Former Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews made unbeaten 173 runs against Saracens CC at P. Sara Oval in the Super 8 round of the SLC Major League Tier ‘A’ Cricket tournament (2019/2020) yesterday.

Mathews' unbeaten 173 runs came in 262 deliveries with 12 boundaries and 2 sixes. Kusal Mendis scored 139 runs in 225 balls with 19 boundaries against Ragama CC at MCG Katunayake.

Seven Batsmen made centuries in the matches namely Angelo Mathews (Colts), Kusal Mendis (CCC), Kamindu Mendis (Chilaw Marians CC), Upul Tharanga (NCC), Lahiu Udara (NCC), Shanthush Gunathilaka (Colts CC), and Chanaka Ruwansiri (Lankan CC).

Left hander Kamindu Mendis of Chilaw Marians CC scored unbeaten 136 runs in 216 deliveries with 12 boundaries and 2 sixes against BRC. Upul Thranga and Lahiru Udara both of NCC made centuries against Army SC. Upul Tharanga scored 121 runs in 166 balls with 19 boundaries. Lahiru Udara scored 106 runs in 145 balls with 12 boundaries and a six. Shanthush Gunathilake scored 100 runs in 245 deliveries with 3 boundaries. Angelo Mathews and Santhush Gunathialka of Colts CC made 245 runs stand for 3rd wicket partnership against Saracens CC. Dilesh Gunarathna (NCC) took 5 wickets for 42 runs against Army CC.

CCC made a mammoth score of 499 runs for 7 wickets in their first innings against Ragama CC at MCG Katunayake. Colts CC scored 408 runs for 6 wickets in their first inning against Saracens CC P. Sara Oval. Chilaw Marians CC, NCC and CCC leading first inning against BRC, Army SC and Ragama CC in Super 8 round. Wanindu Hasaranga (CCC) and Lahiru Madhusanka (CCC) shown good all round performances against Ragama CC.

Tamil Union C & AC, Lankan CC and Moors SC leading first inning against SSC, Negombo CC and Baduralya CC. Kavishka Anjula (Moors SC) took 5 wickets for 39 runs against Badraliya CC.

Super 8 Round: Day 2 Scores

lAt P. Sara Oval. Colts CC: 408/6 decl. (256/2 o/n) (128.2) (Angelo Mathews 173 n.o., Santhush Gunathilaka 100, Avishka Fernando 66, Sadeera Samarawickrama 41, Kasun Rajitha 3/85, Pramod Madhuwantha 2/72)

Saracens SC: 114/3 (44) (Kanishka Amarasinghe 45, Kavindu Nirmal 32, Milinda Siriwardhane 27 n.o.)

lAt MCG Katunayake. CCC: 499/7 decl. (353/4 o/n) (117) (Kusal Mendis 139, Wanindu Hasaranga 88, Minod Bhanuka 88, Ashan Priyanjan 58, Lahiru Madhusanka 57 n.o., Sonal Dinusha 29, Malinda Pushpakumara 12 n.o., Binura Fernando 4/72)

Ragama CC: 132 (41.2) (Janith Liyanage 43 n.o., Roshen Silva 27, Saminda Fernando 16, Lahiru Thirimanna 12, Supeshala Jayathilake 11, Nishan Madhushka 11, Malinda Pushpakumara 4/35, Lahiru Madhusanka 2/16, Wanindu Hasaranga 2/36) and 4/2 (5.5)

lAt SSC. Army CC: 269 (236/9 o/n) (84.1) (Janith Silva 54, Asela Gunaratne 50, Himasha Liyanage 46, Mahesh Kumara 41, Dinesh Chandimal 19, Thulina Dilshan 14, Yasodha Mendis 12, Chathuranga Silva 18, Dilesh Gunarathna 5/42, Chathuranga De Silva 3/90)

NCC: 323/6 (75) (Upul Tharanga 121, Lahiru Udara 105, Angelo Perera 29, Mahela Udawatte 26 n.o., Hasitha Boyagoda 15, Sahan Arachchige 14 n.o., Niroshan Dikwella 11, Seekuge Prasanna 3/72)

lAt CCC. Chilaw Marians CC: 195 and 359/6 (81) (Kamindu Mendis 136, Kasun Vidura 87, Thikshila De Silva 40 n.o., Shehan Jayasooriya 35, Oshadha Fernando 30, Lasith Croospulle 15, Bhanuka Rajapaksa 3/40, Duvindu Tillakaratne 71/2)

BRC: 87 (67/5 o/n) (34.2) (Deshan Dais 24, Lasith Lakshan 18, Dilshan De Zoysa 10, Asitha Fernando 4/42, Nimesh Vimukthi 3/6, Thikshila de Silva 3/13)

Plate

lAt Colts. Moors SC: 340 (239/7 o/n) (100.2) (Ayana Siriwardhane 83, Adeesha Thilanchana 53, Dinuka Dilshan 46, Kavishka Anjula 42, Ramesh Mendis 40, Nipun Karunanayake 27, Anuk Fernando 27, Lahiru Samarakoon 5/86, Dushan Hemantha 2/57, Buddhika Sanjeewa 2/75) and 74/1 (19) (Pabasara Waduge 36 n.o., Mohommed Shamaz 27 n.o., Dinuka Dilshan 11)

Badureliya CC: 149 (45.5) (Salinda Ushan 67, Damith Perera 12, Dunith Jayatunge 22, Dushan Hemantha 25, Kavishka Anjula 5/39, Sachithra Serasinghe 3/12, Ramesh Mendis 2/37)

lAt De Soysa stadium Moratuwa. Lankan CC: 270 and 67/5 (33) (Chanaka Ruwansiri 26 n.o., Lasith Aberathne 20, Upul Indrasiri 2/13, Rosehn Ferando 2/22)

