New Delhi, Monday: India has rallied behind its women’s cricket team, hailing their efforts in the T20 World Cup despite a crushing loss to Australia in the final.

Harmanpreet Kaur’s side lost to the defending champions by 85 runs in front of more than 86,000 fans -- a record attendance for women’s cricket -- at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday.

Despite the defeat it was a successful World Cup for the team, who reached the final for the first time and whose star batter, 16-year-old Shafali Verma, moved to the top of the world rankings during the tournament.

Indian cricket chief Sourav Ganguly praised the women for making the final, a month after the men’s under-19s were runners-up in the 50-over World Cup.

“Well done the Women’s team @bcci @JayShah .. Two back to back World Cup finals .. but we lost,” Ganguly tweeted.

“We’re super .. we will get there someday .. love the team and players.”

Men’s captain Virat Kohli said he was “proud” of the women, who went into the final unbeaten and had outplayed Australia in the opening game of the tournament.

“Proud of all the efforts put in by the Indian Women’s Cricket Team throughout their #T20WorldCup campaign. I’m confident that you girls will bounce back stronger than ever,” Kohli tweeted.

Nothing went right on Sunday for India, who lost the toss and then watched as Verma dropped Alyssa Healy in the first over.

Healy went on to smash 75 off 39 balls to get the player of the match award.

Australia marched to a record fifth women’s T20 World Cup title after posting 184 for four. India were sent packing for just 99 in reply.

“It was a tough day for #TeamIndia. Our team is young and will grow into a solid unit. You have inspired many across the globe,” retired batting superstar Sachin Tendulkar wrote on Twitter. “We are proud of you. Keep working hard and never lose hope. It will happen one day.”

A teary-eyed Verma was consoled by her team-mates as she left the field. Kaur said the young team had a bright future.

“In the last T20 World Cup we reached the semis and this year in the finals. If we keep working and improving then in the future we will win,” said Kaur.

“You see our team is quite young. Young girls are coming and giving a 100 percent for the team. And I think this (making the finals) will motivate many girls back home and they will come and play cricket.” AFP

LOS ANGELES: New Zealand beat Australia 17-14 to win the Vancouver Sevens Sunday and solidify their lead in the World Rugby Sevens Series.

Second-half yellow cards to Maurice Longbottom and Lachie Miller proved costly for Australia as New Zealand came from behind to win their third sevens title this season after triumphs in Cape Town and Hamilton.

Australia had a chance to claim a victory after New Zealand’s Sam Dickson was sin-binned late, but a wild forward pass from Lewis Holland allowed the Kiwis to hang on.

Australia were down by two men with four minutes remaining when Joe Ravouvou scored his second try to put New Zealand ahead.

Australia had dominated the opening five minutes, but managed to score just once on a try from Anderson. Ravouvou dotted down for New Zealand’s first try, but Australia led 14-5 at halftime after a breakaway try by Longbottom.

After Longbottom was sin-binned for a high tackle early in the second half Andrew Knewstubb’s try trimmed the deficit to two points.

Miller was then shown a yellow card over a late tackle and New Zealand took advantage. New Zealand top the standings on 115 points with South Africa second on 104. Fiji are third on 83 and Australia fourth on 81. Earlier Sunday, Suffocating defense had keyed New Zealand’s 17-5 quarter-final win over Fiji.

Tries from Tim Mikkeson and Sione Molia saw New Zealand take a 12-0 halftime lead as the Fijians struggled to get their running game going. Fiji’s lone try, by Josua Vakurnuabili, came with New Zealand down a man. But the All Blacks Sevens responded by securing the ball on the re-start and finishing with a try from Joe Ravouvou. AFP

Prince of Wales College first eleven cricket team 2019/2020 with the officials: Seated from left – Lucky Rogers Fernando (Coach), Vinuja Ranpul, Vajira Abewickrama (Prefect of Games), Naduka Fernando (Captain), Kusala J.Fernando (Principal), Lakshan Perera (Vice Captain), Kasun Devapriya

(Master Incharge of Cricket), Rajeewa Krishan (Assistant Coach). Middle row standing from left – Ashan Fernando, Vidath Dinendra, Omesh Mendis, Tharindu Amarasinghe, Dinura Fernando, Ravindu Janindu, Pasindu Pathum, Kavinda de Mel, Rehan Chamika. Back row standing from left – Upeka Fernando, Anupa Heshan, Thanuj Kavishan, Kunchana Perera. Pictures by Dilwin Mendis Moratuwa Sports Special Corr.

St. Sebastian’s College first eleven cricket team 2019/2020 with officials: Seated from left– Kalum Perera (Trainer), Samith Fernando (Assistant Coach), Frank Cooray (Master Incharge of Cricket), Janishka Perera (Captain), Rv. Fr. Indunil Sampath (Prefect of Games), Rev. Fr. Anton Ranjith (Rector), Rev. Fr. Samesh Anthony (Asst. Prefect of Games), Nishitha Abilash (Vice Captain), Imal Boteju (Coach), Sarath Perera (Analyer). Back row standing from left – Ashan Fernando, Dunith Jayathunga, Induwara de Alwis, Nadeera Fernando, Supun Fernando, Kushan Herath, Bihanga Mendis, Sasika Perera, Thadula de Silva, Yashan Avishka, Sandeesh Fernando, Kalana Sandeep, Sukitha Prasanna, Dulara Fernando.

The 70th Big match for the “Battle of the Golds” between Prince of Wales’ College and St. Sebastian’s College will be worked off at De Soysa Stadium, Moratuwa on March 13 and 14 and the 35th Limited Overs game will be played at the same venue on March. This series commenced in the year 1933 and there were two stoppages from 1938 to 1953 and in 1969 and 1970 if not this will be the 88th encounter. The limited overs game commenced in 1988 and had 5 stoppages from 1983 to 1987 and if not this would have been the 40th Encounter.

