Joes enjoy dream start to cricket season

AT THE SCHOOL NETS

Joes enjoy dream start to cricket season

Chris Dhambarage

St. Joseph’s College with three Sri Lanka youth players and four top colours men in their ranks are hoping that their more experienced players would strike form and deliver the goods in the current inter-school under-19 cricket season.

The Josephians after a very successful season last time have made a steady start this year and are looking forward towards producing a repeat performance like when they grabbed first innings honours and also won the annual one-day encounter against the traditional rivals St. Peter’s College.

In fact they had a dream start to the new season where they pulled off a remarkable four-run outright victory from the jaws of defeat against D. S. Senanayake College on their home ground at Darley Road.

This was also their first win against D. S. Senanayake College since 2007 and the architect behind their success was the off-spinner and vice captain Priyamal Perera who returned excellent figures of six wickets for 54 runs.

The manner in which St. Joseph’s College turned the match in their favour was really outstanding considering the fact that at one stage they were down and out with D. S. Senanayake College well placed at 222 for 4 in pursuit of a victory target of 238 runs.

However in a dramatic turn of events St. Joseph’s College came back strongly to register one of the most thrilling victories in the recent past while dismissing their opponents for 233 runs with 14 deliveries still remaining in the second innings.

Sri Lanka youth cap Priyamal Perera certainly played a major role in this morale-boosting victory as he top scored for the Joes in the second innings with a fighting knock of 70 in addition to his heroics with the ball.

The elegant right-hander is in tremendous form having earlier hammered a sparkling 83 from just 66 balls inclusive of three sixes and nine boundaries against Thurstan College and also hit a run-a-ball 90 against Mahinda College Galle on Friday with one six and a dozen boundaries.

Skipper Dylan Fernandopulle is another dependable batsman and he showed his class by stroking a fluent half-century in the second innings of the game against D. S. Senanayake College while batting under tremendous pressure.

Middle-order batsman Sadeera Samarawickrema and Pathum Madushanka are two other top run-getters for St. Joseph’s College having made their presence felt in almost every outing this season.

In fact dashing wicketkeeper batsman Sadeera Samarawickrema had a good series against both the Indian Under-19 and Bangladesh Under-19 teams and also had the credit of making a top score of 83 runs in the third one-day match against Bangladesh in Dhaka.

But one of his most memorable innings was recorded in the previous Big Match against St. Peter’s College where he almost single-handedly carried his team towards safety while compiling a magnificent 127 in the first innings at the P. Sara Oval in Colombo.       

            

Spin will be the forte of the St. Joseph’s College bowling department with Malshan Rodrigo, Priyamal Perera, Trishan Thanuja, Aravinda Akurugoda and Yashan Samarasinghe all capable of coming into their own if provided the opportunities.

Incidentally fresher and left-arm spinner Malshan Rodrigo performed a unique feat last week when he became the first Josephian to claim eight wickets on his First XI debut in the drawn match against Thurstan College at Darley Road.     

Another newcomer Trishan Thanuja has also shown a lot of promise having produced some economical spells this season including a career best four wickets for 28 runs in the match against D. S. Senanayake College on his home ground.    

In addition opening batsman Duran de Alwis has also made a good start to his career and proved himself by stroking a valuable half-century in the second match of the season against Thurstan College.

The St. Joseph’s College First XI Cricket Squad:

Dylan Fernandopulle (captain), Priyamal Perera (vice captain), Sadeera Samarawickrema, Yashan Samarasinghe, Pathum Madushanka, Fabian Fernando, Duran de Alwis, Nayana Abeysekera, Trishan Thanuja, Shammi Seneviratne, Aravinda Akurugoda, Hashindra Perera, Suren de Silva, Brian Jayamanna, Kalpa Ravihara, Vinura Mendis, Kevin Cortling, Sandaruwan Rodrigo, Pieris, Thashan Perera, Kesara Kumarapperuma, Havin Perera, Avishka Fernando, Manik Gunawardena, Nisal Sooriayarachchi, Clevin Perera, Naren Gunathilake, Hashan Cooray, Jehan Daniel, Malshan Rodrigo, Janaka Deegodagamage (Head Coach), Anura Tennekoon (Cricket Coordinator), Prashantha Ranaweera (Master in Charge).

