It has been the desired build-up to the second big match for St. Joseph’s College, soaring and peaking swiftly and steadily, as the “86th Battle of the Saints” against traditional rivals St Peter’s College is all set to start at the P. Sara Oval on Friday.

The Joes leading as the host for the 86th edition are oozing with confidence with the U-19 quarter-final berth.

The Darley Road lads, in the last few U-19 two-dayers had showcased the ideal performance with batters complementing and completing the job with their bowlers.

The impressive part has been the manner in which, their captain cum fast-bowler Johanne de Zilva, has juggled both the responsibilities.

Particularly, at the match where they earned the pre-quarter final berth, he was the destroyer-in-chief, dismantling the Anandian side with a six-for. Also, coming along with that is his man-management skills seemingly leading the lot by example and bettering their past performances.

However, though, the defending U19 two-day champs, last won against the Peterites only in 2008,under the leadership of opening batsman Ruwantha Fernandopulle, and will be looking to convert their winning streak by securing the Rev. Fr. Maurice Le Goc Memorial Trophy, that has been missing from their cabinet for over a decade now.

Reflecting on a retrospect of their recent run, they appear almost certainly the better side and will be looking to bank on that factor.

Niroshan Bandaratillake, coach of the Joes speaking said, “We already have eight outright wins, four first innings wins, and lost as many on first innings. Now, we are qualified to the quarter-finals. We won the pre-quarters against St. Anne’s and in the limited overs also we have qualified to play in the pre-quarters. I think, we can win it, this time.”

“The thing is from last year, they minimised one innings to only 60 overs. We play the first innings of each team to 60 overs and then after that the normal game. If we bat first I have only 60 overs, those are the new rules and all will have a chance to win this game. That is, for example when we bat we can bat only for 60 overs. If we score 300 for 2 then automatically the innings will close. St. Peter’s also will have to follow the rule. Second two innings are open. No limitations,” he explained.

“Each team will have to play 105 overs, hence, 210 overs for both teams and that creates a big chance for any. St. Peter’s are a good side. They don’t have much outright wins. My plan is to bowl first, get early wickets and contain them to a low score, after that for us to pressurise them. That is how we planned and executed our last two, two-day U19 matches,” Bandaratillake commented on his counterparts.

“It’s this team who are the last season’s U19 two-day champions. It is also the same team who were supposed to win yesteryear’s big match, but Santhush Gunethilake hit a big 160 and saved the game.”

The performance of the Sri Lanka team in the ODI series under captain Dimuth Karunaratne where they completed a 3-0 whitewash will only place an extra burden on T20I captain Lasith Malinga to deliver when the two-match series commences at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium today at 7 pm.

Although Malinga has led Sri Lanka to a T20 World Cup win in 2014, his T20I captaincy has produced abysmal results – the team losing 13 out of 22 matches he has captained his country in with seven wins.

With the T20 World Cup not far away Sri Lanka will be hoping that Malinga will be able to turn the fortunes of his team into a winning one. But he cannot do it alone all by himself with his crafty bowling which the West Indies batsmen will be wary of.

The key issue in Sri Lanka’s recent losses to Australia and India has been the failure of the batsmen to put enough runs on the board. With top T20 sides like India, England and Australia continuously hitting the 200-run mark, Sri Lankan batsmen have a lot of work to do to get anywhere close.

It is hoped that their success in the ODI will inspire the top order batsmen to give the start the team requires to get to totals in excess of 180.

Today’s match also marks the 500th T20 appearance of West Indies captain Kieron Pollard at all levels. Pollard who plays with Malinga for Mumbai Indians in the IPL will certainly look forward to the contest.

West Indies head coach Phil Simmons paying tribute to Pollard said, “It’s an amazing feat for someone whose had two knee constructions and other injuries and for him to still come back from those and to get to 500 is an enormous feat and something that he needs to be proud of.”

Simmons is hoping for a turn of fortune for his side after their 0-3 defeat in the ODIs with the team undergoing several changes especially with the arrival of T20 specialist players to bolster the side. “Happy to see some senior players, their preparation has been good. We’ve been here for about 4-5 days, everyone looks sharp and ready to go,” Simmons said.