Negombo CC: 238 (64/3 o/n) (69.2) (Madhawa Warnapura 64, Rosco Thatil 63, Ashen Silva 53, Dilshan Munaweera 12, Shehan Fernando 10, Dunith Wellalage 3/66, Geeth Kumara 2/33, Chanaka Ruwansiri 2/45)

lAt NCC. SSC: 254 (242/8 o/n) (77.5) (Sachithra Senanayake 81, Akash Senarathne 37, Sandun Weerakkody 35, Dasun Shanaka 35, Charith Asalanka 24, Dhammika Prasad 21, Suranga Lakmal 4/36, Isuru Udana 2/43, Pramod Madushan 2/53)

Tamil Union C & AC: 294/5 (86 ) (Ranmith Jayasena 82, Tharanga Paranavithana 71, Dhananjaya De Silva 53, Dakshitha Fernando 39, Yohan Mendis 31, Dhammika Prasad 2/28, Jeffery Vandersay 2/89). YK

Asuncion, Monday: Brazil great Ronaldinho could be freed on August 24 following five months detention in Paraguay over a forged passport, judicial sources told AFP on Monday.

The former Barcelona, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain star was detained alongside his brother Roberto de Assis Moreira on March 6, accused of entering Paraguay in possession of false passports.

They spent a month behind bars before paying a $1.6 million bail and being released to house arrest at the plush Palmaroga Hotel in the historic centre of the Paraguayan capital Asuncion.

Judge Gustavo Amarilla has set a date of August 24 to hear the case against the brothers.

Prosecutors have submitted a proposal to the judge that would see Ronaldinho, 40, pay a $90,000 fine "to repair social damage" but be allowed to return home to Brazil where he would have to appear before a judge every three months for a year. Ronaldinho denies having any knowledge the passports were fake.

His brother -- who allegedly knew about the false passports -- would have to pay a $110,000 fine and appear before a judge every three months for two years.

Prosecutors also asked for a two-year suspended prison sentence for Roberto de Assis Moreira, who is also Ronaldinho's business manager.

The brothers arrived in Paraguay on March 4 without any issues, with Ronaldinho, 2005 Ballon d'Or winner, due to take part in event in support of disadvantaged children.

However, shortly after their arrival, the pair were taken into police custody when investigators raided their hotel following the discovery they had fake documents.

The investigation has since expanded into a case of possible money laundering.

Ronaldinho, considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, was crucial in Brazil's 2002 World Cup win.

AFP

Hambantota will come alive once again this weekend when two major sporting activities are set to take place on the Hanbantota beach.

The two events are organized by Lanka Sports Riezen headed by Thilak Weerasinghe who has been a pioneer in organizing many international cycling and beach sports events in Sri Lanka.

According to him there will be a Beach Volleyball Championship and a Beach Football Championship. In addition there will be a demonstration of surfing to give a chance to aspiring surfers to get a real understanding of surfing. This idea is expected to bring in new generation in coastal areas to get involved in the sport.

Though these championships were organized in a short period, over 50 teams from each sport has confirmed their participation on these two days of activity. "While the Volleyball and Football tournaments are taking pace, surfing demonstration will also be conducted", said Weerasinghe.

Weerasinghe also said that the MP Namal Rajapaksa who himself is a sportsman will attend on both days and will be the chief guest on Sunday.

The Lanka Premier League (LPL) conducted by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has been postponed until November 20 this year, due to various reasons including the health Ministry concerns.

Initially the SLC fixed the tournament to be conducted between August 28 to September 20.

The Health Ministry authorities were reluctant to grant the green light due to various reasons considering the post Covid situation, where all foreign players including the officials were requested to undergo a 14-day quarantine period on their arrival in Sri Lanka, before they participate in this tournament.

The other factor which made SLC to revert to this decision is that the closer of the Bandaranaike International Airport, which the reopen date is yet undecided. This has caused the uncertainty of getting the services of the overseas players and other officials. Considering all these facts SLC opted to delay the tournament until November.

Five teams including 30 overseas players were to participate in this year’s tournament including of five foreign coaches. (AN)

Sexual harassment and Abuse in sport seriously and negatively impact athletes’ physical and psychological health. It can result in impaired performance and it leads to athletes dropping out while they are peaking.

Research data indicate psychosomatic illness, anxiety, depression, substance abuse are direct results of this scourge. Self-harm and suicide are some of the other serious health consequences.

A webinar by the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka in this regard will be held on 12 August from 3pm.

The webinar panellists will be K.D.S. Ruwanchandra – secretary Ministry of Sports, Suresh Subramaniam – President National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka, Maxwell de Silva Secretary General National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka, Lilamani de Soysa – Co-opted expert Lilamani De Soysa –Council Member of the International Working Group on Women and Sport, International Sports Consultant, Lausanne Switzerland on Women and Jiwan Gunathilaka – Attorney-at-law. The webinar will be broadcast live between 3-4 on the official site of National Olympic Committee website -- https://olympic.lk

G. J Jayaseelan Director of Benholdings on behalf of the Gnanam Foundation (second from left) handing over the athletic sponsorship to the President of the AASL, Major General Palitha Fernando at the press briefing held at the Hotel Ramada Colombo. Also in the picture from left: Treasurer of the AASL Shantha  de Silva, Sudewa Hettiarachchi CEO of EBC Ltd and Secretary of the AASL Prema Pinnawala. 

Sri Lankan athletes had high hopes for 2020 but Covid 19 pandemic hampered Sri Lanka’s plans as due to lockdown said President of the Athletic Association of Sri Lanka (AASL) Major General Palitha Fernando. However AASL is now ready for 2021 with better plans. The Athletic Chief further said that after years without any regular sponsorship, Sri Lanka Athletics finally got the funding they need to take athletics to the next level with Lyca Mobiles ‘Gnanam Foundation’ coming forward with a Rs. 10 million sponsorship package for two years. This was revealed during a press briefing to announce the sponsorship at the Hotel Ramada Colombo recently.

