Joes have the edge against Richmond

Under 19 Division I Tier ‘A’ Cricket Final

by Reemus Fernando

Unbeaten St. Joseph’s will be the favourites when they defend the title of the Under 19 Division I Tier ‘A’ cricket tournament against formidable Richmond in the final at the Police Park ground today.

With both teams featuring some of the best players in the junior circuit, the final is set to produce a thrilling climax.

While St. Joseph’s have in their ranks three Sri Lanka Under 19 players, Richmond have at least one player who featured in the ICC Youth World Cup.

Former Madampa Central spinner Malsha Tharupathi was part of Sri Lanka Under 19 team that took part in the ICC Youth World Cup. Though he has played second fiddle in the spin department in this tournament, his presence will provide Richmond a fine balance in the bowling attack.

Sharon Abhishek who has taken 16 wickets with his off-spin is Richmond’s leading bowler, while Tharinda Nirmal, Nalaka Jayawardena and Tharupathi join him to form a strong spin combination.

Kalpa Nethsara has been consistent with the new ball and he is expected to continue the same in the final.

Richmond will rely heavily on Vishara Fernando and Tharinda Nirmal in the batting department. Vishara is their leading scorer with an aggregate of 294 runs. While Nirmal has played key roles with the bat when Richmond were in need, Thamindu Pradeeptha is the other batsman to have made notable contributions. Skipper Bhanuka Manohara is yet to make a big contribution with the bat during this tournament. The final will open a big opportunity for him to make amends.

The Joes look stronger in both the batting and bowling departments. Skipper Shevon Daniel and Sri Lanka Under 19 skipper Dunith Wellalage are expected to play key roles in both departments. Daniel is their leading batsman after having scored 272 runs in seven matches. Daniel has the highest batting average (68) among batsmen featuring in the final. Wellalage, Hirun Matheesha, SL Youth cap Sadeesh Jayawardena, and Hiran Jayasundara will form the backbone of their batting department with Daniel.

Deshan Seneviratne and Mithira Thenura will share the new ball for St. Joseph’s. Left-arm spinners Wellalage and Muditha Lakshan and Daniel with his off spin will form a formidable spin attack.

How they reached the final

St. Joseph’s

St. Joseph’s reached the knockout stage as unbeaten champions in their group. They beat S. Thomas’, Mount Lavinia, St. Thomas’ Matara, St. Benedict’s, St. Anthony’s, Katugastota and St. Sebastian’s Moratuwa during the group stage. During the knockout stage, they eliminated Wesley (quarter-final) and De Mazenod, Kandana (semi-final).

Richmond

Richmond were the runners up in their group during the league stage. They beat St. Anne’s, Kurunegala, Wesley and D.S. Senanayake while conceding defeat to Nalanda. During the knockout stage, they beat St. Anthony’s Katugastota (quarter-final) and Mahanama (semi-final).

St. Joseph’s (from):

Shevon Daniel (Captain), Dunith Wellalage, Sadeesh Jayawardene, Hirun Matheesha Mithira Thenura, Hiran Jayasundara, Abhishek Jayaweera, Moditha Dissanayake, Shenuk Serasinghe, Rishma Amarasinghe, Deshan Senevirathne, Yenula Dewthusa, Lahiru Amarasekara

Officials:

Asiri Caldera (Master in Charge), Dilan Ramanayake (Head Coach), Kavindu Perera (Coach), Lahiru Wickramasinghe (Coach)

Richmond (from):

Bhanuka Manohara (Captain), Kalpa Nethsara, Kavindu Nirmana, Vishara Sasmitha, Tharinda Nirmal, Maheesha Vethmin, Hansamana De Silva, Sharon Abishek, Ruwan Jayawardena, Janeth Kaushal, Malsha Tharupathi, Thamindu Pradeeptha, Imesh Sasindu.

Officials:

Nuwan Jayasinghe (Master in Charge), Lakmal de Silva (Head Coach), Umal Durage (Coach), Dinusha Jayasanka (Coach).