This year the hosts are St. Sebastian’s College and all the organizing aspects are in the shoulders of the Rector of St. Sebastian’s College Rev.Fr. Anton Ranjith and he will be ably supported by his staff members and

the old boys. This year chief guest will be the Principal of Prince of Wales’ College Kusala J. Fernando and the guest of honour is Cambrian Saman de Silva. The Cambians are captained by Naduka Fernando and his deputy is Lakshan Perera while Sebs are captaining by Janishka Perera and his Vice Captain will be Nishitha Abilash. The two teams Cambrian and Sebs are coached by Lucky Rogers Fernando and Imal Boteju respectively.

Both teams have participated in 16 inter school matches through out the season and they have performed well and both teams are evenly poised.

No one can predict the out come until the last ball is bowled as the game of cricket is with lot of uncertainties.

The Over 40, nine-a-side Veterans’ Football Championship organized by the Kotte United Sports Club (KUSC) will be held for the second time at the KUSC playground in Kotte on March 22.

The organizing committee has decided to accept 16 teams for the tournament. Registration is now open.

Match time table and the draw will be given to the participants at the same venue on March 15, the organizers said. The Champions will be awarded Rs. 75,000, the first runner-up Rs. 50,000 and the second runner-up Rs. 25,000.

The Man of the Match and the Goal Keeper of the Series will be given Rs. 5,000 each, the organizers said.

Elephant House and Keells Krest will once again support the World’s second longest uninterrupted school cricket encounter, the Royal-Thomian “Battle of the Blues” Big Match as the official “Food, Beverage and Ice Cream Partner” for 2020. This 141st annual inter-school encounter between Royal College and St Thomas’ College will be held from March 12 to 14 at the SSC Grounds, Maitland Place.

Backed by 150 years of company tradition Elephant House continues on its mission of providing high - quality refreshing products to all Sri Lankans. The wide portfolio of thirst quenching

beverages, delightfully refreshing ice creams adds transcending enjoyment to the celebration of these joyous occasions thus enhancing the experience of ‘goodness of life’.

Keells Krest the proven market leader in the processed meat industry for over three decades,offers a delightful product range renowned for great taste and wholesome goodness that is truly loved by all Sri Lankans.

Serving delectable delicacies and revitalizing refreshments, Elephant House and Keells Krest have carried out meticulous planning to ensure the hungry and thirsty crowds are satisfied, thereby adding to the excitement and merriment of the three days of cricket.

Bonita Odayar from Amadeus Lanka was unanimously re-elected as the President of the Travel Trade Sports Club for a third term at the 44th Annual General Meeting held on February 18, at Ramada Colombo, Liberty Ball Room.

This is only the second occasion in the history of TTSC that a President had got a re-election for a third term in office.

The TTSC Executive Committee unanimously agreed to extend Bonita’ s term, as her second term was severely curtailed due to the Easter Carnage in April 2019.

Even though with all the disturbances, she managed to perform six events in 2019 and her first year 2018 was a record breaking year introducing many new events for the entire Travel Trade.

The only new face in the Committee is that of Senpathi Jayawickrama from Hemas Travels.

Office Bearers for the period 2020 /21

President - Bonita Issabella Peiris Odyar, Amadeus Lanka.

Immediate Past President – Prabath Harshakumar, Walkers Tours.

Vice Presidents from the 03 sectors / Travel Agents, Hotels and Airlines

Anil Hapugoda – Aitken Spence Travels, Mani Sugathapala – Citrus Hotels, Shan Perera – Singapore Airlines.

General Secretary - Dilshan Gnanapragasam- Resplendent Ceylon

Asst. General Secretary - Bandula Withana – Jetwing Travels

Treasurer - Chinthaka Daluwatte – Mt. Lavinia Hotels

Asst. Treasurer - Anushka Perera – Conneissance de Ceylon

Social Secretary - Cammy Gunasekera – Villuxer Travels

General Committee - 09 members

Three members for each sector

Travel Agents - Suranjith de Fonseka – Diethlem Travels, Nalika Abeysuriya –Walkers and Whittalls

Senpathi Jayawickrama –Hemas Travels

Hotels - Asanka Fernando / Amaya Resorts, Adrian Jansz / Serendib Leisure, Ramesh Vidanarachchi / Ramada Colombo

Airlines - Nilina Pathirana / Sri Lankan Airlines, Chaminda Perera / Emirates, Marvan Madanayake / Mack Air

Support Staff - Sunethra Blok / Administrative Secretary, E.B. Silva / Accountant, Tyrone Perera/Sports Events and Media Co-ordinator

CCC School of Cricket Maroons emerged under-12 Inter Academy Cricket Tournament champions beating Sanath Jayasuriya CF by five wickets in the final and walked away with the Chance Sports Challenge Trophy.

Batting first Sanath Jayasuriya CF was bowled out for 142 in 33 overs with Rachintha De Silva top scoring 38 runs. Thevendu Wewalwala was the main wrecker for CCC Maroons who did a superb bowling spell of 4/33. Suhas Ranawana captured 2/26.

In reply CCC Maroons reached the victory target in 31.3 overs with five wickets intact. Once again Thevendu Wewalwala excelled for CCC Maroons, this time with the bat, adding 33 runs to the total. Roshen Soloman scored 21 runs. Rachintha De Silva (2/14) and Santhul Wijerathna (2/45) bowled best for Sanath Jayasuriya CF.

Earlier in semis, SJCF tamed Mighty CAS by 92 runs while CCC Maroons defeated Kingfishers CA by six wickets.

