The heat is on and we brace ourselves for what promises to be two huge impact semis ...Kandy vs CR & FC ....at Pallekelle and very much a huge day trip up for sure, and Havelocks vs Navy at Racecourse.

Kandy away from their safe cauldron...might show signs of rare weakness, and hand CR, a neat set of calculated opportunities that CR will look to exploit boiler beyond conventional limitations...at every given turn.

Their victory against fellow CH warriors couldn’t have been better timed and points on the board ...CH visibly stunned by the wave of tries which was well engineered by Omalka and the boiler house boys. It was a solid team performance by the Reds, up and down the park. Winning the upfront battle was the clincher, and opened the Maitland boys on all fronts.

CH whose defence has been their Achilles heel, were short of drift and tackles ...which gave CR plenty of good ball to run .....and run they did to clock up a well worked 49 points at full time.

CH rising up to claw back that lead to 49-29 ...led by Muthu, Yoshita, Sathya...couldn’t get their Maitland marauding machine to outwit the hungrier CR unit.

The casualty figures were higher and difficult to fathom at times ...but Ratwatte made sure all possession was maxed ...and running ball the simple plan last Saturday. CH had only themselves to chat options ...as we all know, catch up and knockout rugby are tough bedfellows.

Kandy stepped and brushed Air Force aside with customary ease to line up their semifinal clash and some casual thoughts on how they plan to grind CR down.

Havelocks will have many thoughts about options to exploit Navy and dominate them upfront in the sets and sharper, stronger to outmuscle Navy and win the breakdowns....this will be the critical factor and both sets of forwards ...itching to stamp their class and pile on the pressure.

On paper ...It looks like a Kandy v Havies final....but Clifford Cup knockouts are never about form...it’s about heart and ability to push past confrontation ...its patience power and wit ..to outthink ...and petrol to finish ...and a heap of skills that beggar description ...it’s about big finals and the instincts that separate mere players from incredible talent ...its Pandoras box and Lady Clifford’s singular vision for rugby history.

Beyond the Clifford Cup finals unfolds Sri Lanka rugby’s busiest and most comprehensive season ever ...from club to national and then to international on the rugby planet.

We start in March with our wild card to the World Series Hong Kong 7s, return home to grab new kit, and our date with destiny at the Commonwealth Games in Australia, where Sri Lanka meets Fiji and current Olympic champions in our group opener ....our greatest litmus test for 7s so far .....The season is too complex to imagine and the boys will certainly need extra to handle the pressure.

The Singer school season raises itself and much anticipation for family friend’s and rugby old boys who finance the team investment beyond our normal horizons ...naturally dominated by the bigger stables and proud history from March to August.

Singer Sri Lanka the proud partners to the country’s elite rugby league tournament and all the young branded warriors from each corner of our sports mad island nation.The NatWest 6 Nations ..kicks off another spectacular weekend..Fri 23 February...France v Italy..Marseille 1.30am Saturday Sri time.

24 February...Ireland v Wales Dublin 7.45pm, 24 February...,Scotland v England Edinburgh 10.15pm ‘Calcutta Cup’, 25 February....Clifford Cup finals Longdon Place 4pm.

That’s the tantalising list this February jolly ...prepare, plan, absorb the pressure and mind up for the impact....Adrenaline faithful be wary of getting the times well cleared ...There is little allocation for those who hesitate.

Celebration on either side of our rugby universe is reason for all islanders to elevate their minds and arm the hamstrings...

Cheers folks...

Bula Bula the hearts that live our time in the middle..!

Thellipalai Mahajana and Kandarodai Skandavarodhaya will battle for supremacy when they meet each other in the 18th Battle of the Heroes cricket encounter to be played at Mahajana grounds, Thellipalai on Friday and Saturday (Feb. 23 and 24).

An exciting contest is expected as both teams are equally balanced and have a number of exciting players in their line-up.

This will be the first big match to be played in the Jaffna peninsula this year and a vast crowd of present and old boys of both schools are expected to be present on both days.

In the past 17 encounters played so far Mahajana leads with 5 wins against 4 by Skandavarodaya. The rest of the 8 matches have ended in a draw.

Mahajana tasted victory a couple of years back and Skandavarodhaya’s last victory was in 2014.

In the current school cricket season pitted in the same group the league match between the two schools ended in a draw with Mahajana leading on the first innings. But one cannot expect the same when it comes to the big match as both teams will be going all out to get the better of each other.

Led by A. Thayustan Mahajana won two, drew one and lost 2 for the season. Thayustan is the main bowler of the side and has more than 40 scalps in his bag. He recorded best match figures of 13 wickets for 81 runs against Jaffna Hindu. In this match he claimed 7 for 43 in the first innings.

Their batting strength lies in the hands of K. Kirushan who smashed 187 runs against Union College. He has scored more than 350 runs in 6 matches.

Skippered by P. Ajinthan this season Skandavarodaya has won three, drawn two and lost two.

Vice captain and allrounder A. Thanushan and batsman J. Kalistan are the strength of the side and both have scored a century each. Thanushan scored a brilliant unbeaten 136 n.o against Jaffna Central and he is also the highest wicket taker of the side with 34 wickets. His best bowling performance in an innings was recorded against Jaffna Hindu with 6 for 34.

Kailstan the other centurion scored 155 against Union College. S. Danson (29 wickets) and S. Sobithan (18 wickets) are the other main bowlers along with Thanushan.

