Daily Excelsior.........sports

KAWA (A) registers easy win over KAWA (B) in opener...........

GCW Parade trounces DC Kathua .........

Ashes rivals cannot wait for action to start

BRISBANE, Nov 22: The waiting is almost over —with the much-hyped ashes cricket series between Australia and England finally getting underway here tomorrow after 14 months of mounting expectations.

England’s magnificent series win over the Aussies last year has generated interest and ticket sales not witnessed down under since the halcyon days of Don Bradman and the 1932-33 ‘bodyline’ series and all is set for a gripping five-match series.

Australian Captain Ricky Ponting and his English counterpart Andrew Flintoff today spoke of their relief that the action was about to start at the Gabba ground.

"The hype surrounding this series has been going on for what seems ages. We’re one day away from what could be the biggest test series ever," Flintoff told reporters.

"The team and I just want to get started. We want to play some cricket. There’s been a lot written and a lot said and now it’s time to get out on the pitch and play some cricket.

"It’s nice that it’s almost come to an end and we can actually go out there and have a bat and a bowl."

Ponting, who has faced countless press conferences looking ahead to the much-touted series, said the Australians were excited to get the show on the road.

"For 14 months we’ve all been looking forward to this day coming around. The cricket-loving people around the world have been waiting for this series to come round again," he said.

Both teams have been careful to avoid mentioning the pressure of the occasion, with england desperate to hold on to the Ashes they won last year after 18 years and Australia facing huge national expectations to get them back.

"2005 was a huge achievement for us and now we have the chance to defend the ashes out here in Australia it’s going to be even better, Flintoff said.

"The hype surrounding it, the interest in it from the Australian public and all the English people coming over and the English people back home watching it and if we did pull it off it would be amazing."

Ponting, who has the unwelcome distinction of becoming the Australian Captain who lost the Ashes, said his players hurt when they saw the urn handed over at the oval in September 2005 but that was all now in the past.

"I don’t think it affected me any more than any other player. We were all hurting from it. We’re over that now and it’s a matter of performing well in the five test matches starting tomorrow," he said

"I think it’s something that’s been built up around media circles. I certainly don’t think there’s any more pressure on me or on the players coming into this series to try and win the ashes back.

"It’s just about hard, good intense few weeks of test match cricket."

Led by match-winning all-rounder Flintoff, England have their best chance of winning a series in Australia in 20 years.

The Australian team, accustomed to having their own way in world cricket, had their period of introspection over the upset loss of the ashes and are consumed by retrieving the urn amid crushing national expectation.

Australia are expected to go into the first ashes test relying on four bowlers to share the workload after shane tait was released from the squad on the eve of the match.

The south Australian tearaway was considered surplus torequirements Wednesday and allowed to leave the team camp to return home, leaving selectors to choose between Stuart Clark and Mitchell Johnson for the third pace bowler spot to support Glenn Mcgrath and Brett Lee.

England had better news on injured no.3 batsman Ian Bell after he made it through a net session Wednesday with his badly bruised hand after being struck in practice the previous day.

A team spokesman said the Warwickshire right-hander was expected to be fit to play in the Ashes opener and a decision would be made on match morning.

Teams

Australia (from) - Ricky Ponting (Captain), Adam Gilchrist, Stuart Clark, Michael Clarke, Matthew Hayden, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Justin Langer, Brett Lee, Damien Martyn, Glenn Mcgrath, Shane Warne.

England (from) - Andrew Flintoff (Captain), Andrew Strauss, Alastair Cook, Ian Bell, Kevin Pietersen, Paul Collingwood, Geraint Jones, Ashley Giles, Matthew Hoggard, James Anderson, Steve Harmison, Monty Panesar. (AGENCIES)

Anganwari opens employment oppurtunities in rural areas

SRINAGAR, Nov 22: A total of 1130 new anganwari centres have been set up in Baramula district, providing employment to 1707 women, official sources said here today.

Sources said, eatables worth Rs 2.24 crore were supplied to these centres upto October this year.

They said as many as 11,156 cases have been approved under different welfare schemes in the district, out of 18,348 registered with Social Welfare Department.

