Nearly 500 players will be seen in action at the Yes 101 Tag Rugby Carnival when the final round will take place at the CH and FC grounds in Maitland Crescents on Saturday. Kick-off is at 8.30 a.m.

Sixteen teams have been selected from last week’s tournament for the final round with the winning teams being awarded trophies and prize money, according to Tournament Director Dilroy Fernando.

“We are sorry but at the 2nd Leg tournament too players will not be permitted to wear boots. This is a request which has been made by the club officials,” he said.

The screening of the RWC 2019 final between South Africa and England will add spice to the event. Apart from the main event, there will competition for Under 12 and Under 10 as well.

All senior matches will be played 10 minute flat, with only the Bowl, Plate and Cup finals being payed over 7-1-7 minutes.

The Cup finals is scheduled to be held at 5.15 p.m.

Austin, Thursday: Lewis Hamilton is set to clinch his sixth drivers' world championship at one of his favourite venues this weekend when he leads Mercedes into what promises to be a close scrap with Ferrari at the United States Grand Prix.

Just days after his unexpected, but perfectly-conceived, strategic victory in Mexico, the 34-year-old Briton is in the luxurious position of knowing that only a wildly-extraordinary result at the Circuit of the Americas can frustrate him again.

His only title rival, Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas, has to overcome a 74-point deficit in the final three rounds of the championship to create what would be the biggest upset in the sport's history.

It is a scenario that requires the Finn, whose previous best finish in Texas is fifth, to win all three season-ending races, at the very least, with Hamilton out of the points.

Given that Hamilton has scored in his last 30 consecutive outings and needs only four points to retain his crown, Bottas's hopes are some way beyond slim, but he can be relied upon never to give up.

Both Mercedes men have targets, not least Hamilton for whom a place in the top eight would be enough for the title.

He may be keen also to register something better as he seeks another Texas triumph, his sixth in eight outings in Austin and his seventh win in the American event and, at the very least, his 150th podium finish.

A frequent visitor to the United States, Hamilton is a regular guest on television chat shows and is F1's best-known driver in the country by a distance.

"I think my story, and my family story, is something a lot of people can relate to," said Hamilton, who often declares his sense affinity with many in America. "I've become more and more known in the States.

"I like being in the States and, for me, it is a pretty calm build-up. And the track at Austin is fantastic –- it's been a good hunting ground for me and so I am very excited to go there and, who knows, see whether we can get the job done."

Ironically, Hamilton can take the title without scoring a point if rivals Ferrari can translate their speed in qualifying into a race victory.

"We have started the past six races from pole, but have only gone on to win three -- and we certainly want to do better than that. Austin will give us a good opportunity to do so," said Ferrari team chief Mattia Binotto.

After a recent revival in form, Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel will seek to show he remains worthy of top status at the Italian team while Red Bull's rumbustious Max Verstappen, making his 100th Grand Prix start, will hope for a less controversial weekend than his last.

The Dutchman was stripped of pole position in Mexico and, in the race, banged wheels with Hamilton, picked up a puncture in a clash with Bottas and stormed from last to finish sixth in the race.

Vettel finished second and demonstrated his maturity afterwards when he side-stepped invitations to say he felt jealous or envious of Hamilton's feats, instead choosing to praise his long-time rival.

"I appreciate his efforts, his performances, his success a lot," said Vettel.

"I think you have to because it's obvious. If not then it wouldn't be me." AFP

Australian batting superstar Glenn Maxwell will take a short break from cricket to deal with mental health issues, Cricket Australia said Thursday.

One of the world's best short-format batsman, Maxwell leaves Australia's T20 squad during a series against touring Sri Lanka, after smashing a blistering 62 off 28 balls in the opening match.

"Glenn Maxwell has been experiencing some difficulties with regards to his mental health," Cricket Australia team psychologist Michael Lloyd said in a statement.

"As a result, he will spend a short time away from the game."

Maxwell will be replaced in the squad by fellow power-hitter Darcy Short.

"The well-being of our players and staff is paramount. Glenn has our full support," executive general manager Ben Oliver said.

Cricket Australia said it will work with Maxwell's state team Victoria to ensure his reintegration into the game when he decides to return.

"He's a special player and an important part of the Australian cricket family. We hope to see him back in the team during the summer," Oliver added.

Young gun Will Pucovski is eying a return to the international stage after taking some time out to deal with mental health issues during a Test series last summer against Sri Lanka.