The Teams:

MAHAJANA: T. Thayustan (Captain), M. Sujeepan (Vice Captain), K. Kirushan, B. Kirishanth, R. Sujan, M. Rajinthan, S. Dinesh, N. Janushan, M. Bakeerathan, R. Thanishtan, S. Samilan, K. Sujith. S. Sathurjan, S. Sarujan, S. Kapilthas, S. Jamshan. (Coach: K. Rasikaran)

SKANDAVARODAYA: P. Ajinthan (Captain), A. Thanushan (Vice Captain), J. Kalistan, S. Thanusraj, K. Nitharjan, V. Rahulan, T. Jesuran, K. Rexan, J. Relaxan, S. Deluxan, L. Lakshan, S. Shopithan, S. Pirashan, S. Dansan, P. Kajeepan. (Coach: E.S. Jasitharan)

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) will open its ticket counters starting today (22 February) to issue tickets for the upcoming Hero Nidahas Trophy, a T20 tournament set to start on 6 March.

Accordingly, fans can purchase tickets from the counters set in the SLC headquarters and R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium (RPCIS). Sri Lanka, India and Bangladesh will play in the tournament while the fixture will consist of seven matches, including the final. All the matches will be played at the RPICs. Tickets are sold under 5 categories, ranging from Rs. 300 to Rs. 5000 and can be purchased for all the matches of the tri-series, except for the finals.

For purchasing tickets online; visit http://www.srilankacricket.lk

Rahula College Matara and Dudley Senanayake Central College Tholangamuwa won their matches against Debarawewa National School and Bandaranayake Central College Veyangoda in their traditional fixtures of the ‘Singer Cup’ Under 19 inter-schools cricket tournament played at Sooriyawewa and Veyangoda yesterday.

Twenty-four wickets fell on day one in the match between Asoka Vidyalaya and St. Peter’s College Negombo at Koswatte.

Sajitha Suranjana of Rahula Matara took a match bag of 10 wickets for 65 in their win over Debarawewa NS.

At Wattala: Match drawn.

Gurukula Kelaniya: 365/7 decl. (353/7 o/n) in 102 overs (Malindu Viduranga 101 n.o., Kemira Nayantharu 65, Pethum Mahesh 65, Lakshan Pasanga 54, Shanka Ishara 23 n.o., Nuwan Chanaka 23, Lasindu Arosha 20, Kavindu Madhuka 3/43) and 74/2 in 15 overs (Praveen Nimesh 45 n.o.)

St. Anthony’s Wattala: 265 in 79 overs (Avishka Tharindu 86, Joel Pinto 59, Sanka Madubashana 43, Yasindu Jayaweera 35, Pruthuvi Rusara 3/64, Yohan Malith 2/51)

At Sooriyawewa: Rahula Matara won by 6 wickets.

Debarawewa NS: 98 and 169 in 66.1 overs (Shehan Malinda 50, Sasith Manuranga 6/82, Sajitha Suranjaya 3/35)

Rahula Matara: 190 (157/6 o/n) in 72.3 overs (Sashith Manuranga 51, Yuraj Chalaka 48, Binara Sanketh 39, Chathura Jayanath 5/46, Imalka Madushan 4/69) and 79/4 in 19.1 overs (Binara Sanketh 29)

At Veyangoda: Dudley Senanayake Central won by 6 wickets.

Tholangamuwa Bandaranayake Central Veyangoda: 110 and 238 in 60 overs (Maleesha Bhagya 100, Malindu Manabharana 65, Sajith Madusanka 20, Kavishka Dharmakeerthi 6/37)

Dudley Senanayake Central: 269 (215/6 o/n) in 75 overs (Sithum Wickramarachchi 69, Kavishka Dharmakeerthi 59, Harsha Karunaratne 43, Lakitha Jayweera 31, Kavishka Madumal 2/33, Maleesha Bhagya 2/47, Chathushka Kalunayake 2/69) and 80/4 in 12.5 overs (Lakitha Jayaweera 37, Chathushka Kalunayake 3/13)

[DAY ONE SCORES]

* At Henegama: Nalanda Boys Minuwangoda: 197 in 58.4 overs (Dasun Achira 40, Kavindu Maduranga 32, Hasindu Sandaruwan 29, Nipun Kavishka 27, Imesh Prabashana 26, Lahiru Perera 5/42, Amith Harshitha 4/55)

Henegama Central: 147/5 at close in 34 overs (Damith Wijenayake 41, Vimukthi Lakshan 35 n.o., Samith Harshitha 21, Umesh Prabashana 2/44)

* At Koswatte: Asoka: 98 in 34.4 overs (Vimukthi Sandeepa 25, Lahiru Vihanga 21, Brayan Julius 3/31, Isuru Uthpala 2/7, Dineth Thathsra 2/28) and 84/4 at close in 24 overs (Lahiru Vihanga 42, Panchala Sandeepana 20, Dineth Thathsra 2/36)

St. Peter’s Negombo: 94 in 31.5 overs (Umesh Lakshan 35, Shean Maleesha 31, Lasitha Chethana 6/39, Tharanga Sampath 2/6) - YK

Thurstan College without a win in their traditional cricket contest against Isipathana College for 26 years will be looking to put the record straight when they meet in the 55th Battle of the Brothers cricket encounter at the SSC grounds on Friday and Saturday.

In the history of this battle Thurstan leads the series with five wins as against four by Isipathana. Thurstan’s last win came way back in 1992 under Mackenzie Perera and they will go all out to break the hoodoo.

This season Thurstan has recorded three outright wins from thirteen matches against Bandaranayake College Gampaha, St. Thomas’ Matale and Maliyadeva Kurunegala. They have recorded six first innings wins in the schools series while three matches had ended in draws. They suffered a first innings loss to St. Benedict’s College.

Thurstan is led by Nipun Lakshan who is going great guns this season with 349 runs inclusive of an unbeaten century (107 n.o.). He has also claimed 36 wickets. Deputy skipper Nimesh Perera has also been among the runs contributing 369 runs inclusive of three half centuries.

