The 60th Battle of the Babes annual cricket encounter for the Rev. Fr. Don George trophy between St. Sylvester’s College and Vidyartha College ended in a draw at the Pallekele Stadium yesterday.

St Sylvester’s dominated the game running up a total of 300 for six declared in reply to Vidyartha’s first innings of 229.

Continuing from their overnight score of 53 for 1 St Sylvester’s reached their total thanks to a fine century by Nirmalan Pavithran who scored 101 with 10 fours and a six.

Others who contributed to the total were Kasun Ediritilake who went onto make 67 with eight fours and a six and dependable bat Pasan Hettiarachchi who compiled a fine 88 with seven fours.

Vidyartha College in their second innings were rattled by the bowling of Nimsara Attaragalla (3 for 53) and Nadeera Balasuriya (2 for 18) to lose seven wickets for 111 before the game ended.

Pulina Gunatilake who scored a century in the first innings followed it up with another impressive knock of 42.

With a lead on the first innings St Sylvester’s retained the Rev. Fr. Don George trophy.

Awards: Man of the Match - Nirmalan Pavitran (St Sylvester’s), Best Batsman Pulina Gunatilake (Vidyartha), Best Bowler Nadeera Balasuriya (St Sylvester’s).

Scores:

Vidyartha College 229 and 111-7 (Pulina Gunatilake 42, Ravishka Upananda 36, Nimsara Attaragalla 3/53, Nadeera Balasuriya 2/18).

St. Sylvester’s College 300-6 decl (o/n 53/1) (Kasun Ediritillake 67, Pasan Hettiarachchi 88, Nirmalan Pavitran 101, Kasun Karunatilake 3 for 62).

Lasith Fernando of Pyramid Wilmar Company Limited was adjudged as the Best Batsman of the Mercantile Cricket Association ‘C’ Division League Cricket Tournament 2018 sponsored by BMW/Hyundai Trophy.

Lasith who is a product of St. Sebastians College Moratuwa was an under 19 Sri Lankan Player and later excelled in club cricket in the Sara Trophy Cricket Tournament.

His performances throughout the tournament helped his company to reached the Quarter Finals for the first time in MCA ‘C’ Division.

In five innings he amazed 377 runs and he was unbeaten twice with two centuries and two half centuries. He missed a well deserved century against Pan Asia Bank due to rain by six runs. He had a Bradsmanque average of 125.66.

When contacted by the Daily News Sports Lasith had a word of praise for his company for extending the fullest support for his success and also to his coach former Sebastian Milroy Paul for his untiring efforts.

How he fared VS J L Morrisons 100 n/o, VS Pan Asia Bank 94 n/o, VS Nations Trust Bank 107, VS Commercial Bank 71.

Cinnamon’s city hotels Premier League 20/20 champions

The Battle of the Spices, the annual city league cricket encounter between the three Cinnamon’s city hotels – Cinnamon Grand, Cinnamon Lakeside and Cinnamon Red kicked off on Sunday 18th March at Colts Cricket Club, with over 800 associates in attendance, in a fun day of cricket and camaraderie.

Both Softball Sixes and 20/20 matches were played this year to enable more participation from the three city hotels as well as showcase the talents of the associates.

Cinnamon Grand managed to retain the title as the Cinnamon’s city hotels’ Cricket Sixes reigning champions and also won the coveted Cinnamon’s city hotels Premier League championship. In The Cricket Sixes series, the hotel’s F&B team won the Championship title and the hotel’s Rooms Division won the Runners up title.

This year’s event saw 16 teams representing the different departments of each hotel vying for these prestigious titles.

In the Softball Sixes Tournament, The Best Batsman award went to Cinnamon Grand’s Rasika Mendis (Rooms Division) for batting 95 runs comprising of 14 sixes. Cinnamon Grand’s M.G. Lakshitha (F&B) won both The Best Bowler and Man of the Final awards for his amazing bowling skills and exemplary performance on the field. Lakshithatookfive wickets in 35 runsand two wickets in 12 runs in this encounter.