On whether West Indies will start as favourites for the series, Simmons said, “I don’t think we can be favourites where we are in the ICC rankings. We need to start our preparations from now and we need to build up how we want to play in the World Cup and start putting together a squad for it and see how we perform. “We still have about 12 or 13 games before the World Cup. That’s enough time for us to put together the right squad and with the experience that we have in T20cricket it won’t be as hard as the ODI team.” - ST

Mahanama College Colombo, Royal College Colombo, Richmond College Galle and Trinity College Kandy advanced to the pre quarter finals of the ‘Singer Trophy’ Under 19 Division One inter Schools Cricket (Limited Overs) tournament yesterday.

Royal College Colombo beat Devapathiraja College Rathgama by 79 runs at Reid Aveune and Mahanama College Colombo beat Isipathana College Colombo by 6 wickets at Bloomfield in the play off pre quarter finals yesterday.

Richmond College Galle beat St. Peter’s College Bambalapitiya by two wickets at MCG Galle and Trinity College Kandy beat Dharmapala College Pannipitiya by 91 runs at Asgiriya in the pre quarter finals yesterday.

*At Reid Avenue- Royal Colombo won by 79 runs

Royal Colombo:238/7 (50) (Resandu Thilakaratne 75, Sadisha Rajapakse 68, Harindu Palihawadana 44, Sineth Jayawardena 22, Irushka Thimira 4/34)

Devapathiraja Rathgama: 159 (37) (Sandaru Theekshana 41, Sasanka Nirmal 37, Tharindu Rukshan 21, Sonal Amarasekara 4/22, Dan Yabesh 3/30 Sadisha Rajapakse 2/36)

*At Bloomfield. Mahanama Colombo won by 6 wickets

Isipathana Colombo: 150 (43.5) (Nishan Amarasinghe 33, Savindu Uthsara 30, Devindu Kekerideniya 5/19, Sonal Gamage 2/18, Pawan Rathnayake 2/35)

Mahanama Colombo: 151/4 (36.5) (Pulshan Rohana 35, Pawan Rathnayake 33, Vinuka Rubasinghe 22, Sonal Gamage 28, Thiwanka Lakruwan 2/22)

*At MCG Galle Richmond Galle won by 2 wickets)

St. Peter’s Bambalapitiya: 199 (50) (Wanuja Kumara 50, Niman Umesh 40, Tharinda Nirmal 2/15)

Richmond Galle: 203/8 (48.4) (Dimuth Sandaruwan 67, Bhanuka Manohara 49, Yugantha

Malshan 21, Wanuja Kumara 3/46, Kanishka Maduwantha 3/48)

*At Asgiriya Trinity Kandy won by 91 runs

Trinity Kandy: 275/7 (50) (Thevin Amarasinghe 71, Ranuda Somarathna 60, Abishek Anandakumar 49, Deemantha Bandara 27, Dinitha Siriwardena 26, Lakshitha Purasinghe 2/63)

Dharmapala Pannipitiya: 184/8 (50) (Vihanga Gunarathne 60, Nadeesh Bandara 27, Sanchana Lanka 24, Ruvin Peiris 2/21, Abhishek Anandakumar 2/23) (YK)

LONDON, Monday - England captain Joe Root on Monday said his players will not be shaking hands on their tour of Sri Lanka in a bid to avoid the coronavirus.

Root was quizzed on the coronavirus on Monday as England prepared to depart for their two-Test tour.

The Yorkshire batsman said instead of shaking hands, England players will greet each other with fist bumps.

England were hit by a series of gastroenteritis and flu problems before and during the first Test on their recent tour of South Africa.

“After the illnesses that swept through the squad in South Africa, we are well aware of the importance of keeping contact to a minimum and we’ve been given some really sound and sensible advice from our medical team to help prevent spreading germs and bacteria,” Root said.

“We are not shaking hands with each other, using instead the well-established fist bump, and we are washing hands regularly and wiping down surfaces using the anti-bacterial wipes and gels we’ve been given in our immunity packs.

“There is no suggestion that the tour will be affected, but of course it is an evolving situation so we are in regular contact with the authorities and will proceed as advised, but at this stage we fully expect the tour to continue as planned.”

England will play the first of two practice games against a Sri Lanka Board Presidents XI in Katunayake on Saturday ahead of the Tests, which will form part of the ICC World Test Championship.

England won 3-0 in Sri Lanka two years ago but Root is expecting a tougher challenge this time.

“The conditions will be a bit different with the time of year we are going this time,” he said.

“The three games we played out there last time were all very close with less than 60 runs between the teams in the last two Tests.