The batting line of the Thurstanites will be headed by all rounder Savan Prabash who has scored 616 runs inclusive of seven half tons. Another key role player for the team is Yeshan Wickramarachchi who has passed the 400-run mark including two half centuries with a highest score of 96. The other top order batsman Pansilu Deshan has made 369 runs with two centuries from 12 matches and he averages 33.54 for the season.

The leading wicket taker of the team Sandaru Dias will head the bowling department with 43 wickets from 11 matches. His best figures were 8 for 30. Skipper Nipun, Janushka and Ayesh Harshana are expected to deliver the goods for the team to take upper hand in this match.

Thurstan has produced a few national players such as Amitha de Costa, Niroshan Bandaratilleke, Hemantha Boteju and Lahiru Kumara.

A spectacular last minute penalty by full back Thilina Weerasinghe enabled Navy Sports Club to earn a hard fought 28 points (3 tries, 2 conversions, 3 penalties) to 26 (4 tries, 3 conversions) win over a fighting Havelock Sports Club outfit in their Clifford Cup ‘A’ Division inter-club knock-out rugby semi final match played at Race Course grounds yesterday.

The scores were deadlocked 12-all at half time.

After being contained in the first half the Navy ‘eight’ came up with a sterling display in the second half to outplay their counterparts in the loose.

Prop forward Charith Silva was a source of inspiration to his team-mates with his fiery loose play and capped a fine performance by scoring two tries in the match.

For the winning Navy SC team the three tries were scored by prop forward Charith Silva (two) and wing three quarter Chathura Gomez (one). The two conversions and the three penalties were fired across by their reliable full back Thilina Weerasinghe.

For Havies their four tries were scored by hooker Shameer Fajudeen (two), flanker Gihan Madusanka (one) and number eight Lasindu Ishan Karunathilake (one). Former Sri Lanka full back Reeza Mubarak put over the three conversions.

Kandy Sports Club beat CR & FC by 38/26 in the semi-finals played at Pallekele Stadium yesterday to enter the Clifford Cup final. They will meet Navy SC in the final next Sunday.

Kandy SC scored their points off 2 goals, 3 tries and 3 penalty kicks and CR & FC through 3 goals and 1 try. At half time Kandy SC led 22/7.

Kandy SC handled the ball well to keep CR & FC in their place, that forced them into committing a couple of mistakes especially on and off in the first half. CR & FC played better rugby in the second half but forgot how to win.

Kandy SC’s win yesterday was their 16th consecutive win of the season so far in the league and the knockouts. They are yet to be beaten in both formats.

Kandy SC played with confidence in the first half, especially the first 35 minutes. They came out firing and it worked well for them. But in the second half CR & FC regrouped after hard fought first half to score three quick tries and seemed to have found their touch. However Kandy SC brought out their experience at winning into play when it mattered. Scorers for Kandy SC were Danushka Ranjan three tries, Sreenath Sooriyabandara and Gayan Weeraratne one each. Nigel Ratwatte goalled two tries and put over two penalties and Thilina Wijesinghe one penalty.

For CR & FC Chanaka Chandinal, Omalka Gunaratne, Shermal Weerasinghe and Reeza Rafaideen scored a try each. Tharinda Ratwate goaled three tries.

Referee: Sam Jones (Australia)

Defending champions Ananda College and Trinity College Kandy advanced to the quarterfinal round of the ‘Singer Cup’ Under 19 Division I inter-schools two-day knockout cricket tournament yesterday.

Ananda won on first innings against St. Peter’s College Bambalapitiya at Bambalapitiya and Trinity beat St. Aloysius College Galle by 9 wickets at Asgiriya.

RESULTS:

* At Kandy: Trinity won by 9 wickets.

St. Aloysius Galle: 130 and 227/5 decl. in 33.4 overs (Ravindu Sanjana 102, Sandeepa Chamod 52, Ashen Bandara 34, Ruvin Peiris 2/38)

Trinity: 158 (151/9 o/n) in 50.1 overs (Hasintha Jayasooriya 37, A. Lokuketiya 37, Hasitha Boyagoda 25, Abishek Anandakumara 25, Kavika Dilshan 5/52, Hareen Buddila 2/32) and 203/1 in 46.4 overs (Pubudu Bandara 127 n.o., Hasintha Jayasuriya 47, Hasitha Boyagoda 24 n.o.)

* At Bambalapitiya: Ananda won on first innings.

St. Peter’s: 128 and 166/4 in 56 overs (Sulakshana Fernando 69, Nipunaka Fonseka 46, Shannon Fernando 22)

Ananda: 213 (169/7 o/n) in 70.5 overs (Kanishka Ranthilakage 51, Shyamal Hirushan 45 n.o., Kavindu Gimhan 26, Gihan Viswajith 22, Santush Gunathilake 3/43, Mohommed Ameen 3/81, Sachin Silva 2/37)

DAY ONE SCORES

Matches will be continued today on day two.

* At Kadirana: Maris Stella Negombo: 201 in 51.2 overs (Maneesha Silva 48, Naveen Fernando 33, Pasindu Ushetti 28 n.o., Roshen Fernando 26, Kevin Perera 24, Praveen Jayawickrame 5/64, Praveen Cooray 3/41)

St. Sebastian’s: 210/4 at close in 47 overs (Nishitha Abhilash 92, Nuwanidu Fernando 79, Ravindu Fernando 2/78)

* At Mt. Lavinia: S. Thomas’ ML: 254/9 decl. in 82.2 overs (Sithara Hapuhinna 76, Maneesha Rupasinghe 51, Shalin de mel 40, Lakshitha Rasanjana 6/67, Raveen de Silva 2/43)

Nalanda: 31/3 at close in 10 overs (Kalana Perera 2/5) -YK

Sri Lanka Cricket has decided to rule out all-rounder Asela Gunarathne from the tri-nation Nidahas Trophy 2018 due to an injury in the shoulder.

