Revata Central Balapitiya is a tiny fish amongst the bigger ones in the school cricket arena. In spite of great difficulties, the gutsy youngsters from the southern city of Balapitiya were plucky enough to remain in the top division. Cricketers of Revata, as always, are filled with tremendous motivation as they completed their third game in the ongoing season.
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| Revata squad |
But they do have a horrendous setback as far as their survival in the league is concerned. Revata lost five seniors from last year and all were top graded batsmen who helped cricket in the school reach the top. Their contributions helped Revata to achieve two wins in 15 games and they bagged honours in the remaining games for simply playing top grade cricket.
The absence of those five players will hinder the progress of Revata as youngsters take up the mantel with the intention of completing a prolific season. This year’s squad comprises of six Under-15 and three Under-17 players who are in their first year with the senior team. The remaining members are fairly experienced but they do have a long way to go.
“Youngsters are aplenty in the squad but their skill level is pleasing. We have many all-rounders in the team up to No.8 but and our spinners are quite strong. That’s one area we can be quite happy. But we depend heavily on seniors this season,” said Janaka de Silva, the coach of the side.
Five seniors, namely Buddhika Madushanka, Dilshan de Zoysa, Shehan Manuran, Chathuranga Samarajeewa and Gayan Madushanka who are all-rounders have bestowed the much needed strength to Revata this year. Buddhika Madushanka is the skipper of the side and he is assisted by De Zoysa.
Skipper Madushanka who bats at No.4, opens the bowling attack along with Samarajeewa while Gayan also acts as a seamer. Other batsmen in the top order are Under-15 player Suresh Kumara, De Zoysa and wicketkeeper Chamithpriya Mihiranga.
“Suresh is a perfect stroke maker and deputy skipper De Zoysa as always plays an anchor role in the middle order. But there are players who can bat up to No.8,” added the coach.
Their spin attack is mainly spearheaded by left-arm leg-spinner Shehan Manuran who has claimed 15 scalps in three outings. Deputy skipper de Zoysa is a leg-spinner who plays a key role in the side while off-spinner Deshan Muthumal is also turning out as a key bowler. Their fielding which has been unsettled is improving at every outing. With the present surroundings, Revata hopes to register at least five wins to culminate this season. Their aim however is to have a champion team in the years to come.
“Our main concern this year is to take up each game optimistically and perform well. We know that we will not be in a position to deliver the goods but certainly we can improve as the season progresses. Our team is young and inexperienced and our main aim is to give these youngsters the much needed exposure and pave the path for the coming seasons,” coach de Silva said.
Revata cricket squad: Buddhika Madusanka (Captain), Dilshan de Zoysa (Vice Captain), Shehan Manuran, Chathuranga Samarajeewa, Gayan Madushanka, Chamithpriya Mihiranga, Dilshan Madushanka, Deshan Muthumal, Danush Lakmal, Ashan Chathuranga, Hishanka Lakshan, Navoda Jayamal, Imesh Asanka, Suresh Kumara, Mohamed Ziyan, Prasad Madushan, Sakith Dasun, Shehan Maduranga, Janaka de Silva (Coach), Rohana C. de Silva (M-I-C).
(Pix by Amila Prabodha) | 
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