"It is very difficul to find a sponsor for any sport with this global viral crisis. We have to give special thanks for Ghanam Foundation who came forward to give their hands first time for the sport. The funding will be utilized for National Athletics meets, Athletes' development, and to provide competition kits and equipment. However AASL does not plan to utilize these funds for foreign tours," he explained.

The AASL Chief said, Sri Lanka impressed the arena last year (2019) at the South Asian Games in Nepal by securing 15 gold medals and pushing India into second place for the first time since 1991, where the athletes efforts were appreciated island wide and felicitated by the Sports Ministry. In addition we got nine medals from the Asian Junior Championship in 2018, and all credit should go to officials of the Athletic Association for their fine effort.

"We have started our administration from 2017 and within two years we have got good results. But we have failed at the Asian level competitions. The biggest reason is most of the countries import athletes from Africa and Caribbean Islands and give them citizenship to represent Asian countries, Especially Western Asian countries normally do this to overcome other Asian countries. However now we have started special programme to overcome that problems.

We have very confident Sri Lankan coaches and three foreign coaches one from Kenya and two from Cuba and with their service we can win medals at the Asian level next year. We also have an idea to bring new Javelin throw coach from Finland who gave his service to Olympian Nadeeka Lakmali and Kasun Maduranga earlier.

We already started our training with the assistance from local and foreign coaches and all are under the health regulations due to global viral pandemic. All South Asian gold medal winners are in the pool and section of them involve with high altitude training at Nuwara Eliya and others are in Colombo and their progress is very good," added Athletic Chief.

2021 is very busy for athletes. In February Asian cross country championships will commence followed by Asian Marathon, Asian Youth (boys) athletic championship, Asian relay championship, 24th Senior Asian Athletic championship, Tokyo Olympics(July), World Junior Athletic championships (August) and 3rd Asian Youth Games (November) are on the cards. "We are expected to send 15 athletes for Asian Youth Athletic Championship while 25 athletes for Senior Asian Championships in China. Our aim is to give more opportunity for athletes to gain Olympic qualification. We have selected potential few events where we are within reach of Olympic qualification and give them more training. The events are women’s marathon, 4x100 men’s relay, 4x400 mixed relay, 800m (men’s and women’s), long jump (men's and women's), Triple jump (men's and women's) and women’s 3000m steeple chase. However non of the athletes so far not reach the Olympic qualification and 3000m steeple chase women’s athlete Nilani Ratnayake is very close to Olympic qualification. Hiruni Wijayaratne the marathon champion who is training in USA has improved a lot to reach the qualification standard and she has a good chance to take part at the Asian marathon. Our 4x 100 men’s relay team is also in good standard." Fernando said.

The Athletic Chief further said that Sri Lanka had high hopes for 2020, especially with the Asian Junior Championship where Sri Lanka had set up a pool of athletes since 2019. Also, with the SAG performance, they were prepared to send selected athletes for international competitions during the early period of 2020 to gain qualification for the Tokyo Olympics. But Covid19 hampered Sri Lanka’s plans as the world went into lockdown, cancelling meets such as the Asian Junior Championship where Sri Lanka could have won several medals. Nevertheless, Athletic Chief said the lockdown also came as blessing in disguise as all the National athletes recovered from injuries they sustained, and are now ready to compete. AASL has scheduled National trials to be held from 23 to 25 October, which is open event to be conducted following Covid-19 health guidelines and social distancing. "Actually we wanted to conduct selection trials according to our future plans and already discussed with Health Ministry through the Sport Ministry. It may be three day trails or it can be exceed for more days depending of the health regulations," he further said.

The National pools will be updated following performance at that trials, and only selected athletes will be allowed to compete during the National Championship to be held on December 5-6 after Olympic qualification and world ranking system resumes from December 1. Meanwhile AASL is also expected to conduct Junior National trials in November, depending on GCE (OL) exam dates – to select pools for Asian Youth Championship and World Junior Championship to be held next year. "We are very confidence, we have good athletes and also very experienced coaches to guide them for success." added Athletic Chief.

The 64th Annual General Meeting of the Mercantile Hockey Association (MHA) was held on July 18 at the Reg Wood Lounge of the Bugher Recreation Club.

Kumar De Silva who has a stunning career representing Dharmadutha/DS Senanayake/ Sri Lanka Schools, BRC, Ex Director Sales Glaxo Smith kline, Colombo HA, Sri Lanka Presidents XI was elected as the new president for the ensuing year 2020/21. Kumar De Silva has captained all teams except the Sri Lanka Presidents XI.

Manjula Wijemanne (Anandian, Sri Lanka Schools, CR & FC, Old Anandians, Singer, Brown & Co, Mercantile Junior and Senior and National Poolist) who was the President from 2013 to 2020 stepped down after serving for 7 years. He was appointed as the Vice Patron.

Speaking on the occasion legendary Past President and life member of the Mercantile Hockey Association Dennis Rosayro stated that Manjula Wijemmane had the honour of being the President of the two biggest Hockey Associations of the country, namely Colombo HA and Mercantile HA. He further stated that the baton passes on to an another thoroughbred Kumar De Silva, who was elected President today and has all confidence in Kumar. Kumar De Silva will take the helm of Mercantile Hockey and has earmarked several development projects, such as player development, coaching, umpiring and back end staff development etc.

The following were elected to serve the committee of the Mercantile Hockey Association for 2020/21

Office Bearers For 2020/2021

Patron: Bryan Baptist – Mercantile Produce Brokers /Ex Bartleets.