The series will commence from March 6 at the R. Premadasa Stadium (RPS).

Sri Lanka and India will play the curtain raiser and Bangladesh will follow.

The tournament will be held in commemoration of Sri Lanka’s 70th Independence Day anniversary.

Rose House collected 304 points and won the overall championship at the annual Inter House Sports Meet -2018 of the Natpiddymunai Lafir Vidyalaya held at the M.H.M.Ashraff public play grounds, Natpiddymunai recently.

The Chief Guest at the event was the Kalmunai Zonal Education Director M.S.Abdul Jaleel and the Deputy Education Directors Dr.S.M.M.S.Umar Moulana, S.A.Raheem and Divisional Education Officer A.L.Sakkab graced the occasion.

Deputy and Vice Principals, Teachers, Parents, Past Pupils and well – wishers all participated at this colorful event.

The Principal Y.L.A.Basheer received the guests and delivered the welcome address.

The Judges selected each house, in accordance with the performances. All of them were anxiously awaiting the final result of the inter house sports meet -2018. At the end of the sports competitions, this attracted hundreds of viewers.

House Positions.

1st place: Rose House (Red)– 264 points.

2nd place: Al-Jasmine House (Green)– 282 points.

3rd place: Lotus House – (Blue) - 260 points.

Rose House collected 304 points and won the overall championship at the annual Inter House Sports Meet -2018 of the Natpiddymunai Lafir Vidyalaya held at the M.H.M.Ashraff public play grounds, Natpiddymunai recently.

The Chief Guest at the event was the Kalmunai Zonal Education Director M.S.Abdul Jaleel and the Deputy Education Directors Dr.S.M.M.S.Umar Moulana, S.A.Raheem and Divisional Education Officer A.L.Sakkab graced the occasion.

Deputy and Vice Principals, Teachers, Parents, Past Pupils and well – wishers all participated at this colorful event.

The Principal Y.L.A.Basheer received the guests and delivered the welcome address.

The Judges selected each house, in accordance with the performances. All of them were anxiously awaiting the final result of the inter house sports meet -2018. At the end of the sports competitions, this attracted hundreds of viewers.

House Positions.

1st place: Rose House (Red)– 264 points.

2nd place: Al-Jasmine House (Green)– 282 points.

3rd place: Lotus House – (Blue) - 260 points.

The 139th ‘Battle of the Blues’ between Royal College, Colombo and S. Thomas’ College, Mt. Lavinia, for the prestigious D. S. Senanayake Memorial Shield, is scheduled to be played at the SSC grounds from March 8-10 with Sri Lanka’s premier connectivity provider, Dialog Axiata PLC once again coming forward as the official sponsor.

In this year’s encounter, the boys from Mt. Lavinia will be led by all rounder Delon Peiris, and the lads from Reid Avenue will be under the captaincy of opening batsman Pasindu Sooriyabandara.

The Royal-Thomian has a rich and colourful history of 138 years, and is also the second longest uninterrupted cricket series played in the world; second only to the annual encounter played between St. Peter’s College, Adelaide and Prince Alfred College, Adelaide, Australia, begun just a year earlier.

In 1880, the first match in which only the boys took part was played on the Galle Face Green, the present-day location of the Taj Samudra Hotel. This was the start to the Centenary series.

Speaking at the media conference held at the Mihilaka Medura, BMICH on Tuesday, S. Thomas’ College warden Rev.Marc Billimoria said, “The Battle of the Blues between S. Thomas’ College and Royal College two of the leading schools in Sri Lanka, has a long and rich history of tradition and camaraderie spanning over 138 years. The Joint Organizing Committee has worked very hard over the last few months to raise the bar and enhance the fun and excitement for all the Thomians as well as the Royalists both young and old. I am sure both teams will play exhilarating cricket and I wish both schools the best.

“But as a Thomian I believe S. Thomas’ will come out victorious in this year’s encounter as this is the 100th year for us after we shifted from Mutwal to Mount Lavinia. Finally I would like to thank the management and staff of Dialog Axiata PLC for coming out once again to sponsor this year’s encounter as well.”

Royal College principal B.A. Abeyratne said, “The Big Match between our two schools is one of the most looked forward to events in the Sri Lankan sporting calendar and this year will be no exception. I would like to thank the management and staff of Dialog Axiata for their generous gesture to once again sponsor the 139th edition of the annual Battle of the Blues. I wish both schools the very best to deliver three days of positive cricket. As the Royal College principal I would be definitely happy if we can win this year’s encounter but may the better team win.”

The playing fields of the ‘Royal-Thomian’ has the distinction of producing cricketers who later became eminent heads of state, with S. Thomas’ producing the father of the nation D. S. Senanayake MP and his son, Dudley Senanayake MP as Prime Ministers of Ceylon, while Royal produced General Sir John Kotelawala MP as Prime Minister and the first Executive President of Sri Lanka, J. R. Jayawardene.

The tally between the two schools at present stands at 35 wins for Royal and 34 wins for S. Thomas’ with the highly debated famous match in 1885, where Royal College was all out for 9 runs with no play on the second day being considered a win by S. Thomas’ and a draw by Royal. After the 2016 heroics by the Royal eleven, the shield at present sits as the crown jewel amongst the silverware in the trophy cabinet at Royal College. It will be challenged for possession by the Thomian outfit this year. S. Thomas’ College last won the big match in 2007 under skipper Ashan Peiris while Royal College’s last win came under the captaincy of Geeshath Panditharatne in 2016.