Upcoming fixtures:

October 31/November 1: v De Mazenod at Darley Road

November 8/9: v Maris Stella at Darley Road

January 3/4: v St. Sebastian’s at Darley Road

January 6/7: v Wesley at Darley Road

January 10/11: v Royal at Reid Avenue

January 17/18: v Trinity at Asgiriya

January 24/25: v S. Thomas’ at Mount Lavinia

January 31/February 1: v Richmond at Darley Road

February 14/15: v St. Anthony’s at Darley Road

February 21/22: v Ananda at Darley Road

February 28/March 1: v St. Benedict’s at Kotahena

March 7/8: v St. Peter’s (Big Match) at P. Sara Oval

March 15: v St. Peter’s (one day) at R. Premadasa Stadium

Madagascar shocks Lanka with last minute try

IRB Dialog Serendib Cup Tri-nation rugby

Madagascar shocks Lanka with last minute try

Chris Dhambarage

Madagascar scored a last minute try to snatch an upset 17 points to 12 points victory over Sri Lanka in their IRB Dialog Serendib Cup Triangular International rugby tournament opening match worked off at the Race Course ground, Reid Avenue yesterday.

The African nation which is ranked number 44 in the IRB Rankings put up a tremendous performance to turn the game in their favour while collecting their points from one goal and two unconverted tries.

Sri Lanka of course struggled from the kick off as they performed much below their expectations and rallied around through the boot of full back Riza Mubarak who did all the scoring by converting four superb penalties.

In fact Sri Lanka went into half time while enjoying a slender lead of 9-5 with Mubarak firing across three splendid penalties one from 45 metres out that really proved his class and potential as a reliable place kicker.

Madagascar had the credit of scoring the only try in the first half which turned out to be a crucial factor as the visitors kept their hopes alive despite having to share most of the possession in the line outs and set pieces.

Scrum half Alain Rakutorini successfully managed to penetrate the Sri Lankan defence with a good move on the blind side after they had forced a five metre scrum almost under the post.

Madagascar further boosted their chances of pulling off an upset victory when their full back Bernard Razafindranaivo sliced trough the Sri Lankan defence to fall over near the corner flag virtually unchallenged.           

However Mubarak gave Sri Lanka some hope of pulling off the game while converting his fourth penalty of the match in the second half after Madagascar were penalized for an off side.

Sri Lanka of course missed out the opportunity of further extending their lead mid way in the second half when Mubarak fumbled with an easy penalty almost from under the post.

In contrast Madagascar played to their strength and really exploited the Sri Lankan back division with a series of sweeping three quarter moves with scrum half Alain Rakutorini falling over for their third and decisive try which put them well in front of the home side.

Madagascar will confront Poland in the second match of the tournament on Tuesday at the same venue commencing at 5.30 p. m and Sri Lanka will take on Poland in the deciding match of the tournament on Friday with the kick off at 7.30 p. m.

Is the tide turning for Pathana cricket?

Is the tide turning for Pathana cricket?

Chris Dhambarage

Isipathana College with a fine blend of youth and experience are hoping that they could make amends for last year’s setback and maintain an unbeaten record in the current inter-school under-19 cricket season.

They have shown a lot of promise this season and have almost completed the third term fixtures successfully with an unbeaten record having recorded first innings wins against St. Joseph’s, Mahanama, Zahira, Bandaranayake MV Gampaha and St. Servatius Matara.

In addition they also went on to take major honours in the match against St. Benedict’s College at Kotahena where they recovered from an early disaster to post a healthy 228 runs in their first innings and then had the opposition struggling at 71 for 5 in reply.

The most significant feature in their performances this season is the kind of form displayed by their newcomers who have been able to outsmart some of their more senior players through their splendid individual contributions.

In fact fresher and left-hand middle order batsman Pramod Maduwantha has emerged as their most successful batsman so far having accumulated nearly four hundred runs inclusive of four half-centuries against St. Servatius Matara, Bandaranayake MV Gampaha, Mahanama and St. Joseph’s.  

           

Another promising player Sachin Jayasuriya has also struck early form while scoring a maiden hundred against Zahira College and then followed up with two half-centuries against Mahanama and Bandaranayake MV Gampaha respectively.

All-rounder Torry Tharindu also has lived up to expectations as a talented player having struck three half-centuries already against Bandaranayake MV Gampaha, Zahira College and St. Servatius College Matara.

The key to Isipathana’s success so far has been their tremendous batting depth with another all-rounder Ushan Perera also proving his class while stroking three vital fifties against Mahanama, Bandaranayake MV Gampaha and St. Servatius Matara.

The Isipathana College bowling attack has also shown a great amount of improvement compared to last season and has realised the importance of dismissing the opposition well inside two sessions in an attempt to force an outright victory.

Left-arm spinner Madushan Chameera is undoubtedly their key bowler having already snapped over 21 wickets from the six outings inclusive of two five-wicket hauls against St. Joseph’s and Bandaranayake MV Gampaha.

