, Shehan Avandya 2/16)

St.Thomas’ Matale: 83/5 at close in 34 overs (Sachin Himasha 2/23)

* At Mutwal: St. Anthony’s Wattala: 174 in 39.1 overs (Sanka Madhubashana 69, Harinda Pasindu 26, Kaveeshan Dulanja 21, Sajeewa Ranjith 5/69, Ishan Weerasooriya 2/13)

St. Mary’s Kegalle: 213/3 at close in 40 overs (Gajitha Kotuwegoda 92 n.o., Thimira Kumara 64)

* At Galle: Mahinda: 276/7 decl. in 82.3 overs (Ashen Kandambi 85, Kavindu Ediriwera 59 n.o., K. K. Kevin 48, Navod Paranavithna 26, Hareen Buddila 4/88, Ravindu Sanjana 2/74)

St. Aloysius: 32/1 at close in 18 overs

* At Horana: Henry Olcott Kolonnawa: 45 in 27.3 overs (Kavishan Wickramasinghe 4/27, Chamindu Imash 3/16)

St. Mary’s Matugama: 171/9 at close in 71 overs (Tharindu Welgama 36 n.o., Randev Senevirathne 26, Lahiru Dilshan 26, Ishan Fernando 21, Eranda Madushanka 5/39, Ayantha Shavinda 2/47)

* At Thurstan: St. John’s Panadura: 179 in 62 overs (Praveen Sandamal 56 n.o., Pasan Perera 42, Rukshan Dissanayake 20, Ashan Dilhara 20, Madushika Sandaruwan 4/35, Ayana Siriwardhane 3/37, Eshan Fernando 2/17)

Isipathana: 82/3 at close in 32.2 overs (Sanjula Bandara 32, Thamindu Wickramarachchi 2/16)

* At Matugama: Ananda Sasthralaya Matugama: 221 in 55.3 overs (Pulindu Prabashwara 80, Ravindu Chanuka 48, Bihan Randika 29, Theeraka Ranathunga 3/35, Imantha Fernando 3/81, Aaron Vas 2/11)

Lyceum Wattala: 75/5 at close in 21 overs (Ulindu Prabashwara 2/7, Kavindu Theekshana 2/19)

* At Sedawatte: Veluwana: 58 in 33.2 overs (Mithila Poornajith 5/13, Thanusha Sandaruwn 2/14)

St. John’s Nugegoda: 272/8 at close in 62 overs (Nuraj Prasnaga 64, Ashen Milinda 44, Dinusha Sandeepa 40, Mithila Poornajith 37, Selwa Kumar 34, Theshan Malinda 27, Risitha Sankalpa 3/42, Pasindu Samoditha 2/49)

* At Reid Avenue: Sri Dharmaloka Kelaniya: 92 in 35.5 overs (Yugeesha Dishan 22, Sharala Gunathilake 4/35, Dimal Wijesekara 2/12, Lahiru Madusanka 2/30)

Royal: 237/8 at close in 57 overs (Bhagya Dissanayake 88, Kavindu Chathuranga 57 Lahiru Madusanka 28, Yugeesha Dishan 3/71, Sachintha Lakshan 2/46)

* At Padukka: Siri Piyaratana MV, Padukka: 172 in 55.5 overs (Kavinda Eshwara 54, Ravindu Keshan 22, Anuka Pradeepika 5/42)

Sri Sumangala Panadura: 116/4 at close in 29 overs (Anjana Maduwantha 43 n.o., Nipuna Deshan 41, Rajitha Ashan 2/14)

* At Katugastota: Sir John Kotalawala Kurunegala: 199 in 77.5 overs (Ayesh Dewmina 46, Akila Samarakoon 50, Sachintha Lakshan 30, Madushanka Dasanayake 28, Madushan Paranawithana 5/59, Amila Wijesooriya 2/33)

Sri Rahula Katugastota: 72/3 at close in 14 overs (Chamika Samaraseka 34 n.o., Akila Samarakoon 3/21)

- YK

PYEONGCHANG: South Korea, Friday - Forty-seven Russians implicated in doping lost a last-minute court bid to take part in the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics on Friday, just hours before the opening ceremony.