Scores:

1st semifinal: SJCF won by 92 runs

SJCF -156/9(30) (Rachintha De Silva-36, Shenon Wijeratne-22, Thiwan Abinesh-32, Adhil Jamaldeen-2 /33, Kithma Sithmal-4/20, Akash Gunasekera-2/34)

Mighty CAS -64 (19.1) (Nemindu Akmeemana -20, Santhul Wijeratne-5/13)

2nd semifinal: CCC Maroons won by 6 wickets

Kingfishers CA -97(29)(Tehan Bitar-2/17, Janith Panditharatne-2/12, Rusadu Silva-2/09)

CCC (Maroons) -98/6 (27.4) (Tehan Bitar-32-*, Januga Perera-3/14)

Final: CCC Maroons won by 5 wickets

Sanath Jayasuriya C.F - 142/10 33 Overs (Rachintha De Silva 38, Lelum Samaranayaka 25, Shenon Wijerathna 16, Thevendu Wewalwala 4/33, Suhas Ranawana 2/26)

CCC Maroons - 143/5 31.3 Overs (Thevendu Wewalwala 33, Roshen Soloman 21, Tehan Bitar 18, Rachintha De Silva 2/14, Santhul Wijerathna 2/45)

Sri Lanka’s 0-2 defeat at the hands of T20I world champs West Indies is not something to get too excited or worried about says chairman of selectors Ashantha de Mel.

“I am not saying I am 100 percent satisfied but there is an improvement. We have a lot to go forward but from where we were we have come up. The structure is coming and there are little areas that we have to fine tune, our bowling and all that,” said De Mel reflecting on the ODI and T20I series.

Sri Lanka whitewashed West Indies 3-0 in the ODIs and West Indies returned the compliment by sweeping the T20I series 2-0. “West Indies of course are a specialised T20 side they only have players for that kind of cricket. They are quite a strong side but not in Test matches and ODIs,” said De Mel.

“These guys have played over 500 matches if you take all our 11 players they have not played as many. In T20s they are specialists. They are going around the world playing franchise cricket. They are like the Harlem Globetrotters playing basketball, that’s all they do.

“They don’t play so many ODIs or Tests. They are specialists and they know exactly what to do. Our guys if you look at other than Kusal Perera and Angelo Mathews I don’t think they have played even 30 games,” explained De Mel.

Speaking further he said, “In the first game we bowled 47 dot balls but they got 196 runs which means in 70 balls they scored those runs because they hit a lot of fours and sixes. That is one area that we’ve got to look at. Our guys when they hit they get caught on the boundary because they don’t have the power.

“We’ll have to improve our technique that’s the only way we can do it. The West Indies are genetically stronger than us, we can’t get to their levels and their physiques we cannot have. We have to understand our limitations and improve our technique. To hit the ball there are certain techniques that you use those we have to improve. That’s what we are working on now. Work with the coaches and go forward I don’t think that we should panic.

“We have to improve in our bowling and some of the power hitting areas. I have told Sri Lanka Cricket that we need to get someone with specialised training for power hitting. That area we are lacking in.

“Andre Russell when he first played in Galle, he batted no. 9 and was a fast bowler. He realised that if he wants to play franchise cricket he will have to improve his power hitting and he hired a power hitting coach. That’s what we are looking at in the next 2-3 months we will get these things sorted out,” De Mel continued.

“We are improving getting there little by little. We can’t be impatient, results are not going to come overnight it will take a little time. We have 6 months to go and enough matches to play and to make improvements in those areas.

“We are looking at the composition and to get the batting order sorted out. We need a number 3 player either Danushka (Gunathilaka), (Niroshasn) Dickwella or Bhanuka (Rajapaksa) one will have to fit in there. The strategy is for 1, 2 and 3 has to go hard, 4, 5 and 6 to consolidate, 7 and 8 to get you through to the final total the Thisaras, Wanindus and Shanakas who can hit the ball hard. That’s the plan. You need to score 60-65 runs in the first six overs and you have to be competitive. You might lose one or two wickets but you have to go hard.

“Seven to 15 overs is the area that we have to improve. We have to make sure that when we come to 15 overs we should be about 120 not losing more than 3-4 wickets, then you can get to 170 plus.

“What is important is in the West Indies series is we didn’t wilt, we competed. You can see a little bit of fight in the team they are not giving up. The fight is there that is important. These are days where you can win or lose you can’t win every day.

“You saw in the ODIs also we are scoring 300 regularly we are getting there. When you are down in a hole you have to come up slowly you can’t jump out of the hole at once. We have to understand we are playing against the world best sides. West Indies is going to be a threat to everybody in the T20 World Cup they can beat anybody on their day,” concluded De Mel.

TheTrinity-St. Anthony’s mini battle played between the 2nd XI teams ended in a draw at Katugastota, the match was played on Friday and Saturday with Antonians taking the upper hand and taking home the PH de Silva trophy. Antonians took the first lease of the wicket and made 283 in 82.3 overs, C. Herath batted well to score 86 runs, M. Aaqil and Y. Gamarachchi scored over 50 runs. T. Ranathunga had 3 wickets and 2 each by M. Kularathne, P. Ganegoda, V. Ehalepola.

Trinitians in their turn were in a bad way and were all out for 131 in 38.1 overs where R. Amarasinghe scored 43 and a good bowling performance came from L. Abeysinghe 5for 36 and I. Maduwantha 4 for 33. forced to follow on, they batted well to score 221 for 5 in 54 over’s when the stumps were drawn. P. Ganegoda 54, A. Muthalb 45 batted well. So, this time the P.H. de Silva was presented to the Antonians.

St. Anthony’s College ‘A’ 283 in 82.3 overs Y. Gamarachchi 52, M. Aaqil 52, D. Bandara 34, C. Herath 86, M. Kularathne 2 for 35, P. Ganegoda 2/35, V. Ehalepola 2 for 48, T. Ranathunga 3 for 93

Trinity College ‘A’ 131 in 38.1 over’s R. Amarasinghe 43, V. Ehalepola 22, S. Ilukkumbura 20, L. Abeysinghe 5 for 36, I. Maduwantha4 for 33 AND 221 for 5 in 54 over’s P. Ganegoda 54, A. Muthalif 45, J. Weerasinghe34, P. Pathiraja 30, V. Ehalepola 27, I. Maduwantha 3 for 61.

S. Thomas’ College will start tomorrow with the morale boost, as the shield holders, packed with batting but with a less impactful bowling playing to defend the Rt. Hon. D.S. Senanayake Shield against traditional rivals Royal College in the 141st Battle of the Blues cricket encounter at the SSC grounds from March 12-14.

