Sports Snippets

Ceylinco Fingara win

CRICKET: A second wicket partnership of 143 runs between Marvan Atapattu (95) and Ruvin Peiris (84) and fine spin bowling by Chanaka Komasaru (5 for 38) helped Ceylinco Fingara beat Nawaloka by 77 runs in the opening match of the NCA Premier League tournament match played at FTZ grounds.

Ceylinco Fingara; 270 for 9 in 50 overs (Marvan Atapattu 95, Ruvin Peiris 84, Sanjeewa Weerasinghe 33, Sudesh Umayanga 4 for 31).

NAWALOKA: 193 for 9 wkts in 50 overs (Sudesh Umayanga 32, Dinusha Fernando 26, Yohan de Silva 25, Chanaka Komasaru 5 for 38).

Ceylinco Fingara play their next match against Janashakthi Insurance on Tuesday, 19th February at the R. Premadasa Stadium.

Prof. Willie Mendis Triangular Cricket Tourney

CRICKET: The Prof. Willie Mendis Triangular cricket tournament organised for the first time will be held at University of Moratuwa grounds from February 18 to 21.

The tournament is organised by the Staff cricket team of the University of Moratuwa in collaboration with Staff Welfare and Recreation Club of University of Moratuwa. University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Open University and University of Moratuwa Staff Cricket Teams will participate for the tournament.

The main objectives of holding this are to acknowledge the great contribution of Prof. Willie Mendis to the University of Moratuwa and to donate sports materials to five selected schools which are located at the vicinity of University of Moratuwa. This event is sponsored by Mobitel.

Soccer final today

SOCCER: The well - knit Stadiumgama United newcomers to local football will take on experienced M. H. Mohamed Playground SC in the final of the Silver Cup League Football Tournament to be played today (Sunday) at the CR & FC grounds starting at 4.00 p.m.

The special feature is that Stadiumgama United of Grandpass who started playing soccer six months ago, reaching the final with extraordinary team work. On their way to the final, they beat stronger and much fancied teams like Sunny Mount SC, Java Lane SC, Rudra SC and Colombo Veterans SC.

Meanwhile the team from Wanathamulla, M. H. Mohamed Playground SC had wins over Welikada Youth SC, Maligawatta Youth SC, Peterson SC and Red Star SC in the league round games.

Both sides have done well in the preliminary round games and are expected to show their form. The team with better methodical play is expected to come out victorious and carry away the Silver Cup. L.F.

Umpire Bird not out in bronze

CRICKET: LONDON, - Legendary cricket umpire Dickie Bird said he "never dreamed" of being immortalised in bronze as he unveiled a statue of himself in his home town of Barnsley, northern England. The 74-year-old took the wraps off a scale model of a six foot statue which features him in his trademark flat cap and with upraised finger giving a batsman out, that will stand in Barnsley from October. Replics of the work will also be on display in Melbourne and Mumbai.

"I have umpired at four World Cup finals and I was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire medal) in 1986, but this moment is right up there with those," said Bird. "Growing up in Barnsley, I never dreamed there would be a statue of me in the middle of the town." AFP