St. Anthony’s, Vidyartha and Kingswood in focus
View(s):However, with a big bench-strength, and the presence of all the players who made the Under-17 Division I final, the school is confident that the corner will be turned.
Janidu Himasara, who enjoyed moderate success, has been handed the reins. A medium pacie and top order bat, one feels that his best in yet to come. Among the senior players, Sunera Jayasinghe who made 151 versus Carey last season, stumper cum batsman Theeksha Gunasinghe who can be relied on for modest contributions and all rounder Sateesh Wickramarachchi stand out. Tamashana Abeykoon has become a vital cog in the wheel. A gutty player, he never fails to show up with bat or bowl.
Navodya Vijaykumar and Gihan Achenitha are two up and coming cricketers who did well in the Under-17. Other players in the squad are Nipun Ashok, Dion Stouter, Mohamed Absar, Mohamed Kamil, Kevin Dhananjaya, Sasith Hirudika, Kalhara Senaratne, Mohamed Rukshan and Nimnaka Jayatilleka. The last named, just 15 years of age, had a match bag of 10 for 109 with his left-arm spin, on debut.
The Anthonians beat Karuderiya MV and Carey, but lost to Vidyartha and St. Benedict’s last season.
Vidyartha had some success last year, winning against Debarawewa MV, Royal Panadura and St. Anthony’s, but lost badly to St. Thomas’ Matara being bowled out for 45 and 65.
Hard-hitting opening bat Pulina Gunatilleka leads them this time. He had a couple of half centuries against Karandeniya and St. John’s Jaffna.
Reliable skipper Ravishka Upananda is the player to watch. He is a dependable bat and a medium pacie.
Isuru Prabodha, who made a hundred last season, and Nipun Kumarasiri, a good allrounder, are two others who have important roles to play in the team.
Vidyartha
Vidyartha is certainly not short of spinners, off spinner Kasun Karunatilleka bowls a tidy length. To support him is a pack of offices. For left-arm spin, in addition to Prabodha and Kumarasiri, they have Chaturanga Rathnayake and Medunaka Wijetilleka.
Vidyartha created a bit of history in 2016/2017 by beating the Anthonians for the first time.
Some of the other players in the pool are Kevin Nimshan, Tharindu Mahagedara, Sanjaya Indunil, Chamod Nanthilaka, Dilusha Kavinda, Sandeepa Mapalagama and his twin Hasitha.
Champika Siriwardena, who played alongside Muttiah Muralitharan and who coached his old school a few years back, has taken on the job of coaching Vidyartha. There’s no reason why he shouldn’t succeed.
Kingswood
Indika Fernando, who has been coaching Kingswood for the past three years, has been able to turn their fortunes around. More importantly, he has halted Dharmaraja’s run of Big Match triumphs.
Gamidu Kaushalya, who took 7 wickets in the first innings of the Big Match, leads the team. An accurate off spinner, he has the knock of taking wickets. Kaushalya can also contribute with the bat.
Wicketkeeper and opener Duleen Wijenarayana will greatly influence the performance of his team. Left-hand bat and off-spinner Saumya Piyasoma is one of the leading players. Runs are expected from Dhananjaya Maduranga. He can also keep wickets.
Utpala Jayalath, a right-arm medium pacie, leads the attack. He bowls a good line and also throws in a nice shower ball. The Under-17 skipper, Deegayu Bandara, will share the new ball with Jayalath.
Others in the pool are Kasun Madhawa, Kushan Vithanarachci, Madhawa Dhananjaya, Duminda Dhamishka, Achala Bogodawatte, Hashika Gamage, Lakmal de Silva, Harshana Wickremasinghe and Dilshan Seneratne.
Kingswood have the making of a steady, consistent side, despite the exodus of many of last year’s players.