London, MONDAY: Mohamed Salah was Tuesday named as the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year for 2017/18 after scoring 43 goals so far in an incredible debut season for Liverpool.

The Egypt international narrowly topped the poll of the 400-strong FWA membership ahead of Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, the margin understood to be less than 20 votes.

Tottenham striker Harry Kane was third.

Between them, Salah, signed by the Reds from Roma last summer, and De Bruyne, who helped City claim the Premier League title with five games remaining, collected more than 90 per cent of the journalists' votes.

Salah has scored 43 goals in 48 appearances in all competitions this season and spearheaded Liverpool's push towards a potential place in the Champions League final -- the Reds lead Roma 5-2 ahead of Wednesday's semi-final second leg in Italy.

The 25-year-old, who was last month crowned the Premier League's Players' Player of the Year, becomes the first African winner of the FWA accolade, which has been awarded since 1948. AFP 

Old Trinitians are preparing for their unique event, the traditional “Rugger Ball” which traditionally follows the Kandy leg of the Bradby encounter held a few hours after the game at the Grand Kandyan Hotel on May 5. Further details can be obtained on 0777 804455/ 0777877199 

All arrangements have been finalized to hold the annual selections for the Observer-Mobitel Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year contest shortly. As usual, the selections will be made by a panel comprising umpires and school cricket officials.

The lists of the top performers have already been submitted. The names of the most outstanding cricketers who will be considered for respective awards have already been shortlisted. But the final selections will be made by a special selection panel, headed by the President of the Sri Lanka Schools Cricket Association (SLSCA) Oshara Panditharathna.

The special selection panel will comprise of officials from the SLSCA as well as representatives from umpiring bodies, including the Sri Lanka Cricket Umpires and Scorers’ Association.

This year’s Mega Show is of greater importance as Sri Lanka’s first school cricket awards show will be celebrating its 40th anniversary. Last week, we went down memory lane to discover the four-decade long unique story behind the Observer-Mobitel Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year contest, especially its first half since 1979.

Way back in 1979, the then Royal College captain Ranjan Madugalle was taken by surprise when the Sunday Observer introduced the country’s first-ever school cricket awards show.

In fact, Madugalle, who now serves as the Chief Match Referee of the ICC after captaining Sri Lanka with distinction, was totally unaware that there would be an awards show for outstanding schoolboy cricketers after the 1978/79 First X1 season.

Since Madugalle became the first recipient of the most prestigious award in school cricket, the Mega Show has produced many legendary Sri Lanka cricketers who have made their presence felt in the international arena in a big way.

Following the footsteps of Madugalle and Ranatunga was Roshan Mahanama of Nalanda College who became the first ever player to win the Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year title in successive years (1983 and 1984).

Then another Nalandian, who had been in the audience to witness Mahanama’s crowning glory – Asanka Gurusinha, was adjudged the Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year in 1985.

The organizers of the Mega Show always believed in the rich outstation talent and the need to lend them a helping hand while inspiring them to become future national players. It was with these goals in mind that a separate segment for outstation school is accommodated.

It was through the Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year Outstation contest that yet another legendary Sri Lanka cricketer, named Sanath Jayasuriya, had been born.

From his school days at St. Servetius College, Matara, Jayasuriya had shown signs of a world class cricketer. His willow had been a nightmare for the then bowlers in school cricket. His rich harvest for St. Servatius’ won him the Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year Outstation title in 1988.

Recalling that great milestone in his cricket career that had taken place exactly 30 years ago, Jayasuriya said it is one of the most unforgettable moments in his career.

“Not only me, but also my parents, brother, relatives, coaches and school masters, were thrilled and excited to witness that moment of glory. They all enjoyed that cherished moment. It was a great feeling. All past winners, be it the All-Island or Outstation, had made their mark in Sri Lanka cricket. So, when I won the title, I felt that I am getting closer to earning a place in the national squad,” said Jayasuriya, the most valuable player at the 1996 World Cup tournament.

The Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year produced a galaxy of stars in the next three years too – Kumara Dharmasena, Marvan Atapattu and Muttiah Muralitharan. ICC Elite Panel umpire, Dharmasena won the Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year award in 1989, followed by Atapattu and Muralitharan.