Vice Patrons: Dr Rohitha Silva, Deva Ellepola, Tharaka Ranwala, Ramesh Schaffter, Manjula Wijemanne

President: Kumar De Silva – SRB Logistics Ceylon (Pvt) Ltd

Vice Presidents: Asif Bary – SRB Logistics Ceylon (Pvt ) Ltd, V. Balagopi- Price Water House Coopers,

M.Juragan Majid- Expo Lanka Pharmaceuticals, Christopher Tissera – SRB Logistics Ceylon (Pvt) Ltd, Ajith De Silva – Browns Group

Secretary: Asif Bary – SRB Logistics Ceylon (Pvt ) Ltd

Assistant Secretary: Laxmananraj Ganeshkmar – Orient Insurance

Treasurer: Chandana Weregama (Sampath Bank)

Assistant Treasurer: C.J.Suduarchchi (HNB Group )

Executive Committee:

1. Sumith Jayasena – Commercial Bank, 2. M.J.M.Irshad – Seylan Bank, 3. Charitha Senanayake - HNB Group, 4. Sameera Ushantha – Sampath Bank, 5. Shammika Meegahapola – MAS Holdings, 6. Gihan Peiris - Allianz Insurance, 7. Mark Fernando - HSBC, 8. Nipuna Nirmal - David Peiris Motor Company, 9. Sachith Dilshan - Airport & Aviation, 10. Shaqiq Jaleel - Aitken Spence Group.

Election of Trustees: Deva Ellepola

Appointment of Auditors: Amarasekera & Co

Working Committee: 1. Kumar De Silva – Chairman, 2. Asif Bary, 3. V.Balagopi, 4. Juragan Majid, 5. Christopher Tissera, 6. Ajith De Silva, 7. Chandana Weragama

Selection Committee: 1. Kumar De Silva, 2. V.Balagobi, 3. Sameera Ushantha

Tournament Committee: 1. Christopher Tissera (Chairman), 2. Laxmanraj Ganeshkumar, 3. Sameera Ushantha, 4. Jiffry Irshad

Finance Committee:

1. V.Balagobi Chairman, 2. Chandana Weragama, 3. Chaminda Suduarachchi

Sponsorship ,Marketing and Communications Committee: 1. Ajith De Silva (Chairman), 2. Asif Bary, 3. Juragan Majid, 4. V.Balagobi, 5. Nuwan Dilshan,

Representatives to the SLHF: 1. Kumar De Silva, 2. Asif Bary, 3. V.Balagopi, 4. Juragan Majid, 5. Laxmananraj Ganeshkumar

Y. C. Chang’s contribution to rugby is immense. YC was one of the finest rugby players to emerge from Kandy. He started his education at Carey College and later crossed over to Trinity College, where he excelled in both rugby and studies. His ambition was to take up medicine after his school career, but had to end up only with rugby.

Speaking of the present day rugby Chang said that “the game has improved very much in recent times”.

Chang at Trinity first excelled at junior level rugby, but it was at Havelock SC that he first played premier rugby. YC as he was fondly known later crossed over to the hills to take up planting and joined Kandy Sports Club, in 1964, and got a chance to polish his rugby playing with English planters, and was the first choice to the front row of the national side. He played for the country from 1964 to 1971, while representing Kandy SC, but sad to say he never got the opportunity of leading the country till he went back to Colombo.

Leaving the planting and Kandy SC he joined CH & FC in 1972, the year he got the break to lead the country at the Hong Kong Asiad. He was tipped to lead the country at the first ever Asiad in Sri Lanka in 1974, but was deprived of it because as the captain of CH & FC he led the team out of the field before the final whistle, disobeying the referee. YC was one of the country’s finest ruggerites who later became a coach, referee and an administrator. It was under his presidency that clubs got sponsorships, and also he is the man who took the Clifford Cup knocks to Kandy, and promoted the game in Kandy.

YC perhaps devoted more time to the game of rugby than what he got back. As a player he strived to achieve the highest level through sheer hard work and dedication, before hanging up his boots in 1974. He had all the power to continue the game for another few years, but he was treated badly at that time. He never played senior rugby for his school, but it was due to his dedication that he came up in the sport.

A top class player during his playing days he weighed 165 pounds and was a fearless forward. He was one man who led from the front, rugby lovers flocked to see him when he played for Kandy SC. YC’s biggest rival at that time was CH & FC’s Maurice Marrinon - both rugged players, sometimes they put the rules aside and went man to man.

YC represented the All Ceylon Barbarians at the age of 18, and played for the Park Club from 1961 to 1963. He was a member of the Clifford Cup winning team, which they beat Dickoya MCC in the final, with a penalty coming in the last second of the game, where Kandy’s Ken de Joodt goaled it for Havelock SC led by Hubert Aloysius.

Returning to Kandy, he gave his fullest backing, and started his career at Nittawela form 1964 and went on till 1972. He led the side in 1967 and continued in the following year 1968 too. He was one of the live wires of the 1969 Denzil Kobbekaduwa’s Cup final team. At that time Denzil was a Lieutenant and was on compulsory leave and played for his home town club. In 1970 when Denzil was called back to the Army, YC led the side half way in 1970.

He represented the country in all the All Indian tournaments from 1963 to 1969. He was the member of the first ever team which took part in the Rugby Asiad in 1970. That year Sri Lanka (Ceylon), entered the semifinals.

YC was a member of the Sri Lanka team that played Blachheath from England in 1970, Bosuns 1969, Emus of Australia in 1972 and Paris University 1971. He played for Havelock SC, Kandy SC Up-Country, CH & FC, Low Country and Sri Lanka, and led all the teams except Havelock SC. He was also a referee during his days, referee is the person responsible for enforcing the Laws of the Game which he did the way it should be and during his refereeing days he is to give his best for the tow flags men. At most levels of play the referee is assisted by two assistant referees (formerly known as linesmen), who are empowered to advise the referee in certain situations such as the ball leaving play or infringements of the Laws of the Game occurring.

As a president of Rugby he gave his best along with top rugby promoters in the committee. Under his leadership the R. Premadasa Trophy club and school knockout tournaments were introduced.

As the President of SLRFU, he implemented a familiarization and training scheme for the national pool, and helped teams to tour more countries. It was under him that the first Sri Lanka under 20 team played in the 5th Pan Pacific Championship in Taiwan and under 15 team took part in the inter Collegiate tournament in the same country. There was another tour to Wales and South East Asia. Coaches and referees got a break in the Cathay Pacific Sevens in Hong Kong. A keen follower of the game, much can be expected from him to boost the game.