“It was an exceptional performance last time and I think we can take a lot of confidence from that in terms of how to play out there.

“We respect how good a side they are in their own conditions and we’ll find ourselves up against a stiff challenge.” – AFP

England cricket team captain Joe Root is welcomed by hotel staff on arrival in Sri Lanka yesterday. England will play a series of two Test matches during their short tour here in addition to two warm-up matches.    

Rahul Gunasekara of Wesley College Colombo and Leshan Diluksha of St. Joseph’s Bandarawela made centuries in their traditional fixtures of the ‘Singer Trophy’ Under 19 inter Schools Cricket tournament yesterday.

Rahul Gunasekara of Wesley College Colombo scored 161 runs against Kingswood College Kandy played at Campbell park. Leshan Diluksha of St. Joseph’s Bandarawela scored 108 runs against St. Thomas College Bandarawela.

St. Sebastian’s College Moratuwa scored 100 runs for 8 wickets against St. Anne’s College Kurunegala. St. Anne’s Kurunegala made 148 runs.

Matches will be continued today on day two.

*At Campbell park. Wesley Colombo: 351/8 decl. (67) (Rahul Gunasekara 161, Sahil Dias 64, Thilshan Senanayake 50 n.o., Sidath Darmasiriwardane 47, Champika Abeyrathna 2/44, Dumindu Bandara 2/62, Amesh Rupasinghe 2/84)

Kingswood Kandy: 65/7 (26) (Hansitha Polkotuwa 26, Thenuka Perera 4/16, Denuwan Mendis 2/13)

*At Kurunegala.- St. Anne’s Kurunegala: 148 (61.2) (Kavindu Ranasinghe 43, Lasith Warnakulasooriya 34, Krishantha Piyathilaka 26 n.o., Muiz Rafeel 20, Nadeera Fernando 5/32, Bihanga Mendis 2/28, Kalana Sandeep 2/54)

St. Sebastian’s Moratuwa: 100/8 (33)

*At Pelawatte.- St. Joseph’s Bandarawela: 309 (78) (Leshan Diluksha 108, Randula Roshan 56, Yasiru Ruwantha 40 n.o., Pasan Hirusika 25, Uthpala Lankathika 20, Savith Basnayake 4/70) S.Thomas Bandarawela: 18/0 (9) (YK)

Pilyandala Central College advanced to the quarter final round of the ‘Singer Trophy’ Under 19 Division Two inter Schools (Limited Overs) Cricket tournament yesterday.

Piliyandala Central College beat Siri Piyarathana MMV Padukka by 4 wickets at Padukka in the quarter final.

*At Padukka Piliyandala Central won by four wickets

Siri Piyarathana MMV Padukka: 162 (43.2) (Jithmin Kolambage 53, Kavishka Dhanajaya 26 n.o., Sasanka Lakshan 3/47, Sithum Nimlaka 2/14, Chamod Sandaru 2/20)

Piliyandala Central: 166/6 (31.4) (Jamith Dilshan 52, Chamod Sandaru 52, Sithum Nimlaka 21 n.o., Omesh Udara 3/27, Madushan Peiris 2/50)

Rajasinghe Central College Hanwella advanced to the pre-quarter finals of the ‘Singer Trophy’ Under 19 Division III Level One inter-schools cricket (two days) tournament yesterday.

Rajasinghe Central College Hanwella beat Royal College Moneragala by 33 runs at Hanwella in the play off pre- quarterfinal. Shakthi Udara spinner of Rajasinghe Central Hanwella took a match bag of 10 wickets for 93 runs.

Scores:

Rajasinghe Central Hanwella:158 (45.5) (Isuru Udana 35, Avishka Lakshan 4/34, Chamika Denuwan 2/17) and 145 (42.3) (Chamindu Dhananjaya 50, Amila Chathuranga 33, Ishan Chanaka 3/23, Avishka Lakshan 3/31, Chathura Dilshan 2/20, Sakuna Nidarshana 2/22)

Royal Moneragala: 173 (49.5) (Sakuna Nidarshana 55, Damindu Rashmika 42, Shakthi Udara 5/54, Praveen Maneesha 3/35) and 97 (45.3) (Sakuna Nidarshana 35, Chamod Santhush 20, Shakthi Udara 5/39, Praveen Maneesha 4/40)

- (YK)

A rousing game is on the cards in the opening game of the inter-school rugby season when Dharmaraja College locks horns with St Peter’s College at Bambalapitiya today.