In 2015, the 136th edition of the Royal-Thomian, Dialog rekindled a long and successful partnership with Sri Lanka’s Blue Riband Big Match, The Battle of the Blues. The 139th edition of the Royal-Thomian will be the twelfth year that the match is sponsored by Dialog. Sri Lanka’s premier connectivity provider, Dialog Axiata has also made a pledge to contribute Rs. 1,000 for every run scored and Rs. 10,000 for every wicket that falls. Last year’s exciting encounter contributed Rs. 1,036,000 to the ‘Play for a Cause’ pledge. The proceedings were directed in consultation with the Principal of Royal College and the Warden of S. Thomas’ College to support and empower selected deserving schools. Since the inception of the ‘Play for a Cause’ pledge, Rs. 2,959,000 worth of cricket gear was donated to ten deserving schools.

MAS Bodyline produced two centurions within a space of three days in the ongoing 15th Ceylon Cold Stores PLC – ‘Elephant House Lemonade’ Trophy – MCA ‘D’ division 40 over League Tournament 2018 continued last week.

On Valantine’s day at the MCA Grounds, Vishma Niranja hit a hurricane 140 in 103 balls, inclusive of 07 sixes and 17 fours Vs. NTB ‘B’ and on Sunday at Veyangoda, S. Withanage hit a sparkling 108 in 107 balls inclusive of two sixes and 14 fours Vs. Hilton Colombo Residencies.

There was a 3rd centurion too. Hilton Colombo Residencies, after two low scoring defeats made a remarkable comeback, when Thenuka Aruna scored a valiant 109 in 121 balls inclusive of 06 sixes and 12 fours Vs. MAS Bodyline.

This was a high scoring game. Bodyline scored 296 for 6 in 40 overs and Hilton Colombo Residencies in turn managed 209 for 9 in 40 overs (a total of 505 runs in 80 overs – RPO 6.31)

Rasika Wickramaratne made a quick fire 89 runs in 81 balls with nine sixes and a four as he steered MAST Industries to their first win in the tournament beating NTB ‘B’ by 27 runs.

Match Results of 14th, 17th & 18th February/ 07 Matches

l At MCA: MAS Bodyline beat NTB ‘B’ by 70 runs

Bodyline: 253 (38.4) (Vishma Niranja 140, G. Sepalage 36, T. Nagodapola 3/43, S. Srilal 2/36, N. Saputhanthri 2/52, T. Dabare 2/44)

NTB ‘B’: 183 (34.5) (T. Dabare 47, Kandamby 39, N. Saputhanthri 35, I. Prabashwara 3/9, T. Jayaratne 2/42, G. Ratnakumar 2/14)

l At Veyangoda: Exopolanka Group beat DPMC by 21 runs.

Expolanka: 223/9 (40) (H. Hewanayake 59, M. Fernando 48, S. Philicott 25, L. de Silva 3/45, K. Shyamal 3/25)

DPMC: 202 (39.4) (Madushan Fernando 52, P. Niroshan 42, I. Paranamana 25, T. Roshan 4/28, H. Hewanayake 2/35)

l At Moratuwa : Airport & Aviation Services beat Softlogic Finance by 02 wickets.

Softlogic: 222/6 (40) (R. Silva 45 not out, S. Kumara 37, R. Mendis 35, D.Foux 31, S. Deelaka 21, DC Karunaratne 3/38, MN Indika 2/32)

A&A: 225/8 (38.3) ( HN Yapa 58, W. N. Perera 39, G.T. Indushan 39, A. Liyanage 3/49, N. Wijetillake 3/28)

l At Kotahena: Ceylinco General Insurance Vs. Airport & Aviation Services ended in a tie

Ceylinco: 194 (30.5) (P. Dilshan 45, A. Fernando 23, A. Madusanka 25, K. Peiris 3/20, C. Karunaratne 2/45, E. Kodagoda 2/25)

A&A: 194 (32.5) (A. Lakmal 78, A. Sachith 21, HN Yapa 20, H. Fernando 3/30, W. Madusanka 2/33, S. Jayamanne 2/42, A. Madusanka 2/22)

l At Moratuwa: MAST Industries beat NTB ‘B’ by 27 runs

MAST Industries: 241 (39.2) ( Rasika Wickramaratne 89, B. de Silva 41, A. Rajapaksa 28, P. Wegodapola 3/37, T. Dabare 2/70, N. Saputhanthri 3/37)

NTB ‘B’: 214/8 (40) ( N. Saputhanthri 40, S. Madushan 39, J. Peiris 32, T. Dabare 30, J. Slemaman 2/40)

l At Darley Road: Hemas Group beat Delmage Group by 05 wickets.

Delmage: 105 (26) (D. Nalinda 26, S. Samaranayake 3/12, C. Batuwita 2/15, S. Thebuwana 2/31, I. Cruse 2/25)

Hemas: 107/5 (26.3) (O. Karunaratne 51 not out, S. Arangala 25, C. Perera 2/10)

l At Veyangoda: MAS Bodyline beat Hilton Colombo Residencies by 87 runs.

Bodyline: 296/6 (40) (S. Withanage 108, I. Chandrasiri 79, Vishma Niranjan 72)

Hilton Col. Res. : 209/9 (40) (Thanuka Aruna 109, I. Silva 30, K. Iranga 3/30, I. Chandrasiri 2/29, G. Ratnakumar 2/39)

The tournament will be continued this week-end with a card of 07 matches.

Nobel House emerged champions at the Inter-House Cricket Championship of the British School in Colombo (BSC) worked off at the Thurstan College Grounds recently.

Newton House were the runners-up while Shakespeare House secured the third place and the last year runners-up Scott House finished fourth.

Wicket-keeper batsman Rahul Chigullapalli who played a major role for the winners in the final was named as the Best Batsman while Aaryan Amaleen won the Best Bowlers’ Award.