Financial assistance worth Rs 91.14 lakh has been provided to 7637 people in the district while Rs 10.40 lakh were given to 4,238 students as scholarship, the sources added. (PTI)

Big-scoring Lara still wants more

MULTAN, Nov 22: Brian Lara is already the most prolific batsman in test cricket history, yet after scoring a magnificent 216 against Pakistan today he still has the desire for more.

"I am still very enthusiastic about the game and every time I go out in the middle I want to do well," said Lara, whose 34th test century put his team in a strong position for a series-levelling win.

"I want to see the West Indies do well and I still have that energy and that desire to go out there and perform," said Lara, rated as among the greatest batsmen to grace the game.

He destroyed Pakistan’s bowling attack with a flurry of strokes after his arrival at the crease in the second test at Multan stadium early Tuesday.

Lara raced to his 49th test half-century off just 48 balls and then cut loose with three sixes and two boundaries to take 26 off one over from leg-spinner Danish Kaneria.

At one point he was in sight to score the second fastest century — 67 by Jack Gregory of Australia against South Africa at Johannesburg in 1921 — but in the end he kept his team’s interests above his own personal milestones.

He still managed to reach his hundred off 77 balls, the ninth fastest ever, and became the fifth batsman to score a century before lunch in test cricket.

Kaneria suffered the most, conceding 69 runs off just 29 balls, including five sixes.

Lara said he wanted to blast Kaneria out of the attack.

"One of their main threats when the ball gets old was Kaneria and I thought that to have that psychological advantage it was necessary for us as a team and it worked pretty well, he stayed away from the attack for the majority of the day.

"But he was still their most successful bowler, so credit must be given to him for showing a lot of character."

Lara said he would not rate his innings against his others but was happy that it helped his team press for a series levelling win after losing the first test by nine wickets in Lahore.

"I’m quite happy to do that, I relish the opportunity but in terms of categorizing this innings, I don’t see the need to. I just enjoyed it and carry on for the benefit of the team," said the 37-year-old Trinidadian.

During this knock lara overhauled legendary australian batsman Don Bradman’s record of 18 scores above 150 in tests.

He now has 34 centuries in 130 tests — joint second in the all-time century makers’ list with former Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar, and one less than another Indian, contemporary Sachin Tendulkar who has 35.

Lara already has the most runs in test cricket with 11,904, and holds the record for the highest test innings of 400 not out, made against England at St John’s, Antigua two years ago. (AGENCIES)

Rajouri, Kathua claim volleyball titles

Excelsior Sports Correspondent

Sunderbani, Nov 22: Rajouri defeated Kathua by 2-1 sets in the final to clinch U/14 Girls title in the State Level Inter District Volleyball Championship for U/14 and U/17 Girls which concluded at Sunderbani here today.

In U/17 Girls, Jammu defeated Rajouri by 3-2 sets to clinch the title.

The final score was 25-20, 24-26, 25-20, 25-12 and 15-13. The officials in both the final matches were Balraj Sharma, Wali Mohd, Hanief Mohd, Ajay Kumar and K.L. Raina.

Parvez Ahmed Malik, Deputy Commissioner, Rajouri was the chief guest on the occasion, who gave away winner and runner up trophies to the teams. Sangeeta and Pushpinder Chadha were adjudged players of the tournament in U/14 and U/17 age groups respectively.

The tournament was organised by the Department of Youth Services and Sports, District Rajouri.

Jammu athletes dominate 2nd day of Athletic Meet

Excelsior Sports Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 22: District Jammu athletes shined on the 2nd day in the ongoing Inter District State Level Athletic Meet for U/14 and U/17 Boys and Girls being played at M.A. Stadium today.

In 100 mts sprint, Manish Bhat of Jammu finished first in U/14 Boys while Mukhtair Ahmed of Pulwama and Yog Raj, stood 2nd and 3rd respectively.

In 200 mts U/17 Girls final, Sushma of Jammu fetched first position while Nazma and Reeta of Udhampur and Doda finished 2nd and 3rd respectively.

In Shot Put U/14 Boys Final, Ajay of Doda claimed first place whereas Nadeem Ali of Anantnag and Jahangir Ahmed of Pulwama finished 2nd and third respectively.

Sumit Kour of Jammu topped in U/14 Girls Shot Put. Tahir of Poonch and Jyoti of Kathua finished 2nd and third respectively.