Dharmaraja College led by Jude Ranaweerasinghe will come out with full confidence to give the Peterites some anxious moments if not cause an upset win. St. Peter’s led by Yohan Fernando posses a glittering array of players and will go all-out for a win.

In this game for the two teams, gaining maximum possession will be of importance. Both sides are blessed with a speedy and reliable set of three-quarters and rugby fans could be assured of good fast open game of rugby.

New Delhi, Saturday: The next Asia Cup will be held in Dubai so that arch-rivals India and Pakistan can both take part, Indian cricket chief Sourav Ganguly said.

The tournament had been scheduled for Pakistan in September but India had refused to take part unless it was held on neutral territory because of tensions between the two countries.

“The Asia Cup will be held in Dubai and both India and Pakistan will play,” Ganguly said late Friday before leaving for an Asian Cricket Council meeting in Dubai.

India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral series since 2012-13 when Pakistan crossed the border for a series of one-day internationals.

With their decades-old dispute over Kashmir at a new peak, India has stopped all sports teams going to Pakistan and they have only clashed in cricket at major international events. AFP

The inter-school big match season which began with the Thuratan-Isipatana encounter last weekend, will further accelerate this weekend with the Josephian-Peterite and Ananda-Nalanda encounters. It will reach its peak when the Battle of the Blues between Royal and S. Thomas’ takes place next weekend.

The big matches will always give a new rhythm as the schoolboys and their old boys get proactive with excitement and renew loyalty with true feelings for their schools.

These big match venues eventually turn out as the annual meeting places for old boys of the respective schools to meet, greet and swap yarns, especially those who have domiciled abroad flying down for the big occasion.

Most of the old boys living overseas plan to make their annual cricketing pilgrimage to Sri Lanka in March to meet their school buddies and go down memory lane. In the good old days, there were individuals who had created big names in the game right from their junior school cricket level.

Winning a national cap at the age of 19 years is something unique, admirable and memorable. Only a few cricketers have had the distinction of achieving that rare feat.

One of those superb cricketers who has shown his might and achieved that distinction was former Nalanda captain Asanka Gurusinha. He is only the second from the Campbell Place school to be adjudged ‘Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year’ after Roshan Mahanama.

Mahanama became the first Nalandian to win the ‘Observer Schoolboy Cricketer in successive years in 1983 and 1984.

After Mahanama’s dominance, yet another Nalandian, Gurusinha, won the coveted title in 1985.

The 53-year-old former Sri Lanka cricketer and ex-cricket manager of the Sri Lanka national team, Gurusinha said that the ‘Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year’ title he won in 1985 was the turning point in his cricket career.

In a recent interview, the 1996 Sri Lanka World Cup winning star said the year 1985 was a memorable year for him after winning the title.

“When Roshan Mahanama won this award twice in 1983 and 1984, I truly understood how prestigious it is to win the ‘Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year’ award. It was a rare honour and a rich award that not every schoolboy cricketer had the fortune to win. One has to be outstanding and be consistent right throughout a season to win that – work really hard to reach the pinnacle of school cricket,” he said.

Gura said he was hungry to win that title after watching the proud moment when Mahanama won the award which was also an honour for his alma mater Nalanda. “I knew hard work and dedication with exceptional performance could take a schoolboy cricketer towards that goal. I successfully achieved my dream as a schoolboy the following year,” recalled Gurusinha.

After an outstanding 1984/85 season for Nalanda, with a rich harvest of over 1,000 runs, young Gurusinha was adjudged the ‘Observer Schoolboy Cricketer’ in 1985.

“Winning the title gave me tremendous confidence and I started believing in myself more. In less than five months after that I made my Test debut for Sri Lanka,” he added.

Gurusinha was called up at 19 years as a wicket-keeper, a role he performed in a further two ODIs and one Test. He gradually established himself as a one-drop batsman in the national team with many responsible innings that was taken notice of by the selectors.

“I am glad that the ‘Sunday Observer’ is hosting the awards show uninterrupted, thus encouraging the budding schoolboy cricketers. During our time, this was the only one school cricket awards show by the Observer and we were eagerly looking forward to it,” he said.

The technically sound left-handed top order bat, who eventually turned out to be one of the most dependable one-drop batsmen ever produced by Sri Lanka, made his ODI debut on November 3, 1985 in Sri Lanka’s fourth ODI against Pakistan in Hyderabad.