In addition, Pradyun Saikia who was outstanding throughout the tournament was selected as the Man-of-the-Final and Man-of-the-Series while the Special Talent Award went to Nehan Moonasinghe.

Former Sri Lanka opening batsman Sidath Wettimuny was the Chief Guest and distributed the awards to the winners along with the Principal of the BSC John Scarth.

The Atamie International School Wattala one of the leading international schools in the Wattala district will be conducting a 10 overs tournament for boys on February 25 (Sunday) at Al Ashroff school playground, Mahabage Wattala.

The three teams taking part in this tourney are Mattumagala Roman Catholic, Hekittha Christ the King and Atamie International School Wattala. The following awards are scheduled: Champions – Atamie Challenge, Trophy, Best player of every match, Best player of the tournament, Best Catch – Atamie catch, All participants will receive certificates organized by Atamie school Wattala.

The chief guest at the prize distribution will be the Chief Principal Dr. Azard Uduman and Principals of Matthunagala R. C. and Hekittha C. K. will be Guest of Hoinor.

There is a popular song hit by the name “Everything I Touch Turns To Gold” by English pop group Saint Etienne that can be attributed to Sri Lanka’s new head coach Chandika Hathurusingha who on his first assignment has changed the fortunes of the national team across all three formats – Tests, One-Day Internationals and T20 Internationals. Not so long ago this very same team was struggling to compete with other nations at international level and the cricket they played had reached a point of no return.

Hathurusingha is renowned for uplifting Bangladesh as an international cricket nation during his four-year tenure as coach and now he is beginning to do the same with the Sri Lanka team guiding them to a successful tour of Bangladesh where they won the Test and T20I series and emerged champions of the one-day tri-series that featured Bangladesh and Zimbabwe.

The DAILY NEWS caught up with Hathurusingha after the team returned from their triumphant tour of Bangladesh to get to know the intricacies of how the coach works with the players to form a winning combination and what the future looks like for the country’s cricket.

Q: Are you surprised by the results obtained in Bangladesh?

CH: Not surprised by the results but surprised by the improvement we showed in a short space of time. I was surprised by the way we played and the dominance that we showed there. I expected to win but I also expected a lot more fight from Bangladesh especially in the ODIs and Tests.

Q: Do you believe in the old adage that the coach is only as good as the players?

CH: The coach is only as good as the players because you can’t go and bat and bowl for them I certainly believe in that. Then again if you don’t utilise what you have then you can under achieve as well.

Q: You are credited with preparing players mentally and working on mental toughness, how much of that have you been doing with the Sri Lanka team?

CH: Preparing mentally I don’t know what I am doing you must ask the players. We try to be realistic, identify what our strengths are, the opportunities against that particular opponent and the conditions of the particular day and try to maximise every bit of talent we have. That’s what I am trying to do and probably get the players to understand their strengths and limitations.

Q: Can you elaborate on the sudden changes that have been brought about in the games of Thisara Perera and Kusal Mendis?

CH: For both of them I saw immense potential. For example Thisara was never given the particular role that suited him in the past because of that he probably didn’t realise how good he can be. But at the same time he has the second highest Man of the Match awards after another player in Sri Lanka. So that means there is something special in him to change the course of the game which I saw from outside before I came. He is a big part of our plans going forward. I spoke to him of what he can be and what he can do and how good he can be. Then myself, Rumesh (Ratnayake) and Thilan (Samaraweera) put him in a kind of a situation that he is challenged every time he comes to training, more than before. He did train differently in the last few months.

In the case of Kusal Mendis he had lost confidence in himself and a little bit of faith in his ability. It is natural for a young player to have success and a little bit of dip which I have experienced with some other players in other countries where I was coaching. Everyone can have that kind of dip but it’s nothing to be worried about. You have to trust your ability. I felt that a lot of information has been fed to him that has made him lose his way of playing and his actual strength. We had to clear his mind and identify his strengths.

Q: Was it a gamble you took giving an ODI cap to Shehan Madushanka (Tri-series final v Bangladesh) and a Test cap to Akila Dananjaya (2nd Test v Bangladesh)?

CH: I don’t take it as a gamble but I saw something special. I foresaw what they can do given the right role and environment. I believe that throwing talented players into the deep end is the best way to get them playing international cricket. When you put trust on them and if they are talented they will give you results. I spoke to Shehan and told him clearly what I wanted him to do and what he is capable of doing. Just go and do it without worrying about the outcome. Even Akila I thought he was a very good Test player although he was playing only one-day cricket. You have to play them in the right conditions. The conditions in which they played suited both of them.

Q: How do you rate Akila Dananjaya as a Test bowler?

CH: He reminds me of young Murali because his off-spin is ideal for Test cricket, the loop, the speed that he bowls and the lines he bowls are for Test cricket. He can bowl a few other balls as well. I am not saying that he is going to play in every Test match going forward but whenever we think we need someone to suit the conditions we know that we have someone special.

Q: What do you bring to the table that other coaches don’t?

CH: I don’t know to be honest. I believe if you do what other people are doing you’ll never be the best. You have to be really creative and be the leader of whatever you do that’s what I believe. We can’t copy other coaches from other countries. If you do that you can’t be competitive you’ll always become second. If you want to be the best you have to be unique. I try to think differently and work on what I have and maximise it.

Q: How did you manage to change the fortunes of a team that has been struggling in international cricket so quickly?

CH: For instance Bangladesh played the same team and dominated international cricket domestically for the past 3½ years and we beat the same team. I think I read the game and the situation and I am probably blessed with that talent. I don’t know. We did positional changes that is one thing. For example Kusal Mendis to open the batting and Dushmantha Chameera to bowl with the white new ball. My analyst showed me that he had played 9 matches and taken only one wicket in ODI cricket previously. I was surprised for someone like him taking one wicket in 9 games there was something wrong somewhere. We had to change it. There were also positional changes and there is a lot of tactical things involved which I don’t want to divulge.