The 21-year-old will play for Australia A against Pakistan in a three-day match on November 11 after a strong first class hundred for Victoria this month.



(Source: sport24)

CHRISTCHURCH, FRIDAY: A maiden half century from James Vince powered England to a convincing seven-wicket victory over New Zealand in the opening Twenty20 international in Christchurch on Friday.

Vince top-scored for the tourists with 59 as England chased down New Zealand’s 154-run target in 18.3 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

While Vince’s man-of-the-match performance caught the eye, captain Eoin Morgan was also full of praise for his bowlers, who laid the platform for victory by restricting the Black Caps to 153 for five.

“The game was won and lost in the first innings... James Vince played outstanding well but all credit to the bowlers today,” he said. A three-wicket haul from spinner Mitchell Santner was not enough to rescue the Black Caps, whose batting line-up failed to fire after Morgan won the toss and sent them in.

England’s win came despite the absence of several senior players, who have been rested for the series after a gruelling period that saw them win the World Cup and fail to reclaim the Ashes.

A trio of debutants in the team facing New Zealand fitted in seamlessly, with Sam Curran and Pat Brown both snaring a wicket each.

All-rounder Lewis Gregory was not needed with either bat or ball and will hope to make an impression when hostilities resume in Wellington on Sunday. Morgan said his squad was building its depth by blooding youngsters ahead of the T20 World Cup in Australia next year.

“It’s a chance for them to stake their claim,” said the England captain, who emphatically ended the match with a six off the final ball to finish on 34 not out.

New Zealand’s regular captain Kane Williamson is out of the series with a hip injury and the Black Caps sorely missed his batting prowess.

Stand-in skipper Tim Southee said there was room for improvement in bowling, batting and fielding.

“We were probably a little bit off in all three areas,” he said.

“We got a score on the board that we felt we could defend but we were a little bit off with the ball and in the field, which didn’t help.”

The poor form that dogged Martin Guptill at the World Cup continued when Curran coaxed an inside edge that crashed into middle stump.

Fellow opener Colin Munro tried to break the shackles but was too aggressive against Chris Jordan and was caught on the boundary for 21.

In reply, Jonny Bairstow made a positive start for England and it took a spectacular catch from Guptill for dismiss him for 35.

Santner and fellow spinner Ish Sodhi had some success pegging back England’s run rate before Vince and Morgan combined for a 54-run partnership that proved decisive.

It is the first time the sides have met since the one-day World Cup final in July, which ended with scores tied but England claiming victory because they had scored more boundaries.

However, both teams insist their focus for the series is on preparing for next year’s T20 World Cup.

England are ranked second in the world in T20s behind Pakistan, while New Zealand are sixth. - AFP

St. Aloysius College team

Mahinda College, Galle and St. Aloysius College, Galle will meet in their 9th annual basketball encounter at St. Aloysius College premises today.

St. Aloysius College lead the tally 7-1 against Mahinda who won last year. St. Aloysius will be led by Heshan Dinuka while Lasindu Didulanga Weerakoon will lead Mahinda in this encounter.

The under 15 match will be held from 1 p.m. and the old boys match will begin at 2 p.m. The under 20 match will be held around 3 p.m.

St. Aloysius squad: Heshan Dinuka (captain), Adithya Sathsara, Yohan Rashmitha, Niluka Manawadu, Pamodith Gimsaram Savindu Kavinda, Pawan Udantha, Mohommed Shami, Kaveesha Chan, Anuja Induthara, Sithum Maleesha, Danindu Nirmana, Vihanga Ruvinda, Adithya Pussawela, Lilantha Dinesh (head coach), Sachin Madhushan (asst. coach), V. Ghanaraj (asst. coach), Gamini Liyanage (Master in charge), Nayanapriya Perera (Principal)

Mahinda College squad: Lasindu Ddulanga Weerakoon (captain), Savindu Deegodagamage, Dhavishka Adhikari, Luthira Geesalu, Dishan Ushan, Gaurawa Jayawickrame, Hareen Dimanka, Vihanga Punsith, Charun Himansha, Pasan Madhubhashana, Udesh Chamoda, Sashmitha Abeynayake, Janindu Nethsara, Charindu Sathsara, Thivinu Thulnith, Dhananjaya Sameera (coach), Chamila Chulanga (Master in charge), Nuwan Chathuranga (Asst. Master in charge), Gamini Jayawardane (Principal). (YK)

Mobitel, facilitated ‘The Battle of the Northern Blues’ as the Main Sponsor recently. ‘Battle of the Northern Blues’ is the biggest cricketing encounter played in the north between KMMV and Kilinochchi Hindu College (KHC).