“It was one of the greatest moments in my career. Winning the Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year title was a big inspiration.

That helped and encouraged me to play for Sri Lanka. Winning such a mega award gives a huge image and confidence to a schoolboy cricketer to go places. We were determined to reach the top of the ladder and did so with dedication,” the former Sri Lanka all-rounder Dharmasena said. The next star to emerge through the contest after him was former Ananda College, SSC and Sri Lanka captain Marvan Atapattu, who had won the Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year title in 1990. Atapattu, who had also served as Sri Lanka national coach, said he had considered the mega title as a ‘certification or a guarantee’ that he would play for Sri Lanka after his school career.

“As I had been performing well and scoring constantly for Ananda as a schoolboy cricketer, many considered me as a future Sri Lanka prospect. Although I too had felt that I had a chance, there was no guarantee. All those who had won the Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year title before me had gone on to play for Sri Lanka with distinction. When I won the title ultimately, I knew that I too could play for Sri Lanka within months,” he said.

The Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year contest is not only a part of Sri Lanka cricket history but also in world cricket. The world record holder for the most number of wickets in Test cricket Muttiah Muralitharan too had stepped into the big league through the Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year contest.

Right from his early school cricket career, Muralitharan had been a highly successful bowler and was adjudged Observer Schoolboy Cricketer in 1991 when he was playing for St. Anthony’s College, Katugastota. Gracing the Observer-Mobitel Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year awards night as the chief guest seven years ago, Muralitharan went down memory lane.

“You are the future Sri Lanka players. You must keep the Sri Lanka flag flying wherever you go,” he told the gathering.

“Play hard and dedicate yourself, then success is bound to come. As young cricketers, you must keep in mind that only 11 could play in a team. When you get that rare chance of playing, you must put your heart and soul and give hundred percent to the team, so that success will come your way.

“Don’t be disappointed if you fail once or twice in the early stages of your career. Keep on trying and success is bound to come your way”.

Meanwhile, voting for the most popular segments of the 40th Observer-Mobitel Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year contest, conducted in three divisions, is on its last lap. Voting for the Observer-Mobitel Most Popular Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year contests could be made through voting coupons which continue to appear in the Daily News, Sunday Observer, Dinamina and Thinakaran.

MILO once again is happy to partner with the Royal College Union (RCU), for the Bradby Fiesta. Adding to the festivities, celebrations and the spirit of rugby, MILO together with RCU has put together a host of activities to engage kids along with their families, such as MILO Tag Rugby Tournament and a special Kids Zone at the Bloomfield Grounds parallel to the Bradby first leg at Royal Sports Complex on April 21. Altogether 10 Kids’ teams from invited schools and rugby academies participated in the friendly Tag Rugby Tournament.

The Bradby Shield encounter popularly called “The Bradby” is the highlight of the school rugby calendar. It is played annually between traditional rivals Royal College and Trinity College. The 2nd leg is on Saturday in Pallekele. Royal and Trinity were among the first schools to take up the sport and continued meeting since they first met in July 1920. From this game it was a yearly encounter, with Trinity College winning the first 21 games. Royal’s first win came in 1941.

In 1945, the principal of Royal College, Edward Lawrence Bradby, put forward the idea of a trophy, to which the principal of Trinity College C.E. Simithraaratchy gave the fullest backing. Royal College principal offered a wooden shield designed and made by Kandyan silversmiths. It is a wooden disk decorated with intricate traditional Kandyan silver works. The agreement was , the shield should be presented to the winning team’s captain soon after the final whistle of the 2nd leg. Today the under 18 game is played for the C.E. Simithraaratchy Cup, which was donated by an old boy called George Hemachandra. Thus the two principals who went all out for the Bradby have two trophies named in their memory.

This year’s first leg of the 74th Bradby played on 21 April saw Royal come up with an excellent overall performance to outplay Trinity by 39 points to 7. This game was also a league game which meant that the Royalists remain unbeaten in the league so far and top their group. The under 18 game also went in favor of Royal.

The first Bradby game was in 1945 when Royal led by C.D.L. Fernando beat Trinity led by Robert Sourjah 3-0 in the first leg in Colombo. However in the game played in Kandy the Trinitians managed to win 6-0 under S.B. Pilapitya and clinched the shield in the inaugural year on the basis of aggregate.

