Former Katugastota Antonian Merrill Dunuwila — a Saracens, Central Province and Maharajah Organisation cricketer passed away in Palma Springs, California last weekend after a prolonged ailment. An excellent cricketer and a gentleman, Merrill also gave his guidance and encouragement to young cricketers of Kandy as a renowned coach. A fearless opening batsman Merrill never allowed [...]

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Antonian Merrill Duniwila — a cricketer and a gentleman

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Former Katugastota Antonian Merrill Dunuwila — a Saracens, Central Province and Maharajah Organisation cricketer passed away in Palma Springs, California last weekend after a prolonged ailment. An excellent cricketer and a gentleman, Merrill also gave his guidance and encouragement to young cricketers of Kandy as a renowned coach.

A fearless opening batsman Merrill never allowed a fast bowler to settle down to find his length and direction with some attacking shots. More a bowler tried to bowl fast and short at him, more he treated them with scant respect.

He was a fine cricketer to have in a side. As a wicketkeeper he used to guide the bowler and the field after watching the batsman for couple of overs.

The writer had the privilege of partnering Merrill as an opening batsman when both of us played for Saracens Cricket Club in the then Premier Cricket Tournament, the Sara Trophy. While walking down the steps on to the field as a senior, he was always full of ideas and advice which made my job as co-opening batsman easy. In an era where body armour was unheard Merrill used to go out and meet any fast bowler fearlessly.

According to his colleagues in the 1972 season Merrill had two memorable innings. One was against St. Peter’s and the other was against Trinity during the Big Match.

Playing St. Peter’s, a strong side which included cricketers in the cliber of Rory Inman, Lalith Obesekera, Bernard Wijetunga, Edgar Thevarayan and N. Wiratunga, Dunuwila along with Suresh Gunatilleke put up a fighting opening stand of 117 runs. The left handed Dunuwila missed a well deserved half ton by just one run while Gunatilleke went on to score a well deserved 65 runs.

Against Trinity College in their centenary year at the Antonian grounds, their plans worked well and the Antonians put a sizeable opening stand to make Trinity uncomfortable. Merrill and Suresh Gunatilleke were involved in a suburb opening stand of 119 runs opened the gates for the Antonians to defeat their arch rivals.

A charming cricketer with a smile always, he accepted victory and defeat like a true sportsman. He was an example for the youngsters of that era. His behaviour on and off the field was always exemplary.

Former Sri Lanka test wicket keeper Mahesh Gunatilleke who led the side in 1971 paid a glowing tribute.

“When I led the side in 1971 Merrill kept wickets and he was also the opening batsman. He was a cricketer that any captain would like to have in his side. A keen and knowledgeable student of the game, he knew his responsibilities and limits. He also used keep the dressing room in a jovial mood but when he steps on to the field he used to play a hard game with the team in his mind. I regret the early loss of this fine team mate,” said Gunatilleke.

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