Lookout for the Sylvestrians

The Sylvestarians have, by a short head, been the best team in the Central Province. The head coach for the other teams are bound to continue as they will field another experienced, formidable team this year, too.

Rajitha Wickremaarachchi

Led by left handed opener cum stumper Rajitha Wickremaarachchi, a fifth year player, they have a 6th year player as well as fair share of third and fourth years.

Wickremaarachchi had five fifties and a total of almost 650 runs. In addition, he performed his duties behind the stumps most competently. The captaincy duties sit lighting on him. He is extremely confident of enjoying another good season.

Chanaka Silva, a left handed all rounder, is the deputy. He had a 35 wicket haul last year with three 5 wicket bags.

The best all rounder (All island) last season, Ravi Karunaratne continues to be the fulcrum of the Sylvestrian side. Last year’s skipper, and a sixth year, Ravi topped the 750 mark and bagged 50 wickets with his medium paced stuff. He made hundreds against Thurstan and Carey.

Chanaka Ranaweera, a left hand bat and a left arm medium pacie is another key player. 600 runs and 54 wickets were his contribution in 2005/06. He performed the hat-trick against President’s College Rajagiriya.

Mohamed Feshal made 147 not out against Wesley in a Lemonade Trophy limited over game, plus another hundred in a two day game.

Right handed opener Roshan Jayatissa has a top score of 129 which he made against St. Sebastian’s last season.

Right arm leg spinner Nuski Mohamed scalped thirty nine victims, with an eight wicket haul against St. Sebastians.

Yasira Chanuka bats left hand and bowls right arm medium pace. Eranga Alwis, also a left hander and an opener and Chanaka Colombage, an off spinner, complete the line up of front–line players.

Former Sylvestrian cricketer Tudor Gunaratna, the coach, is content with the resources at his disposal. The bowling is particularly interesting as they have a complete attack.

In 2005/06, the Sylvestrians gained outright wins over Issipathana and St. Sebastians. They also had eight first innings wins. Their only set backs were first innings losses to St. Peter’s and Thurstan. They lost to St. Joseph’s in the quarter final of the Lemonade Trophy knock out competition. The Sylvestrians are Kandy’s 20-20 champions.

Part of the season for their success is the fact that many of their players play a lot of club cricket. Four of them play for Kandy Youth CC and two for Kandy CC.
- AK