St. Sebastian’s meet Cambrians in 74th Battle of the Golds

by Reemus Fernando

Playing the Big Match is a moment of pride for the players. But not all Big Match playing schools can take pride in the standard of their cricket. In this regard arch rivals of Moratuwa, St. Sebastian’s and Prince of Wales can be genuinely proud when they take the field in the 74th Battle of Golds encounter today as they are among the top schools in the ongoing premier schools cricket tournament.

Both schools have concluded their quota of league matches in their groups before the Big Match.

St. Sebastian’s led by Manuja Chanthuka are the runners up in group ‘Y’ of the Under 19 Division I Tier ‘A’ tournament. Cambrians under Achala Perera are the fourth placed team in group ‘X’ of the Tier ‘A’ tournament.

The Sebs have an enviable record this season. After 13 matches which includes nine tournament matches they have six victories against a single defeat. Four of those victories came in tournament matches.

Players to watch St. Sebastian’s

Vimath Dinsara is the leading scorer with over 700 runs. He has maintained an average of 45. The Sebs will look forward for a big innings from Dinsara. Ushen Silva, Navod Fernando, Tharindu Dilanka and skipper Chanthuka are expected to rally around him in the batting department.

Chanthuka is the key strike bowler for St. Sebastian’s. He has taken over 80 wickets and played a crucial role with his left arm spin during the league  matches taking as many as seven five wicket hauls.  Off spinner Malintha Silva has taken over 40 wickets. They are expected to lead the bowling attack.

Prince of Wales

Skipper Achala Perera will lead the bowling attack for Cambrians. He has a season tally of 62 wickets, while paceman Uneth Peiris has 27 wickets against his name.

Oshan de Silva who has aggregated over 700  runs with a double century is the leading scorer for Cambrians. He will be joined by Rivith Jayasooriya (500 runs),  Suwahas Fernando (575) and Naveen Fernando (over 400 runs) to form the batting line up.

Prince of Wales  have under their belt four outright victories this season. Their wins included a famous eight wickets win against Royal. The victory tally of the annual battle stands at 6-3 in favour of Cambrians.

Prince of Wales college Team

Teams

St. Sebastian’s (from):

Manuja Chanthuka(Captain), Vimath Dinsara, Tharindu Dilanka, Lashen Fernando, Malintha Silva, Shefan Fernando, Adesh Almeida, Navod Fernando, Nirindu Silva, Usen Silva, Janaka Silva, Sandinu Kandage, Akash Dissanayake, Dineth Mallawarachchi, Koshendra Fernando, Yashin Fernando, Rayan Dissanayake, Shenan de Silva, Dhanuka Fernando.

Officials:

Kanishka Perera(MIC), Bradman Ediriweera (Head Coach).

Prince of Wales (from):

Achala Perera (Captain), Uneth Peiris, Rivith Jayasooriya, Nethul Anuhas, Prasanna Wijesinghe, Sachira Demian, Suhas Ranawana, Pasan Cooray, Oshan de Silva, Suwahas Fernando, Prince Fernando, Rasindu Fernando, Gavesha Fernando, Rusandu Silva, Naveen Fernando, Mathisa Aponso.

Officials:

Sarath Thilakaratne (MIC), Kelum Fernando (Head Coach).