He played 147 ODIs for Sri Lanka to aggregate 3902 runs inclusive of two centuries and 22 fifties to average 28.27. Merely four days after making his ODI debut, Gurusinha won his Test cap on November 7, 1985 to play for Sri Lanka in the third Test against Pakistan in Karachi.

The reliable left-hander has represented Sri Lanka in 41 Tests and scored 2453 runs with seven centuries and eight half tons, including a fluent 88 in his farewell Test innings. He has a Test average of 38.92 and a career-best score of 143.

Gurusinha is concerned about the dying spectators’ interest in school cricket, which had been at its best during his era. “One reason for that is that there is too much of cricket being played now. Live television coverage also discourages fans from going to the grounds. I could remember the Royal-Nalanda match in 1983. We were after five wins and Royal after seven wins. The Reid Avenue ground was packed,” he said.

He said that there is a vast gap between the present day school cricket standard and that of the Sri Lanka ‘A’ or national team. “There is a big gap now and you need to come out with an exceptional performance to make it to the national team. Fitness and sharp fielding play an important role and these aspects should be looked into from school level,” he said.

Nevertheless, Gurusinha sees a bright future for Sri Lanka cricket. “We must set one goal and work towards achieving that at all levels. High performance culture should work from school level with intense training and high fitness levels,” he said.

Physical fitness is a key area that helps make a complete cricketer, according to Gurusinha. “Fitness is very important, not only to play school cricket but even excel in studies with a sound mind. They must work hard with dedication. Just because one takes 50 wickets, he should not expect a direct place in the national team. Instead, he should keep on performing and maintaining consistency,” he said.

Gurusinha is an architect of Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup triumph, aggregating 307 runs – the sixth highest among all teams, with three half centuries in six matches to average 51.16.

Even in the last match of his Test career, he made a patient 88 off 239 balls against Zimbabwe at the SSC ground in September 1996.

“The Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year show has not only produced top cricketers but also an international level umpire such as Kumar Dharmasena who serves in the ICC elite panel.

“We must not forget but also appreciate the tireless roles played by coaches and masters-in-charge, who render yeoman service,” Gurusinha concluded.

A Press Conference was held to mark the Centenary Year of Royal College Rugby with a distinguished gathering including media and sponsored by NDB Bank as the main event sponsor and Arinma Holdings as the main team sponsor at the Sports Ministry Auditorium on Wednesday. Dimantha Seneviratne, CEO NDB Bank (third from left) hands over the sponsorship cheque to B. A. Abeyratne, Principal of Royal College, Colombo. Mithila Mendis, Secretary (Royal College Rugby Union), Athula Munasinghe, Chairman (Royal College Match Tournament Committee) and Rajiv Malalasekera, Adviser (Royal College Rugby Union) are also present. (PICTURE BY HERBERT PERERA)

Roland Perera, a well known cricketer, coach, and administrator was elected president of the Kandy District Cricket Association at the Annual General Meeting held last Saturday. A new committee was picked, at their office at Asgiriya. Perera took over the presidency from Thilina Tennakoon.

The new committee with the backing of the Central Province Cricket Association is all-out to bring back domestic club cricket to its earlier position. At the moment club cricket in Kandy is stagnant. Last year too the Kandy District CA tried to organize domestic tournaments but failed due to lack of grounds and sponsors. Now the Kandy District CA has planned to bring back all the former tournaments back to the field.

Perera is all-out to give his best with the support of his new committee. A former Sylvestrian, he played for the school as an attractive left-hand batsman, left-arm spinner and excelled in the covers where he never allowed anything to go past him. He also represented the Central Province School in the inter-zonal cricket tournament organized by the Observer in the 1970’s. After leaving school he played for Moors SC in the P. Sara trophy cricket tournament which was then the highest level of club cricket. Later he took wings to the Middle East for greener pastures. He continued his cricket in the Gulf before returning in the early 1980’s. As a coach he helped St. Sylvester’s College to become all island schools division one Coca Cola League champions in 1994 for the first time and at that time they were the second school to do so from Kandy after St. Anthony's College in 1991. So, much is expected from him and his committee to bring back cricket to its former position where it was at club level.

Janaka Pathirana, is the newly CPCA secretary, a well known motor racer and a rugby promoter. He is also a product of St. Sylvester’s College. He played for the school and Kandy Youth SC.