The two teams locked horns in a two-day match, where both teams displayed great skills and talent. KHC won the toss and electing to bowl. KMMV batsmen took to the crease, ending their innings after scoring 226/9 in 65.2 overs.

Some of the scorers in the team were Jukenthiran who scored 70 runs in 136 balls; Kirishanth 48 runs 105 balls; Pirathap 31 runs off 56 balls; Thikshan - 24 runs off 13 balls; Abiraj 22 runs off 42 balls.

The bowlers from K.H.C demonstrated their prowess – with Babyshan taking 4 wickets for 76 runs; Thamilmaran 3 wickets for 60 runs; Vinith 1 wicket for 34 runs; and Thamiliniyan 1 wicket for 20 runs.

Chasing, K.H.C scored 39/5 in 33 overs, with Lookerician scoring 12 runs from 100 balls; Komukilan scored 7 runs from 62 balls; and Babyshan 6 runs from 13 balls.

The Battle of the Northern Blues threw up some wonderful talent and solid performances. The Man of the Match award went to KMMV’s Jukenthiran who also bagged the Best Batsman of the match award. KHC’s Babyshan walked away with the Best Bowler award while the Best All rounder award went to KMMV’s Thikshan.

The Best Fielder award was bagged by KHC’s Darshan who took two thrilling catches. The match was well attended by students, teachers, parents and cricket enthusiasts.

The Battle of the Northern Blues is marking its 10th consecutive year, supported strongly by Mobitel for the last two consecutive years. By supporting such events, Mobitel is empowering youth to access equal opportunities in sports across all levels while driving a generation of sporting talent in the country.

To celebrate its 10th anniversary, Zahira Old Boys’ Rugby Association (ZOBRA) is planning to stage a gala Tag Rugby Carnival on Sunday at Zahira College Grounds from 8.30 a.m. onwards. The event featuring 25 teams from four different categories from junior and above, will be held throughout the day. The objective is to bring all rugby lovers together and develop the fellowship within the past rugby players.

ZOBRA was founded in 2009 with the sole objective of developing junior rugby in Zahira College. They strove hard to introduce the game at junior level. They are glad that their efforts have paid off. They were able to open doors to many talented young boys who have taken up this beautiful game of rugby. They are confident that the batch of young boys would enrich the game in the years to come.

“This tournament is an effort of hard work and also an opportunity for those youngsters to dish out their talent,” stated Nazeem Ghaffoor, the founder member of ZOBRA at a press conference.

The tournament will be held as a tag competition with 12 teams competing in the Under-10 and Under-12 categories. The Open Segment will feature 12 teams where each team comprises with players of all age groups. There are three more special games will be played to make the event more colorful. One is to commemorate the services of late M.M.K. Namiz. The battle will take place between his team mates and rest of over 40 old boys in college.

Next match is between Grandmasters of Zahira College. Two teams will be led by former great in rugby – SSP (retd) Ibrahim ‘Tanker’ Hamid (a former Zahira coach) and Tony Amit (former national coach and patron of the Referees Society). They also expect great players of Zahira like M.A. Majid and members of the unbeaten team under the era of the Hamid to participate.

Other special game is between ex-national players (over 40) led by Asanga Rodrigo and his team with stars like Sudath Sampath, Duminda Silva, Rizan Saldin, Nalin Dissanayake, etc. Zahira Lions team will be led by former Zahira coach Nazeem Ghaffoor and his team will have stars like T.J. Cuncheer, Imthikab Thaam and Rizwan Mannan.

The main sponsor of the tournament, prominent old boy of Zahira College and former Ambassador of Palestine Fawzan Anwer, who has come forward to support the event and the game with great enthusiasm. He will also grace the occasion as the chief guest.

St. Peter’s College, Bambalapitiya beat St. Benedict’s College, Kotahena by four runs on the first innings in their under 13 division one inter-school cricket tournament match played at Muthuwella.