Royal’s first win in the Bradby came in 1948 under the captaincy of Ashroff “Ashey” Cader, Royal with four fresher’s won both legs- 6/3 and 8/6.

From 1952 to 1957 Trinity recorded six consecutive wins. In 1956 it was regarded as the Golden Year of Trinity rugby. They beat Royal in both legs 15-0 and 11-0. Nine members of that Trinity team played for Sri Lanka - Frank David, Rodney Frank, Nimal Maralande, Rajiv de Silva, Sena de Silva, Gamini Weerasinghe, Mike de Alwis, Ken de Joodt and Franklyn Jacobs. The side was coached by Bertie Dias.

In 1958 Royal led by Lorensz Perera who sprang from one wing to the other to collect a Trinity kick to touch and ran 75 yards to score the match winning try regained the Bradby after a lapse of six years.

The return match in 1964 at Nittawela will long be remembered for one of the most remarkable drop goal kicking ever seen in a rugby match in Sri Lanka with Royal’s Lakdasa Dissanayake executing three drop goals and another drop kick to convert a try - over 40 yards out, which enabled Royal to win the Bradby after two years. He contributed 11 points out of Royal’s 14.

In 1971 Fred Pereira’s Royalists recorded the highest score for the series up to that time when they beat Trinity 22 points to 3, only one game was played due to JVP insurgency in the country.

The highest sequence of wins in this series is six by Trinity, between 1952 and 1957. Royal won the Shield four years back to back from 2001-2004. Today the tally is Trinity 39 wins, Royal 32 and 2 tied.

Possibly a crash course in 7s fundamentals...and more insight into the sheer volume of legwork they clock up as prep to survive.

The heart and lung busting power is beyond words and perhaps the vital factor, whichever way we approach the form guide for 7s.

Fiji, New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, England, Kenya, USA and Samoa showing us the incredible skill and conditioning required surviving at this elite level...all World Series long.

Of course the burning question about Sri Lanka becoming a force ...will unfortunately remain just that ...a big IF.....given our current crop and record on the Asian circuit over the last 5 years.

We need to aim for full time professionals who travel to at least 6 tours annually.

The national squad given huge chunks of game time and quality understanding as a unit in the middle.

This is a decent start with lots to anticipate and evolve....

Naturally Priyantha CEO and director Rohan will be stretched beyond the union comfort zone.

I further believe you must harness as much experience as they can find ...to team up this radical path to regional domination.

As mentioned last week...Kenya and USA have trail-blazed scorching progress, defying logic, science and our imagination.

Their almost surreal transformation leaves islanders like us ....equator friendly and fresh transfusions of hope.

We need to create our warrior class.

If elite class and almost genius need a statement....the Cup finals...Australia v Fiji ...extra time, clock red ...Fiji scrum ...No panic ...just steely belief...islanders score, Australia weep...the world celebrated .what sorcery, what 7s.

Bula bula Fiji.

At home ...it’s that magnificent Bradby 2nd leg at the Pallekelle cauldron of fire....Trinity have much to do ...while Royal 30+ in the bag. need 70mins of showcase power to blitz the 74th edition back down to sea level oxygen at Reid Avenue HQ and history that elevates them all.

Crucially, it is all in Trinity’s hands and depending on Sheiks skill as captain and leader....the nature of this final will duck and dive to script.

I think we all need Trinity to shock confident Royal and really challenge them from kick-off to full time.

Aggression, heart and spirit to play hard ...relentless and skills so sharp...that will make the crowd gasp in admiration.

All roads will lead to Kandy this Saturday...travel early and park sensible...as exit plans are patience and calm...then the way out in order.

The Singer school season is relentless and unforgiving so far ....with a ton more anticipated.

Can Joes step up.....Will Patana force their way back? Have Martis and Peteris got the X factor and more to outplay Royal?

It boils down to manageable injuries, especially to key players and bench strength.

Teams with the luxury of form and balance will be licking their lips in huge anticipation...as will their faithful following...knowing the quality of finishing.

As islanders and traditions go ...it is all down to our young gladiators to step boldly and play hard but fair at all times.

