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Fielding the cricket ball with confidence, either when the ball is hit into the air or as it speeds along the ground, does seem to be the concern and preoccupation of many a follower of our cricket here.

Especially, when our widely acclaimed world renowned fielding, has in recent times, sunk to the abysmal depths of just being ordinary.

Fielding, that all important aspect of the game has declined considerably, even at the school level.

This does not speak well for the future and, cricket coaches and masters both at the national as well as the school levels, should take serious note of this to arrest the deteriorating standards in fielding.

It's in the wake of such an environment as this, games comes the heartening news that a commendable contraption referred to so aptly as 'catch-it', to assist and promote better fielding has been devised through the very enterprising and innovative efforts of Bertram Jayasuriya.

Bertram, a former Kingswoodian and presently the Director/General Manager of Mercantile Shipping Co. (MSC) is an ardent cricket fan, who is zealously keen that our cricket teams, be it the school or the national, should forge ahead from strength to strength.

'Catch-it', is therefore the outcome of the commitment and dedication he has towards the game. We did carry a descriptive narrative in our earlier issue and so do not wish to be repetitive here, but will stress on the salient advantages of 'catch-it' which simply is, that it is easy to carry, being portable.

The smaller version measuring 3 feet by 2 1/2 feet weighs around 12.5 kgs while the bigger 6 feet by 2 1/2 feet weighs roughly 22.5 kgs. 'Catch-it' can be stored conveniently since the frame and stand are collapsible and can be kept in any corner without occupying hardly any space unlike the old fashioned slip cradle. Since the ball is thrown against the guts, the ball is hardly damaged unlike when thrown at a slip cradle.

No more will one have to hit the ball to a set of fielders in a semi-circle for fielding practice. With 'catch-it', all can participate. The smaller version of 'catch-it' can be used by 1-4 participants while the bigger version can accommodate 7 or 8 players.

After extensive research and many earlier prototypes, the final product had a demonstrate launch at the SSC on Wednesday, amidst a distinguished gathering of those of the cricketing fraternity.

Speaking on the occasion, were two former civil servants and cricketers, Bradman Weerakoon and M. Dharmasiri Peiris, the former is the Chairman MSC, whilst the latter assists as the consultant.

Both were of the view that it was timely and opportune, that we address our minds to the improving of our fielding, which is vital and that the introduction of 'catch-it' is a step in the right direction.

They were very appreciative of the painstaking efforts of Jayasuriya to turn out such an equipment and said they were aware of his contribution to sponsor and promote sports through the different bodies. S. Namasivayam head of electro technology unit, Industrial Technology Institute also spoke. Manager Human Resources, MSC, Asoka Perera steered proceedings.