Batting first, Bens were all out for 84 runs with Chandupa Thanapathi and Ethan Ransilige claiming 4 for 27 and 3 for 9 respectively. When rain stopped play Peterites were 88 for 8.

Scores:

St. Benedicts 84 in 44.1 overs (Ethan Ransilige 3/9, Chandupa Thanapathi 4/27, Sasinda Silva 2/26)

St. Peter’s 88/8 in 15.5 overs (Seniru Fernando 32, Methmika Fernando 2/25, Steve Cramer 2/5)

In another game in the same age and division three, Stafford International College beat Guidance International College by 118 runs at Kotte.

Batting first, Guidance International School were shot out for 24 runs on both innings. In reply, Stafford International declared at 160 for 2 with Dinul Wijerathne and Uma Rizwan scoring 80 and 51 not out.

Scores:

Guidance International 24 in 22.4 overs (Nikitha Ramanayake 4/2, Dinuth Wijerathne 2/2) and 24 (Nikitha Ramanayake 3/7, Arjun Sarwanas 2/6, Divyana Ramsey 2/8)

Stafford International 108/2 dec. in 14.4 overs (Dinul Wijerathne 80, Uma Rizwan 51 n.o.)

Paris, Thursday: Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic continued their battle for the year-end world number one ranking on Thursday as both players reached the Paris Masters quarter-finals with wins over Stan Wawrinka and Kyle Edmund respectively.

The 33-year-old Nadal is already guaranteed to usurp Djokovic at the rankings summit next week, but winning a maiden Bercy title would also secure the year-end top spot before next month's ATP Tour Finals in London.

He produced an impressive display to take his career head-to-head record against three-time Grand Slam champion Wawrinka to 19-3 with a clinical 6-4, 6-4 victory.

Djokovic had earlier booked his last-eight place with a 7-6 (9/7), 6-1 win over Britain's Edmund.

Nadal has never won the Paris Masters or the ATP Finals and only two of his 84 titles have come indoors.

"That's the beautiful thing about this sport, (to) have the capacity to adapt yourself to the different conditions," said the 12-time French Open winner, who called the doctor onto the court in the second set to help deal with a stomach problem.

Nadal will face 2008 champion Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the quarter-finals after the French wildcard saved two match points to edge out Germany's Jan-Lennard Struff 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (8/6).

"I have a match against a player that is playing well," said Nadal. "I need to do a lot of things well, but I hope to be ready to make that happen."

Nadal took the first set thanks to a single break of serve in game three, saving break points in the second and eighth games himself before serving it out in style.

Wawrinka's backhand started to fire at the start of the second set, but Nadal kept the Swiss at bay, helped by one incredible forehand winner to direct a smash from his opponent into the corner of the court.

The 19-time Grand Slam champion saw off Wawrinka's challenge with a break to lead 5-4 in the second set and served out the match to make it his seventh Paris Masters quarter-final in as many appearances.

- AFP

MELBOURNE FRIDAY: Australia cruised past Sri Lanka to clean-sweep their three-match Twenty20 series Friday, with an in-form David Warner grinding out a third successive half-century in the seven wicket win.

The home team have been dominant throughout, winning by 134 runs in Adelaide and by nine wickets with seven overs to spare in Brisbane ahead of the clash in Melbourne.

Sri Lanka's batting had been insipid until now, but they finally posted a competitive score of 142 for six, with Kusal Perera hitting 57.

However their bowlers, led by Lasith Malinga, have been no match for a quality Australian batting line-up, spearheaded by Warner who has now scored 217 in three innings without losing his wicket.

“It was pretty clinical once we got into a routine,” said Australia captain Aaron Finch.

“The way the bowlers set it up for us over the last two games, it was outstanding.

“Every game is a different challenge and a different surface, so it's important to bring in your best, in terms of preparation and mental side of the game too.” Openers Finch and Warner were both dropped early in the run chase at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, and they made the visitors pay, putting on 69 for the first wicket.

Finch hit three big sixes before falling for 37, caught by Shehan Jayasuriya off Lahiru Kumara.

That brought Steve Smith to the crease, but he only lasted nine balls, caught in the deep for 13.

Warner, who scored an unbeaten 100 and 60 not out in the opening two games, was heard on the pitch microphone saying he was struggling with his rhythm.

But he still produced the goods, bringing up his 50 off 44 balls to end the match unbeaten on 57, aided by Ashton Turner who chipped in with 22 as Australia reached 145 for three with 14 balls to spare.