The Best Fielder of the Tournament was awarded to Cinnamon Grand’s MohomedFarzath (F&B)for one stumping and a stunning catch. DhanushkaGajanayake (Kitcken/stewarding) of Cinnamon Red won the award for Man of the Tournament with 88 runs, 12 sixes and three wickets for his outstanding performance.

In the Cinnamon’s city hotels’ 20/20category, the Premier League Championship,KelumDissanayake(Housekeeping) of Cinnamon Grand received both the titles of Best Batsman of the Tournament and Man of the Match. DenukeCosta (Finance) received the award for Best Bowler with Ashan Peiris (HOD/ Manager Learning and Development) being awarded the Best Fielder in the Tournament.

Rohan Karr, General Managerand Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts Sector Head – City hotels presented the Premier League championship trophy and the special awards.

General Manager of Cinnamon Lakeside, Dermot Gale handed over the awards to the outstanding players in the Softball Sixes tournament whilst the GeneralManager of Cinnamon Red, Terrence Fernando awarded the Cricket Sixes championship trophy along with certificates and cash prizes.

Sri Lanka’s first ever magazine for Sports Science and Physical Education “The Coach” will be launched on 27th of march at the Pannipitiya Darmapala Vidyalaya.

The inaugural event will be enlightened by the presence of Prof Sampath Amarathunge, Vice Chancellor University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Prof B.L.H Perera, Mr. Dilantha Malagamuwa Asian Lambogini car Champion, Mr. Sunil Jayeweera Education minister’s senior advisor (sports and Physical Education), Saman Amarasinghe Chairman Sports Museum, Nishanthi Vidanage Director of physical Education university of Sri Jayewardenepura.

The Captain of Sri Sumangala College Panadura Nipuna Deshan scored a magnificent chanceless 100 runs in their inter-school annual 25th limited overs cricket match against their arch rivals Moratu Vidyalaya which was worked off at De Soysa Stadium, Moratuwa after their 66th Bit Match. His epic knock guided his alma mater to defeat Moratu Vidyalaya with ease by 90 runs. Nipuna became the first cricketer and captain from both schools to score a century in this two and a half decades year old inter school limited over series. Now the tally stands at Sri Sumangala twelve wins, Vidyalians Eleven and two no decisions.

Nipuna had ten hits to the rope and occupied the crease for 186 minutes and faced 117 deliveries. Batting first Sumangalians scored 224 runs and in reply Vidyalians were all out for 134 runs. Nipuna was adjudged as the Man of the Match while his team mate Anuka Jayasinghe carried away the Best Bowler’s Award.

[Chief Scores]

Sri Sumangala – 224 Nipuna Deshan 100, Poorna Prabath 23, Pasindu Sahanjith 22, Shehan Jeewantha 3/39, Nadith Nishendra 2/45.

Moratu Vidyalaya – 134 (Vishva Fernando 45, Nadith Nishendra 32, Anuka Jayasinghe 3/31, Chalana Shalana 2/32.

Winner ALCAZABA 

ALCAZABA owned by Deepthika Jayakody proved to be the best thoroughbred in the country and defying the Handicap she won convincingly the Class 1 Chief Minster’s Challenge Trophy, beating Parshuram in the Horse races held at Nuwara Eliya race course on March 17.

RTC Owners Race Day limelight were trainer S.V. Madialagan with a fine treble and Jockey A. Vishwanath booting home a fine Quadruple with 5 rides.

Fearless Stables represented By Suneet Weerasinghe will be a threat to other stables April Racing season calendar starts with April 1st, RTC Magic Million cup on 15 th and RTC Governors Cup on 28th. Chief minister of Central Province Sarath Ekanayake was the chief guest.