IN U/17 Girls Javelin Throw final, Shabnam and Rajni Koul of Jammu bagged first and 2nd positions respectively. Lalita Manhas of Doda finished 3rd.

In U/14 High Jump final, Jahangir Ahmed of Pulwama secured first position followed by Jahangir Ali, Ajay Kumar and Rahghav Soni of Anantnag, Doda and Jammu, who finished 2nd, 3rd and 4th respectively.

Shahid Iqbal of Jammu stood first in U/17 Boys Long Jump final whereas Amir Ahmed of Srinagar and Ankush Sharma of Jammu finished 2nd and 3rd respectively.

In U/17 Girls final, Monika Chalotra of Jammu bagged first position followed by Nazma and Hamira of Udhampur and Srinagar, who stood 2nd and 3rd respectively.

The tournament is being organised by the Department of Youth Services and Sports.

Paloura Cricket Club enter semis in Jammu
Distt Championship

Excelsior Sports Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 22: Paloura Cricket Club and United Public School have entered into the semifinal in the ongoing Jammu District Tennis Ball Cricket Championship being played at Dogra Ground, Shastri Nagar today.

In the matches played today, United Public School, Chhanni Himmat defeated Choudhary Cricket Club by 7 wickets.

Choudhary Cricket Club after winning the toss made 29 runs in 5.5 overs.

In reply, United Public School reached the target of 30 runs in 4.2 overs by losing only two wickets. Tony and Vipan were the top scorers with 18 and 7 runs respectively.

In the second match, Sai Cricket Club outclassed Chhanni Himmat Cricket Club by four wickets. Chhanni Himmat Cricket Club scored 48 runs in the stipulated 6 overs.

Sai Cricket Club in reply, chased the target in 5 overs with five wickets to spare. Sikander played a match winning knock of 24 runs.

In another match, United Public School trounced Sai Cricket Club by 25 runs. Batting first after winning the toss, United Public School made 53 runs in the allotted 6 overs. Bachan and Ajay were the top scorers, who scored 11 and 9 runs respectively.

In reply, Sai Cricket Club was all out for 28 runs in 5.4 overs.

Ram Pal of United Public School grabbed three wickets for 10 runs.

In the fourth match, Digyana Cricket Club beat Nanak Nagar Cricket Club by 8 wickets. NNCC won the toss and chose to bat first.

They made 51 runs in the stipulated 6 overs.

In reply, DCC made the required runs in 5.1 overs.

Opening batsman Jatinder played an excellent knock of 27 runs.

The semifinals and the final of the Cricket Championship will be played tomorrow at the same venue.

Ishuk Choudhary suffers a crushing defeat

Excelsior Sports Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 22: Defending Champion Ishuk Choudhary suffered an upset defeat against Amardeep Singh, who outclassed him by nerve wracking 3-2 frames in the 2nd round in Junior Snooker in the ongoing 16th J&K State Inter District Billiards and Snooker Championship being played at Billards Hall, M.A. Stadium here today.

Amardeep lost the first frame by 49-57 but came back strongly by taking next frame by 55-51.

Ishuk again took the third frame by 51-30. But Amardeep kept cool to overcome him in the fourth frame by 73-53.

In the deciding frame, Amardeep played brilliantly to finally beat the defending champion by 56-22.

Ishan Choudhary, current District Champion also lost to Abhishek Pathania by 51-42, 64-42 and 58-19 to crush out of the tournament.

Sumesh Turki also had a close shave against Gourav Sharma as he managed to win a thriller by 3-2 frames 54-56, 75-25, 32-44, 63-19 and 49-19.

In other 2nd round matches, Aditya beat Zeeshan by 44-29, 41-48, 48-42 and 5-50, Dheeraj Goswami beat Ishan Sharma by 32-66, 55-19, 56-34, 47-62 and 42-32, Vikram Dhawan beat Rajan Mahajan by 40-6, 63-56, 47-56 and 57-11, Rishab got walkover Miya Bashir, Owais Baba beat Sahil Gupta by 84-42, 62-31 and 49-20, Sahil Arora beat Rishab Sharma by 70-26, 43-35 and 31-6, Vidit Gawri beat Akshay by 37-48, 49-5, 53-29 and 48-30 and Sahil Aggarwal beat Shoaib Geelani by 70-25, 79-21, 44-55 and 52-23.