Australia have set a target of being the number one T20 side by the time the World Cup is played on home soil in a year's time, and their whitewash of Sri Lanka is set to propel them above South Africa and into third place.

An even bigger test starts on Sunday, when they face top-ranked Pakistan in the first of three T20s.

“We haven't been up to our standards. We haven't performed at our best and if we don't, we will end up like this,” said Sri Lanka opener Niroshan Dickwella. “We learnt a lot in this series, but we couldn't even compete properly.”

Finch won the toss and put Sri Lanka into bat and it didn't start well for the visitors.

Dickwella, elevated to opener after Danushka Gunathilaka was dropped, was out first ball.

Kusal Mendis and Perera showed some aggression, slapping a handful of boundaries, before Kane Richardson tempted Mendis into another big shot and he was caught at deep square for 13.

Perera and Avishka Fernando pushed the score to 65 for two at the halfway mark, building a 43-run partnership, the team's highest of the series, before Fernando was caught near the boundary off Pat Cummins for 20.

Oshada Fernando followed soon after for six, but the aggressive Perera kept plugging away, bringing up his sixth T20 half-century off 38 balls. He fell for 57, top-edging a Cummins ball to Ashton Turner at mid-off.

St Peter’s College and A. Ratnayaka C.C. Walala continued their dominance in the All- Island School Athletics Championship held at Sugathadasa Stadium yesterday.

On the third day of the championships 13 new meet records were established of which five came in the U18 age group events.

Sprinter from Gateway College Rajagiriya Sadeepa Henderson established a new meet record in the Girls’ under 18 200m. She clocked 24.88 seconds. S.Milinda Perera of St. Mary’s Boys M.V. Chilaw won the Boys under 18 200 meters with a new meet record of 21.83 seconds.

St Peter’s relay team won the 4x100m relay event with a new meet record of 42.15 seconds. The previous record holder Royal College did not participate in the event. Dharmapala Vidyalaya Pannipitiya took second place with personal best timings.

In the 4x400m boys relay Sir John Kotalawala Vidyalaya Kurunegala established a new meet record clocking 3:28.00 secs. The previous record holder St Peter’s (3:31.1 secs) was placed sixth with 3:39.26 secs.

A.Ratnayake M.M.V. Walala was placed second with a time of 3:29.22 secs faster than the previous record.

MEET RECORDS

BOYS

U14 80M Hurdles: Angelo Vidusha (St.Benedict's College Colombo) 11.64 secs

U14 Shot Putt: ARA Ameen (Noor M.V Batticaloa) 15.03m

U12 Long Jump: B.A.N. Minsara (Marapola M.V. Minuwangoda) 5.18m

U16 200m: H.H.R.S.Jayasundara (Sir John Kotalawala M.V. Kurunegala) 22.16 secs

U18 110m Hurdles: Nadun K.Bandara (Royal College Colombo) 13.80 secs

U18 200m: S.Milinda Perera (St. Mary’s Boys M.V. Chilaw) 21.83 secs

U18 4x100m: St Peter’s College Colombo 42.15 secs

U16 4x400m: Sir John Kotalawala Vidyalaya Kurunegala 3:27.57min

GIRLS

U16 100m Hurdles: K. G. S. D. Kahangama (Sumana Balika Vidyalaya) 14.81secs

U18 200M: Sadeepa Henderson (Gateway College, Colombo) 24.88secs

U16 4x400m: A. Ratnayake M.M.V. Walala Menikhinna 3:56.77min

U18 Discus Throw: W.K.Heshani Maheshika (St. Sebastian’s Vidyalaya, Kandana) 37.55m

Tokyo, Friday: Veteran winger Ben Smith scored a classy try double as New Zealand beat Wales 40-17 to clinch third spot at the Rugby World Cup on Friday in the perfect send-off for storied coach Steve Hansen.

In what was the final Test for both Hansen and Wales counterpart Warren Gatland, after seven and 12 years at their respective helms, both sides produced an entertaining encounter that saw New Zealand outscore the Welsh by six tries to two.

Richie Mo'unga missed an early penalty, but that was merely a blip as the All Blacks looked to run the ball at every opportunity at a packed Tokyo Stadium.

The first try came quickly, the influential Aaron Smith finding skipper Kieran Read, who offloaded to Brodie Retallick, the lock stepping inside Rhys Patchell and producing a brilliant backhanded pass to Joe Moody, the prop bounding in from 20 metres for a great front rower's try.