The applicants, who included Korean-born speed skater Victor An, had asked the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to overturn an International Olympic Committee decision not to invite them to South Korea.

“The applications filed by Russian athletes and coaches have been dismissed,” CAS secretary general Matthieu Reeb told a packed news conference.

The IOC was swift to welcome the decision, the latest twist in the Russian doping scandal, saying the ruling “supports the fight against doping and brings clarity for all athletes”.

The Russian situation has proved highly contentious in the build-up to Pyeongchang, after their team was banned but a certain number of “clean” Russian athletes were allowed to take part as neutrals.

Fifteen of those who lost their bids on Friday were among a group of 28 who controversially had life bans from the Olympics overturned last week by CAS, which cited insufficient evidence.

The other 32, including An, biathlon gold medallist Anton Shipulin and Sergei Ustyugov, a cross-country skiing world champion, were also omitted from the list of Russians invited to Pyeongchang.

“In its decisions, the CAS arbitrators have considered that the process created by the IOC to establish an invitation list of Russian athletes to compete as Olympic Athletes from Russia (OAR) could not be described as a sanction but rather as an eligibility decision,” Reeb said.

However, the CAS decision may not be the end of the matter. A source close to the IOC told AFP that the 47 Russians have also lodged a case with a Swiss civil court in Lausanne.

A spokesman for the 168-strong, neutral Russian team, the “Olympic Athletes from Russia”, declined to comment when approached by AFP.

Russia’s suspension in December follows the uncovering of a systemic doping conspiracy culminating at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics, where host nation Russia topped the medals table.

Investigations revealed an elaborate ploy where tainted Russian urine samples were switched with clean ones overnight using a “mousehole” in the wall of the Sochi anti-doping laboratory.

Russia has denied any government links to the conspiracy. But the IOC has suspended its former sports minister, Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Mutko, for life.

Russia’s participation has been fiercely debated among athletes and Canada’s team was forced to apologise on Thursday after an alleged altercation at the athletes’ village.

“If you have been caught cheating you need to be gone. It needs to be the same for every country,” said USA bobsledder Nick Cunningham.

“If you’re a clean athlete you should compete. If you’re not a clean athlete then you should not compete. There’s no grey area for me about it.” - AFP

Sachin Tendulkar was teary-eyed as he bid adieu to international cricket in 2013 at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. It was quite an emotional moment for the batting legend to leave the sport. Like Tendulkar, did Sourav Ganguly break down after playing his final Test in 2008? The former captain himself has answered in his new book “A Century Is Not Enough”.

Ganguly left the cricket scene in November 2008 after playing his last Test against Australia. It was an exit like Sir Don Bradman, as he collected a duck in his final knock. However, in the first innings of the Test he had scored 85.

After seven years, the 45-year-old has penned about his “The End”. Recently, he was asked by a journalist whether he cried or not after quitting. To which Ganguly writes, “I don’t shed tears”. He went on to add that he did not cry even when his father passed away.

“Little did I know that the toughest decision of my life was to be announced on a Puja day in 2008. On Mahastami, when celebrations are usually at their peak, two days before the Bengaluru Test, I took part in a press conference. There I announced that I would retire from international cricket at the end of the series, after the last Test match in Nagpur. The bisharjon was still two days away but I had decided to bring an end to my cricketing career. It was ‘The End’ as they say in the movies. I was so emotionally drained that the Pujas that year passed me by in a blur. I don’t remember a thing,” Ganguly wrote.

He added, “Almost a decade has gone by. Yet journalists and the Kolkata press still gossip about the events leading to my decision, and what I felt at the time. Surely I couldn’t have felt as decisive and calm as I appeared that Mahastami day. Even this week as I write this, a close journalist friend asked me with a raised eyebrow, ‘Come on, you don’t expect me to believe that after so much trauma you did not cry after playing the last innings in Nagpur?’

“I replied, no. I don’t shed tears. I did not cry even at my father’s death. Most of you, like my friend, won’t believe me. Sourav is not telling the truth, you’ll be saying to yourself. But some of you will be nodding your head in agreement. You know my type. We are a minority who tend to think tears are the easy way out of sadness. But don’t let our masks fool you. Maybe it’s because we hold our emotions in check that they remain within us even more. We look tough on the outside, but inside we bleed.”