Q: Do you set challenges or any goals to the team?

CH: Playing international cricket is a challenge itself. You are expected to win games. The challenge comes with playing for your country at the highest level. You have to play to win and find ways to do that.

Q: What does the team need to move forward?

CH: We have a lot of areas we can still improve one thing is we need to believe that we are good enough and the confidence. We have a lot of injuries and we need to manage that, it is something to address. From last month or so we have changed the ways we trained that is going to help us to maximise our potential and help us to win all the time. 

Thurstan College will have the edge over Isipathana College when they clash in the 55thBattle of the Brothers which begins at the SSC grounds, Maitland Place today.

Thurstan led by fifth year coloursman Nipun Lakshan have played thirteen matches and have won three outrights against Bandaranayake MV, Gampaha, St. Thomas College, Matale and Maliyadeva College, Kurunegala. They have six first innings wins over Trinity, Sebs, DS Senanayake, Moratu Vidyalaya, Mahanama and Dharmashoka. Their solitary defeat was at the hands of St. Benedict’s. The games against Richmond, Prince of Wales and Nalanda were drawn.

Fourth year coloursman Ayana Siriwardana leads the Isipathana team that has played eleven matches this season with a solitary outright win against President’s College, Kotte and have recorded six first innings wins while losing several matches.

Thurstan will rely on key players Savan Prabash who has scored 616 runs inclusive of seven half centuries and other top order batsman Yeshan Wickramarachchi who has made 478 runs. Skipper Nipun Lakshan has done well to be among the runs inclusive of an unbeaten 107 not out against Maliyadeva, Kurunegala and has a total of 349 runs under his belt. Others who will be relied upon for useful contributions are Pansilu Deshan (368), Nimesh Perera (369), Imesh Viranga (195).

Isipathana will depend heavily on Sri Lanka youth player and skipper Ayana Siriwardana who has made 393 runs with a top score of 101 against DS Senanayake. The other key player in the batting line-up is last year’s skipper Sanjula Abeywickrama who has made 288 runs with a top score of 150 not out against St. Peter’s College, Colombo. The others who are capable of making big scores are Leshan Amarasinghe (339), Sanjula Ilangathilaka (350), Ashen Gunawardana (254) and Shamilka Wickramathilaka (255).

Thurstan’s attack will be spearheaded by left-arm leg-spinner Sandaru Dias who has captured 43 wickets and has been ably supported by skipper Nipun Lakshan right-arm paceman who has taken 36 wickets and Ayesh Harshana left-arm leg-spinner who has claimed 35 wickets. The other bowlers who has made an impression is right-arm off-spinner Janushka Fernando (23).

The key bowler for Isipathana is Madushka Sandaruwan who has taken 44 wickets with best figures of 5 for 20 against DS Senanayake. He has received valuable support from Sanjula Ilangathilaka with 29 wickets and skipper Ayana Siriwardana and Lahiru Weeraratne who have claimed 22 wickets each.

Both teams have yet to establish a worthy record of wins and of the 54 matches played, Thurstan have won five and Isipathana has bagged the trophy four times with the rest ending in draws. The last win in the series was recorded by Isipathana College in 1999 under the captaincy of Krishantha Jayawardene. Thurstan College last won in 1992 under Mackenzie Perera.

Both schools have produced a few Sri Lanka players in Amitha de Costa, Niroshan Bandaratilleke, Hemantha Boteju all from Thurstan and Jayantha Paranathala, Suresh Perera, Nuwan Zoysa and Sri Lanka's youngest Test cricketer Sanjeewa Weerasinghe from Isipathana.

“We have a well experienced team and we are coming to win it and nothing less and we wish our opponents all the best,” said Thurstan College skipper Nipun Lakshan.

Isipathana captain Ayana Siriwardena stating his intentions said, “First of all I like to take this opportunity to wish our arch rivals as we meet yet again. We know our capabilities and we will play to our strengths and not settle for anything less than a win.”

TEAMS:

Isipathana from Ayana Siriwardene (Captain), Sanjula BandaraIllangantilleke (Vice Captain), Sanjula AbeyAbeywickrama, Leshan Amarasinghe, Ashan Gunewardene, K. A. Madushika Sandaruwan, Thevinda Dickwella, AnupamaHerath, Dinath Dissanayake, Menura Perera, Khaliq Amath, Eshan Fernando,Sudeepa Angulugaha, Shamika Wickramaarachchi, Ishan Wickramanayake, W.A.Savinda, Ushara Uthsara.

Thurstan from Pansilu Deshan, Nipun Lakshan (Captain), ImeshPerera (Vice Captain), Yeshan Wickramaarachchi, Nimesh Perera, BinaraRanatunga, Sandaru Dias, Rashmika Hiripitiya, Avishka Kaushalya, Savan Prabash,Yeshan Liyanage, Nimesh Lakshan, Ayesh Harshana, Janishka Shalaka Bandara, JayavihanMahavithana.

Sri Lanka Wonder of Asia Ironman 70.3 Colombo Triathlon will be held at Galle Face Green, Colombo on Sunday, February 25.

A total of 870 participants from 64 countries will take part in the ‘Ironman Triathlon Colombo’ and the event will attract over 3000 local and out-of-town visitors to Colombo.

The organisers target to generate a revenue of over US$3 million in direct economic impact to the country during the period of the triathlon.

The average age of Ironman participants is 39 years old with the oldest participant being 81 years and the youngest 19. The percentage of male participants in Ironman is 77% and the female participation is 23 percent.