Mo'unga converted and added a second after Beauden Barrett scampered over after a neat Aaron Smith drop-off that left Wales prop Dillon Lewis prone.

A sustained period of Welsh pressure then followed and paid off after Patchell found Hallam Amos with a long miss-pass, the full-back dummying Mo'unga and shooting over for a try.

Patchell added the conversion and then a simple penalty, but New Zealand roared back through veteran Ben Smith, the winger jinking his way through a crowded defence after good lead-up work by Read and Liam Coltman.

Smith, 33, got his double on the stroke of half-time, taking a long pass from his namesake Aaron and powerfully handing off Tomos Williams to slide into the corner.

Mo'unga added the extras to leave New Zealand in complete control at 28-10 at half-time.

The cut-and-thrust, running rugby continued in the second period, Ben Smith surging deep into Welsh territory before Sonny Bill Williams provided a perfect offload for centre partner Ryan Crotty to cross for the try.

Both sides were much different from their semi-final line-ups, Hansen having made seven changes to the team which lost 19-7 to England and Gatland nine from the side that went down 19-16 to South Africa.

- AFP

Sheshan Kariyawasam (Athletics) and Asela Madushan (Football) won the Sportsman of the Year award for 2017 and 2018 respectively at St. Joseph’s College Colours Award Ceremony held at Rev. Fr. (Dr.) Stanley Abeysekera Sports Complex yesterday.

Students who excelled in sports received 275 merit awards, 143 colour awards and 16 Josephian Blue awards at the ceremony while the tokens were presented to coaches and teachers-in-charges in appreciation of their contribution. Thirty two Josephians who represented Sri Lanka in 2017 and 2018 in various sports were honoured on this occasion

Athlete Sheshan Kariyawasam represented Sri Lanka at the Second Youth Asian Championship held in Thailand and Sixth Youth Commonwealth Games in Bahamas. Soccerite Asela Madushan represented Sri Lanka National Team which toured Korea and Japan. He also represented National Team at SAFF championship held in Bangladesh.

Nipun Sumanasinghe (cricket), Chathura Senevirathne (rugby), Gihan Perera (rugby), Sven Muller (rugby), Chamath Rashmika (football), Sheshan Kariyawasam (athletics) received Josephian Blue Awards for the year 2017. Shan Akila (rugby), Kavinda Keshan (rugby), Tharindu de Alwis (rugby), Shavin Madushan (football), Chalana Premantha (football), Panduka Hewagajamanage (scouting/basketball), K.P.N. Fernando (cadeting), Shamin Fernando (basketball), Vikum Fernando (badminton) were felicitated

Kalutara Vidyalaya led Royal College Panadura on the first innings at the end of day one of the Singer Trophy Under 19 inter schools cricket match played at Kalutara esplanade yesterday.

All matches will be continued today on day two.

DAY ONE SCORES

*At Galle: Royal College, Colombo: 87/9 decl. (39.4) (Kamil Mishara 22, Thevindu Senaratne 22, Sugith Nimnada 5/33, Tharinda Nirmal 2/3, Kavindu Nirmana 2/16)

Richmond College, Galle: 64/3 (33) at close (Achintha Ishiwara 35 n.o., Chamath Dilsara 23, Gishan Balasooriya 2/14)

*At Ananda Mawatha: Ananda: 281/9 decl. (62) (Kanishka Ranthilakage 97, Sonara Karunathunge 49, Janidu Jayawardane 62, Dasun Tharuka 23 n.o., Shaun Shenil 6/88)

St. Joseph Vaz Wennappuwa: 70/5 (20) at close (Chamath Fernando 23, Dasun Tharuka 2/34)

*At Kalutara: Kalutara Vidyalaya: 146 (52.3) (Hiruna Madushan 54, Kavindu Jayawickrma 29, Oshan Weeranga 2/11, Jayod Chamara 2/25, Milinda Sanjaya 2/34)

Royal Panadura: 36 (28) (Ruchira Gunathunge 4/5, Kavindu Jayawickrame 3/5, Prabod Wanigasinghe 2/4) and 11/1 (8) at close.

(YK)

The finals of the Mercantile Volleyball Championship 2019 will be held at the National Youth Centre Indoor Stadium Maharagama today and tomorrow.