He has been well supported by the off-spinner Torry Tharindu who has captured more then four wickets in an innings on three occasions against St. Servatius Matara, Bandaranayake MV Gampaha and Mahanama respectively.

Skipper and senior coloursman Kaminda Perera is another effective right-arm off-spinner having struck a couple of vital blows in the previous outings and is always looking to improve on his overall performances.      

Vice captain Kelum Bastiansz and all rounder Ushan Perera are the other senior coloursmen in the side which also includes a couple of second year players who are determined to cement their place in the team. 

Last year of course Isipathana went through a pretty ordinary season and also suffered three outright defeats and managed to register just a solitary win over President’s College Rajagiriya.

But this time they have turned things around under the guidance of new coach Pradeep Nishantha and are very much on the right track towards building a formidable combination in their ultimate goal towards winning next year’s important Big Match against the traditional rivals Thurstan College.      

The Isipathana College First XI Cricket Squad for 2013/14 season:

Kaminda Perera (captain), Kelum Bastiansz (vice captain), Ushan Perera, Madushan Chaminda, Torry Tharindu, Danura Dheelaka, Sahan Dileepa, Davis Imesha, Subhara Dhakshina, Romesh Ranasinghe, Avinda de Soysa, Sachin Jayasuriya, Pramod Maduwantha, Venushka Chamal, Purna Basitha, Thushan Nirmana, Dinuka Shihan, Mohamed Shabarkhan, Vinu Randula, Malintha Madushan, Mahela de Silva, Sandula Abeywickrema, Pradeep Nishantha (coach), Gayan Niroshan (Assistant Coach), Janaka Bandara (Master in Charge).

Upcoming fixtures:

October 21/22: v De Mazenod at Kandana

October 28/29: v St. Peter’s at Katunayake

December 30/31: v Lumbini at BRC ground

January 20/21: v Trinity at BRC ground

January 24/25: v D. S. Senanayake at Wijerama Mawatha

January 31/February 1: v S. de S. Jayasinghe MV at BRC ground

February 7/8: v Royal Panadura at Panadura

February 14/15: v Royal at Reid Avenue

February 21/22: v President’s College at Rajagiriya

February 28/March 1: v Thurstan (Big Match) at SSC ground

March 9: v Thurstan (one day) at P. Sara Oval

March 16: v Thurstan (Twenty20) at Colts/Thurstan ground

A brave first step on a long tough journey

Serendib Cup Tri Nation Rugby Tournament

A brave first step on a long tough journey

Chris Dhambarage

Sri Lanka will be hoping to draw inspiration from their recent success in the sevens arena when they begin their campaign for the Serendib Cup first ever IRB sanctioned 15-a-side Tri Nation rugby tournament which will be worked off from October 26 to November 1 at the newly constructed Race Course ground in Reid Avenue.

Sri Lanka who is ranked 39th in the IRB Rankings will confront Madagascar who are ranked 44th in the opening match of this Tri Nation tournament on October 26 commencing at 5.30 p.m.

The second match of the tournament will be on October 29 with Poland who is ranked 28th in the IRB Rankings taking on Madagascar at the same venue commencing at 5.30 p. m.

The tournament will culminate with the third and final match between the hosts Sri Lanka and Poland with the kick off at 7.30 p. m. after the exhibition match between the Colombo Schools team and the Kandy Schools team which begins at 5.30 p.m.

The African island Madagascar is known to attract massive capacity crowds to their rugby Test matches and is now the national sport while Poland is one of the emerging Unions in the highly-competitive FIRA-AER competition structures and currently lies third in the European Nations Cup 2014 Division 1B.

However Sri Lankan coach Ronnie Ibrahim was quite optimistic that his team will be able to come out victorious in this Tri Nation tournament after their excellent performances in the HSBC Asian Sevens Circuit.

“Our three quarters will be in tremendous form because of their superb display in the sevens series and I hope that they will keep that same form going into the established game” said a confident Ronnie Ibrahim who is in charge of the 15-a-side team for the first time.          

The Sri Lankan coach noted that they have already identified the forwards who will make it to the final squad but it will be a tough decision in selecting the backs who have been performing exceptionally well during the sevens series in Malaysia, Thailand and India respectively.  

“The sevens players have not yet attended practices and they will be joining the squad on Monday. At the moment we train with the forwards and they are quite disciplined and I have few of them in mind who are certain to compete along with the sevens players.”

Ronnie Ibrahim of course believed that it will be a tough challenge for the sevens players to come back and play two back-to-back 15-a-side games after a break of just one week.      

