Formidable opponents DSS, Mahanama enter 18th Battle of the Golds

by Reemus Fernando

D. S. Senanayake College Colombo and Mahanama College Colombo may not have a long big match history but the two schools have strong performances to boast when the arch rivals meet in the 18th Battle of the Golds today and tomorrow at the SSC ground.

Both schools maintained enviable records during the tournament proper and ended up among the top ranked teams in their respective groups.While, schools with more than century old big match histories were struggling to avoid relegation to the lower tier or lower division these two schools have dominated the two groups they were playing in.

D.S. Senanayake captained by Gaviru Senhas were the champions in group ‘Y’ of the Tier ‘A’ tournament where S. Thomas’ Mount Lavinia (over 140 years) and St. Servatius’ Matara (over 124 years) were the last placed teams bound to play relegation matches. St. Sebastian’s Moratuwa, St. Anthony’s Katugastota and Nalanda finished behind DSS this tournament. Incidentally, all of DSS’ four outright victories (Wesley, St.Sevatius’, St.Anthony’s and Maliyadewa) were recorded against teams in the tournament proper.

Despite playing only eight out of the nine tournament matches, Mahanama, skippered by Duvindu Ranathunga managed to finish as the runners up of group ‘X’ in the Tier ‘A’ tournament. Once again schools with rich big match histories finished behind them. Royal were among the last two teams in that group and are bound to play relegation matches, while Mahanama have advanced to the semi-finals of the Tier ‘A’ tournament with an outright victory against St. Anthony’s Katugastota.

For Mahanama skipper Ranathunga will lead the pace attack with Dulnith Sigera or Koojana Perera. In the spin attack left-arm spinner  Inuka Karannagoda is the main strike bowler. Karannagoda is joined by fellow left-arm spinner Chamika Heenatigala and Rashmika Perera in the slow ball department.

Karannagoda will also play a major role in the batting line up. Sigera, Gimantha Dissanayake, Rashmika Perera, Koojana Perera and wicketkeeper batsman Eshan Withanage will form the top order batting line up.

D.S. Senanayake will have Pesandu Weerasinghe and Senhas opening batting. Senhas and one down bat Malitha Perera are their leading batsmen this season. Both have scored over 600 runs. Chenul Pinsara, Randisha Bandaranayake and Chanul Athale will form the rest of the top order bating lineup. Their tail-ender Dehem Nirmal has a remarkable batting achievement this season. Coming to bat and the night watchman, he scored a double century against St. Joseph’s

Akmal Fazly and Nirmal will share the new ball for DSS. In the slow ball department Randisha Bandaranayake is the leading strike bowler. Off spinner has over 40 wickets against his name. Left-arm spinners Chenuka Peiris and Shanal Binuksha and Senhas will further strengthen the spin attack.

There is no clear favourite at this edition. DSS have registered the only victory of the series so far.