The Nutrition Society of Sri Lanka is committed to improve the knowledge of all National sports coaches regarding the importance of Nutrition.

The knowledge of coaches regarding sports nutrition is of great help in the promotion of sports.

A series of lectures in this connection has been conducted via the internet over a period of five (05) weeks. The participants will be awarded a certificate.

The chairperson of this society, Prof.Chandima Wikramathilake states that several workshops of

this nature will be conducted in the future. The present programme is co-ordinated by Dr.Dhammika Senanayaka, Medical Consultant to the Sri Lankan Athletics Team.

Group of lecturers consist of Prof. Renuka Silva, Prof.Terrance Madujith, Dr.Ananda Chandrasekara, Dr. Seevali Jayawikrama and Mrs.Kamaline Jayakumar, who are professionals in the field of Sports Nutrition will be the resourse persons for the programme.

Further information in this regard can be obtained from the facebook page of ‘THE

NUTRITION SOCIETY OF SRI LANKA’ and telephone numbers 077-77969663 and 077-77369982.

A popular ruggerite and youth activist, Namal Rajapaksa, has been appointed the Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, at the new Cabinet Ministers’ swearing-in ceremony held at the Sri Dalada Maligawa premises, yesterday.

He notched up a landslide victory in the Hambantota electorate, where he contested. He is a product of S. Thomas’ College, Mt. Lavinia, who has engaged in various sports, apart from his academic studies. Minister Rajapaksa represented the college rugby team from 2003 to 2005, in which year he captained the side.

In 2004, he captained the under 19 team at the Youth Rugby Asiad. He donned the Navy Sports Club jersey from 2007 to 2013, while captaining the Navy team during the 2010/11 season. He also led the Sri Lanka national side at the Asian Rugby Championship 2013.

He took over CH and FC rugby in the 2017 and 2018 seasons, where he coached the side despite having duties as a Parliamentarian. He was instrumental in inaugurating the Carlton International Rugby Sevens in 2010, which continued for five years, enabling local players to gain international exposure and earn good money. He played a pivotal role in allowing youth to expose their talent. (AN)

New Star Sports Club will go all -out to maintain their unbeaten record against Matara City Club while Blue Star Sports Club, Kalutara will confront Java Lane Sports Club to remain unbeaten in their matches today at the inaugural “Vantage FFSL President’s Cup” soccer tournament to be played at Race Course Grounds and Sugathadasa Stadium respectively.

New Star Sports Club, which notched up a narrow upset 1-0 win in their curtain raiser match against the strong Renown Sports Club, will take on another strong contender Matara City Club. Matara CC forced a 1-all draw against New Young Football Club, Wennapuwa in their first match played last Tuesday. On paper, the Colombo lads are poised and have an advantage with a formidable balanced side. They are capable of creating another upset in today’s fixture, and a win today will reserve them a berth in the quarter finals to be held end of this month.

Matara City Club coached by the former national coach Roomy Pakeer Ali cannot be underrated. They possess some talented players in their ranks and are capable of turning tables, if they are capable of putting their act together and execute to a proper plan. A nail biting finish is expected.

On the other hand Blue Star Sports Club, Kalutara recorded a 3-1 victory against the Moragasmulla Sports Club in their opener played earlier this week. The lads from Kalutara are blessed with few national players. They put up a splendid performance in that game and if they can continue the same form they too can reach the quarter final stage.

On the other hand, Java Lane Sports Club held the Up Country Sports Club to a 3-all draw in their tournament opener. They had a poor day on the field and put up a dismal performance. The Colombo lads will have to work hard if they are to gain a fruitful result.

Today's matches:

New Star SC Vs Matara City Club at Sugathadasa Stadium 3.30 pm

Moragasmulla SC Vs Up Country Lions SC at Sugathadasa Stadium at 6.30 p.m.

New Youngs FC Vs Renown SC at Racecourse International Stadium 3.30 pm

Java Lane SC Vs Blue Star SC at Racecourse International Stadium 6.30

CCC beat Ragama CC by an innings and 125 runs and lead the points table after the first weekend in the Super 8 round of the SLC Major League Tier ‘A’ Cricket tournament (2019/2020) at MCG, Katunayake yesterday. Malinda Pushpakumara snatched 8 wickets for CCC.

Kamindu Mendis of Chilaw Marians scored an unbeaten 150 runs off 243 balls with 13 fours and 3 sixes against BRC, while Negombo CC beat Lankan CC by 5 wickets at De Soysa Stadium, Moratuwa.

Kavishka Anjula, a right-arm medium pacer, grabbed a match bag of 11 wickets for 74 runs for Moors SC against Badureliya SC.

10 batsmens have scored centuries in the first weekend of the Super 8 and Plate. Other matches were drawn.

Sri Lanka former captain Dinesh Chandimal (Army CC), Thulina Dilshan (Army CC) and Dilshan De Zoysa (BRC) made centuries. Dinesh Chandimal (Army CC) scored 129 runs in 154 balls with 15 boundaries against NCC. Thulina Dilshan (Army CC) scored unbeaten 116 runs in 188 balls with 12 boundaries and 2 sixes against NCC. Dilshan De Zoysa (BRC) scored unbeaten 105 runs in 157 balls with 12 boundaries and 4 sixes against Chilaw Maraians CC.