Respect and decency must prevail.

Bula bula our rugby hearts that believe.

Cheers Sri api!

Killinochchi Academy emerged winners of the inaugural SLGU Inter-Academy Novices Golf Tournament conducted by the Sri Lanka Golf Union (SLGU) at the Eagles Heritage Golf Club in Anuradhapura recently. By winning the inaugural title Killinochchi Academy provided true testimony to the facts that one does not need to have expensive equipment and well maintained golf courses to start golf and the golfing talent in Sri Lanka is just waiting to be discovered and nurtured.

Twenty three junior golfers took to the field to compete in the inaugural SLGU Inter-Academy Novices Golf Tournament as part of SLGU's program led by its President Priath Fernando to unite the country through golf. The tournament was possible after the 'HSBC Future Lions' program initiated in conjunction with HSBC in September, 2017 by moving to the next phase of testing the competitive skills of kids who had never before played in a tournament.

The first phase was to train and certify Level 2 instructors using the services of Anil Perera, a Class A Professional, PGTCA USA. These instructors were then used to train the potential kids who were selected after the initial talent spotting 'HSBC Future Lions' program. Whilst, the Colombo and Welisara kids practiced at the Navy Aqua Range in Welisara, the Anuradhapura kids practiced at the SLAF Eagles Heritage Golf Course in Anuradhapura. The least facilitated group of kids, the Killinochchi Academy could only use their school grounds to sharpen their skills.

Commenting on the programme, Mark Prothero – Chief Executive Officer: HSBC Sri Lanka and Maldives said: The HSBC Future Lions Junior Golf grass root programme attracted over 300 children in its inaugural year. We are hugely encouraged with its outcome and our congratulations to the junior golfers from Killinochi on their victory at this inaugural event. HSBC as a global supporter of the game is delighted to support SLGU in its endeavor to engage more junior golfers and provide an opportunity for players from across Sri Lanka to experience the sport and more importantly enjoy it. We look forward to the HSBC Future Lions programme in 2018 .

Up to a maximum of eight kids from ages 12 to 17 from each Academy were hand-picked by the instructors to represent their Golf Academies after training just 1-2 hours per week over a five month period. The results were better than expected with some kids making pars and one even making a birdie with the best score of 50 for 9 holes by the overall individual winner, Thanuja Kalhara from Anuradhapura. Priya Hemantha, head instructor of Kilinochchi was awarded as the Best Instructor for producing the winning team.

“If I had to point out to one thing apart from the golf swing, it would be the enthusiasm and focus from these players” said Anil Perera, Golf Development Consultant of the Sri Lanka Golf Union.

Whilst there were no corporate sponsors for this event, the cost has been met by donations through a fund raiser organized by Sri Lanka’s top golf professionals called 'Pros give back', in appreciation for the support that they were given by the SLGU to become top amateurs before they turned professional.

Nipuna Nuwan Manatunge of Mawathagama National School won three tennis titles at the seventh Junior Tennis Championship held at the Mahaweli Reach tennis courts recently.

Manatunge won under 15 singles, under 17 singles and Open Doubles partnering D.Ramanathan. Nithila Unambuwa organized the event under the patronage of the Managing Director of Mahaweli Reach seventh successive year.

Kaveesha Supunsara of Hillwood College, Kandy won two titles, under 19 girls singles and Open event for women. Senulya Wickremasinghe of Hillwood College, Kandy also won two titles as she won under 8 singles and under 8 doubles partnering Tharinsa Ratnayake.

Chanumi Kiridena of the same school won two titles when she won the under 10 singles and under 10 doubles partnering Dinara Amarasinghe.

Two good knocks of an unbeaten 65 runs by Lasantha Wewita and 53 runs by Indika Subasinghe helped Defense Ministry to beat Police Department by 54 runs in their Inter State Services Division One tournament cricket match played at Police Park, Bambalapitiya recently.

Batting first Defense Ministry scored 179 for 9 in their allotted overs and in reply Police Department were all out for 125 runs.

