Founded in the year 1914 as St. Sebastian’s English School, this prestigious Catholic school in Kandana was relocated to the current venue and renamed De Mazenod College when the De La Salle Brothers took over in the year 1931 and has thrived for 85 years since then.
A school predominantly known for its prowess in the schools’ football arena, De Mazenod has nevertheless excelled in cricket as well and are currently playing in the U19 Division I segment.
Right arm fast-medium bowler Dhammika Prasad and right arm pace bowler Dilhara Fernando, who have both represented the Sri Lankan national team, are products of De Mazenod.
2016/17
Having reached the pre-quarters last season only to be thwarted by S. Thomas’ College, Mt.Lavinia, De Mazenod are struggling quite a bit this season and are currently placed 7th in Group D alongside the likes of Thurstan College, Maris Stella and St. Joseph’s Colombo.
Although they had a good start to the tournament with a first innings win against Maliyadeva College, Kurunegala, aided by a superb double-ton by Krishan Sanjula, De Mazenod have currently played 7 matches including 4 tournament and 3 traditional matches and have managed only 3 first innings wins having faced an outright loss against Thurstan College, Colombo.
Key Players
Captain Krishan Sanjula is the most prominent player of the squad with 5 years of experience as a 1st XI player and managed to score 900 runs including 3 centuries last season. This wicket-keeper/batsman who made an absolute stunner against Maliyadeva College with his magnificent 253 runs off 249 balls will be missing quite a few matches due to his participation in the ACC Under-19 Asia Cup this year.
Vice-captain Erosh de Silvaf, a 3rd year coloursman with 500 runs in his bag from last season, is another important player for the Mazenodians and will be leading his side in the absence of Krishan.
Deshan Fernando, the most experienced player in the team, playing his 5th year, is the opening batsman for De Mazenod and managed to gather 650 runs last season.
Right arm medium fast bowler Mithila Geeth who bagged 22 wickets last season and Nadun Dilshan, a 3rd year coloursman with 250 runs which includes a century under his belt from last year, are two powerhouses in the squad, are certainly worth keeping an eye out for.
Photo Album: De Mazenod College Cricket Team Preview 2016/17
14 year old youngster Rakitha Fernando, who can play for 5 more years, clearly has a bright future ahead of him.
Sashan Dineth and Roshitha Seneviratne are recent additions to the team having played for St. Mary’s College, Chilaw before transferring to De Mazenod.
Coaching Staff
Trevin Mathews, 1997 Captain of St. Joseph’s College, Colombo 10 and brother of Sri Lankan skipper Angelo Mathews, will be guiding the Mazenodian team as head coach for the 2nd year.
Coach Mathews will be assisted by Ranesh Perera, another Josephian captain and current player at SL Ports Authority, who joined the coaching staff this year.
Long standing Master-in-charge Malik Keerthi, will be in charge of the boys this year as well.
Final Say
With only one first innings win to their name, De Mazenod will have to up their game and work a miracle if they are to progress into the next round this season.