However though, theirs was also a far-off from smooth-sail, including an off-colour run and suffering an elimination from the knockout stages of the U-19 two-dayer, particularly, after ending runners-up, last season.

S. Thomas’, a prestigious name in schools and sports, led by Thevin Eriyagama this season, is usually a force, but has lacked making strides. That comprised being knocked out of the two-day tournament, though they have reached the quarterfinal stage in the limited-over format.

In the U19 two-dayers of the 16 matches completed, they have won four outrights without a single loss and drawn the remaining dozen. This was subsequent to the dream run of last year, winning the highly-hyped Royal-Thomian, bagging the U19 limited-over tournament and runners-up at the two-dayer. In addition, they also bagged an umpteen number of awards for their stellar show.

“Our boys are confident. But, I prefer going for the big match as underdogs. We have a very good experienced side, this year,” said Dinesh Kumarasinghe, their head coach.

Kumarasinghe giving a glance on his team went on that they couldn’t play a few matches in third-term due to rain, but in the first-term the team had performed.

“It’s an all-round side. But this year, our bowling is a bit weak. The reason is Kalana Perera, Dellon Peiris, Shannon have all left. So, we have young bowlers coming in and putting them for the future, giving them the exposure,” Kumarasinghe added.

In spite of losing close to half-a-dozen seniors, this years’ team has got the likes of two players, who have featured in the SL U19 squad, including the Asia Cup.

One is the left-arm quick Yasiru Rodrigo and the other Ravindu de Silva. The latter, in addition to topping the runs for the country in the recently concluded U19 World Cup, has also finished as the second highest in the tournament itself. From the wickets department, it is Dilmin Ratnayake, right-arm leg-spinner, the leading wicket-taker for the Thomians with 64 wickets. Royalist will have to keep him at bay. Ryan Fernando seems to have done the talking with the bat, having accumulated 564 runs. Kumarasinghe sounded and appeared all systems ready to repeat the Thomian triumph for the second-year in-a-row. Touching on their game plan, he mildly let the cat out of the bag, “As an all-round side, we have done well during the season. Trying to play positive cricket but I don’t underestimate the Royal team.”

“We are a well-balanced side. Batting is stronger than bowling. So, I prefer to lose the toss this year, not to win,” he said laughingly.

He did concede, since quite a number of players have left from last’s year’s winning-side, a problem does lie there.

“We are equipped with batsmen till no.9. But bowling has been the problem. So, we have to put two young bowlers a 16-year-old young blood from the Sri Lanka U-19 has featured in the Asia Cup. Another fast-bowler is Canistan Gunaratnam, he is also really good. So, those two boys can play for another three years.”

He, however, credited Kalana, Dellon et al for the experienced bowlers they were.

“The spin department is a bit weak this year. So, we are trying to put some young boys into that,” Kumarasinghe, as a coach for STC since 2013 concluded.

Why is Sri Lanka Cricket trying to sign a contract for production rights of international matches played in Sri Lanka for the next three years with a company which has a dubious record and absolutely no financial standing?

The question that begs answers are:

Why wasn’t a minimum financial requirement included as a prerequisite for qualifying to bid, like a minimum net worth requirement and cash bank balances?

Why wasn’t the proforma draft of the performance draft guarantee circulated to potential bidders?

Will this company even be able to provide this performance bond and meet its obligations?

It is learnt that SLC is about to sign with a company based in Dubai - IPG for production rights for a 3-year term.

This company, we learn, has also got into the bad books of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after they tried to sabotage the Pakistan Super League by trying to stop crew and equipment from going to Pakistan.

At a minimum, before going ahead and awarding the contract should not SLC ask PCB for a reference in writing?

Furthermore, the owner of IPG is known to have business and personal relationships with persons in Sri Lanka.

Moreover, it is learnt that this company has 20-year-old discontinued and outdated production equipment and owes huge amounts of money to crew/equipment suppliers and graphic companies across the globe.

The SLC perhaps in its bid to accommodate this company has drastically lowered production specifications which are probably a method of making an additional buck for by ordering enhancements to production which are not part of the contract; it will be awarded without a tender.

If SLC sticks to this company, we can expect a steep deterioration in the quality of the picture and badly represents Sri Lanka cricket to international audiences. It will damage the Sri Lankan cricket brand and drive away sponsors and advertisers.

This matter was debated at the ExCo meeting of Tuesday with certain members expressing their serious concerns about this company and individual.

The question that needs to be asked is why SLC which has over the years handed the production, broadcasting and digital rights to one company has decided to split it on this occasion. There is only one realistic answer to this question. Who will benefit the most?

Defending champions Devapathiraja College retained the Singer Trophy Under 19 Division One inter-school girls’ cricket title for the fifth consecutive year emerged champion in 5th consecutive year of the ‘Singer Trophy” when they defeated Rathnavali Balika Vidyalaya by 14 runs in the final played at Mattegoda yesterday.

Anula Vidyalaya Nugegoda secured third place beating Wadduwa Central College by 8 wickets.

Shiari Nuwantha’s unbeaten half century helped Devapathiraja to post 136/6 (25). In reply Rathnavali Balika scored 122 all out with Amadi Gunaratne making a top score of 41.

Scores (final):

Devapathiraja College 136/6 (25) (Shikari Nuwantha 52 n.o., Kaveesha Dilhari 49, Vidushika Perera 2/16, Rashmi Sewwandi 2/38)

Rathnavali Balika Gampaha: 122 (24.3) (Amandi Gunarathne 41, Sanduni Nisansala 26, Sachini Nisansala 3/18, Telishiya Chathurangi 2/21)

(3rd place):

Wadduwa Central: 73 (20) (Navodya Fernando 22, Imeshi Senanayake 2/14, Janadi Anali 2/15, Himasha Sewwandi 2/16)

Anula Nugegoda: 76/2 (15.5) (Dilini Jayawickrame 42 n.o.)