[Chief Scores]

Ministry of Defense - 179/9 in 50 overs - Indika Subasinghe 53, Lasantha Wewita 65 n/o, Lashan de Silva 3/46, Palitha Kumara 2/16

Police Department - 125 in 42 overs - Malith de Silva 37, Ruwan Kumara 3/21, K. S. Silva 2/29, Bandara Jayathileke 3/21, Rumesh Perera 2/14

Following the annual update of the ICC ODI and T20I Team rankings Sri Lanka have slipped to ninth position (from eighth) in the T20I standings behind newcomers Afghanistan (ranked 8th) and in the ODI rankings although retaining eighth position they have lost the most points – 7 (from 84 to 77).

Sri Lanka had a horrendous 2017 year where they lost 23 of 29 ODIs and 10 out of 15 T20Is.

Meanwhile England have overtaken India to seize the top spot in the ICC ODI rankings while Nepal have rejoined the T20I ratings but will need to play one more match before they are ranked on the ICC T20I rankings.

England’s rise up the table is largely because of a forgettable 2014-15 season which saw them winning only seven out of 25 ODIs against other Full Members. The 2014-15 season has been dropped from the latest calculations while those from the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons are weighted at 50 per cent.

England, who last topped the ODI rankings in January 2013 have gained eight points and moved to 125 points. India, who were at the top before the update, have lost a solitary point and are in second place with a total of 122 points. South Africa, who were second, have dropped down to third place after losing four points, from 117 to 113, leaving them nine points adrift of India and only one point ahead of fourth- placed New Zealand.

The remaining places remain unchanged, meaning that the current top 10 ranked sides are the ones who will be playing in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. However, there have been some significant changes in points.

World champions Australia have lost eight points to go down to 104 in fifth position and are only two points ahead of ICC Champions Trophy 2017 winners Pakistan, who have gained six points.

In other changes, Bangladesh (93 points) have gained three points, Sri Lanka (77) have lost seven points, the Windies (69) have lost five points, Afghanistan (63) have gained five points, Zimbabwe (55) have gained four points and 12th-placed Ireland (38) have lost three points.

In the T20I rankings led by Pakistan, there is no change in the top seven places but Afghanistan are now ahead of Sri Lanka in eighth slot.

Pakistan (130) and Australia (126) remain in the first two positions without a change in their points total while India have gained two points to reach 123. New Zealand (116) are unchanged on points while England (115) have gained a solitary point.

Other significant changes on the T20I table see South Africa (114) and the Windies (114) both gain three points with the former ahead on decimals in sixth position, Sri Lanka (85, ninth position) lose four points, Zimbabwe (58, 12th) lose three points, the Netherlands (53, 13th) gain four points, Hong Kong (42, 15th) lose four points and Ireland (33, 17th) lose three points.

All pre-arrangements have been completed with financial support from the Ministry of Sports to host the South Asian Junior Athletics Championship 2018 at the Sugathadasa Stadium on May 5 and 6, Athletic Association of Sri Lanka (AASL) president Gen Palitha Fernando stated at a press conference held at the athletics headquarters yesterday.

Fernando said that the championship was fully funded by the Government through the Ministry of Sports and all pre- arrangements were concluded to commence the championship.

Sri Lanka will field 84 while neighbouring nation India will send 68 athletes to compete.

Pakistan will send 16 athletes; Maldives have confirmed they are sending 13, Bangladesh 11 and Bhutan 7. Afghanistan will not be sending a team for the competition.

The foreign teams are due to arrive today. This is the first international sports event that is being held at the Sugathadasa Stadium after the new track was laid.

“The regional competition will serve as an ideal opportunity for the young athletes who will have their eyes set on the Asian Junior Athletic championship which will be held in Gifu, Japan from June 7-10,” said Gen. Palitha Fernando.

He hoped Sri Lanka can win at least 10 gold medals at the Colombo meet.

The Sri Lanka team will be captained by Aruna Dharshna from Weerakeppatipola National School who set a new meet record in the recently concluded junior trials. He set new records in the 200m clocking 21.38 secs and 400m with a time of 46.56 secs.

Indian athlete Akash Kumar will be competing for the 200m and his personnel best timing is 21.53 secs while S. Gourav will battle it out in the 400m. His personnel best time is 46.93 secs.

According to the respective events timing Sri Lanka has and opportunity to win gold medals in these events.