The officials in the match were Rakesh, Surjit Singh and Shanker Dass.

The tournament is being organised by the J&K Billiards and Snooker Association and sponsored by the J&K State Sports Council.

Shiksha Niketan students win 38 medals

Excelsior Sports Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 22: Thirty eight students of Shiksha Niketan High School, Gandhi Nagar bagged medals in the recently concluded Matsogi-Do Championship held at M.A. Stadium from November 8-10.

Total 38 medals bagged by the students include 12 gold medals, 8 silver medals and 18 bronze medals.

Not only that, the Best Instructor and Official Award was also won by Instructor Vishal Samrat of same school.

Medal Winners:

Gold: Rishab, Dilpreet, Gurudhyan, Varun, Mohit Salathia, Bhanu Pratap, Amarjeet Singh, Manav, Sahil Mehra, Anil Thakur, Kashish Sood and Ramandeep Singh.

Silver: Harshjot, Aryan, Harneet Singh, Shivam Bakshi, Sahil Sharma, Varun Jamwal, Rahil Mehra and Saurabh Raina.

Bronze: Anmol Mahajan, Satyam Mengi, Rahul Kumar, Shivam Gupta, Abhishek, Suksham Mahajan, Surbhi Bakshi, Avneet Kour, Shubam Kumar, Varun Sharma, Aman Singh, Charanjeet Singh, Abhinand Gupta, Rahil Mohd, Rajat Gupta, Diksha Gupta, Rajat Gupta and Monika Sharma.

KAWA (A) registers easy win over KAWA (B) in opener

Excelsior Sports Correspondent

JAMMU Nov 22: KAWA Narwal (A) registered an emphatic win over KAWA Narwal (B) by 82 runs in the inaugural match of the GKR Memorial Twenty-20 Memorial Cricket Tournament which commenced at GGM Science College ground here today.

KAWA Narwal (B) won the toss and put KAWA Narwal (A) to bat. KAWA Narwal (A) got off to a disastrous start by losing their first wicket at 21 runs.

Irfan was the batsman out who made just eight runs. Mannish was the top scorer for KAWA Narwal (A) who accumulated 32 runs in 33 balls. He pierced three hits to the fence.

Dushyant and Akshay Man also played well for their knocks of 23 and 25 runs respectively.

KAWA Narwal (A) piled up challenging 166/7 in the stipulated 20 overs.

For KAWA (B), Darinder Sharma grabbed three wickets while Rohit Raina and Parveen took one wicket each.

In reply, KAWA (B) was bundled out for paltry 84 runs in 14.4 overs.

Rohit was the top scorer with 15 runs. Nikhil and Munish also contributed 11 and 10 runs respectively.

Besides them, no other batsman was able to reach double figures.

For KAWA (A), Sunny Mattoo bowled a magnificent spell to scalp five wickets for just 20 runs in his quota of four overs. Shehzad, Dushyant and Shafiq snared one wicket each.

Sunny Mattoo for his excellent spell was declared the Man of Match.

The umpires in the match were Santa Singh and Ashok Kumar. The scorers were Mohit Puri and Rajesh Kumar.

Earlier, Amit Gupta, Assistant Director KAWA Institute, was the chief guest on the occasion, who declared open the tournament.

Mohit Puri, Rajinder Singh, Pappu Dogra, Sukhchain Singh and Amir Chand were also present on the occasion.

Tomorrow, KAWA Gandhi Nagar (A) will take on KAWA Narwal (C) in the next match to be played at the same venue.

GCW Parade trounces DC Kathua

Excelsior Sports Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 22: Government College for Women, Parade defeated Degree College Kathua by 8-5 in the ongoing Inter Collegiate Handball Tournament (Women) played at Jammu University here today.

Ambika, Rishu and Neha were the outstanding performers for the winner team, who scored three, two and two goals respectively.

For DC Kathua, Renu also played well by scoring five goals.

At half time, GCW Parade was comfortable placed with 5-1 lead.

The officials in the match were Sunder Kumar, Dev Raj and Vinay Sharma. The tournament is being organised by the Department of Physical Education, Jammu University.