Awards:

Player of the tournament - Kaveesha Dilhari (Devapathiraja)

Player of the final match - Shikari Nuwantha (Devapathiraja)

Best bowler of the final - Sachini Nisansala (Devapathiraja)

Best batswoman of the final - Amandi Gunaratne (Rathnavali)

GREATER NOIDA Tuesday: Kevin O'Brien hit a last-ball six as Ireland clinched a consolation super-over win against Afghanistan in the third Twenty20 international in India on Tuesday.

With three runs needed for victory off the final ball of the super over, O'Brien cleared the long-off fence to end his team's 12-match losing streak in T20s against the Afghans.

O'Brien made 26 off 21 balls in Ireland's 142 for eight after electing to bat first.

Afghanistan, who won the series 2-1, replied with 142 for seven.

“Luckily that last hit came off,” a relieved O'Brien said after receiving the man of the match award. “We have learnt from game one to game three, about specific plans for each player.

You have to adjust quickly and I think we did.”

Afghanistan needed 16 to win off the final six deliveries of normal play, and paceman Craig Young claimed Asghar Afghan for 32 before Rashid hit a boundary off the last ball, taking the game into a deciding over.

Young then bowled a disciplined line and length to keep Afghanistan to just eight runs in six balls.

Gareth Delany also played a key part in Ireland's win after top-scoring with 37 and then taking two wickets with his leg-spin. Off-spinner Simi Singh hurt Afghanistan's middle-order with two wickets off successive balls to send back Mohammad Nabi, for four, and Najibullah Zadran, for nought.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Rahmanullah Gurbaz top-scored with 42 and was named player of the series for amassing 105 runs in the three matches.

Bowlers Naveen-ul-Haq and Qais Ahmad took three wickets each in the Ireland innings.

“I think the wicket was good but our batsmen played some poor shots,” said Rashid.

St. John’s College Jaffna advanced to the quarterfinal round of the ‘Singer Trophy’ Under 19 Division Two inter-schools (limited overs) cricket tournament yesterday when they beat Lyceum International School Wattala by 63 runs in the quarter final played at Jaffna yesterday.

Scores:

St. John’s Jaffna: 170 (35.1) (T. Dinoshan 40, A. Abishek 29, C. P. Thanujan 22, Pasindu Kamesh 3/23, Hansaja Bandara 3/27)

Lyceum International School Wattala: 107 (32.5) (Jerome Fernando 24, Anton Saraan 3/30, T. Vinojan 2/14, Anton Abhishek 2/27)

QUARTER FINALISTS

St. Peter’s College Negombo, Sri Dharmaloka College Kelaniya, Vidyartha College Kandy, Sri Sumangala College Panadura, St. John’s College Jaffna, St. Sebastian’s College Katuneriya, Piliyandala Central College and Anuradhapura Central College have entered the quarterfinals.

The quarter final schedule:

St. Peter’s College Negombo vs Sri Dharmaloka College Kelaniya, Vidyartha College Kandy vs Sri Sumangala College Panadura, St. John’s College Jaffna vs St. Sebastian’s College Katuneriya, and Piliyandala Central College vs Anuradhapura Central College.

- (YK)

Virtusa Pvt Limited secured their second win of the ongoing Mercantile ‘E’ division cricket tournament when they defeated Standard Chartered by one wicket in a thrilling match played at DS Senanayake College grounds.

Standard Chartered were dismissed for 147 in 22 overs and the match went to the wire as Virtusa scraped through by one wicket off the final ball of the match in 25 overs.

Scores:

Standard Chartered 147 (22) (Aruna Madushanka 31, Hiran Rajapaksha 37, Banuka Adeesha 24, Sithara Lakmal 4/22, Duminda Ranasinghe 2/20)

Virtusa Pvt Ltd 151-9 (25) (Udesh Sendanayake 28, Tharindu Silva28, Pramod Sendanayake 40, Selvin Jemian 3/19, Hiran Rajapaksha 2/30, Aruna Madushanka 2/16).

LOS ANGELES, Sunday - Canada scored two late tries to topple Fiji 26-21 on Saturday as they emerged unbeaten from pool play to book a Cup quarter-final clash with Spain at the Vancouver leg of the World Rugby Sevens Series.

Canada trailed 14-12 in the second half but capitalized when Vilimoni Botitu was given a yellow card. That led to Pat Kay scoring the go-ahead try, with Justin Douglas sprinting for a final try to seal it. - AFP

Sri Lanka under 19 world cup cricketer and captain of Mahinda College Navod Paranavithana scored his second century of the season an unbeaten 119 off 133 balls with 12 fours and 4 sixes against Dharmasoka College Ambalangoda in their ‘Singer Trophy’ Under 19 inter-schools cricket match played at Galle yesterday.

DS Senanayake skipper Muditha Lakshan was also among the runs scoring his fourth century of the season when he made 151 off 196 balls (20 fours) against Thurstan at Thurstan grounds.

Panadura beat Tissa Central College Kalutara by 79 runs at Kalutara.

RESULT:

+At Kalutara: St. John’s Panadura won by 79 runs.

St. John’s Panadura: 272 and 84 (17) (Dhanuka Vishad 5/39, Malith Fernando 27, Rohan Sanjaya 5/25)

Tissa Central Kalutara: 131 (123/6 o/n) (53.1) (Ashen Kalana 34, Sumudu Udara 5/27, Sanju Madumal 3/12) and 146 (32.3) (Rohan Sanjaya 36, Susara Induwara 25 n.o., Janith Lakruwan 23, Sasitha Manupriya 5/56, Sumudu Udara 4/31)

DAY ONE SCORES:

Matches will be continued today on day two.

+At Thurstan: D.S. Senanayake: 345/7 (90) at close (Muditha Lakshan 151 n.o., Chamath Yatawara 80, Amila Dabare 41, Vihas Thewmika 5/102) vs Thurstan.