Ganguly took to the micro-blogging website Twitter to share one chapter of his book.

The book will be available month-end, according to the left-hander, who is now the president of Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB).

Known as “Prince of Calcutta”, Ganguly payed 113 Tests and 311 ODIs. He is one of the most successful captains of India. Under his captaincy India finished runner-up at 2003 World Cup in South Africa. - IBT

Perth, Friday: Former world number one Lee Westwood and defending champion Brett Rumford continued to lead the way at the $1.75m Handa Super 6 in Perth on Friday.

The pair will play together for a third day in a row on Saturday after sharing the lead at the end of the second round at eight under.

They were one stroke ahead of four players on seven under – Denmark’s Thorbjorn Olesen, Australian Lucas Herbert, Scotland’s Grant Forrest and Thailand’s Prom Meesawat.

Meesawat was joint leader until the 18th, which he bogeyed.

In challenging conditions Westwood shot a two-under 70 to join Rumford, who couldn’t replicate his first round of 64 and shot 72, in the lead.

The Brit, who chipped in on the fourth and sixth holes, said the wind made low scoring difficult.

“I know the wind can really pick up in Perth, but you don’t expect it to blow quite as strong as it’s blown today and it was tricky out there,” Westwood said.

“You really have to have your wits about you.”

The unique tri-sanctioned European Tour tournament sees the top 24 after the first three rounds of strokeplay undertake matchplay on the final day to decide the winner.

The top eight qualifiers have a bye in the first round of matchplay on Sunday.

Rumford, who led by five strokes at the end of qualifying last year, held a two-stroke lead after 14 holes, but Westwood joined him with an eagle on the 15th.

A Rumford bogey on the 17th handed the Brit the lead, only for Westwood to also drop a stroke after missing a 2m putt on the last hole.

Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat started brilliantly as one of the early groups on the course and briefly held the lead when he moved to nine under.

However, four bogeys in a row on the back nine saw him drop back to finish at five under.

Aphibarnrat’s countryman Pavit Tangkamolprasert provided the day’s highlight with a hole-in-one on the 17th on his way to being three under.

Local amateur Minn Woo Lee is also well-placed to reach the final day, the 19-year-old shooting 70 to be five under.

However, two of the biggest names in the tournament failed to make the cut.

The 2016 US Masters champion Danny Willett was unable to recover from his opening round 76 and shot a 75 on day two to finish seven over as his recent form woes continued, missing his third successive cut.

Fellow Englishman Andrew ‘Beef’ Johnston also struggled in the warm conditions, the world number 161 shooting a 76 on the second day to be five over.

Johnston started the tournament with an eagle on the first hole and barely fired a shot from there, his fate sealed when he had four bogeys in five holes on Friday. - AFP

Off-spinner Anuka Jayasinghe bowled Sri Sumangala Panadura to a ten-wicket win over Siri Piyaratana MMV Padukka at Padukka yesterday with a match haul of 12 wickets in the Singer Cup under 19 schools cricket match.

Mithila Poornajith of St. John’s Nugegoda also had a 12-wicket haul against Veluwana MV.

Raveen Yasas of Devapathiraja College Ratgama who scored 296 in the first innings continued his form in the second innings scoring 65.

Navod Paranavithana (Mahinda College) and Gajitha Kotuwegoda (St. Mary’s College Kegalle) made their third centuries for the season.

RESULTS:

lAt Kurunegala: Thurstan won by 10 wickets.

Maliyadeva: 135 and 179 in 48.1 overs (Muditha Premadasa 45, Shaluka Athapattu 38, Supun Sumanarathana 24, Supun Nishshanka 21 n.o., Nipun Lakshan 3/20, Shalaka Bandara 2/29)

Thurstan: 313/9 decl. and 4/0 in 0.5 overs

lAt Darley Road: (Vaas – Murali Trophy) Match drawn.