RESULTS OF THE FINALS:

Race 1: The Chatsworth 1070M Class5 Handicap

Riders are not permitted to carry a whip

1 HONOURIOUS 60.5

Owner: Fearless Stables & Stud Farm Rep. by Mr. Suneet Weerasinghe

Trainer: W.Jayantha

Jockey: A.Vishwanath

Race 2 : Ajith Chetty Memorial Cup Class 3 Handicap 1070M

1 SPIRITED TOUCH 59.0

Owner: Fearless Stables & Stud Farm Rep. by Mr. Suneet Weerasinghe

Trainer: S.V..Madialagan

Jockey: A.Vishwanath

Race 3: “ THE VILA MAYURANA GLAMOUR CUP “ Class 4 Handicap 1070M

1 TORPEDO 53.0

Owner: Anura Delgoda

Trainer: S.V.Madialagan

Jockey: A.Vishwanath

Race 4: Chief Minister Challenge Trophy Class 1 Handicap 1400M

1 ALCAZABA 61.5

(Burden of Proof (IRE) – Alhambrah)

Owner: Ms. Deepthika Jayakody

Trainer: S.D.Mahesh

Jockey: S.Dayalan

2 PARSHURAM 54.5

3 CHARLEMAGNE 53.0

4 BRILLIANT CUT 54.5

Margin: 1L,2l,4L

Time : 1:25.90

Race 5: SUGATHADASA STADIUM CUP Class 2 Handicap 1400M

1 CELESTIAL FIRE 56.0

Owner: Fearless Stables @ Stud Farm Rep. by Mr. Suneet Weerasinghe

Trainer: S.V..Madialagan

Jockey: A.Vishwanath

Race 5: THE FAR PAVALION CUP ¾ Bred 1000M

1 AIRBOURNE II 57.0

Owner: Mr. & Mrs. Jayaratne

Trainer: S.Sridher

Jockey: Sanjeevan

Race 1: The Chatsworth 1070M Class5 Handicap

Riders are not permitted to carry a whip

1 HONOURIOUS 60.5

Owner: Fearless Stables & Stud Farm Rep. by Mr. Suneet Weerasinghe

Trainer: W.Jayantha

Jockey: A.Vishwanath

Race 2 : Ajith Chetty Memorial Cup Class 3 Handicap 1070M

1 SPIRITED TOUCH 59.0

Owner: Fearless Stables & Stud Farm Rep. by Mr. Suneet Weerasinghe

Trainer: S.V..Madialagan

Jockey: A.Vishwanath

Race 3: “ THE VILA MAYURANA GLAMOUR CUP “ Class 4 Handicap 1070M

1 TORPEDO 53.0

Owner: Anura Delgoda

Trainer: S.V.Madialagan

Jockey: A.Vishwanath

Race 4: Chief Minister Challenge Trophy Class 1 Handicap 1400M

1 ALCAZABA 61.5

(Burden of Proof (IRE) – Alhambrah)

Owner: Ms. Deepthika Jayakody

Trainer: S.D.Mahesh

Jockey: S.Dayalan

2 PARSHURAM 54.5

3 CHARLEMAGNE 53.0

4 BRILLIANT CUT 54.5

Margin: 1L,2l,4L

Time : 1:25.90

Race 5: SUGATHADASA STADIUM CUP Class 2 Handicap 1400M

1 CELESTIAL FIRE 56.0

Owner: Fearless Stables @ Stud Farm Rep. by Mr. Suneet Weerasinghe

Trainer: S.V..Madialagan

Jockey: A.Vishwanath

Race 5: THE FAR PAVALION CUP ¾ Bred 1000M

1 AIRBOURNE II 57.0

Owner: Mr. & Mrs. Jayaratne

Trainer: S.Sridher

Jockey: Sanjeevan

A seven wicket haul by Left arm leg spin bowler Shashika Dulshan put St Servatius College in the box seat on the first day of the 118th Battle of the Blues at uyanwatte stadium in Matara last evening.

St Servatius won the toss and very correctly elected to bowl first and were able to see the Thomian team in the dressing room with a first innings score of 158 runs fifty minutes past tea. Lahiru Dilshan opening the thomian innings score 60 runs off 130 balls with nine hits to the ropes while skipper Tharusha Kavindya and Mihisal Amoda contributed with 22 runs each.