“Hope we can win at least ten gold medals at this championship,” said Gen Palitha Fernando.

The junior squad was finalized at the end of the Junior National Championship that was held from April 23 to 25 after which 84 young athletes were selected by the national selectors.

During the junior trials many new meet records were established and one Sri Lanka record was broken.

Sri Lanka opener Dimuth Karunaratne is in doubt for Sri Lanka’s three-Test tour of the Caribbean after suffering a fracture on his index finger of his left hand at practice.

An X-ray has confirmed a fracture which is certain to rule him out for at least a few weeks.

If the fracture requires surgery - a decision that will be taken over the next 24 hours - he will almost certainly be out until July. The three Tests against West Indies are scheduled for June.

The left-handed Test opener sustained the injury while batting in the nets in preparation for Sri Lanka's Super Provincial one-day tournament that began yesterday.

Sri Lanka are already without fast bowlers Nuwan Pradeep, Dushmantha Chameera and Shehan Madushanka due to injuries and doubtful for the tour.

Kandy and Colombo recorded wins on the opening day of the SLC Super 4 Provincial Limited Overs cricket tournament yesterday.

Kandy boosted by a century from Mahela Udawatte beat Galle by 28 runs according to the D/L system while Colombo also boosted by a century from Lahiru Thirimanne beat Dambulla by 4 runs according to the D/L system.

n Kandy beat Galle at P. Sara Oval.

The start of the match was delayed and reduced to 36 overs per side. Team Kandy won the toss and electing to field dismissed Galle for 250 in 35.4 overs with Sammu Ashan top scoring with 72 off 73 balls with 6 fours and a six. Roshen Silva scored 55 runs off 59 balls with one four and a six and with Ashan shared a fifth wicket partnership of 106. Isuru Udana took 5 wickets for 59 runs and Kasun Rajitha three wickets.

Kandy scored 217 for 2 wickets in 30 overs in reply with opener Mahela Udawatte in fine form scoring 116 off 96 balls with 14 fours and 2 sixes.

Opener Niroshan Dickwella made 75 off 58 balls with 11 fours and with Udawatte added 137 for the first wicket.

Scores:

Galle: 250 in 35.4 overs (Sammu Ashan 72, Roshen Silva 55, Chathuranga de Silva 29, Sadeera Samarawickrame 25, Andy Solomons 23, Ramith Rambukwella 12, Dasun Shanaka 12, Isuru Udana 5/59, Kasun Rajitha 3/63, Lahiru Kumara 2/56)

Kandy: 217/2 in 30 overs (Mahela Udawatte 116, Niroshan Dickwella 75, Angelo Mathews 20 n.o.)

n Colombo beat Dambulla at R Premadasa Stadium.

The match was reduced to 40 overs per side due to bad weather and Colombo winning the toss took the field first. Dambulla scored 270 for 6 wickets in 40 overs with skipper Kusal Perera scoring 59 off 40 balls with 8 fours and 2 sixes. Milinda Siriwardana also contributed with an unbeaten 51 off 29 balls with 5 fours and a six and Ashan Priyanjan 50 off 51 balls with 3 fours and a six. Priyanjan and Sachithra Serasinghe put on 75 in a fourth wicket stand.

Colombo in reply scored 262 for 6 wickets in 39 overs with Lahiru Thirimanne contributing a fine unbeaten 107 off 99 balls with 10 fours and a six. Thirmanne and Dhananjaya de Silva (41) put on 69 for the third wicket. Thirimanne also added 57 for the fifth wicket with Chamara Silva (25).

Scores: Dambulla: 270/6 in 40 overs (Kusal Perera 59, Milinda Siriwardana 51 n.o., Ashan Priyanjan 50, Sachithra Serasinghe 40, Lahiru Madushanka 22, Dilruwan Perera 2/39, Vishwa Fernando 2/64)

Colombo: 262/6 in 39 overs (Lahiru Thirimanne 107 n.o., Dhananjaya de Silva 41, Thisara Perera 32, Angelo Perera 26, Chamara Silva 25, Asitha Fernando 2/47, Lahiru Gamage 2/47). - YK 

Sydney: Disgraced David Warner still has a future in Australian cricket, the sport's chief executive James Sutherland says, handing the explosive opener a lifeline after a cheating scandal.