“I know when you come in suddenly into a 15-a-side game after playing a lot of sevens rugby it is difficult for the players but in Sri Lanka you have to do that because there is no other option as all sevens players are three quarters here.”

The Sri Lankan coach stated that they have studied the strengths and weaknesses of the two oppositions well and are currently working on two different strategies to counter attack the two teams.     

“I think Madagascar is very fast and they do not have a pattern as they come straight into the player. So we are focusing only about the opening match of the tournament at the moment but we need to change our game plan for the match against Poland.”

Ronnie Ibrahim also stressed the importance of organising international tournaments of this nature quite regularly as it will help Sri Lanka to improve on their structure and become a major force in the coming years.  

“I think it is good for Sri Lanka to play in similar IRB sanctioned tournaments quite regularly because it will not only develop the game here but this will also provide them the opportunity to climb up in the IRB Rankings further,” added Ibrahim.       

  

       

The squads:

Sri Lanka (from): Namal Rajapaksa (captain), Sathya Ranathunga, Henry Terrance, Kishore Jehan, Junior Swarnathilake, Heshan Kalhara, Dushmantha Priyadashana, Achala Perera, Bilal Hassan, Anuranga Walpola, Hasitha Perera, Kalana Amarasinghe, Sairu Anthony, Shehan Pathirana, Rohitha Rajapaksa, Ashan Karthelis, Sharo Fernando, Danushka Perera, Sajith Saranga, Shenal Dias, Jason Dasanayake, Roshan Weerarathna, Rehan Weerakoon, Mithun Hapugogda, Srinath Sooriyabandara, Fazil Marija, Niroshan Fernando, Devinda Jayasinghe, Nigel Ratwatta, Dinusha Chathuranga, Pradeep Liyanege, Gayan Weerarathna, Danushka Ranjan, Sandun Herath, Chamara Dabere, Vishwamithra Jayasinghe, Nuwan Hettiarachchi, Mohamed Sheriff, Riza Mubarak, Thilina Wijesinghe, Thusitha Samarathileke, Sashan Mohamed, Shudarshana Muthuthanthri.

Poland (from): Craig Bucharzewski, Adrian Chróściel, Bartosz, Paweł Dąbrowski, Karol Perzak, Piotr Zeszutek, Marek Płonka jr, Mateusz Bartoszek, Cyprian Majcher, Stanisław Niedźwiedzki, Rafał Janeczko, Dawid Banaszek, Dawid Lorentowicz, Marek Przychodzki, Rafał Szrejber, Robert Pawelec, Tomasz Rokicki, Szymon Sirocki, Tomasz Gasik, Sebastian Łuczak and Robert Kwiatkowski.

Madagascar (from): Hasina Rakotoarivelo, Jean Andrianjaka, Vonjiniaina Andriamananjara, Willy Rabemananjara, Rodolphe Randriamanantena, Hajanirina Randrianambinina, Ratsimba Ramaromiantso, Tahina Randrianarisoa, Maminandrasana Solomampionona, Tolotra Ravelonomenjanahary, Guy Randriamiarana, Jacky Bayard, Romuald Rafaralahy, José Harison, Juliot Mahavy, Deraniaina Rakotozafy, Alain Rakotonirina, Serge Rajoelina, Benjaniaina Rakotoarivelo, Herizo Rasoanaivo, Bernard Razafindranaivo, Tiana Ravelomanantsoa, Tolotra Mampionontsoa, Michael Raharijaona, Joseph Rafalimanana, Laurent Ranaivoarivelo, Canitrot Philippe, Victor-lie Andriavelomanana and Marcel Rakotomalala

Thoras trounce Cambrians

Inter-school under 19 cricket

Thoras trounce Cambrians

Chris Dhambarage

S. Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia pulled off a smashing ten wicket outright victory over Prince of Wales College Moratuwa in their inter-school under 19 cricket tournament match which concluded at Mount Lavinia yesterday.

The Cambrians resuming from their overnight score of 53 for 6 folded up for a mere 74 runs with the two spinners Sahan Wijesinghe (5 for 20) and Ravindu Thilakaratne (3 for 11) causing damage.

Prince of Wales following on put up an improved batting performance in their second innings to reach a more respectable 181 runs thanks to a fighting half century from Ashen Mendis (71).     

However the Thomians were left with an easy victory target of 27 runs to be made and they scored 31 for no loss in their second innings and to register their maiden outright win with more than a session to spare.