In addition to Shashika’s seven wicket haul Supun Kavinda also bowling left arm leg spin captured two wickets while Servatian skipper Thilan Prashan claimed a solitary wicket.

In reply the Servatians were 63 for the loss of two wickets at stumps on day one of the three day confrontation.

Opener Supun Kavinda scored 22 while Pushpitha Dilshan who opened the innings with Supun was unbeaten on an identical score. Sacira Rashmika bowling right arm off spin captured both wickets.

Lumbini took major honours on the first day of the 5th Battle of the Blues and Greens which was worked off at the P. Sara Oval grounds yesterday between Lumbini College, Colombo and Bandaranayake College, Gampaha.

Bandaranayake College taking first lease of the wickets after winning the toss made a modest 167 runs helped by two useful knocks by Gayashan Hettiarachchi (36) and Sisitha Madanayake (27). Left arm leg spinner Vimukthi Kulathunga was main destroyer capturing 5 wickets for 52 runs and was well supported by Kavin Peiris who took two wickets for 50.

Lumbini MV made an impressive 103 for 2 wickets in only 20 overs which put them in a strong position with Lakindu Upendra making a sparkling 62 not out with eight boundaries and two sixes. He was ably supported by Kavin Peiris who made 22. These two were involved in a second wickets stand of 75 runs in only 60 deliveries.

Shstrananda Vidyalaya is in a strong position at the end of day one in their inter school sixth annual Big Match the Battle of the Friends against Methodist High School, Puwakaramba Moratuwa which was worked off at de Soysa Stadium Moratuwa.

Batting first Shastrananda were all out for 281 runs with Isuru Bandaranayake making the top score of 96 runs and Oshan Kanchana unbeaten on 53 runs. Sandun Fernando captured 3 for 24.

Methodists were reeling at 39 for 6 with Diwan Madushanka claiming 4 for 3 runs.

Sastrananda Vidyalaya – 281 in 75 overs – Isuru Bandaranayake 96, Oshan Kanchana 53 n/o, Haritha Peranjan 48, Ayesh Gimhan 42, Sandun Fernando 3/24.

Methodist High School – 39/6 in 25 overs – Diwan Madushanka 4/3, Nadeepa Lakshitha 2/4.

CAPE TOWN March 23: Fast bowler Morne Morkel took his 300th Test wicket as South Africa bowled themselves into a strong position on the second day of the third Test against Australia at Newlands on Friday.

Australia were 245 for nine when bad light ended play, 66 runs behind South Africa's first innings total of 311.

But it could have been worse for Australia. They were in deep trouble at 175 for eight before Nathan Lyon hit a Test-best 47 in a ninth wicket partnership of 66 with Tim Paine, who was unbeaten on 33.

Morkel, who will retire from international cricket after the series, took three of the first four Australian wickets to fall and became the fifth South African to join the 300 club.

Morkel dismissed Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith in his first spell, then came back to break a 78-run fourth wicket stand between Cameron Bancroft and Shaun Marsh when Marsh flashed at a wide ball and was caught behind.

Bancroft made 77 off 103 balls with 14 fours but was leg before wicket to Vernon Philander in the last over before tea to leave Australia in a precarious position.

Morkel, 33, playing in his 85th Test, took a fourth wicket when Lyon's adventurous 38-ball innings was ended by a catch by Dean Elgar running back from point.

Earlier, Kagiso Rabada was hit for five boundaries in a row by David Warner but won a duel with the Australian opening batsman when he sent Warner's off stump cartwheeling.

Warner was bowled for 30. He hit three fours off the last three balls of Rabada's second over, then hooked the first ball of Rabada's next over for six.

He sliced a no-ball for four, then was bowled by a ball which went between bat and pad with Warner stuck on his crease.

Rabada, who had a two-match ban for making contact with Australian captain Steve Smith overturned before the Test, ran down the wicket to celebrate but did not go near the batsman.

But Warner appeared to react to a comment from a spectator in the members' pavilion, stopping and turning as he climbed the steps to the dressing room.