St. Joseph’s: 299/7 decl. and 162/3 in 42 overs (Revan Kelly 63, Nipun Sumanasinghe 46 n.o., Shevaan Rassool 37, Kalhara Senaratne 2/65)

St. Anthony’s Kandy: 289 (93/4 o/n) in 75.4 overs (Janindu Himsara 84, Navodya Wijayakumara 56, Deon Stouter 40, Kalhara Senaratne 39, Sunera Jayasinghe 20, Dunith Wellalage 4/104, Miranga Wickramage 2/19, Ashen Daniel 2/54, Lakshan Gamage 2/62)

lAt Reid Avenue: Royal won by 10 wickets.

Sri Dharmaloka Kelaniya: 92 and 156 in 55.4 overs (Himantha Iddamalgoda 27, Madhawa Kavindu 23, Madushka Nadeeshan 22, Himalka Induranga 22, Kamil Mishara 4/24, Manula Perera 3/20, Gayan Disanayake 2/17)

Royal: 237/8 decl. and 13/0 in 3.3 overs

lAt Thurstan: Match drawn.

St. John’s Panadura: 179 and 151 in 49.5 overs (Praveen Sandamal 47 n.o., Sachin Dananjaya 20, Ashan Dilhara 26, Madushika Sandaruwan 5/55, Ayana Siriwardana 4/56)

Isipathana: 196/9 decl (82/3 o/n) in 69.1 overs (Ayana Siriwardhane 56, Sanjula Bandara 32, Leshan Kaveesha 29, Eshan Fernando 23, Sumudu Udara 3/24, Thamindu Wickramarachchi 3/53, Sachitha Manupriya 2/54) and 17/4 in 5 overs (Thamindu Wickramarachchi 3/12)

lAt Moratuwa: St. Sebastian’s Moratuwa won by inns & 46 runs.

Dharmasoka Ambalangoda: 76 and199 in 65 overs (Ushan Imantha 92, Ravindu Rashantha 45, Tharusha Fernando 6/67, Praveen Jayawickrame 2/68)

St. Sebastian’s: 321.

lAt Kadirana: Match drawn.

Mahanama: 250;

Maris Stella, Negombo: 65 (2/0 o/n) in 32.3 overs (Kevin Perera 26, Hashan Sandeepa 4/16, Heshan Hettiarchchi 3/18) and 203/5 in 62 overs (Lasith Croosepulle 92, Kevin Perera 42 Shehan Malisha 39, Shonal Dinusha 2/36)

lAt Mutwal: Match drawn.

St. Anthony’s Wattala: 174 and 233 in 62 overs (Sanka Madhubashana 52, Avishka Tharindu 47, Yasindu Raveesha 29, Kaveesha Dulanjana 24 n.o., Ashmika Mewan 24, Sajeewa Ranjith 4/92, Thimira kumara 3/53, Ishan Weerasuriya 2/49)

St. Mary’s Kegalle: 338 (213/3 o/n) in 9.1 overs (Gajitha Kotuwegoda 134, Thimira Kumara 64, Sachin Fonseka 32, Aravinda Pasindu 5/28 and 47/2 in 6 overs (Meenath Walisinghe 25 n.o., Harinda Pasindu 2/21)

lAt Galle: Match drawn.

Mahinda: 276/7 decl. and 194/4 in 42.1 overs (Navod Paranavithana 100 n.o., Kavindu Ediriweera 37, Hareen Buddila 2/55, Ravindu Sanjana 2/84)

St. Aloysius: 196 (32/1 o/n) in 79. overs (Ashen Bandara 78, Gimhana Ashirwada 32, Pasan Pethangoda 4/62, Navod Paranavithana 2/30)

lAt Bambalapitiya: Match drawn.

St. Peter’s: 259/7 decl. and 107/7 decl. in 15 overs (Shannon Fernando 40, Maheesha Theekshana 3/23, Kavishka Jayathilake 2/19)

St. Benedict’s: 179 (65/3 o/n) in 71.4 overs (Shehan Fernando 50, Kavishka Jayathilaka 27, Nisalka Fernando 31 n.o., Mohammed Ameen 5/71, Sachin Silva 3/43) and 150/4 in 41 overs (Mahesh Theekshana 50, Shanilka Nirmal 35 n.o., Kaveesha Jayathilake 24 n.o., Mohammed Ameen 4/66)

lAt Kalutara: Tissa Central Kalutara won by 183 runs.