Meanwhile St. Peter’s College Bambalapitiya fell short by just three wickets from pulling off an outright victory in their inter school under 18 cricket encounter against St. Aloysius College Galle which ended in a draw at the FTZ ground in Katunayake yesterday.

St. Aloysius College were struggling at 53 for 7 in their second innings after they were set a victory target of 181 runs in just under two sessions with Sahan Nanayakkara claiming four wickets for nine runs.

Earlier off spinner Vinu Mohotti returned excellent figures of six wickets for 35 as the Peterites skittle out the visitors for exactly one hundred runs to obtain a first innings lead of 41 runs.           

Ananda College took major honours in their inter school under 19 cricket tournament match against De Mazenod College which ended in a draw at Kandana yesterday.

The Anandians had the satisfaction of bundling out their opponents for a paltry 83 runs in the first innings with leg spinner Kasun Perera capturing five wickets for nine runs.

In addition middle order batsman Sahan Arachchige had the credit of completing twin half centuries for the Anandians as he struck a determined 66 in the first innings and followed up with and unbeaten 66 in the second innings.

Meanwhile the rain curtailed inter school under 19 cricket encounter between St. Benedict’s College and Isipathana College ended in a tame draw at Kotahena yesterday.    

Isipathana College who were struggling at 125 for 7 at the end of the first day produced a superb late rally to recover and reach a healthy 228 runs at the end in their first innings.

All rounder Pramodh Maduwantha (85) and tail ender Dushan Nirman (80) led the way with a stubborn batting performance as they were associated in a fine century partnership for the eighth wicket.   

The Results:

+At Mount Lavinia: S. Thomas’ beat Prince of Wales by 10 wickets
S. Thomas: 228 and 31-0 (Thilaksha Sumanasiri 20 n.o.)  

Prince of Wales: 74 (Suchira Fernando 22, Sahan Wijesinghe 5/20, Ravindu Thilakaratne 3/11) and 181 (Ashen Mendis 71, Asitha Lanka 35 n. o, Ravindu Thilakaratne 3/39, Thilaksha Malshan 2/20, Madhushan Ravichandrakumar 2/62)

+At Katunayake: St Peter’s drew with St Aloysius.

St. Peter’s: 141 and 140-9 decl (C. Jayamanna 43, C. Obeysekera 35 n. o, C. Kumara 2/31, C. Jayaraj 2/21)   

St. Aloysius: 100 (Vinu Mohotti 6/35, Sahan Nanayakkara 2/12) and 53-7 (A. Gimhana 21, S. Nanayakkara 4/9)

+At Kotahena: St Benedict’s drew with Isipathana

Isipathana: 228 (Pramodh Maduwantha 85, Sachin Jayasuriya 26, Dushan Nirman 80, Sithum Wijesinghe 3/37, Thulina Dilshan 2/24, Yohan Soyza 2/59, Geethika Jayatilleke 3/39)

St. Benedict’s: 71-5 (Chameera Dissanayake 2/7)

+At Kandana: Ananda drew with De Mazenod

Ananda 171 (Thamalaka Athulathmudali 39, Pasindu Isira 20, Sahan Arachchige 66, Shaluka Deemantha 3/34, Vimukthi Jayawardena 2/23) and 198-4 (Sahan Arachchige 66 n. o, Thamalaka Athulathmudali 42)

De Mazenod: 83 (Kasun Perera 5/9, M. Sandakelum 3/31)

+At Rathgama: Devapathiraja drew with Mahanama Panadura

Devapathiraja: 218 (Raveen Yasas 66, Dilshan Kanchana 32, Chathura Lakshan 22, Nimesh Vimukthi 5/49, Pasindu Dhananjaya 2/33) and 296/7 (Udesh Madhusanaka 100 n.o, Nilanka Rukshitha 73, Dilshan Kanchana 65, Ramindu Nikeshala 25, Nimesh Vimukthi 5/101, Suraj Kaushalya 2/79) Mahanama Panadura: 175 (Asanka Madhushan 34, Raveen Thenuwara 33 n. o, Anjana Pasindu 27, Nimesh Vimukthi 23, Dilshan Kanchana 4/46, Umesh Kasun 2/15, Avishka Gimhana 2/33) and 183/5 (Nimesh Vimukthi 88 n. o, Suraj Kaushalya 49, Dilshan Kanchana 3/67, Chathura Lakshan 2/57)

+At Wattala: St Anthony’s drew with St Thomas’ Matara

St. Anthony’s: 380 (Jacob Sachin 142, Asira Wageesha 52, Charith Buddhika 45, Teshan Prasanna 34, Samal Udawatta 28, Dilip Tharaka 7/123)