The new committee comprises: President - Roland Perera, Immediate Past President - Thilina Tennakoon, Vice Presidents - Malcolm Perera, Amith Wanigasekera, Tuan Dole, Sagara Tennakoon, V. Sumanasekera, General Secretary - Janaka Pathirana, Assistant Secretary - C.N. Dissanayake, Treasurer – Chandra Mahawatte, Assistant Treasurer - Tissa Jayasinghe, Cricket Secretary - Anton Perera, Media Coordinator - Hafiz Marikar, Chairman Tournament Committee - Maliyadeva Munasinghe, Schools Representative - Lenin Jayasinghe, Tournament Committee - Jaliya Munasinghe, Lalith Chandrasena, M. D. Jazeel, A. Suraweera, M. Alvitigala, Selection Committee - Malcolm Perera (chairman), C.N. Dissanayake, Laxman Panditharatna, Coaching Committee – Amith Wanigasekera, Palitha Thilakasiri, L. Panditharatna, C.N.Dissanayake, Dileepa Wijekoon, Development Committee - Roland Perera, Janaka Pathirana, Chandra Mahawatte, Thilina Tennakoon and R.Divakaran, Discipline Committee - Tuan Dole (chairman), Chamalka Abeyratne Bandara, Senarath Jayasundera, Patrons: Minister of Sports, President Sri Lanka Cricket, Harindra Dunuwila and Deva Amunugama.

SYLHET, Tuesday - Tamim Iqbal struck a career-high 158 -- breaking his own national record -- as Bangladesh overcame a late fightback to beat Zimbabwe by four runs in the second one-day international and seal the three-match series in Sylhet on Tuesday.

Tamim’s first century in nearly two years beat the 154 runs he scored against the same opponents in 2009, as Bangladesh also improved their highest total against Zimbabwe -- made just two days ago -- by a run to post 322-8.

Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam then grabbed 3-52 helping Bangladesh restrict Zimbabwe to 318-8 as Bangladesh, who won Sunday’s first match by 169 runs, took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

All-rounder Sikandar Raza made highest 66 off 57 balls while Tinashe Kamunhukamwe (51), teenager Wesley Madhevere (52), and Donald Tiripano (55 not out) all made maiden fifties but Zimbabwe still fell agonisingly short to suffer their 15 consecutive losses against Bangladesh. The match tilted towards Bangladesh once Raza, who struck five fours and two sixes, left the crease slashing Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Mortaza straight to third man fielder Mahmudullah Riyad in the 42nd over.

But Tiripano and Tinotenda Mutombodzi had other ideas as they added 80-run for the eighth wicket to nearly stun Bangladesh.

The partnership ended in the second ball of the final over when Zimbabwe needed 20 runs as Al-Amin Hossain dismissed Mutombodzi for 34 runs.

But Tiripano hit the next two balls for sixes bringing the equation down to six from last two balls, which nevertheless he failed to collect.

Mushfiqur Rahim scored 55 off 50 balls and Mahmudullah made 41, but Tamim stole the spotlight.

Tamim and Mushfiqur put on 87 runs for the third wicket after opener Liton Das and Najmul were run out for nine and six runs respectively.

Mushfiqur was out from a catch at long-off by Tinotenda Mutombodzi off Wesley Madhevere, before Tamim and Mahmudullah added 106 runs for the fourth wicket.

When he reached 84, Tamim became the first Bangladeshi to complete 7,000 runs in ODIs.

He pushed Sean Williams past long off to complete his 12th ODI hundred off 106 balls -- his first ODI century since July 2018.

St. Peter’s College cricket team: First row seated (from left): Manuka Gunaratne [Trainer], Shanaka Fernando [Asst. Coach], Sanath Chinthaka [Sports Secretary/Senior MIC], Shannon Fernando [Captain], Rev. Fr. Rector Rohitha Rodrigo, Rev. Fr. Milan Bernard [Sports Co–ordinator],  Nipunaka Fonseka [Vice-Captain], Roger Wijesuriya [Head Coach], Wasanatha Haputhanthri [Junior MIC],  Crishantha Peiris [Asst. Coach]. Second row standing (from left): Banuka De Silva, Wanuja Sahan, Kanishka Maduwantha, Rishika Dawatage, Trishen Wickramasinghe, Vinuda Liyanage, Ruvin Senevirathne, Danal Hemananda, Shenal Boteju. Third row standing (from left): Niman Umesh, Saviru Peiris, Lahiru Dawatage, Shenal Senevirathne, Sanshay Gunathilaka, Sanuka Galagoda, Nimuthu Gunawardana.