Tissa: 234 and 216/6 decl. in 34.2 overs (Kosala Ravindu 70 n.o., Ramesh Madushanka 50, Sathin Himash 31 n.o., Deemantha Malisha 3/58, Mohommed Ismail 2/67)

St.Thomas’ Matale: 144 (83/5 o/n) in 52 overs (Isuru Dodamthenne 44, Rohan Sanjaya 4/44, Sathin Himasha 3/56) and 123 in 49.1 overs (Malitha Jayasundara 30, Chathuka Wijethunga 24, Isuru Dodamthanna 23, Tharaka Sandaruwan 4/20, Rohan Sanjaya 3/51, Sathin Himash 2/25)

lAt Balapitiya: Sri Devananda Ambalangoda won by inns & 134 runs.

Sri Devananda: 353/8 decl.

P. de S. Kularatne MV Ambalangoda: 115 (88/6 o/n) in 37.3 overs (Lakila Tehan 29, Denuwan Kumuditha 20, Sandun de Soyza 5/21, Sasindu de Silva 3/25) and 104 in 42 overs (Lakila Tehan 35, Kumindu Nilhara 35, Nimesh de Silva 8/43, Dasun de Silva 2/22)

lAt Padukka: Sri Sumangala Panadura won by 10 wickets.

Siri Piyaratana Padukka: 172 and 81 in 25.4 overs (Kavindu Nimesh 24, Anuka Jayasinghe 7/25, Janindu Induwara 3/32)

Sri Sumangala Panadura: 250 (116/4 o/n) in 60.5 overs (Anjana Madhuwantha 51, Poorna Pasindu 43, Nipuna Deshan 41, Janindu Inuwara 25, Himesh de Silva 22, Yasiru Dineth 5/84, Rajitha Ashan 5/90) and 7/0 in 0.4 overs

lAt Ratgama: Match drawn.

Devapathiraja Ratgama: 427/9 decl. (417/8 o/n) in 121.3 overs (Raveen Yasas 296, Pethum Madushanka 84, Ravindu Milan 4/99, Ishara Maduwantha 2/54) and 105/6 decl. in 24.3 overs (Raveen Yasas 65, Dimuth Sandaruwan 2/32 Ravindu Milan 2/63)

Karandeniya Central: 277 in 57.4 overs (Dimuthu Sandaruwn 133 n.o., Ishara Maduwantha 77, Pethum Madushanka 6/90) and 129/4 in 18 overs (Ishara Maduwantha 58, Janith Kaushan 30 n.o., Jeewaka Sasheen 2/53)

lAt Kegalle: Piliyandala Central won by 105 runs.

Piliyandala Central: 182/8 decl. and 90/6 decl. in 22.3 overs (Jamindu Dilshan 38, Tharindu Sandaruwan 5/30)

Kegalu Vidyalaya: 92 in 27 overs (Madushan Munasinghe 237, Tharindu Sandaruwan 23, Heshan Madushanka 4/30, Ushan Deemantha 2/7) and 82 in 38.1 overs (Madushan Gunasinghe 33, Heshan Madushanka 6/44, Ruchira Dineth 3/1)

lAt Police Park Kandy: Match drawn.

S. de S. Jayasinghe Central Dehiwala: 78 in 33.1 overs (Kasun Karunathilake 5/15, Ishan Sangeeth 2/11) and 85/1 in 24.4 overs (Kavinda Dias 38 n.o.)

Vidyartha Kandy: 178/7 decl. in 21 overs (Pulina Gunathilake 107, Keshara Sasanka 3/25, Sankalpa Perera 2/65)

lAt Katugastota: Match drawn.

Sir John Kotalawala Kurunegala: 199 and 171/4 in 58.4 overs (Ayesh Devmina 73, Shehan Kokila 34, Madushanka Dasanayake 30)

Sri Rahula Katugastota: 266 (72/3 o/n) in 55.5 overs (Tharindu Fonseka 85, Gathika Wickramsinghe 64, Chamika Samaraseka 34, Akila Samarakoon 5/58, Hasintha Lakshan 4/37)

lAt Dehiwala: President’s Maharagama won by 4 wickets.