+At Sooriyawewa: Devapathiraja Ratgama: 173 (61.1) (Pawan Sandesh 33, Sudeera Weerarathne 28, Jeewaka Shasheen 21, Kalpa Chethiya 20, Samudu Pramod 3/41, Milaksha Senarathna 3/52, Chamika Perera 2/16, Kaveesha Kalpana 2/22)

Sri Devananda Ambalangoda: 99/7 (34) at close (Sheron Hinidumage 31, Pawan Sandesh 3/21, Irushka Thimira 2/17, Sudeera Weerarathne 2/39)

+At MCG Galle: Dharmasoka: 185 (42.2) (Chamindu Dilshan 77, Chanaka Jananga 26, Chanula Gunarathne 38, Subhanu Rajapaksha 5/52, Sithira Helitha 2/30, Kushan Madusha 2/55)

Mahinda: 222/3 (50) at close (Navod Paranavithana 119 n.o., Kaushitha Kodithuwakku 48, Sandew Induwara 38)

+At Horana: Kegalu Vidyalaya: 230 (65) (Lochana Charith 39, Kavishka Abeyrathne 29, Geeth Kavinda 27, Kasun Bandara 22, Chamindu Ranminu 3/42, Umesh Prasad 3/45, Thisara Sachinthana 3/55)

Taxila Central Horana: 126/6 (28) at close (Sasanka Adeepa 38, Eranga Jayakody 27, Chamindu Ranminu 26, Samith Bandara 4/42, Viraj Sandaruwan 2/24)

- (YK)

Three out of four key big matches in Colombo have already been concluded and the last which is considered the grand finale – the 141st Battle of the Blues between Royal and S. Thomas’, will be played this weekend.

With the mega big match to be called ‘play’ at the SSC ground today, it will also be interesting to go down memory lane and take a look at the 14-decade proud history of the world’s oldest uninterrupted inter-school cricket match. At the same time, cricket fans will look at the past winners of the prestigious Observer-Mobitel Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year, which has showcased many legendary Sri Lankan cricketers.

The Observer-Mobitel Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year contest has produced a group of elite cricketers who have engraved their names in Sri Lanka cricket history in letters of gold. The first recipient of the coveted title, Ranjan Senerath Madugalle not only reached the pinnacle of his career as a cricketer but also progressed to captain Sri Lanka and also reach the very top as an official by becoming the Chief ICC Match Referee, a proud record indeed.

The contest, which began as an unofficial one in 1978, was made official the following year and is getting bigger and broader yearly as it has explored the talent in the rural areas which has given those cricketers the opportunities to be on par, or even become better than the players representing Colombo schools judging by the number of players emerging from the rural schools who have stamped their class as top players.

The 1978 Sunday Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of The Year Contest was a significant one, though it was held in the outstation and not counted in the series.

The contest was held at the Galle Esplanade for the first time with a view to promoting the game in the outstation. It was quite appropriate in having the show in Galle as the Outstation Schoolboy Cricketer of that year was Upul Sumathipala from Mahinda College, Galle.

Ranjan Madugalle, now the ICC’s chief match referee and hailing from Royal College, Colombo won the 1978 contest and was also adjudged the winner in the following year (1979) from which the Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year show formally started at Nawarangahala.

In both years St. Sebastian’s College cricketer Roger Wijesuriya was the runner-up.

Ranjan and Roger had prolific records representing their respective schools which resulted in them finding places in the Sri Lanka World Cup team in 1979 in England.

Madugalle who led an unbeaten Royal team, in addition to winning the main award (Schoolboy Cricketer), was also picked as the Best Captain and Best Batsman and runner-up in the Best Fielder category after a highly successful season.

A panel of umpires comprising Camillus Perera (Chairman), Vernon Tissera, Gilbert Perera, Allan Felsinger and KT Ponnabalam picked the winners at the Colombo Cricket Club (CCC) pavilion in 1978.

The shortlisted contestants for the Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year 1978 were Prasanna Amarasinghe (Ananda), Ranjan Madugalle (Royal), Shammy Rajendra (Wesley), Roger Wijesuriya (St.Sebastian’s) and Selvaraj Dinesh (Trinity).

Ananda captain Arjuna Ranatunga, who won the title after Madugalle in 1980, is another great Sri Lanka cricketer who steered the Sri Lanka national team to conquer cricket’s ‘Mount Everest’ in world cricket.

Ranatunga, who became the First Schoolboy Cricketer to win the Mega Award twice, captained Sri Lanka’s World Cup winning team in 1996.

The galaxy of stars who have illuminated Lankan cricket skies and most of them emerged through the Observer-Mobitel Schoolboy Cricketer contest include the world’s highest Test wicket taker Muttiah Muralitharan, the Most Valuable Player award winner in the 1996 World Cup tournament Sanath Jayasuriya (outstation title), former Sri Lanka captain and ex-national coach Marvan Atapattu (1990), former Sri Lanka captain and ex-ICC Match Referee Roshan Mahanama, former Sri Lanka player cum 1996 World Cup star Asanka Gurusinha, former Sri Lanka player turned ICC Elite Panel Umpire Kumara Dharmasena and ex Sri Lanka Test batsman Thilan Samaraweera (1994 and 1995).

Former captain Dinesh Chandimal (Ananda - 2009), Niroshan Dickwella, (Trinity – 2012) and Kusal Mendis (Prince of Wales - 2013) are some of the recent past Observer-Mobitel Schoolboy Cricketer winners who have sported the Sri Lankan cap.