Warner was identified as the mastermind behind the plan to use sandpaper to tamper with the ball during the third Test in South Africa this year that shocked the sport.

While former skipper Steve Smith was charged with knowledge of the plot, Warner was charged with developing it and instructing Cameron Bancroft to carry it out.

Smith and then vice-captain Warner were banned for 12 months while Bancroft was exiled for nine months.

All three held emotional press conferences to apologise, with public sympathy for a contrite Smith and Bancroft.

Warner, who was also banned from ever holding a leadership role again in Australian cricket, admitted he was "resigned to the fact" he may never play for his country again.

But Sutherland said the door remained open.

"I think everyone deserves their chance and their own personal redemption story is very much in their own hands now," he told Melbourne radio station SEN late Tuesday. AFP 

Yesterday marked the launch of the official Travel and Tours packages for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, as 17 leading official travel agents bring fans together from across the world to England and Wales 2019.

The 46-day tournament which takes place between 30 May and 14 July 2019 across eleven world-class venues is another exciting announcement for fans after the schedule and ticket prices were announced last week. The travel packages available through the ICC Official Travel and Tours Partner, Sports Travel and Hospitality Group (STH) will cater for every audience and budget with a wide range of match ticket inclusive experiences offered.

In addition, fans can purchase exclusive ICC Supporter Tour Packages, which include ICC Travel Club, ICC Behind the Scenes Tour, ICC Breakfast Club and ICC Champions Preview. These packages, available from all of the official travel agents have been created to bring fans closer to the action with opportunities to have their photo taken with the ICC Cricket World Cup trophy, enjoy tours of the stadium with pitch access and Q&As with cricketing legends. The tailor-made packages are created to make available a variety of different options for fans including match tickets, travel services, and/or accommodation that will ensure that the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 will deliver an unforgettable experience.

Ticket prices offered are as follows:

• 80,000+ tickets at £20 (over half of the group stage matches)

• 200,000+ tickets at £50 or less

• Child tickets at every match, starting from £6

• Family of four for £52

Fans can find packages through the official travel agents as follows:

• Australian Sports Tours – Australia, • Events Travel – Australia, • Global Sports Travel – Australia, • Gullivers Sport Travel – Australia, • Premium Sports Travel – Australia, • Trips n Tours – Bangladesh, • Bharat Army Travel – India, • Fanatic Sports – India, • Leisure Corp – India, • Dadabhai Travel – Kingdom of Bahrain, • All Blacks Tours – New Zealand, • Williment Travel – New Zealand, • Edusport – South Africa, • Go Sports Travel – South Africa, • dnata – United Arab Emirates, • Expat Sport – United Arab Emirates, • ICC Travel & Tours – United Kingdom

Mohammad Hafeez can resume bowling in international cricket after his bowling action was cleared by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday (May 1) following remedial work and reassessment.

The Pakistan off-spinner, who was reported for a suspect action for a third time during the Abu Dhabi ODI against Sri Lanka in 2017, and subsequently suspended in November 2017, underwent a reassessment on April 17 at the Loughborough University. The results of the assessments showed that the amount of his elbow extension was within the 15-degree limit, which was permitted under ICC’s Illegal Bowling Regulations.

It was the third time last year that Hafeez was suspended, after having first faced suspension for the same in December 2014 and then once again in July 2015 for 12 months.

While Hafeez was cleared, Windies’ pacer Ronsford Beaton failed the independent assessment and has been suspended from bowling in international cricket after he was reported during the second ODI against New Zealand in Christchurch on December 24.

St. Anthony's School Kadalana Moratuwa under 19 cricket pool 2017/2018.

The fourth annual inter-school Big Match Battle of the Gold and Purple between two of the oldest schools in Moratuwa- Weera Puran Appu Vidyalaya Idama and St. Anthony's School, Kadalana will be worked off on 6th May 2018 at De Soysa Stadium Moratuwa. Weera Puran Appu Vidyalaya is two hundred years old while St Anthony's school is 106 years in existence.