President’s: 223 and 150/6 in 24.1 overs (Chathuranga Devinda 63 n.o., Ishara Thulshan 37, Sanka Prasad 4/32, Tharusha Dulanjana 2/20)

Loyola Bopitiya: 47 and 320 (74/1 o/n) in 74.5 overs (Sayuru Jayakody 77, Kumesh Thamuthka 63, Charithanga Lakshan 36, Tharusha Dulanjana 32, Sanka Prasad 26 n.o., Shenal Charuka 22, Sadeeshan Umayanga 21, Pasindu Lochana 5/87, Chandeepa Tharin 2/21)

lAt Horana: St. Mary’s Matugama won by inns & 23 runs.

Henry Olcott Kolonnawa: 45 and 104 in 31.2 overs (Eranda Madushanka 68, Chamindu Imash 4/55, Lahiru Dilshan 3/08)

St. Mary’s Matugama: 172 (171/9 o/n) in 7.5 overs (Tharindu Welgama 37n.o., Randev Senevirathne 26, Lahiru Dilshan 26, Ishan Fernando 21, Eranda Madushanka 6/58, Ayantha Shavinda 2/52)

lAt Sedawatte: St. John’s Nugegoda won by inns & 197 runs.

Veluwana: 58 and 37 in 23.5 overs (Mithila Poornajith 7/16, Thanusha Sandudrauwan 3/21)

St. John’s Nugegoda: 292 (272/8 o/n) in 70.22 overs (Nuraj Prasnaga 64, Ashen Milinda 44, Hirusha Sandeepa 40, Mithila Poornajith 37, Selwa Kumar 34, Theshan Malinda 27, Risitha Sankalpa 3/48, Ravindu Rasanaka 2/48, Pasindu Samoditha 2/49)

lAt Matugama: Match drawn.

Ananda Sasthralaya Matugama: 221 and 147 in 51 overs (Shehan Hirudika 55, Pasindu Bhashana 27, Imantha Fernando 5/47, Theeraka Ranatunge 4/64)

Lyceum Wattala: 167 (75/5 o/n) in 47 overs (Jeewithan Maheshwaran 54, Pasindu Kamesh 35 n.o., Ulindu Prabashwara 4/42, Kavindu Theekshana 2/27) and 127/8 in 15 overs (Shabiq Ifthari 58, Imantha Fernandp 20, Enula Thewarapperuma 3/33)

DAY ONE SCORES

Match will be continued today on day two.

lAt Campbell Park: Richmond: 171/5 at close in 53 overs (Avindu Theekshana 49 n.o., Dananjaya Lakshan 42, Kamindu Mendis 35, Movin Subasinghe 5/59) Wesley. - (YK)

Sineth Sithara and Lahiru Dilshan captured nine wickets between them to demolish Bandaranayake College's second innings for 30 in 9.1 overs to see St Thomas’ College Matara register an innings and 106 run win a few minutes after lunch in the under 19 division I group A match played at the Uyanwatta Stadium Matara.

Bandaranayake invited to bat first were restricted to a first innings score of 70. STC continuing from their overnight score of 124/2 declared their innings at 206/7, 25 minutes before lunch. (The post tea session on the first day was called off due to rain). Night watchmen Hirantha Lakshan 66 and Mihisal Amoda 78 shared a 140-run partnership for the third wicket.

The Bandaranayake second innings was demolished for 30 runs by Sineth and Lahiru 22 minutes past lunch to see the Matara Thomians home for tea.

Scores: Bandaranayake 70 and 30 in 9.1 overs (Hacitha Thimal 14, Sineth Sithara 5/3, Lahiru Dilshan 4/6)

STC Matara 206/7 dec (124/2) in 55 overs (Hirantha Lakshan 66, Mihisal Amoda 78, Maleesha de Saram 30 n.o., Arosha Madushan 2/38, Hacitha Thimal 2/45, Shahiru Roshen 2/17)

Dhaka, Friday: Roshen Silva hit an unbeaten half-century to put Sri Lanka in command of the second Test after stretching their lead to 312 against Bangladesh in Dhaka on Friday.

The visitors reached 200-8 at stumps on day two in their second innings. The batting effort came after debutant spinner Akila Dananjaya led an inspirational attack to dismiss Bangladesh for 110 in the morning session.