South African opening batsman Dean Elgar equalled a world record when he carried his bat through a completed innings for the third time. Elgar finished unbeaten on 141. Only Desmond Haynes of the West Indies had previously batted through a Test innings on three occasions. Smith also equalled a world record when he caught South Africa's last two batsmen for a total of five catches in the innings, the joint most by a fielder.

Although ten other fielders shared the record, Smith was only the second Australian to achieve the feat after Vic Richardson in 1935/36. AFP

Royal College will be out to retain the Michael Gunaratne Trophy when they take on arch rivals S. Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia in their annual inter- school rugby encounter of the Singer ‘A’ Division league tournament first round at Royal Complex commencing 4.15pm today.

This traditional encounter was inaugurated in 1962 and the first match ended in a draw. Present tally stands at 31 wins to Royal and 19 to S.Thomas’ with 5 draws. In 1979 the match was not played due to a dispute regarding the date for the encounter.

The Thomians lost last year’s encounter 14-31 at S’Thomas grounds at Mount Lavinia under the leadership of winger Naveen Heenakankanamge where the winning Royal captain was fly half Ovin Askey.

This time Royal definitely seem to have a great chance of retaining the trophy after having won both their two previous games in style against Kingswood College Kandy (29-03), and St. Anthony’s College Kandy (55-13) being remaining as unbeaten Royal will be captained this year by their experienced wing three quarter Shabith Feroze while the most experienced and one of the best school coaches if not the very best Dushanth Lewke, the former Royal College rugby player and former Sri Lanka national rugby captain will be the head coach of Royal along with Peterite Mohamad Sheriff as assistant coach and T.A. Silva, former Army and Sri Lanka national full back is the kicking coach.

The 2015 Royal side under the leadership of Bhanuka Gamage re wrote the Royal-Thomian rugby history where they demolished the Thomians 52-0 at Havelock Park, which to-date is the highest score by a team in this traditional encounter.

The Thomians’ highest score is 22-0 under the captaincy of former Sri Lanka and CR & FC second row forward Charya De Saram in 1991. Incidentally in 2015 Royal’s unsung hero and the highest try scorer in the league tournament, number eight Supun Warnakulasuriya emerged the first and the only rugby player from both the schools to score a hat trick of tries when he touched down four times to enable Royal to achieve this remarkable 52-0 victory.

The Thomians will be hoping to produce an improved performance after they have lost both their matches so far against St.Joseph College Maradana (10-33) and Kingswood College Kandy (05-24) in their last game up at Digana in Kandy.

The Thomian outfit will be captained this year by experienced Sri Lanka national under 18 Sevens player and flanker Christian De Lile while ex Royalist Billal Yusuf will be their head coach and former Sri Lanka winger and ex Royalist Chamara Dabare as assistant coach along with hooker Achala Perera the forwards coach.

SSC and NCC entered the final of the SLC Premier limited overs inter-club cricket tournament when they beat Chilaw Marians and Saracens respectively in the semi-finals played yesterday.

Sri Lanka wicket-keeper batsman Niroshan Dickwella scored a sparkling 110 off 132 balls with 9 fours to give NCC their 89-run win over Saracens. Dickwella and Angelo Perera put on a stand of 117 runs for the fourth wicket after Upul Tharanga had helped Dickwella put on 108 for the first wicket that enabled NCC to run up an imposing 327-5.

SSC opener Dhanushka Gunathilake scored an unbeaten 78 off 70 balls with 6 fours and 4 sixes against Chilaw Marians CC. SSC will meet NCC in the final at SSC on Sunday.

RESULTS:

lAt Colts: SSC won by 8 wickets.

Chilaw Marians CC: 138 in 41 overs (Oshada Fernando 43, Shehan Jayasooriya 25, Sachithra Serasinghe 24, Rukshan Fernando 17, Sachithra Senanayake 2/16, Dhammika Prasad 2/23, Dasun Shanaka 2/28, Jeffrey Vandersay 2/37)

SSC: 140/2 in 23 overs (Dhanushka Gunathilake 78 n.o., Dasun Shanaka 26 n.o., Dimuth Karunaratne 17)

lAt FTZ Katunayake: NCC won by 89 runs.