The first encounter of the series was played in 2015 and it was won by St. Anthony's while in 2016 and 2017 Weera Puran Appu Vidyalaya were victorious. This match is the brain child of both present Principals who are old boys of St. Anthony's Deepal Mendis of Weera Puran Appu Vidyalaya and Captain Ravindra Fernando of St. Anthony's School.

This year St. Anthony's will be captained by fourth year player Shashika Lakshan while his deputy is Sankalpa Perera. The Master in Charge and team in-charge will be Lahiru Fernando and Viranthawije Appuhamy respectively and Mario Arsekularathne will be the Head Coach and his deputy is Ruwantha Fernando. Weera Puran Appu Vidyalaya will be captained by Ashen Sadaruwan who is a third year player and Asun Chintaka is the vice captain. The team is coached by Lahiru Madushanka and the Master in Charge is Kapila Lankeshwara.

Both schools are playing inter school matches conducted by Sri Lanka Schools Cricket Association and Weera Puran Appu Vidyalaya has performed well.

Both teams are evenly balanced and the two principals are expecting that the students and the spectators will maintained high discipline during the game.

Nagoda M.V., Kalutara emerged under 18 girls volleyball champions, and Sumangala Girls National School, Panadura bagged the under 16 title at the Kalutara Zonal inter-school Girls Volleyball Championship organized by the Asst. Director of Education (Sports) Kantha Meegamuwa, and held at the Pothupitiya M.V. Playground recently. The under 20 title was bagged by Agamethi Balika MV, Panadura.

Final results of the tournament.

Volleyball tournament matches

Girls – Under 16 Champions – Sumangala Girls National school, Panadura

Runner up – Nagoda M.V., Kalutara

Under 18 Champions – Nagoda M.V., Kaluara

Runner up – Sumangala Girls National School, Panadura.

Under 20 champions – Agamethi Balika M.v, Panadura

Runner up – Tissa Central College Kalutara.

All the victorious players are qualified to take part in the Western Province Athletics Competitions, held within this year.

Volleyball – Boys

Under 16 Champions – Pothupitiya M.V, Kalutara.

Runner up – Aluthgama M.V., Aluthgama.

Under 18 – champions – Pothupitiya M.V., Kalutara

Runner up – Mahanama M.V., Panadura.

Under 20 Champions – Royal College, Panadura

Runner up – Tissa Central College, Kalutara.

Ampara District Group Correspondent The Ampara District Level Kabaddi Championship was held at D.S. Senanayake playground in Ampara recently to mark the 44th National Level Sports Meet recently.

Nintavur DS and Dehiyaththa Kandy DS Men's Kabbadi teams qualified for the final. Nintavur DS team won the final by scoring 22:07. The Dehiyaththakandy DS team beat Addalaichenai DS team in the semi final scoring 56:28 while Nintavur DS team beat Irrekkamem DS team in the other semi final scoring 78:27.

Imras Khan, the Sports Officer, Nintavur DS said that the Nintavur DS Kabbadi team will participate in the provincial level competition shortly as they are the District Champion. The players represent Mathina Sports Club of Nintavur have taken part and shone in the competition.

Wadduwa Central College won the ‘Sinha Hatana’ (Lions’ Battle), annual Cricket Big Match by 51 runs, played against S. de S. Jayasinghe Central College, Dehiwala, at Tyronne Fernando International Stadium, Moratuwa, recently.

Wadduwa team, batting first, scored 167 runs with skipper Sandun Lakmal making 48 runs and Chamindu Hansaka claimed 4 wickets for39 runs and in reply, Jayasinghe team was all out for 116 runs.

In their team Kushan bagged 3 wkts for 30 and Koshitha took 3 wkts. for 21 Amila Thuruwan of the Wadduwa team took three catches and he was picked as ‘Best Fielder'.

Skipper Sandun Lakmal was adjudged ‘Best Batsman’ and Dhanuja Rukshan was picked as the ‘Man of the Match.'

Wadduwa Central College

167 runs in 48.2 overs Skipper Sandun Lakmal 48, Sankalpa 2 for 22, Hansaka 4 for 39, Dhanuja Rukshan 32.

S. de S. Jayasinghe team 116 runs in 42.2 overs – Hansaka 31 Kushan 30/3, Koshitha Dilshan 3 for 21, Amila 2 for 18, Ruchira 3 for 27.