Silva was batting on 58, his second fifty in the game, which came amid a regular fall of wickets on what seemed a difficult batting pitch at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium. The highest successful run-chase at the ground is England's 209-1 against the hosts in 2010.

Suranga Lakmal, who claimed three wickets with his pace bowling, was keeping Silva company on seven as the islanders kept building on their sizable first-innings lead of 112. Paceman Mustafizur Rahman took three wickets while spinners Taijul Islam and Mehedi Hasan Miraz claimed two each.

Opener Kusal Mendis was out early after veteran left-arm spinner Abdur Razzak trapped the batsman leg-before for seven.

Left-handed opener Dimuth Karunaratne, who made 32, and Dhananjaya de Silva, who hit 28, got starts but failed to convert them into bigger scores.

Silva got to the grind building crucial partnerships including a 51-run fifth-wicket stand with skipper Dinesh Chandimal, who made 30.

Earlier Bangladesh, who started the day on 56-4 in response to Sri Lanka's 222, faltered against Dananjaya's mystery spin that rattled the hosts' middle and lower-order.

Dananjaya, who is playing his first Test after 19 one-day internationals and nine Twenty20 games, returning impressive figures of 3-20. The 24-year-old Dananjaya has off-spin as his stock delivery but can can surprise the batsmen with leg-spin googly and carrom balls.

Dananjaya cleaned up skipper Mahmudullah Riyad for 17, and got two more wickets in Sabbir Rahman -- out for a duck -- and Razzak to flatten the Bangladesh batting.

Mehedi, who was sent in as nightwatchman on day one, remained unbeaten on 38 -- the highest score in the Bangladesh innings.

The first Test ended in a draw in Chittagong. AFP

CH and FC propelled by their wing three quarter Heshan Maduranga's spectacular injury time try, scored a brilliant 25 points (4 tries, 1 conversion, 1 penalty) to 24 (3 tries, 3 conversion, 1 penalty) win over CR & FC in their Dialog ‘A’ Division League Rugby tournament second round match played at CR grounds in Longden Place yesterday, thus winning the Nizar Hadji Omar memorial trophy after eight long years. CH were trailing 17-15 at the breather.

It was CH's forwards who paved the way for this victory. The CH ‘eight’ especially Sudarshana Muthuthanttri, Yoshitha Rajapaksha, Chathura Dilshan and Sasanka Ariyaratne gave a terrific display to outplay their famed counterparts in the loose.

CR & FC were let down by their three quarters who delayed their passes which saw them being ‘nailed’ time and again by their opposite numbers and also ‘knocked on’ at crucial moments which resulted in their speedy centre Kavindu Perera being kept in cold storage but on the few occasions he got possession Kavindu made some threatening runs before he was brought down in the nick of time by a desperate CH defence.

The CR & FC outfit went in to half time leading 17-15 with tries coming from captain cum centre Kavindu Perera and number eight Omalka Gunaratne. With fly half Tharinda Ratwatte slotting in both the conversion as well as the solitary penalty.

Mean while for the CH the two tries were scored by flanker Yoshitha Rajapaksha and fly half Samuel Maduwantha. While Maduwantha put over the solitary conversion and the penalty. After the breather CH and FC surged into a 20-17 lead when their prop forward Chathura Dilshan powered his way to fall over for an unconverted try by the right corner flag. Maduwantha missed the conversion.

Soon after CR & FC grabbed the lead when their second row forward Charana Chamikara scored a try under the post which fly half Ratwatte fired across the conversion. CR led 24-20.

In the last minute of play CH won the ball from a ruck and fly half Maduwantha set the three quarters in motion and winger Heshan Maduranga put the finishing touches to the move by diving over by the right corner flag for a splendid try. Maduwantha missed the conversion but CH and FC ran out worthy winners by 25 points to 24.

Referee: Dinka Peiris

Easy win for Navy

In another match Navy SC beat Air Force SC by 50 (7 tries, 6 conversions, 1 penalty) to 28 (3 tries, 2 conversion, 3 penalties) after leading 22-16 at half time in their Dialog ‘A’ Division inter club league rugby tournament second round match played at Air Force grounds in Ratmalana yesterday.