Apart from those popular figures, several other past award winners have proved their class with the Sri Lanka national team and at various other levels. Among them are Rohan Buultjens (St.Peter’s - 1981), Roshan Jurangpathy (Royal - 1986), Rohan Weerakkody (St. Joseph’s - 1987), Sanjeeva Ranatunga (Ananda - 1988), Sajith Fernando (St. Anthony’s, Katugastota - 1992), Naveed Nawaz (DS. Senanayake - 1993), Nimesh Perera (St Sebastian’s, Moratuwa - 1996), Chinthaka Jayasinghe (Dharmapala -1997), Pradeep Hewage (St.Benedict’s - 1998), Muthumudalige Pushpakumara (Ananda -1999), Kaushalya Weeraratne (Trinity - 2000), Kaushal Lokuarachchi (St.Peter’s - 2001), Sahan Wijeratne (Prince Of Wales - 2002), Farveez Maharoof (Wesley - 2003), Lahiru Peiris (St.Peter’s – 2004 and 2005), Gihan Rupasinghe (Nalanda - 2006), Malith Gunatilleka (Ananda - 2007), Umesh Karunaratne (Thurstan - 2008), Bhanuka Rajapakse (Royal – 2010 and 2011), Sadeera Samarawickrema (St. Joseph’s - 2014), Charith Asanlanka (Richmond –2015 and 2016), Nipun Ransika (P de S Kularatne MV, Ambalangoda 2017), Hasitha Boyagoda (Trinity 2018) and Lakshitha Rasanjana (Nalanda 2019).

Roshan Jurangpathy was the second Royalist to win the Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year title and play Test cricket after Madugalle.

As a teenager, Jurangpathy had shown great promise but the then selectors gave him only a couple of chances which was not fair considering his immense talent. Days before his 18th birthday, Jurangpathy became the youngest Sri Lankan player to score a first-class century.

Sanjeeva Ranatunga too went on to represent Sri Lanka in Test cricket. In nine matches, he aggregated 531 runs with two centuries. He also played 13 ODIs for Sri Lanka and scored two half centuries. Among the other former Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year award winners who had represented Sri Lanka at the highest level are Farveez Maharoof (22 Tests and 109 ODIs), Muthumudalige Pushpakumara (three ODIs), Naveed Nawaz (one Test, three ODIs), Kausal Lokuarachchi (four Tests and 21 ODIs) and Kaushalya Weeraratne (15 ODIs and five T20s).

The 103rd Kandy’s ‘Battle of the Blues’ between Trinity College and St. Anthony’s College will take place on Friday and Saturday at Asgiriya Stadium. The rivalry between the two schools in big matches has produced many of the sport’s most memorable performances. The first encounter was played at the Bogambara grounds in March 1914. Antonians, led by C. Seneviratne emerged winners beating C. E. de Silva’s Trinity XI by 42 runs. Trinity won the next match, and a long-contested series has followed. Out of the 102 games played Trinity has won 23 and St. Anthony’s 12 and the rest drawn. Four games were not played, in 1916, 1956 and 1957 due to a disagreement between the two schools, regarding the age rule and in 2001 the match was not played as Trinity College stopped playing midway during that season due to disciplinary reasons. The last outright win for the Antonians was in 1992 and Trinity won last in 2012.

Recalling memories of the Trinity-Antonian game in 1986 Trinitians won by seven wickets to break a 35-year hoodoo. That year they were led by T. P. Weerasuriya and the Antonians by Rienzie Perera. This great win for the Trinitians would not have been possible if not for the sporty and challenging declaration made by the Antonian skipper. He threw the game wide open and the Trinitians who accepted the challenge found the going easy during the last stages as the Antonians were a tired lot and ran short of bowlers after the start of the 20 mandatory overs. Today this sort of declaration is not seen because they go for huge totals to gain first innings points and for individual performances. The winning run a boundary to the long-on fence was hit by burly left hander Romesh Jayawardene in the 14th mandatory over.

Trinity skipper failed to call correctly and St. Anthony’s elected to take first turn of a placid Katugastota wicket. The Katugastota boys topped the 50 mark for the loss of just one wicket but with the introduction of spinners C. I. Fernando and Selvaratnam Ratnakumaran the Antonians found themselves in trouble and were dismissed for a paltry 126. Opener Suresh Peiris 24, Damian Nadaraja 23 with four hits to the ropes, Nimalaka Perera 24 with four fours, Sahib Thariquishad 20, Suresh Alwis 11 in 69 minutes and skipper Rienzie Perera with an aggressive 14 studded with three fours batted best. Right arm spinner Ratnakumaran bowled 23.4 overs, 10 of which were maidens. The Trinitians fielded well with stumper Mevan Balalle performing well holding three good catches and also stumping skipper Rienzie Perera. The ever agile Balalle set an example to the rest of his teammates. This was one of the lowest scores made by an Antonian side against Trinity for quite some time. The Antonians 126 came in 240 minutes after 67.4 overs.

The Asgiriya boys in reply were off to a sound start but with the score at 28, A. K. Premasinghe foolishly ran himself out. Wickets fell at regular intervals and Trinity ended the first day at 86 for 6. Mevan Ballale 21, Chaminda Unantenne 31 n.o. and Romesh Jayawardene 15 made useful contributions towards Trinity’s score. Rienzie Perera returned impressive figures of 4 for 34 in 15 overs, in which three of them were maidens. There were two run outs in the Trinity innings.

Continuing from 86 for 6, Trinity found themselves in trouble as their overnight batsmen failed and the last four wickets fell for 12 runs within the space of 15 minutes. C. I. Fernando was run out while C. Unantenne who was 31 overnight was in a mighty hurry, that he played a rash stroke to be dismissed for 38 which had five hits to the ropes. Rienzie Perera added two more scalps and finished with figures of 6 for 39 in 17 overs. Trinity were bowled out for 98 in 161 minutes off 41 overs.

St. Anthony’s enjoying a first innings lead of 28 runs, were expected to make quick runs and consolidate their position, instead they batted without purpose and were 55 for 3 at lunch after 105 minutes and 28 overs. At 2.35 p.m. St. Anthony’s declared at 160 for 7. Anurudha Seneviratne made a top score of 47 with eight fours. Opener Suresh Peries got 40 with six fours but batted for 129 minutes facing 101 balls, Rienzie Perera made a breezy 23 which had a six and two fours. Sixteen-year-old Ruwan Kalpage chipped in with an unbeaten 24 which included four hits to the fence and a well-timed six which landed on the tiers accommodating the Antonian tent. It was good fun anyway and the boys cheered lustily, Ratnakumaran 3 for 67 and C. I. Fernando 3 for 39 shared the wickets. Ratnakumaran who had a match bag of 6 for 100 was presented with the best bowler’s award.