St. Peter’s College have been rather quiet this season, though, based on past records, they can turn the tables.

Their U-19 season has been only a below-average show and nothing to brag about. In fact the Petes have been limping this season and will be waiting to fire, when the contest among the Catholic schools, renews tomorrow for the 86th occasion at the P. Sara Oval against traditional rivals St. Joseph’s College.

The aim of the boys from Bambalapititya, the current holders of the Rev. Fr. Maurice Le Goc Memorial Trophy is to retain it after having won it in 2016.

However their recent run up to the big series pose them the daunting challenge of playing on-par and give a run for their opponents’ money.

In an evenly balanced side they are sans a single SL U-19 player, but have a couple of new-found faces. With such a combination they can emerge to be the silent assassin.

Roger Wijesuriya, the Peterite coach said, “I’m not thinking of their side and strength. I know the areas where we have to improve but we will always see the situations where we can beat them. Of the six sessions we might lose four sessions. But two good sessions can win the match. So it’s how you read the game, come back to the game and from there onwards go for the victory. We haven’t lost a single match outright and the matches in the league, we would have been a bit out in that matter, but if you take our scoring runs and shaping up, we are quite happy.”

“Shannon Fernando started a bit slowly. His captaincy kept on improving game by game. Man-management was also nice. If your plan is not very clear to the children they get upset and, end of the day, a lot of teams are not playing, together. It’s the coach who has to create that atmosphere. I think Shannon in his way has rallied around the children in a very good manner and as a team everybody are enjoying his leadership,” said Wijesuriya.

“Sometimes when it comes to these big games they don’t come out. But another player who would’ve had a normal season he will come good and will be a hero. Last year we had a very good chance when coaching the St. Joseph’s side, and before tea they were about 70-odd for six. This boy playing with us this year Kanishka for example he came and batted with Santhush, getting a good 80 and he became a hero. That is what we have to see not only to save the side but win a game. So at the moment they have good players who can do that to tell you very frankly. Who can change the game to do that, but our players. The time has come, we will see how it goes,” he said.

NALANDA COLLEGE 1ST XI CRICKET TEAM: First row seated (from left): Ruwan Dilruk Dissanayake (Asst. Coach), Shanuka Dissanayake (Head Coach), Chamindu Wijesinghe, Avishka Perera (Captain), Thilak Waththuhewa (Principal), Raveen de Silva (Vice-Captain), Mahima Weerakoon, M.M.J. Marasinghe (P.O.G.), Saman Hettiarachchi (MIC). Back row standing (from left): Nikhil Abeygunasekara, Dineth Samaraweera, Chamodya Rajapaksha, Lakshan Mayadunna, Thamindu Kamalasuriya, Ranindu de Silva, Jithesh Wasala, Anuda Jithwara, Moksha Sankalpa, Chanul Athukorala, Vihanga Vimanga, Rashan Dissanayake. Picture by Herbert Perera

The 91st edition of Battle of the Maroons cricket encounter between arch rivals Ananda College and Nalanda College will take place at the SSC grounds on March 7 and 8 for the Dr. N.M. Perera Memorial Challenge Trophy.

Nalanda who have won three matches outright in 16 outings against Gurukula Kelaniya, Dharmasoka Ambalangoda and St. Sylvester’s Kandy and lost outright to Trinity College will be looking to their three players who figured in the Under 19 cricket World Cup this year to break their 67-year hoodoo of beating their traditional rival.

Their last victory in a Maroons Battle was recorded in 1953 under W. Wimalaratne Silva’s captaincy and overall they have won only six matches with 72 ending in draws.

A centurion of last year’s encounter and fourth year coloursman Avishka Perera will lead Nalanda. He has scored 1161 runs inclusive of four centuries and eight fifties this season. His best was 117 scored twice against St. Sebastian’s and against Dharmapala while the other two centuries were against S. Thomas’ Mount Lavinia and Mahinda College Galle. He was awarded the Man of the Match prize in the previous battle and is expected to play a vital role as wicket-keeper having accounted to 35 victims.

Third year right hand batsman Raveen de Silva as deputy skipper is an all-rounder who has scored 650 runs and captured 50 wickets. Raveen’s highest score is 103 not out against Maliyadeva and his best bowling performance is 9/54 against St. Anthony’s, Wattala.

