Sports
Bridge: Connecting people, challenging minds
The sport of Bridge arrived in Sri Lanka during the period of British colonial rule. It quickly spread amongst the elite society of Colombo and amongst the rich planters in the upcountry regions. The sport continues to immerse many intellectuals and professionals today. However, few are aware of the virtues that have propelled the game to be recognized by the International Olympic Committee as a sport. Although assisted by a pack of cards Bridge is by no means a mere card game. ‘’It is more similar to the game of chess,’’ says Rex Perera who runs a Bridge Center in Colombo. Chess is more linear, Bridge on the other hand, maneuvers one’s mind in many directions and provides a well-rounded experience, he adds.
In recent years, Bridge has resurfaced into prominence, amongst players the world over. The game requires intellectual acumen, strategic thinking, and precision in execution enabling the sharpening of players’ minds. The International Mind Sports Association is currently trying to elevate Bridge to the status of a medal event in the Olympics.
“It is time that we in our small nation also rise and join this movement,’’ says Rex Perera, a ‘Grand Master’ in bridge. A few years ago, his passion for the sport led Perera to establish the Vajira Bridge Centre for the sole purpose of teaching and conducting tournaments for bridge players. Situated in a peaceful setting at no. 141 Vajira Road, Colombo 5, the Centre is easily accessible via private or public transport and has ample parking space. ‘’We have an open space and welcome both old and young people players including those who would like to learn the sport’’.
Benefits for the young
“At present the education system in Sri Lanka is mostly insular and is slow to promote free thinking. This mind sport on the other hand encourages a young mind to think logically, analytically and most importantly make educated well thought out conclusions in a short time period,” says Perera.
It also improves the arithmetic knowledge, of the competitor, who is compelled to calculate the points each player around the playing table holds in his /her hand whilst the game is in progress. Another benefit is that it encourages social interaction, respect and tolerance towards the opponents and partner, a good discipline that the player can take forth into his or her community.
Bridge is a partnership game and is played by four participants. The persons on ones right and left are the opponents. The aim is to gain the optimum number of tricks using tact and manipulation. This sport is affiliated and categorized as a mind game and tournaments are conducted internationally. There is no age limit or category, all ages are eligible for participation.
This mind game is a good opportunity for parents who are looking to further the experience of their children, as this avenue has been relatively obscure to young ones, and not many youngsters are involved in the game. “This is an opportunity to encourage children so that they too can represent the country in Bridge, and let the lion flag unfurl in lands far ashore, says Rex Perera.
Benefits for the elderly
As people age, a fair amount of the population tends to become lethargic in brain activity. Their analytical prowess and memory decline mainly due to the lack of metal stimulation after retirement. Recent findings have indicated that Bridge can help fight illnesses such as Alzheimer’s and dementia, thus benefitting older players. Bridge is therefore a very good buddy to keep the brain cells ticking.
“In our own experience, we have found some daily participants at the centre who have been diagnosed with early stages of dementia but have found themselves much improved after a couple of months play,” says Rex Perera.
Ready to bridge
The Vajira Bridge Centre is well equipped and can accommodate over 40 players at a time. The facilities meet high standards with the availability of online result sheets, the latest computer software and equipment, as well as cutting edge teaching. It currently has over 100 members. The center is open every day and tournaments are conducted on Saturdays. It also serves as a gathering place and social center for the bridge playing community. Members have bridge excursions, around the country, at least once every few months, enabling members to spend time together and bond.
You can learn more about the Vajira Bridge Centre on their website: www.bridgewebs.com/vajira.
Details about activities and tournament results are posted every playing day on the website. Online tournaments are conducted on Bridge Base Online (BBO) on an American platform; every evening at 6.30pm, under the name Big Rexy.
Gamini Kannangara
91st Battle of the Saints
St. Joseph’s hold the edge when they meet arch rivals St. Peter’s in the 91st Battle of the Saints’ big match starting today. After having beaten Petes by nine wickets in the Under 19 Division I Tier ‘A’ quarter-final at Polonnaruwa the Joes arive at the SSC ground to prove that the victory registered two months ago was not a fluke.
St. Joseph’s captained by wicketkeeper batsman Kenath Liyanage are concluding a successful season after having remained unbeaten until they were eliminated in the semi-final by St. Sebastian’s .
A strong batting lineup and a dynamic spin department are making them a formidable outfit.
Experienced campaigner Yenula Dewthusa and Demion de Silva with their left-arm spin and Aveesha Samash and Nushan Perera with off spin provide the Joes variety in the spin department. Dewthusa, Demion de Silva and Nushan Perera are their leading wicket takers. Spinners doing well at schools matches have not been effective at the SSC during the last few big matches. It will be interesting to watch as to how the spinners in these two teams would fare during the three days.
For pace the Joes will look to Maanasa Madubashana and Dunick Perera who are expected to share the new ball.
Abishek Jayaweera and Aveesha Samash will open batting, while Senuja Wakunugoda, skipper Liyanage, Dewthusa and Rishma Amarasinghe form the rest of the top order batting lineup.
St. Joseph’s registered three outright victories this season (beat St. Servatius’, St. Benedict’s and St. Peter’s) and remained unbeaten.
St. Peter’s under Oween Salgado’s captaincy did well to reach the business end of the Tier ‘A’ tournament. But the Petes were uncertain of Salgado’s participation in the big match as they were yet to assess his fitness yesterday morning. He was wounded during a match and the stitched wound had not fully healed according to team sources.