Army triumph

Meanwhile Army SC beat Police SC by 43 points (6 tries, 5 conversions, 1 enalty) to 36 ( 6 tries, 3 conversions) after leading 31-19 at the breather in their Dialog ‘A’ Division inter club league rugby tournament second round encounter played yesterday at Police Park, Colombo

Moors SC beat Army SC by 21 runs to emerge Plate champions of the SLC Premier League Inter-Club Tier ‘A’ cricket tournament in their match played at Havelock Park yesterday.

Other two matches drawn.

Ramesh Mendis who scored his second ton of the season and Anuk Fernando who made the first century of his career shared an unbroken 200 runs partnership for the fifth wicket for Bloomfield in their drawn match against Badureliya CC at Braybrooke Place.

RESULTS:

* At Havelock Park: Moors SC won by 21 runs.

Moors SC: 90 and 314 (1/0 o/n) in 83.5 overs (Chamara Silva 93, Kosala Kulasekara 66, Charitha Kumarasinghe 38, Pabasara Waduge 37, Malka Madushanka 4/82)

Army SC: 211 and 172 (15/5 o/n) in 46.2 overs (Seekkuge Prasanna 51, Ajantha Mendis 48, Dushan Vimukthi 25, Kosala Kulasekara 4/47, Tharindu Ratnayake 3/40, C. Dilshan 3/63)

* At Havelock Park: Match drawn.

Tamil Union CC: 197 and 251/5 (10/0 o/n) in 83.1 overs (Sithara Gimhan 69, Dinuk Wikramanayake 53, Tharanga Paranavitana 51 n.o, Kithuruwan Vithanage 31, Dineth Thimodya 22, Dinuka Hettiarachchi 5/108)

CCC: 442 (71/0 o/n) in 100.1 overs (Lasith Abeyratne 115, Sachith Pathirana 70, Ashan Priyanjan 66, Malindu Madhuranga 49, Ron Chandraguptha 37, Kaveen Bandara 31, Ramith Rambukwella 3/135, Tharanga Paranavithana 2/00)

* At Baybrooke Place: Match drawn.

Bloomfield CC: 173 and 295/4 in 68 overs (Ramesh Mendis 102 n.o., Anuk Fernando 102 n.o., Lahiru Jayakody 61, Alankara Asanka 2/91)

Badureliya CC: 423/9 decl. (381/5 o/n) in 156 overs (Nadeera Nawela 124, Pethum Nissanka 111, Shiran Ratnayake 46, Ramindu de Silva 31, Sanjaya Chathuranga 24, Malith de Silva 4/77) - (YK)

PYEONGCHANG, South Korea, Friday - People dressed up as U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un caused a commotion when they appeared in the stands at the Olympic Games Opening Ceremony on Friday before swiftly being shown out by security staff.

“We’re getting along great,” said the Un lookalike, who declined to give his name.

“We wanted to surprise everyone and bring world peace and then we’re being escorted out by security guards, which I think is really unfair,” he added. “Doesn’t everyone want peace?”

The ceremony was marked by a show of unity between North and South Korea.

Athletes from both countries entered the arena under a flag depicting a unified Korea as American Vice President Mike Pence and Un’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, watched on from a VIP box.

“Is my sister getting the same treatment?,” the Un lookalike said as he was escorted out of the stadium.

– Agencies

Carter House with 303 points emerged champions at the school for the Deaf, Ratmalana inter-house sports meet held at the school’s grounds, Ratmalana, recently under the guidance of principal Mrs. Samanthika Jayasuriya. Miskin house with 273 points and Gibbon house with 220 points occupied the second and third places respectively.

Drill displays school band and march past by the students of the school for the Deaf, Ratmalana added colour to the event. The colourful events was attended by a large number of students, parents, past pupils and well wishers and the occasion was graced with presence of Lion Mr. Camilus Fernando, District Governor, 306/B1 (chief guest), Anjay Amaleen (Managing Director, MAS Brands Pvt Ltd) and Mrs. Amaleen (Guests of Honour), Shivantha Vivekanandan, President, Deaf school past pupils’ association, Ratmalana and well known persons. It was sponsored by the Lions club of Colombo North 306 B/1.