S. Thomas’ Matara: 169 (Nevindu Udesh 69, Lasith Lakshan 55, Samal Udawatta 5/20, Ashan Rukmal 5/45) and 314-8 (Lasith Lakshan 120, Hashan Vimarshana 77, Samsul Muneer 4/72, Charitha Buddhika 3/77)

+At Horana: Taxila CC: 113-7 at close (Chalana Dilshan 54 n. o, Vinod Kavinda 22, Vishwa Kaushalya 19, Sandeep Nisansala 4/22) v Anuradhapura Central

Lanka power their way to quarters

HSBC Asian Rugby Sevens Series

Lanka power their way to quarters

Sri Lanka powered their way into the Cup Championship quarterfinals while registering two convincing victories on the opening day of the HSBC Asian Rugby Sevens Series penultimate leg which commenced at the Gymkhana Club in Mumbai, India yesterday.

The Tuskers playing with a lot of confidence following their excellent performances in the opening two legs of the series launched their campaign with a massive 55 points 7 victory over the United Arab Emirates team in a group ‘C’ encounter.

Sri Lanka maintained the same form in their second outing of the day as they cruised to a resounding 28 points to 5 points win over Thailand after having built up a close 7-5 lead at half time.

Sri Lanka’s success over the United Arab Emirates was one of the biggest victories of the day as they turned the game in their favour even before half time with a ruthless performance where they took a commanding 38-0 lead at the breather.

The winners planted as many as nine tries during a fine exhibition of sevens rugby while converting seven of them and went on to add two more tries and a goal to their tally in the second half and complete a fantastic triumph in their opening fixture.

The most significant feature in this performance was the fact that all seven players had the opportunity of crossing the opponent’s goal line at least once with skipper Fazil Marija, Chula Susantha, Jason Dissanayake, Sandun Herathm, and Srinath Sooriyabandara scoring two tries each while Mithun Hapugoda and Shehan Pathirana scored a try each for the winners.

In the second match of course against Thailand the Sri Lankan could not make a great start and managed to score only a solitary try in the first half through Srinath Sooriyabandara.

However Sri Lanka cut loose in the second quarter and ran riot by running down three more tries through Sajith Saranga and Dinusha Chaturanga with skipper Fazil Marija adding the extra points.

Sri Lanka’s opponent’s in today’s Cup Championship quarterfinal will be the Philippines a team which will most probably be studded with a Fijian, Australian and an American player.   

      

Meanwhile the reigning HSBC Asian Sevens champions Japan enjoyed a highly successful opening day as they defeated Philippines 39-7 and Chinese Taipei 28-5 respectively.

In addition South Korea had the better of Kazakhstan (35-0) and Singapore (41-5) while Hong Kong defeated Malaysia (36-12) Philippines beat Chinese Taipei (31-7) and Thailand beat UAE (31-14) in the other group matches of the day.    

The Results:

Philippines beat Chinese Taipei 31-7, Singapore beat Kazakhstan 14-0, Thailand beat UAR 31-14, Malaysia bat Chine 14-7, Japan beat Chinese Taipei 28-5, South Korea beat Singapore 41-5, Sri Lanka beat UAE 55-7, Hong Kong beat Chine 40-5, Japan beat Philippines 39-7, South Korea beat Kazakhstan 35-0, Sri Lanka beat Thailand 28-5, Hong Kong beat Malaysia 36-12.

Thomians a tough force to be reckoned with

AT THE SCHOOL NETS

Thomians a tough force to be reckoned with

Chris Dhambarage

S. Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia with seven top coloursmen and a number of senior payers in their ranks are confident that they could enjoy another highly successful tournament in the ongoing inter school Under-19 cricket season.

But more importantly the Thomians will be looking to draw inspiration from their Under-17 team which has been riding on a crest of wave in the recent past through some outstanding performances.

They first annexed the Sri Lanka Schools Cricket Association (SLSCA) organized Division One tournament after a lapse of fourteen years and then followed up by emerging champions at the Second Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Tournament held in Chandigarh last week.

        

In fact their current First XI team is studded with as many as six players from the champion Under-17 team and they are expected to play a dominant role this season with their individual brilliance.

Ravindu Thilakaratne, Sachithra Jayatilleke, Tharindu Ratnayake, Dulanja Silva, Chenuth Wickremasnghe and Lahiru Opatha are the players who have really forced themselves into the First XI team after their successful campaign in the Under 17 tournament. 

Last season of course S. Thomas’ College kept away from participating in the SLSCA organized Under 19 tournament but this time they have returned into competitive cricket under the guidance of new coach Dinesh Kumarasinghe who has turned things around almost immediately.