Pro Am Serendib marketing portfolio reached more than 30,000 Ironman registrants, many of which often travel to multiple events each year. The competition was marketed as a major tourist attraction for Sri Lanka. On average 81 percent overseas participants are already in town filling most of the city hotels to its capacity for the weekend.

Of those who participate, many travel with three to four additional people with them for the support, generating much anticipated tourism boom in the month of February.

Ironman 70.3 is one of the most recognised brands in the world, attracting high spending foreign tourists from across the globe. During the Ironman event Sri Lanka will see over 3000 athletes and their families visiting the country.

India has 133 triathletes; United Kingdom 76; France 47, Australia 34, USA 30 and Singapore 26. They are the top six participating countries for Ironman 70.3 Colombo.

The race begins with a single-loop, 1.9km swim starting at the Indian Ocean adjoining the Galle Face Green, followed by a flat and fast three loop 90km bike course and a 21.1 km run course.

“With Sri Lanka diversifying its offering with sporting events of this nature, we aim to provide an energy that helps bring our communities together,” said Deshabandu Julian Bolling, Director Pro Am Serendib.

“We have many triathletes with unique profiles, each person has their own story as to why they are challenging themselves. In the Sri Lanka the Wonder of Asia Ironman 70.3 Colombo Triathlon we have some unity teams created with athletes from the North, South and East, there are multiple visually impaired athletes, a Vedda (an indigenous person from Sri Lanka) by the name of Punchi Banda; all these people are true spirits that show us anything is possible. I’m certain the emotions of the event and the inspiration of the setting will create an experience that participants will want to have again and again.”

COLOMBO

EXPO 2018

Shangri-La Colombo will host a four-day Expo, showcasing a range of Sri Lankan products and sporting goods.

Ironman 7.3 Colombo showcases local products and services to the world to put Sri Lanka on the map in an arena of sports.

The Ironman Expo 7.3 Expo 2018 commenced yesterday and will continue till February 25 at the Shangri-La Colombo, Ballroom.

It will be the meeting point of 880 athletes, well-wishers and spectators while it will house the registration, message boards and presentations for the grand event.

Entrance to the Ironman Expo 7.3 Expo 2018 will be free to all including the general public.

Ironman 70.3 Colombo is organized by Pro Am Serendib, made possible by the title sponsor Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau and co-sponsors.

Nalanda College and St. Sebastian’s College Moratuwa advanced to the quarterfinal round of the ‘Singer Cup’ Under 19 inter-schools two-day knockout cricket tournament yesterday.

Nalanda won on first innings against S. Thomas’ College Mt. Lavinia at Mt. Lavinia and St. Sebastian’s also scored a similar win against Maris Stella College Negombo at Kadirana.

Nalanda will meet Trinity Kandy in the quarter final.

RESULTS:

n At Kadirana: St. Sebastian’s Moratuwa won on first innings.

Maris Stella Negombo: 201 and 256/2 in 59 overs (Lasith Crosspulle 154 n.o., Kevin Perera 67 n.o.)

St. Sebastian’s Moratuwa: 347 (210/4 o/n) in 95.1 overs (Nishitha Abhilash 92, Nuwanidu Fernando 79, Janishka Perera 37, Praveen Cooray 34, Tharusha Fernando 30, Lasith Crosspulle 3/39, Ravindu Fernando 3/118)

n At Mt. Lavinia: Nalanda won on first inning.

S. Thomas’ Mt. Lavinia: 254/9 decl.

Nalanda: 262/8 (31/3 o/n) in 90 overs (Chamindu Wijesinghe 79, Raveen De Silva 63 n.o., Lakshitha Rasanjana 39, Dilhara Polgampola 33, Thevin Eriyagama 2/43, Kalana Perera 2/56, Dellon Peiris 2/58)

DAY ONE SCORES

Matches will be continued today on day two.

n At Galle: Richmond: 216 in 65.3 overs (Thaveesha Abishek 78, Sandun Mendis 33, Adithya Siriwardhane 33, Sandun Mendis 33, Dhananjaya Lakshan 27, Duveen Kalansuriya 21,Dunith Wellalage 4/65, Mihiranga Wickramage 3/28, Ashen Daniel 2/48)

St. Joseph’s: 118/3 at close in 38 overs (Shevan Rasool 60, Jehan Daniel 36 n.o., Avindu Theekshana 2/23)

n At Moratuwa: Prince of Wales: 342 in 72.2 overs (Vishwa Chathuranga 100, Devaka Peris 47, Prince Fernando 45, Sandun Fernando 35, Vinuja Ranpul 30, Suwath Mendis 27, Sachintha Hettige 3/90, Dasun Perera 2/31, Methushan Kumara 2/57, Muditha Lakshan 2/62)

D.S. Senanayake: 56/6 at close in 20 overs (Savindu Peiris 3/06, Kaumal Nanayakkara 3/22) - YK

CENTURION, Wednesday: For the second time in his short career, Heinrich Klaasen halted India's cricketing juggernaut as South Africa won the second Twenty20 international by six wickets at SuperSport Park on Wednesday.

Klaasen slammed seven sixes in hitting 69 off 30 balls as South Africa chased down a target of 189 with eight balls to spare.

The win squared the three-match series, taking it to a decider in Cape Town on Saturday.

Both teams had to contend with a wet ball, with drizzle falling during both innings.

Klaasen, who was man of the match when South Africa gained their only win in the one-day series, opened his score with two sixes and didn't look back. JP Duminy played an anchor role before finishing the match with two sixes in an innings of 64 not out off 40 balls.

Virat Kohli praised Manish Pandey and MS Dhoni, who hit 79 not out and 52 not out respectively in an unbeaten fifth wicket stand of 98 off 56 balls to get India to 188 for four after they had been struggling at 45 for three. – AFP