Super Eight Round: Day 3 Scores

•  At MCG Katunayake. CCC won by innings and 125 runs. CCC: 499/7 decl. Ragama CC: 132 and 242 (4/2 o/n) (58.3) (Janith Liyanage 50 n.o., Roshen Silva 41, Ishan Jayaratne 35, Binura Fernando 29, Nishan Madushka 29, Saminda Fernando 23, Supeshala Jayathilake 19, Malinda Pushpakumara 4/55, Ashan Priyanjan 2/64, Wanindu Hasaranga 2/66)
• At SSC. Match drawn. Army CC: 269 and 255/3 (60) (Dinesh Chandimal 129, Thulina Dilshan 116 n.o., Dilesh Gunarathna 2/13) NCC: 417/7 decl. (323/6 o/n) (88) (Upul Tharanga 121, Lahiru Udara 105, Mahela Udawatte 77 n.o., Chamika Karunarathne 30 n.o., Angelo Perera 29, Sahan Arachchige 25, Seekkuge Prasanna 3/91)
• At CCC. Match drawn. Chilaw Marians CC: 195 and 385/8 decl. (359/6 o/n) (89.2) (Kamindu Mendis 150 n.o., Kasun Vidura 87, Thikshila De Silva 40 n.o., Shehan Jayasooriya 35, Oshadha Fernando 30, Lasith Croospulle 15, Bhanuka Rajapaksa 3/40, Duvindu Tillakaratne 71/2) BRC: 87 (34.2) (Deshan Dais 24, Lasith Lakshan 18, Dilshan De Zoysa 10, Asitha Fernando 4/42, Nimesh Vimukthi 3/6, Thikshila de Silva 3/13) and 231/8 (80) (Dilshan De Soysa 105 n.o., Deshan Dias 28, Shanuka Dulaj 25, Hashen Ramanayake 20, Lasith Lakshan 18, Lisula Lakshan 11, Kamindu Mendis 4/43, Pulina Tharanga 2/32, Thikshila De Silva 2/23)
• At P. Sara Oval. Matach drawn. Colts CC: 408/6 decl. Saracens SC: 182 (114/3 o/n) (81.2) (Kanishka Amarasinghe 45, Saliya Saman 38, Kavindu Nirmal 32, Milinda Siriwardana 27, Chamikara Edirisnghe 12, Nisala Tharaka 3/34, Dilshan Madushanka 2/37, Prabath Jayasuriya 2/41) and 106/3 (40) (Navindu Nirmal 34 n.o., Sithara Gimhan 27, Kanishka Amarasinghe 23, Akila Dananjaya 2/19)

Plate

• At NCC. Match drawn. SSC: 254 and 271/5 (63) (Charith Asalanka 94, Sandun Weerakkody 68, Sammu Ashan 37, Dasun Shanaka 30, Krishan Sanjula 20, Madhuka Liyanapathiranage 2/51) Tamil Union C & AC: 349 (294/5 o/n) (98 ) (Ranmith Jayasena 82, Tharanga Paranavithana 71, Dhananjaya De Silva 53, Dakshitha Fernando 49, Yohan Mendis 31, Maduka Liyanapathiranage 25, Jeffrey Vandersay 4/91, Sachithra Senanayake 3/63, Dhammika Prasad 2/37)
•  At De Soysa stadium Moratuwa. Negombo CC won by 5 wickets. Lankan CC: 270 and 111 (67/5 o/n) (50.3) (Risith Upamal 36, Chanaka Ruwansiri 30, Kasun Abeyrathne 20, Upul Indrasiri 5/34, Roshen Fernando 3/29) Negombo CC: 238 and 147/5 (36.5) (Roscoe Thattil 38 n.o., Madhawa Warnapura 33 n.o., Pasindu Lakshanka 29, Dilshan Munaweera 25, Dunith Wellalage 3/60)
•  At Colts. Match drawn. Moors SC: 340 and 305/6 decl. (74/1 o/n) (69.1) (Ramesh Mendis 61, Sachithra Serasinghe 60, Nipun Karunanayake 58, Mohammed Shamaaz 48, Pabasara Waduge 36, Adeesha Thilanchana 28 n.o., Lahiru Samarakoon 2/33) Badureliya CC: 149 (45.5) (Salinda Ushan 67, Damith Perera 12, Dunith Jayatunge 22, Dushan Hemantha 25, Kavishka Anjula 5/39, Sachithra Serasinghe 3/12, Ramesh Mendis 2/37) and 120/9 (40) (Dushan Hemantha 43, Salinda Ushan 23, Lahiru Samarakoon 17, Lahiru Milantha 10, Kavishka Anjula 6/35, Praveen Jayawickrame 2/36) - YK

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has decided to grant contracts to 20 premier umpires for the first time in an effort to uplift the wellbeing of the cricket umpires in the country. Executive Committee which met recently approved the proposal presented by Chairman of the Umpires Committee, Deepal Madurapperuma.

SLC would provide a monthly fixed allowance for the selected umpires who would be divided into three categories, International, Emerging and Level 1.

The International category includes four umpires, followed by six in the emerging category and 10 in Level 1.

Southampton, Wednesday: England may have won the series opener against Pakistan but the absence of Ben Stokes leaves them with arguably the bigger selection headache going into Thursday's second Test at Southampton.

Pakistan were much the better side for much of last week's first Test at Old Trafford and, despite a second-innings collapse, were still favourites to win when they reduced England to 117-5 in pursuit of a target of 277.

But a sixth-wicket partnership of 139 between Chris Woakes (84 not out) and Jos Buttler (75) turned the tide as England went 1-0 up in a three-match series on Saturday.

Since England won with more than a day to spare in Manchester, it has been announced that star all-rounder Stokes will miss the rest of the series as a result of travelling to New Zealand to be with his ill father.

A quad injury meant that the end of England's 2-1 series win over the West Indies last month -- a campaign that marked international cricket's return from the coronavirus lockdown -- and the first Test against Pakistan saw vice-captain Stokes effectively deployed as a specialist batsman by skipper Joe Root.

Stokes, however, still took two important wickets on the third evening against Pakistan.

