St. John’s encounter unbeaten Sri Sumangala

Under 19 Division II Tier ‘A’ Cricket Final

by Reemus Fernando

Unbeaten Sri Sumangala College, Panadura have a wafer thin edge when they encounter home town rivals St. John’s College in the Under-19 Division II Tier ‘A’ final at the BRC Ground today.

Both teams are in possession of some leading batsmen and bowlers of the Division II Tier ‘A’ tournament, promising a close contest in the final.

Sri Sumangala captained by Tharana de Silva will rely on Mihiranga Fernando and left-hander Prabash Jayasekara, who have maintained healthy averages with the bat during the tournament to do well in that department. In the bowling department left-arm spin is their forte. Left-armer Vidusha Peiris is the tournament’s leading wicket taker. He is joined by the other left-arm spinner Vishwa Lahiru.

St. John’s will look forward to Sumudu Udara to continue the good form he has shown during the tournament. He has taken 19 wickets in seven matches with his left-arm spin.

In the batting department, St. John’s will rally around skipper Malith Fernando and Dinushka Madushan who are their most consistent batsmen.

In a tournament featuring 18 teams, both schools competed in the same group during the league stage. Incidentally, Sri Sumangala were the champions and St. John’s were the runners up in their group. While Sri Sumangala remained unbeaten winning all five matches of their group, St. John’s only blemish during the league stage was at the hands of Sri Sumangala. They will be looking forward to avenge that defeat.

Sri Sumangala beat Piliyandala Central and Holy Cross College, Kalutara during the knockout stage, while St. John’s beat Siri Piyaratana College, Padukka and Lyceum International, Wattala.

Teams:

Sri Sumangala (from):

Tharana de Silva (Captain), Mihiranga Fernando, Imeth Gampola, Charuka Jayathilake, Prabash Jayasekara, Vishva Lahiru, Charuka Peiris, Heshan Uminda, Vidusha Peiris, Lakindu Fernando, Duranka Silva, Kavindu Gayathra, Heshan Jayalatharachchi, Namina Fernando, Imalka Fernando, Manmitha Kahapolaarachchi, Chamod Alwis, Rasika Dilshan, Sandun Maduwantha.

Officials:

Kelum Fernando (Head Coach), Deshan Fernando (Asst. Coach), Priyankara Nandasena (Master in Charge)

St. John’s (from) :

Malith Fernando (Captain), D.M. Prasanna, Dhananjaya Kumara, Sumudu Udara, Dinushka Madhushan, Amila Thuruwan, Shamod Aponso, Tishan Achintha, Nilanga Silva, Yasiru Sandeepa, Bimsara Kalanajith, Kavinda Deshan, Nimesh Dilshan, Prasanga Peiris, Sulakshan Fernando, Senura Sandeepa, Yasas Perera, Lakmina Premathilake, Kavsihka Fernando, Prabath Mansara.

Officials:

Nalaka Chathuranga (Head Coach), Manoj Nirosha (Asst. Coach), R.N.P. Lenora (Master in Charge)