Another key player is all rounder and third year player Mahima Weerakoon who has piled up 600 runs including three fifties with top score of 82 not out against Mahanama. Mahima has bagged 36 wickets with 8 for 70 against Mahinda College, Galle as his best.

Stylish left hander Rashan Dissanayake who has notched up 412 runs inclusive of two fifties and Moksha Sahan who has scored 304 runs with a half century are the other key batsmen in the side. All rounders Ranindu de Silva and Jithesh Wasala who has reached the 350 run mark will be looking make early inroads into the Ananda batting.

Fresher and leg spinner Chamodhya Rajapaksha who has captured 45 wickets for the season with a best of 9 wickets for 50 against Dharmasoka College, Ambalangoda, left arm pacer Dineth Samaraweera with 35 wickets are the other bowlers whom Nalanda can rely on to tear through the Ananda batting.

Nalanda coach Shanuka Dissanayake who has been coaching them for the past two years said: “Our players have show cased their talent during the school season. We have three players who have represented the country in the Under 19 World Cup team and I hope they will use of that experience to bring us a win.”

Ruwan Dissanayake is the assistant coach and Saman Hettiarachchi the Master-in-Charge.

St Peter’s College kicked-off the Dialog schools rugby league season with a bonus points victory over Dharmaraja College Kandy by 50 points (8 tries, 5 conversions) to 14 points (2 tries, 2 conversions) at Bambalapitiya yesterday. At half time the Peterites led 26-7.

Ishan Fernando played a major role in the Peterites victory touching down three important tries in the game.

Akalanka Perera drew first blood for the winners in the early minutes of the game through a try but their place kicker Thenuka Nanayakkara failed with the conversion.

Four minutes later the Peterites extended their margin with another try through Ishan Fernando off a pass from Yasodha Mendis. Fernando dived over the line by the left corner after running a good 30 meters.

Nanayakkara booted well to add the extra points and the score read 12-0.

Senura Perera scored the Peterites third try in the 22nd minute and Nanayakkara added the extra points to extend the lead further to 19-0. The Rajans struggled to contain the Peterite onslaught and managed to cut down the deficit to 7-19 when Bandula Vidanage scored their first try and Sowmiya Wijeyasiri converted it.

In the latter stage of the first half Malinga Shashan contributed a try that was converted to increase the Peterites lead to 26-7.

The second half was also dominated by the home team with some fine touch downs.

Ishan Fernando scored two tries and one was converted by Windya de Mel. Yasodha Mendis and Shehan Nathaniel also contributed with a try each. De Mel converted one of them.

Dharmaraja scored once more through Tharanga Deleepa which was converted but the Peterites had already sealed the fate of the game.

A rousing game of rugby is on the cards when Kingswood College take on St. Joseph’s College in their opening game of the Dialog schools inter league first round match at Havelock Park today commencing 4.30 pm in what should turn out to be a forwards battle.

Kingswood who possess a glittering array of players are coached by last year’s Josephian coach Nilufer Ibrahim and will go all out to give a good performance. Their forte will be their hardy forwards.

Josephians who are under new coach Dinesh Kumar are fielding a talented outfit, and should be at full strength.

The Josephians are hoping to have things to their own liking if their forwards play hard and send the ball quickly out to the threes.

St. Benedict’s College Kotahena and Thurstan College Colombo advanced to the pre quarter finals of the ‘Singer Trophy’ Under 19 Division One inter Schools Cricket (Limited Overs) tournament yesterday.

Bens beat Maliyadeva College Kurunegala by 8 wickets at Kotahena and Thurstan College beat De Mazenod College Kandana by 4 wickets.

Scores:

* At Thurstan (Thurstan Colombo won by 4 wickets)

De Mazenod Kandana: 77 (24.3) (Bhawantha Jayasinghe 2/13, Avishka Kaushalya 2/23)

Thurstan Colombo: 78/6 (13.2) (Asitha Silva 3/28)

* At Kotahena (St. Benedict’s Kotahena won by 8 wickets)

Maliyadeva Kurunegala: 109 (28.4) (Amesh Thennakoon 36, Nikila Dharmadasa 20, Hasindu Kavirathne 4/19, Malinda Perera 3/9, Sanosh Perera 2/27)

St. Benedict’s Kotahena: 111/2 (25.4) (Sanoj Perera 33 n.o., Nimesh Zoyza 32 n.o., Chaluka Athapaththu 2/27). YK