The obvious move for England would be to recall batsman Zak Crawley, who has missed out on the last two matches while an extra bowler has been deployed because of Stokes' injury problems. Buttler underlined his skill in a run-chase last week but the wicketkeeper, by his own admission, had a poor match with the gloves. England do have the option to recall Ben Foakes, widely regarded as a better keeper, and play Buttler as a specialist batsman. But Root appeared wary of that suggestion when he praised fellow World Cup winner Buttler's innings by saying: "I think it will provide him with a huge amount of confidence in all aspects of his game and he should take that forward for the rest of the series." Root himself could do with a big score having managed just one Test hundred in 18 months. England are in the middle of a sequence of six Tests in seven weeks, a gruelling schedule that has seen them adopt a policy of rotating their quicks.

James Anderson, England's all-time leading Test wicket-taker bristled at talk he was considering retirement after a meagre match haul of 1-97 at his Lancashire home ground last week meant the 38-year-old has taken just six wickets at an expensive average of 41 in three Tests this season.

He could now make way for left-armer Sam Curran, who has won all his eight home Tests, or fast bowler Mark Wood.

Pakistan coach Misbah-ul-Haq insisted his side could recover from an agonising loss as they try to avoid a defeat that will condemn them to a first series defeat by England in a decade.

"We need to improve 10 to 15 percent and deal with pressure situations a little better but we shouldn't be mentally down," he said, with Pakistan denied the usual vocal support they enjoy in England after COVID-19 turned this campaign into a behind closed doors series. Pakistan captain Azhar Ali, criticised for his tactics during Buttler and Woakes' decisive stand, has made just one fifty in 10 innings since becoming skipper in November. But he denied captaincy was affecting his batting.

"When I bat, I'm not thinking about the captaincy, whether or not I'm out of form. "And when I'm captain, I don't think about my batting at all."

AFP

London, Tuesday: England paceman Stuart Broad has been sanctioned by his father Chris, a match referee, for a breach of the International Cricket Council’s code of conduct during the first Test against Pakistan.

Broad was fined 15 per cent of his match fee -- equivalent to around £2,000 ($2,617) for a level one breach and also given one demerit point for using inappropriate language when dismissing Yasir Shah following a flurry of runs in Pakistan’s second innings at Old Trafford on Saturday, hours before England completed a three-wicket win.

Broad admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Chris Broad, the former England batsman who is now a match referee.

The punishment prompted Broad to joke on Twitter that his father was “off the Christmas card and present list”. Broad senior would not normally be officiating in a match involving his son. But in a bid to cope with travel restrictions imposed by the coronavirus, Chris Broad -- the only Englishman on the ICC’s elite panel of referees -- together with a team of English umpires, is officiating in the current three-match series.

Chris Broad also presided over England’s 2-1 win against the West Indies last month. Under the interim COVID-19 regulations, all such decisions are referred back to the ICC’s headquarters in Dubai to guard against accusations of bias. But as Stuart Broad did not contest the charge brought by on-field umpires Richard Kettleborough and Richard Illingworth, there was no need for a formal hearing. Stuart Broad now has three demerit points on his record.

AFP

The World Cup 2022 Qualifying fixtures of Sri Lanka national team has been postponed until further notice. In light of the current Covid-19 situation in many countries, the world's football governing body, FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have jointly decided that the upcoming qualifying matches for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023, originally scheduled to take place during the international match windows in October and November 2020, will be rescheduled to next year.

With the aim of protecting the health and safety of all participants, FIFA and the AFC will continue to work together to closely monitor the situation in the region and to identify new dates for the respective qualifying matches. Further details on the new dates for the next round of qualifying matches for the FIFA World Cup 2022 and Asian Cup 2023 will be announced in due course.

Sri Lanka were to play their three matches on October 8 against BPR Korea, October13 against the Korea Republic and November 12 against Lebanon respectively.

(AN)

With the country gradually returning to normalcy after the Covid 19 outbreak most sports bodies are resuming their activities. In rugby the clubs are registering their players and sorting out their contracts while engaging them in strength and conditioning adhering to the health ministry guidelines. Daily News had the opportunity of interviewing a former Rugby legend Dan Ratnam, who has dual citizenship of Sri Lanka and United States who spends over eight months of his time to witness his favourite sport of rugby, while supporting his club Havelock Sports Club.

Dan Ratnam a prominent figure in the field of rugby, who has contributed immensely, hails from a sports loving family with most of his family members having taken part in rugby and athletics, establishing several records while representing the country at national level. Three generations of his family have donned the Havelock’s jersey bringing back some happy memories.

The 73-year-old, is popularly known as “Dan” among the community. His father the late Vincent Ratnam, a former Thomian later donned the jersey of Havelock’s Sports Club in 1930. His elder brother Jeff Ratnam a former Thurstanite, who was a brilliant player later played for Air Force from 1960 to 1965, where he led them in the Clifford Cup final. In 1966 Jeff joined the Park Club and played until 1973 while captaining them in1970. Lorraine Ratnam the elder sister of Dan, was a former Sri Lankan track and field queen who established several records some of which are still not broken. Her two children also were top sportsmen, the late Michael Perera who played for St. Joseph’s in cricket and captained rugby in 1985 while Lalith Perera also played for St.Joseph’s later represented CR and Sri Lanka with distinction from 1987 to 1989 Audrey Pinder is the other sister whose son Shane Pinder captained and played for St.Thoma’s. He later played for Havelocks and Sri Lanka in rugby. Dan wants to mention his team mates who played with him at Havies, like Glen Van Langenberg, Jeyer Rodriguesz, Tyronne Holdenbottle, Desmond Harridge, Royden de Silva, Noel Brohier, Gamini Fernando, Japana Jayawardena, Jeff Ratnam, Lal Silva and Maxim Flamer Caldera are a few of them

Dan has mixed feelings on the present day’s rugby which according him has made drastic changes in the playing format. While sharing his experience in the good old days, they use to play attackihg rugby rather than defending . Even the forwards were playing like the back’s, by running the ball, where they had only mauls unlike the present scenario, where too many stoppages due to rucks and line outs, which most of the yesteryear players over 50 years of age are reluctant witnesses. Dan himself who played in the three quarter line, believes that the spectators like to witness more attacking rugby than the present day’s pattern of defensive rugby. During their time there was no replacement of players even if a player got injured or had to be replaced due to various other reasons.