Already they have signaled a warning to the rest of their opponents while completely dominating the opening two fixtures in the third term against Thurstan College and St. Anthony’s College Katugastota respectively after the scheduled traditional matches against Mahinda and Richmond were postponed due to bad weather.

The feature of their performances so far this season has been their splendid batting where they have been able to put up some big scores in less number of overs and they proved it by scoring over 350 runs in two sessions in the match against Thurtasn College while performing away from home.  

    

The Thomian batsmen were in tremendous form in the match against St. Anthony’s College as well as they piled up a formidable 299 runs in the first innings and also had the satisfaction of enforcing the follow on by dismissing the opposition for 198 runs.    

Vice captain Thilaksha Sumanasiri is undoubtedly their most consistent run getter this season having struck a career best 146 runs in the match against Thurstan College which earned him a place in the Sri Lanka Under 19 squad in preparation for next years youth World Cup.

In fact skipper Madushan Ravichandrakumar, all rounder Tharindu Ratnayake and Sachithra Jayatilleke are also members of the Under 19 World Cup squad having made some significant contributions in the recent past.    

Ravichandrakumar made his presence felt in the opening match against Thurstan College where he hammered a sparkling 96 in the first innings and also captured a four wicket haul against St. Anthony’s College at Katugastota.   

All rounder Tharindu Ratnayake of course has turned out to be a unique cricketer who has the potential to bowl right arm off spinners and left arm leg spinners with equal brilliance having proved himself on several occasions.

In fact he was one of their main weapons during their successful campaign in the Under 17 Division One tournament where he scored a match winning half century in the semifinal and also snapped up wickets at some vital stages of the tournament.         

The S. Thomas’ College Under-19 cricket squad for 2013/14 season:

Madhushan Ravichandrakumar (captain), Thilaksha Sumanasiri (vice captain), Sanesh De Mel, Helakamal Nanayakkara , Sahan Wijesinghe, Dhanush Peiris, Ravindu Thilakaratne, Tharindu Rathnayake, Dulanja Silva, Lahiru Opatha, Ushen Fernando, Imesh Jayawardena, Chenutha Wickramasinghe, Sachithra Jayatilleke, Romesh Nallapperuma, Dinesh Kumarasinghe (Head Coach), Dilshan Mendis (Assistant coach), Chandrasiri Fonseka (Trainer), N. S. Wijeratne (Master in Charge) 

Upcoming fixtures:

October 16/17: v Dharmapala MV at Mount Lavinia

December 13/14: v St. John’s at Jaffna

January 3/4: v St. Benedict’s at Mount Lavinia

January 10/11: v Ananda at Mount Lavinia

January 17/18: v Wesley at Campbell Park

January 24/25: v St. Joseph’s at Mount Lavinia

January 31/February 1: v St. Peter’s at Mount Lavinia

February 12/13: v Trinity at Asgiriya

February 21/22: v Nalanda at Mount Lavinia

February 28/March 1: v St. Sebastian’s at Mount Lavinia

March 13/14/15: v Royal (Big Match) at SSC ground

March 22: v Royal (one day) at SSC ground

Lanka likely to field unchanged squad

HSBC Mumbai Rugby Sevens

Lanka likely to field unchanged squad

Sri Lanka is likely to field an unchanged squad for the vital HSBC Asian Rugby Sevens Series third leg which will be worked off on October 12 and 13 in Mumbai, India.

The Sri Lanka sevens team captained by Fazil Marija will be looking to maintain their consistency after their excellent performances in the first two legs of the event where they finished fourth in Malaysia and the third place in Thailand two week’s ago.  

SLRFU Selection Committee sources revealed yesterday that as there were no injuries for players during the previous tournament in Thailand, Sri Lanka will most probably field the same contingent.     

The probable Sri Lanka squad for the Mumbai Sevens:

Fazil Marija (captain), Saliya Kumara, Pradeep Liyanage and Roshan Weeraratne (all from Kandy SC), Dinusha Chathuranga, Chula Susantha, Jason Dissanayake and Sajith Saranga (all from Navy), Sandun Herath, Shehan Pathirana, Mithun Hapugoda,(all from Havelocks SC) Srinath Sooriyabandara (Up Country Lions SC)

Stand-byes: Vishwamithra Jayasinghe, Lasintha de Costa (CR and FC), Saliya Handapangoda (Navy SC), Chamara Dabare (Havelocks SC)

Officials: Coach: Nilfer Ibrahim, Assistant Coach: Rohan Chinthaka, Manager: Colonel Mohan Ratnayake, Physiotherapist: Amith Jayasekara

Stunning performance by Kalutara MV to enter final

21^st Munchee schools’ cricket sixes

Stunning performance by Kalutara MV to enter final

Chris Dhambarage

Kalutara MV put up a stunning performance to reach the final of the Munchee inter-school six-a-side cricket tournament which commenced at Campbell Park yesterday.