The two finals of the Division ‘A’ men’s and women’s will be worked off today and the four finals of the Super League and Championship men’s and women’s tomorrow. Today’s finals 1.00 p.m. to 2.30 p.m. “A” Division Men's Final - Omega Line Sports Club vs Maliban Biscuits 3.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. “A” Division Women's Final - MAS Unichela Panadura vs MAS Unichela Koggala Tomorrow’s finals 8.00 a.m. to 9.30 a.m. Championship Women's Final - Hirdaramani Kahathuduwa Vs Maliban Biscuits 10.00 a.m to 12.30 a.m Championship Men's Final - Omega Line Sports Club Vs Maliban Biscuits 1.00 p.m. to 2.30 p.m Super League Women's Final - MAS Casualline Mawathagama Vs Brandix Seeduwa 3.00 p.m to 5.00 p.m Super League Men's Final - Ocean Lanka Vs CCL Katuwellegama (YK)

North Western Province and Western Province (North) lead the points table group ‘A’ and ‘B’ in the first round of the Prima Champion Trophy Inter-Provincial Cricket tournament.

Six matches will be played today the last day of the first round.

North Western Province lead Group ‘A’ with 14 points and Western Province (North) leads Group ‘B’ with 10 points. -YK)

Navy SC led BRC on the first innings on day one of the Major Emerging Inter Club match played at Navy ground Welisara yesterday.

The match will be continued today on day two.

Scores: BRC:102 (39.3) (Kalana Madushanka 42, Nimantha Gunasiri 23, Kavika Dilshan 5/36, K. Sathik 4/30)

Navy SC: 143/9 (45) at close (Savindu Pieris 51, Shalith Fernando 40, Dinal Ishen 24, Duvindu Thilakarathne 4/28, Nimantha Gunasiri 2/20, Kevin Koththigoda 2/23)

(YK)

South Africa (TUSK) beat defending champion Sri Lanka (ICBT) by 41 runs in the Red Bull Campus Cricket eighth edition world final held at ICC Academy Ground, Dubai in Dubai (UAE).

Scores:

South Africa (TUSK): 220/3 (20) (Jiveshen Pillay 109 n.o., Ruan De Swardt 62)

Sri Lanka (ICBT): 179 (19.3) (Lahiru Milantha 53, Himasha Liyanage 50, Sean Gilson 3/27, Gideon Peters 3/31, Ruan De Swardt 2/33, Ruben Trumpelmann 2/41).

(YK)

LONDON, Saturday - Liverpool staged a thrilling fightback to beat Aston Villa 2-1 thanks to Sadio Mane’s last-gasp winner, while Manchester City kept in touch with the Premier League leaders after their own escape act in a 2-1 victory against Southampton on Saturday.

Jurgen Klopp’s side trailed to Trezeguet’s first-half goal at Villa Park, but hit back to preserve their unbeaten league record this season in dramatic fashion.

Andy Robertson equalised with four minutes left before Senegal winger Mane’s stoppage-time goal gave Liverpool their 10th win from 11 league games.

The Reds, chasing their first English title since 1990, are six points ahead of second-placed City.

“It is the best possible feeling. It really is very satisfying, and the winner was from a corner kick routine that we have tried a few times,” Klopp said.

“It was not because we have had a couple of comebacks in other games, you just have to keep on trying because we could have had another one today.”

Pep Guardiola’s champions fell behind to James Ward-Prowse’s early goal at the Etihad Stadium.

But Sergio Aguero levelled for City with 20 minutes left and Kyle Walker snatched the winner in the 86th minute to keep Liverpool in their sights.

“In the first season we won the title, we got 100 points and won four or five games in the last minute; last season we won more comfortably. Okay, this is like the first year,” Guardiola said.

Elsewhere, Chelsea climbed to third place as Tammy Abraham and Christian Pulisic sealed a 2-1 win at Watford.

Manchester United slumped to a 1-0 loss at Bournemouth and Arsenal were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw by Wolves, but all the focus was on the drama at the top of the table.

At Villa Park, the hosts took a shock lead in the 21st minute when Egypt midfielder Trezeguet met John McGinn’s free-kick and fired through the legs of Liverpool keeper Alisson.

Roberto Firmino thought he had equalised for Liverpool, but the Brazilian was flagged for offside from Mane’s cross. The goal was ruled out by VAR, with the Premier League offering a bizarre explanation that said Firmino’s “armpit” was offside.