Petes beat Gurukula, St. Aloysius’ and Holy Cross this season. Their only defeat was at the hands of their arch rivals. They will look forward to avenge the defeat at the big match.
The Petes will rely on the likes of Dilana Damsara, Thareen Sanketh, Nathan David and Jason Fernando to take a greater share of batting responsibilities. The middle order batsman Sanketh is their leading batsman and has maintained an average of over 50 runs.
Speedsters Ethan Ransilige and Joshua Sebastian will share new ball duties for the Petes.
Lashmika Perera and Sanketh will share most of the slow ball duties.
St Peter’s are in the possession of the coveted Rev. Fr. Maurice J. Le Goc Trophy having last won the big match under the captaincy of Vinu Mohotty in 2016.
St. Joseph’s lead the series tally 12-10. They last won under Ruwantha Fernandopulle’s captaincy in 2008.
St. Peter’s College Team
(Seated from left) Harsha Prabath Perera (Asst. Physio/Trainer & Massuer), Thushara Maduhanka (1st XI Asst. Coach),
Nalin Wijesinghe (Head Coach), Priyadarshana Cooray (MIC – Senior & Junior), Oween Salgado (Captain), Rev. Fr.
Rohitha Rodrigo (Rector), Rev. Fr. Praveen Wijesekara (Priest in Charge – Cricket), Lashmika Perera
(Vice Captain), Dilana Damsara, Rohan Fernando (MIC – 2nd XI), Dinuka D. Godakanda (2nd XI Coach).
(Standing 1st row from left) Dinsara Rathnaweera, Dineth de Silva, Tharin Senvidu, Nathan David, Hiruka Silva, Thareen
Sanketh, Virul Amarapala, Yatheendra Jayaweera, Salith Gallage, Raphael Hettige. (Standing 2nd row from left) Jason Fernando,
Joshua Sebastian, Savi Fernnado, Ethan Ransilige, Asadisa De Silva, Sadeesha Kariyawasam, Enosh Peterson
by Reemus Fernando
120th Lovers’ Quarrel
The stakeholders of the Lovers’ Quarrel Big Match were still pursuing to make the historic 120th edition a reality on the eve of the match after Richmond authorities threatened to pull out citing that Mahinda had violated an accepted norm by included a newly recruited player in the big match team.
The historic edition was scheduled to commence as a three day encounter at the Galle International Stadium today. But the match remained doubtful at the time this edition went to press. The officials of both teams were unavailable for comments on the eve of the match. According to sources close to the two teams the joint big match committee was scheduled to meet in the evening yesterday to take a final decision regarding the match.
Richmond threatened to pull out after Mahinda included Charya Paranavithana in their big match team. Paranavithana captained St. Aloysius’ this season. He is not eligible to play matches that come under the purview of Sri Lanka Schools Cricket Association as he is yet to be registered as a Mahinda player. Big Matches are not played according to SLSCA rules but Richmond authorities had raised concerns over the player registration citing that the two schools had honoured the norm even at the big match.
According to sources Richmond were threatening to pull out if Paranavithana’s name was included in the playing XI on the match day morning.
Mahinda concluded a highly successful season as the team captained by Kaveen Rukshan earned the Under 19 Division I Tier ‘A’ promotion this year. They were also the joint champions of the Tier ‘B’ tournament with Thurstan. In contrast former Division I champions Richmond had to fight relegation scares. The team captained by Thamindu Pradeeptha later successfully retained their Tier A position by recording an outright victory.
Mahinda College Team
Seated left to right: T.D. Ajantha Kumara (Head Coach), Y. Nishantha Kumara (Master in Charge – Senior), L. P. Weeraman (Deputy Principal –
Sports), Kaveen Rukshan (Captain), Mr. Janaka Peduruheva (Principal), Arosha Udayanga (Vice Captain), Mr. M.W. Ajith (Prefect of Games), Mr.
Jagath Samarakoon (Master in charge – Junior), Mr. Sachith Lakmal (Asst. Coach)
Standing (Middle row) – left to right – Dineth Pahasara, Thiyon Helika, Vinupa Nethmira, Sahanjith Irugalbandara, Dulisth Darshana, Senuka
Dangamuwa, Sadew Nethmina, Manitha Rajapaksha, Vishmitha Sathsara, Charya Paranavithana, Randula Mabarana
Standing (Back row) – left to right – Sajeew Punsara, Sehas Ashinsa, Kaveesha Githmal, Thevindu Rashmika
by Reemus Fernando
CR & FC huffed and puffed before beating Havelocks Sports Club 25-24 in a keenly contested Clifford Cup semi final game worked off in Colombo yesterday before booking their berth in Sunday’s rugby final, scheduled to take place in Kandy.
In Sunday’s final, CR will meet Kandy SC, the winner of the first semi final.
CR dominated the first half, but Havies came from behind in the second half to be in contention of pulling the game off till the last minute. Havelocks’ chances were boosted with two powerful tries coming from Chathura Dilshan late in the second half. But unpardonable mistakes by the men in the pink and chocolate jerseys helped CR to slip away with the game. Havelocks gave away two yellow cards during extra time in the second half.
The winners collected their points through three tries, two conversions and two penalties while Havelocks responded with three converted tries and a penalty. The winners led 15-10 at half time. Referee Raveen Alexander controlled the game.
By A Special Sports Correspondent
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