The former two time champions completed the preliminary round and the second round matches of the tournament convincingly and then went on to record a thrilling six-run victory over Richmond College Galle in the crucial semi-final encounter.

Kalutara MV of course struggled with the bat and managed to post only 54 runs from their five overs with Ravindu Umayanga making a top score of 29 runs with four boundaries.

However they stuck to their task and put up a splendid performance on the field despite the fading light to restrict the Richmond batting to 48 for 2 despite an unbeaten 24 from S. Kelum.       

Kalutara MV also had the satisfaction of pulling off another upset win over the more fancied Prince of Wales College team in the first quarterfinal piling up 69 for 4 and restricting their opponents to 57 for 3.

However their best batting performance came during a second round fixture where they amassed a tournament highest 97 for no loss against Thurstan College.

Opener Senith Hasara hit an unbeaten 42 with the help of three sixes and five boundaries for the highest individual score of the day which was however surpassed in the same match by Thurstan’s Ravindu Lokuge who hammered 44 inclusive of three sixes and five boundaries.   

The tournament organized and conducted by the Old Wesleyites Sports Club in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Schools Cricket Association and sponsored by Ceylon Biscuits Limited will be continued at the same venue today. 

The Results:

(First round)

Kalutara MV 84-4 in 5 overs (Kasun Buddika 41 n. o) beat Joseph Vaz Wennappuwa 71-4 in 5 overs (Irash Dilshan 20, Kasun Buddika 2/8). Thurstan 61-4 in 4 overs (Chalana Nanayakkara 29, Minhaj Jaleel 20 n. o) beat Nalanda 60-5 in 5 overs (Woshantha Silva 32 n. o, Sulochana Silva 2/17). Prince of Wales 75-3 in 5 overs (Suchira Fernando 41 n. o) beat Raddoluwa MV 62-2 in 5 overs (Dilan Isanka 25, Thilina Vimukthi 23 n. o). St Peter’s 56-1 in 3.3 overs (T. Dimith 37 n. o) beat Kokuvil Hindu College Jaffna 52-3 in 5 overs (Kanakanajakam Papitharan 32 n. o). D. S. Senanayake 74-3 in 5 overs (Harith Maduwantha 31) beat Dharmasoka MV Ambalangoda 65-3 in 5 overs (Ramesh Mendis 30). Richmond 54-3 in 3.2 overs (Kelum Nanayakkara 25, M. Isuru 2/13) beat St Sebastian’s 53 in 5 overs (K. Sangeeth 24, Hasitha Madushan 2/10)

(Second round):

Kalutara MV 97-0 in 5 overs (Zenith Hasara 42 n. o, Dulan Lakshitha 33 n. o) beat Thurstan 74-2 in 5 overs (Ravindu Lokuge 44). Prince of Wales 56-4 in 4.5 overs (Kusal Mendis 30, Sachin Jayawardena 2/11) beat Wesley 52-4 in 5 overs (Sachin Jayawardena 24, Imesh Jayaratne 23). St Peter’s 70-2 in 4 overs (Janith Kiyanage 25) beat D. S. Senanayake 64-4 in 5 overs (Duleeka Brahmanage 28 n. o). Richmond 48-0 in 3 overs (Sithara Gimhan 21 n. o) beat Mahanama 46-4 in 5 overs.

(Quarterfinals):

Kalutara MV: 69-4 in 5 overs (Senith Hasaranga 24, M. Kusal 2/9) beat Prince of Walers: 57-3 in 5 overs (L. Hasitha 26 n.o, Dulan Weerasuriya 2/6). Richmond: 54-3 in 5 overs (T. Dineth 2/12) beat St. Peter’s: 40-4 in 5 overs

(Semi-finals):

Kalutara MV: 54-5 in 5 overs (Ravindu Umayanga 29, Hasitha Madushan 2/10) beat Richmond: 48-2 in 5 overs (S. Kelum 24 n. o)

(Today’s line up):

Lumbini MV v Basilica Ragama, President’s College v Royal, Gurukula bye, Ananda v St. Joseph’s, De Mazenod Kandana v Bandaranayake MMV Gampaha, Debarawewa Central v St. Sebastian’s Katuneriya, Royal Panadura bye, Isipathana v St. Benedict’s