The Trinitians set to make 190 to win in 90 minutes and 20 mandatory overs, were given a sound start by Mevan Balalle and Susil K. Premasinghe who put on 93 runs in 100 minutes. Premasinghe was dismissed for 39. Ballale joined by Sujeewa Jayawardene took the score to 144 before Jayawardene was run out for 14. Chaminda Unantenne joined Balalle who was batting at his best, tried to force the pace and was run out with his individual score at 81. Balalle’s match winning innings was studded with ten fours and a glorious six which landed on a roof erected behind the Old Antonians SC. Balalle was given a rousing ovation on his way back to the pavilion by the large crowd. Unantenne normally an aggressive bat made 29 which had three fours and 2 sixes and Romesh Jayawardene 20 saw Trinity achieving their target without further loss. Trinity’s 191 for 3 came in 150 minutes off 35.1 overs. The happiest man on this day was Trinity coach J.A. Shaw Wilson, a product of Royal College who helped the Trinitians to break the 35-year-old hoodoo. Shaw is the present Vice Principal of Trinity.

The 1986 Trinity team: Thushara “TP” Weerasooriya (captain), Priyanka Nanayakkara, Rukshan Wijenayake, Nilanka Nanayakkara, Paul Robinson, Romesh Jayawardena, Chaminda Unantenne, Channa Fernando, Paul Navamani, Susil K Premasinghe, Dan Wijesinghe, Francis Jayawardena, S. Ratnakumar, Dasarath Kiridena, Denham Madena, Mevan Balalle, Shaw Wilson (Coach), Upali Nanayakkara (MIC) and Rohan Madena (team Manager). Denham Madena, Thushara,TP Weerasooriya, Mevan Balalle and Chaminda Unantenne won the Lion that year.

It’s mid-March and the Royal-Thomian that places the big match season in the pinnacle, signifying the month of March starts today at the Singhalese Sports Club (SSC) grounds till Saturday.

The highly-anticipated 141st innings of the Battle of the Blues, starring arch-rivals Royal College, Colombo, and S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia, will go all-guns blazing to reclaim and retain the Rt. Hon. D.S. Senanayake Shield.

S. Thomas’, commonly dubbed as Thora, the shield holders, enter the elite match with a bowling unit that will be significantly less in impact sans their last year lead bowler and SL U19 cap Kalana Perera, spinner cum former captain Dellon Peiris and slow-bowler Shannon Fernando.

Royal, who will be breathing a sigh of relief for it will be looking to exploit the void to the maximum. However, the contest only grows in curiosity as to how the shield holders will counteract to that.

The win-loss-draw record of the past 140 encounters is interestingly evenly poised with both the contenders having 35 wins apiece, and as many as 70 draws.

Yesteryear Royal captain Kavindu Madarasinghe will remain behind the wickets. His captaincy role has been handed over to middle-order batsman Thevindu Senaratne.

They’ll not only have to battle their opponents, but also have to come to terms with the sun-soaked SSC.

Senaratne, as the host this time speaking on the big occasion said they’re 100 percent confident that the win would be theirs.

They will be walking to the middle with the unbeaten tag, this season, and Senaratne was banking on that confidence to better and beat it over the next three days.

Without any hesitancy he accepted the underdog tag. “We lost last year, and because of that we are the underdogs. So, our hope is to bring back the shield to Reid Avenue,” he said.

Senaratne, batting at no. 5 or 6, admitted there is a bit of pressure that the shield isn’t at the College.

Talking on the extra preparations to regain the shield he said, “Our weakness was fielding and bowling. From those departments, we have done pretty well this season”.

The U-19 run up to the occasion reads four outright wins, six first innings wins and three draws.

Giving an insight about the squad, he disclosed, the team is stacked with 11 coloursmen.

Senaratne, also had a message to his arch-rivals saying, “Do the modifications and keep the shield. So, on the 14 March, it would be at Reid Avenue.”

On the other hand, Thomian skipper Thevin Eriyagama, expressing his views on the same remarked, “Our plan is to win the big match this year, just like last year. We are taking it as a normal match. We are planning to keep the shield at Mount Lavinia.”

“We thought the practise sessions would have gone easily. But, it’s harder than last year and our boys have worked at it to win four outright and draw 12 out of 16 matches,” he said of the U-19 results.

Speaking of his side, Eriyagama explained from the last year’s winning-side four have left.

“This year we got three spots, so far. We’ll have a competitive game with Royal and I wish them all the best. I hope one of the teams will emerge victorious,” Eriyagama said, in his calm message to his rivals.

The Royal-Thomian shortly known as “RoyTho”, a three-day affair, speaks big volumes as the only second uninterrupted and unbroken cricket series locally and globally, unmatched and unsurpassed by even the great “Ashes”.

Every year it had renewed, it has continued to leave copious amounts of on-and-off the field memories rejoiced by present and past students of these top schools, regretted too, depending on the outcome.

This has become a larger-than-life event, the latter, specifically, fly down to soak and sync in nostalgia.

Both the teams are locked and loaded with couple of similarities. In a common aspect, Royal by Reid Avenue and Thomians by the sea have two U-19 players, apiece.

They also come into the hot contest bragging as unbeaten and unconquered teams, which brings colour and strength to the sides.

The pomp and pageantry cricket aside the Royal-Thomian at least, since the last few years is increasingly becoming a game of cricket with a cause.

Continuing a thoughtful cause from yesteryear this year too, Rs. 1000 would be added for every run scored and Rs. 10,000 for every wicket that falls.

The proceeds of this collection would be directed to support and empower selected deserving schools, chosen in direct consultation with the principal of Royal and warden of STC.

Accordingly, previous year’s collection amounted to a substantial Rs. 5,143,000 and this edition’s amount will be directly donated to ten deserving educational institutions for cricket gears.