NCC: 327/5 in 50 overs (Niroshan Dickwella 110, Chaturanga de Silva 58, Upul Tharanga 56, Mahela Udawatte 50, Angelo Perera 41 (retired hurt), Chathura Randunu 2/65, Andy Solomons 2/71)

Saracens SC: 238 in 43.3 overs (Ashen Bandara 51, Ravindu Gunasekara 31, Navindu Vithanage 30, Saliya Saman 25, Andy Solomons 22, Roshan Jayatissa 22, Gamindu Kanishka 21, Farvees Maharoof 2/36, Dushmantha Chameera 2/41, Lasith Malinga 2/51)

-(YK)

Sri Lanka had made four changes to their national sevens rugby squad by including the services of players in the calibre of Dhanushka Ranjan, Srinath Sooriyabandara, Richad Darmapala and young Sri Lanka national under 20 sevens captain Naveen Heenakankanamge for the upcoming Commonwealth games next month.

Present CH and FC third row forward cum Auckland Blues sevens forward Sudarshana Muthuthanthri will once again lead the team. Mean while it was really shocking to see the selectors leaving out players like Kevin Dixon, and Reeza Rafaideen who had a stand out performance in the Borneo Rugby sevens tournament that concluded in Sandakan, Malaysia last week.

The good news for the Tuskers is the welcome return of speedy three quarter and former Sri Lanka national under 20 sevens captain, Thomian Naveen Heenakankanamge in to the side. Also the selectors has retained youngster Adeesha Weerathunga for this tournament after a superb performance at the Borneo sevens.

The probable squad is as follows, Sudarshana Muthuthanthri (Captain/Forward), Srinath Sooriyabandara (Utility three Quarter), Adeesha Weerathunga (Forward), Danushka Ranjan (Three Quarter), Tarinda Ratwatte (Utility Player), Kavindu Perera (Utility Player), Naveen Heenakankanamge (Three quarter), Sudam Sooriyaarachchi (Three Quarter), Rehan Silva (Three quarter), Danush Dayan (Utility Player), Richad Darmapala (Three Quarter), Sithum Peiris (Forward) or Hirantha Perera, Inthisham Marikar (High performanse Director) Head coach -

Peter Woods (New Zealand),Trainer - Nick Groub (New Zealand)

Three briliant three tries by St.Joseph's College star centre cum Sri Lanka national under 18 captain Gemunu Chethiya gave St.Joseph College Maradana a smashing 50 points (8 tries, 5 conversions) to 24 ( 4 tries, 2 conversions) win over St.Anthonys College Kandy in their Siinger ‘A’ division inter-schools league rugby tournament first round game played at Havelock Park yesterday. At lemons Joes led 19-17.

St.Joseph fought like terriers in the whole match combining effectively with their forwards and backs giving no room for their opponents and St.Anthonys College collapsed in the second half after relentless pressure from the entire Josephian outfit. For the winning St.Josephs the eight tries were scored by centre Gemunu Chethiya (three), flanker John Ganegoda (two), Nehan Perera, Sameesha Veranga and K.D.Kavinda one try apiece while fly half Santhush Algama slotted in the five conversions.

Flanker Isuru Ariyapala (two), Janidu Himsara and Mohamad Makarim one each scored the tries for the losing St.Anthonys while Makarim put over the two conversions.

PETERS THRASH RAJANS 42-5

St.Peters College Bambalapitiya scored a run away 42 points (6 tries, 6 conversions) to 5 (1 try) win over hapless Dharmaraja College Kandy in their Siinger ‘A’ division inter-schools league rugby tournament first round game played at Police Park in Colombo yesterday. At half time Peters led 28 nil.

Prince of Wales College Moratuwa advanced to the semi final of the ‘Singer

Cup’ Under 19 inter Schools Two Day Knock-out Cricket tournament yesterday.

by beating last years champion Ananda College Colombo in the quarter final played at St. Sebastian’s College ground Katuneriya yesterday.