Liverpool’s equaliser finally arrived in the 86th minute when Mane’s driven ball was met by Robertson and the full-back headed in at the far post.

Then in the fourth minute of stoppage-time, Mane glanced in from Trent Alexander-Arnold’s corner to complete Liverpool’s incredible revival.

Struggling Southampton took the lead in the 13th minute when City keeper Ederson spilled Stuart Armstrong’s shot and Ward-Prowse was on hand to slot home from close range.

Aguero struck in the 70th minute when the club’s record goalscorer converted Walker’s low cross.

With the momentum finally on their side, City won it in the 86th minute as Walker pounced after goalkeeper Alex McCarthy failed to deal with Angelino’s cross.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admitted Manchester United had taken a “step back” after their mini-revival came to a crashing halt as Josh King’s strike gave Bournemouth the points at Dean Court.

Three consecutive wins on the road at Partizan Belgrade, Norwich and Chelsea had hinted at a turning point for United.

But Solskjaer said: “We have to win games like this. We were missing some quality at times. It is a step back for us today.”

Unai Emery’s problems mounted as Raul Jimenez gave Wolves a 1-1 draw as fifth-placed Arsenal surrendered the lead for the third time in a week.

The Gunners appeared to have put the issues surrounding Granit Xhaka to one side, the midfielder watching from home after swearing at supporters last week, when Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang struck in the 21st minute.

But Emery has now overseen a run of two wins from the last nine league games after Jimenez rose to header in an equaliser with 14 minutes remaining.

At Vicarage Road, Chelsea’s fifth successive league win was earned thanks to Abraham’s fifth minute strike and Pulisic’s 55th minute tap-in.

Gerard Deulofeu’s 80th minute penalty came too late to stop Chelsea recording their seventh consecutive away victory in all competitions.

Newcastle won 3-2 at West Ham, Sheffield United eased past Burnley 3-0 and Brighton beat Norwich 2-0. – AFP

LONDON, Saturday - Tyler Roberts celebrated his first start of the season by putting Leeds back on top of the Championship with a 2-0 win over QPR on Saturday.

Wales attacker Roberts has struggled with injuries, but the forward made up for lost time when he side-footed into the bottom corner for his first goal since October 2018 six minutes before half-time at Elland Road.

Jack Harrison had set up the opener and he sealed the win eight minutes from time with a composed finish.

“If we win by one goal and you have five minutes left, then everybody is nervous in the stadium. So we hope that match to match we don’t have more of this feeling,” Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa said.

“We try to pass this kind of match where we are winning 1-0, more relaxed, more calm.”

Leeds are ahead of Swansea on goal difference after the Welsh club left it late to beat Wigan 2-1 at the DW Stadium.

On-loan Bournemouth striker Sam Surridge nodded home in the second minute of stoppage-time after Kieffer Moore’s penalty had cancelled out Nathan Dyer’s 12th-minute opener.

“Wigan have a great record here, and amassed a huge number of points here last season as well,” Swansea boss Steve Cooper said.

“Even though we planned to have more control, we knew there’d be moments we’d have to handle.

“And we were able to do that, maybe a little more than we would have liked, but we did it really well.”

Blackburn scored twice in the final two minutes to beat Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 and register their first win in seven matches.

The Owls were heading fourth when Jacob Murphy headed home from close range after Steven Fletcher had hit the crossbar, but goals from Tosin Adarabioyo and John Buckley sealed a shock win for Rovers.

Jarrod Bowen netted for the fourth consecutive game as Hull recorded a third successive victory with an impressive 3-0 win at Fulham.

Nottingham Forest returned to the top six following a 2-1 victory at Luton.

Joe Ralls bagged a hat-trick to give Cardiff a 4-2 home comeback win over Birmingham in an eventful game in the Welsh capital.

Huddersfield continued their resurgence under Danny Cowley by ending Brentford’s three-match winning streak, with Karlan Grant’s ninth goal of the season sealing a 1-0 win.

A 2-0 defeat at Derby left Middlesbrough languishing in the relegation zone.

Tom Lawrence’s double did the damage for Derby, while Middlesbrough had George Saville sent off in the first half.

Reading remain unbeaten under new boss Mark Bowen following a 2-1 win over Millwall at the Madejski Stadium. – AFP