He further stressed that in the present day’s game clubs are undergoing a torrid time, where they find it difficult of getting sponsors due to the present situation. Havelocks with a proud history of over ten decades, has become a place where they harness the school’s leavers talent to make them top class players. According to Dan they are finding it difficult to retain these players after the completion of a season, where the other leading clubs like Kandy, CH and CR are offering thumping amounts to lure them.

Due to the involvement of the money factor, most of these players, who are the backbone of the Havelock’s team make life miserable for the club authorities of maintaining a formidable side for the upcoming seasons. These thumping amounts which are offered by the said clubs is simply not affordable by the Park Club, which he says is a very bad sign for the development of the game. Due to this all clubs in the fray should sign a contract at least effective for three years, . These players should have loyalty and play for the love of the club and have the passion for the game.

He finally concluded stating that “The governing body should look in to this matter seriously if they are they want to see these clubs continue to play rugby.

The respective clubs should take adequate measures to play for the passion of the game without contracting the players for money. I hope that the glory days of Havelocks rugby will come back again.”

C. H. Seneviratne a top player and referee during his time said that, the skills of rugby were exciting, with a mind-set of forwards bustling battle and then moving the ball down the line, to enable the wing three-quarters to score.

It was a delightful spectacle to watch three-quarter lines move the ball down, to score a try on the wing. It was considered a cardinal error for a flyhalf or three quarter to run into the forwards.

Today, the Laws of the game have changed and the patterns of play are vastly different. Yet it is vitally important to ‘keep possession’ of the ball, with more ‘hits’, phased-out play and fast-paced Rugby, where even the forwards go for the score! Of course, the greater emphases on ‘special skills’ and fitness have not changed and is of paramount importance. For instance, in the ‘Back division’ the pivotal role is that of the ‘fly-off, whose main function was to receive the ball from a ‘scrum’ or’line-out’ and pass it out fast ‘like handling a hot potato!’ - To work his ‘threes’.

C.H. as he was called was a classy hooker in his time and played for Trinity in 1960 with Eric Roles as Captain. After leaving school he joined the Havelock SC in 1961 and later captained the “B”side” Bambaras”.

He played for the Ceylon Barbarians and Low- Country between 1962 and ‘64. Then in 1965, he crossed over to CR & FC. In1966 he got his ‘big-break’ to play for Sri Lanka, in the All-India Tournament.

Then from 1968 to ‘70 he was the General Secretary of the C.R. and F.C.. in 1968 he started refereeing, starting with ‘C’division games. For his good job with the ‘whistle’ by 1969 was appointed to referee in ‘A’ division matches, as well as to ‘blow’ in the London Welsh Tour of Sri Lanka.

In 1972, the Paris University Club played Sri Lanka at Longden Place and he was appointed to referee the game. In 1986, he refereed in the ASIAD in Hong Kong and in the following year too, he was invited to the ‘International Rugby Sevens’ in Hong Kong to referee some of the key games, including the “All Blacks”.

Then he migrated to Australia in 1981 an in1984, he returned to Sri Lanka.

In Kandy he was residing along Peradeniya Road and in 1986 he was keen to give a hand for Kandy SC coaching and in that year this writer took him to the residence of then Kandy SC President E.W. Balasuriya and with terms and conditions agreed to coach Kandy SC and this writer was the team manager. One time he was also the President of the Referees’ Society. He also took up Coaching the Trinity under 17 at one time.

 Zahira National School, Hambantota qualified for the third round in under13 School Cricket Tournament. The Zahirians were victorious winning all matches in the second round.

M S Mohamed made a brilliant 172 runs not out against Debarawewa National School being the highest run scorer in an innings and he claimed 23wickets from three matches. M Akib Irfan scored 85 runs against Deniyaya Central College.

Zahira College beat Angunakola Mahanaga Vidyalaya by an innings.

Angunakola Mahanaga Vidyalaya 1st innings - 58 in 25 overs (S H DPavithra 12, M S Mohamed 2/2)

Zahira National School 1st inning - 136/7 (M S Mohamed 55, T Nazwan Sale 45, AG Lahiru Manuja 17/2)

Angunakola Mahanaga Vidyalaya 2nd inning - 92 (A K Chamod 29, M S Mohamed 35/7, T Nazwan Sale 30/3)

The right hand opening batsman and right arm off spinner and Member of the Under 19 Sri Lanka Squad and stand by the Sri Lanka Under 19 World Cup Mohamed Imthiyas Salza excelled for his Alma Mater Zahira College, Colombo including the2019/20 first eleven cricket season.

His first school was St. Mary’s College, Hambantota and he initially attended cricket practices at his school under Mr. Akram. Later he attended practices under Safraz Farook at Shalika Cricket Academy Grounds in Colombo and he joined Zahira College, Colombo.

Mohamed Imthiyas Salza

Firstly he was selected to the under 13 cricket team at his new school and he started as a medium pace bowler and a middle order batsman and as an under 15 player he was selected to the District and Provincial teams for the Prima Cup. Playing in the under 17 team in 2017 he scored 520 runs and claimed 38 wickets.

Due to these performances he was selected to the school first eleven cricket team and in 2018/19 he scored 784 runs and captured 92 wickets and he carried away the Dialog Best All Rounder’s Prize.

He finished his first eleven cricket career after the 2019/20 season with 752 runs and bagging 82 wickets and with the above performances he was able to get selected for the under 19 Sri Lanka Squad and he was a stand by player and presently he is in the under 20 squad.

In the mean time he joined Moors Sports Club, Colombo and at present he is playing first class cricket with them. During his cricket career at Zahira he was well supported by the Principal Trizviiy Marikkar, Milhan Laffir and the Chairman, Board of Governors Fauzul Hameed who guided him at all times.