Sri Lanka youth cap Vishwa Chathuranga scored his fourth century this season. Vishwa Chathuranga scored 133 runs in 111 balls with 17 boundaries and 3 sixes

Prince of Wales College Moratuwa will meet Trinity College Kandy in the semi final next week.

lAnanda Colombo: 96 in 29 overs (Kamesh Nirmal 27, Lahiru Hiranya 23,

Savindu Peiris 3/15, Avindu Fernando 2/13, Kaumal Nanayakkara 2/23)

Prince of Wales Moratuwa: 330/8 in 64 overs (Vishwa Chathuranga 133, Savindu Peiris 60 n.o., Sanoj Darshika 32, Suwath Mendis 28, Sandun Fernando 27, Asel Sigera 3/108) -(YK)

St. Anne’s College Kurunegala advanced to the quarter finals of the ‘Singer Trophy’ Under 19 division II inter schools (Limited Overs K/O) Cricket tournament yesterday. by beating Royal College Colombo by 8 wickets in the pre- quarter final played at Reid Avenue yesterday.

St. Annes’ College Kurunegala will meet Karandeniya Central College next week in the quarter finals.

*Royal Colombo: 84 in 34 overs (Kamil Mishara 27, Randeera Ranasinghe

3/14, Pasindu Thennakoon 2/03)

*St. Anne’s Kurunegala: 85/2 in 21.1 overs (Dhananjaya Bandara 35)

(YK)

Auckland, Monday: New Zealand pulled off a dramatic win by an innings and 49 runs over England in Auckland on Monday, wrapping up the rain-affected first Test with 18.5 overs to spare.

It is only the 10th time New Zealand have beaten England in the 102-Test history between the two countries.

As fortunes fluctuated on the final day in scenes reminiscent of the cliffhanger finish the last time the two sides met on Eden Park, five years ago, Ben Stokes lined himself up to be the hero England so desperately needed.

But with his dismissal for 66 on the stroke of dinner in the day-night Test, New Zealand went into the final session with the task of mopping up the last three wickets, while England still needed 69 runs to makes New Zealand bat again.

Five days after all seemed lost for England when they were rolled for a paltry 58 in their first innings, New Zealand settled the outcome with the tourists all out for 320. For three consecutive sessions in England's second innings, New Zealand changed the flow of the match with a wicket in the final over.

Joe Root went at stumps on day four to have England 132 for three, Moeen Ali fell at tea on day five after adding 36 runs with Stokes, and then Stokes went at dinner ending an 83-run stand with Chris Woakes.

Five years ago to the day England lost Ian Bell in the last over before tea to be seven down going into the last session, but then they had battling Matt Prior to save the day as they survived until stumps with one wicket remaining.

This time there would be no such heroics as Stokes, returning from exile after being dropped before the Ashes series following a nightclub altercation in England, saw his effort to snatch an unexpected draw end after 188 deliveries.

A stubborn stand for two sessions folded when he lost patience during a lengthy spell of short-pitched bowling from Neil Wagner -- New Zealand's go-to bowler when wickets are hard to come by -- and clipped a rising ball to Tim Southee at point.

Wagner, Todd Astle and Trent Boult all finished with three wickets.

When New Zealand declared their first innings at 427 for eight on Sunday, after almost two full days were lost because of rain, England faced a target of 369 to avoid an innings defeat.

They resumed the final day needing 237 and lost Dawid Malan early in the fifth over.

Stokes and Jonny Bairstow cautiously advanced the score to 181 in a partnership of 39 off 128 deliveries before Bairstow was out to another acrobatic catch by a flying Williamson for 26.

Ali was lbw to Boult with the umpire initially ruling in favour of the batsman before the decision was overturned on review.

Craig Overton could only manage three, Woakes went on to 52 before he fended a Wagner delivery to Henry Nicholls and the match ended when Astle had James Anderson caught at mid-off by Boult.

The second Test starts in Christchurch on Friday.

AFP

Gamini Happawana has been elected uncontested as president of the Bloomfield Cricket & Athletic Club for a one year term (2018/19) during the club's Annual General Meeting at the Bloomfield C&AC auditorium on March 24. Happawala is an old boy of Sri Jayawardenapura MV (Formerly Christian College, Kotte) and a Bloomfield stalwart with nearly 40 yeas affiliation to the club and has rendered yeomen service to the club over the years. As a pledge of solidarity among members, all other key office bearers were too elected uncontested.

Yusuf Khan, the immediate past secretary will continue as the secretary for a second term while Prasanna M. Jayawardena has been appointed treasurer.

New office bearers of Bloomfield Cricket & Athletic Club for 2018/19

President: Gamini Happawana,

Secretary: Yusuf Khan

Treasurer: Prasanna M. Jayawardena,

Vice Presidents (3): Asanga R. Wickremasinghe - Upul Rajapaksha and Vijitha Wickremasekara,

Asst. Secretaries (5): J. Sudharshan (Bar Sec.) - Channa Jayasinghe (Ground Sec.) - Janaka Kaluhandiwala (Cricket Sec.) - Mohan Gunadasa (Social Sec.) and Jayantha Gunasekara (Pavilion Sec.)

Committee Members (10): T.G. Sunil Wickrema, Sumith Fonseka, S. G. Watson, Sudath Liyanasuriya, Thilak Perera, Jerome Wijeratne, Sanath Ketapearachchi, Lasantha Perera, Nalliah Devarajan and Sidath Waidyasekara. 

Ronnie O'Sullivan beat Shaun Murphy in the Players Championship to claim a joint-record fifth title of the season.

The 42-year-old five-time world champion won Sunday's best-of-19 contest 10-4 in Llandudno.

After taking the lead at 2-1 O'Sullivan never looked back, despite fellow Englishman Murphy scoring the game's highest break of 137 as he briefly rallied to trail 7-4.

It is O'Sullivan's 33rd ranking title - three short of Stephen Hendry's record.

Victory for the world number two follows wins at the English Open, the Shanghai Masters, the UK Championship and the World Grand Prix.

Over the 1990-91 campaign, Hendry won five of the eight ranking events, a feat also matched last season by Mark Selby.

Murphy, the 2005 world champion, said it had been a "real honour to share the stage" with O'Sullivan.

"I predicted that if I didn't play at my very best I wouldn't win, and I was right," the 35-year-old said on ITV4.

"On behalf of all the players, I'd like to pay a tribute to Ronnie for the standard he is playing. While prolonging his career he's taking the game to new heights."

O'Sullivan said: "I played pretty decent, I'm pleased.

"I've just got to try and prolong my career as Shaun said. I can't play as much as the other guys because I would just be burned out. BBC

Harlequins' former Wales front-row Adam Jones will finally hang up his boots at the end of the season to take up a full-time coaching role with the London club, the English Premiership side announced Sunday.

Jones, a four-time Six Nations winner, has been appointed as assistant forwards coach at The Stoop and and will work alongside forwards coach Graham Rowntree.

"I'll be officially retiring from playing at the end of the season," said the 37-year-old Jones in a Harlequins statement. "I've had a great career and never thought I'd go on to achieve what I have.

"I'm so passionately proud to have played so many times for Wales and was fortunate to be a part of three Grand Slam-winning teams. But it’s time to move onto the next chapter of my career and concentrate on coaching.

"We potentially have the best group of props in the Premiership at Harlequins, with England props Joe Marler, Kyle Sinckler and Will Collier, plus the up-and-coming Lewis Boyce. So I hope to be able to help them push on with Harlequins and at international level."

Jones's 18-year senior club career started with Welsh side Neath and encompassed spells with the Ospreys and a season with Cardiff Blues before joining Harlequins three years ago.

For Wales, he won 95 caps and also made five appearances for the Lions in an exactly 100-match international career that included the combined side's victorious 2013 tour of Australia. AFP