Prince of Wales’ has a very inexperienced squad with only three coloursman and eight freshers. They are heavily banking on their three seniors who have performed well last season but haven’t been able to replicate that form this season.
Bit of History
Little known fact is that cricket at Prince of Wales’ College is over 100 years old. In fact they are in their 119th year. Prince of Wales’ cricket started in 1896 under G.C.Mendis and their first captain was J.G.Fernando. Their first three matches were against Royal, Wesley and S.Thomas’ respectively which ended in defeats but since then Prince of Wales has grown to be one of the more prominent cricketing schools as well as creating a reputation of being a nursery for future National cricketers.
In the early 1900’s Prince of Wales’ produced the likes of H.L.De Silva, M.J.Fernando, G.P.De Silva, W.O.De Silva, with O.L.F.Senarathne being the first Cambrian to represent the then Ceylon in 1926. In the Post War era Cambrians have nurtured some of the greats in Granville de Silva, Amal Silva, D.S. de Silva and Chaminda Mendis, Hasantha Fernando, Darshana Gamage. Current Sri Lanka vice-captain, Lahiru Thirimanna is also a proud product of Prince of Wales’ including former Sri Lanka U19 captain Kusal Mendis who led the side in the U19 World Cup in 2014.
Season so far
After a successful season under Kusal Mendis last year, Prince of Wales’ has had a torrid time on and off the field where their off field turmoil has spilled over to their on-field performances. They have only managed to win one outright match while losing two outrights and six on first innings. At the beginning of the year Cambrians’ coach left his position putting the rest of the season in jeopardy but former Prince of Wales’ cricketer Kushan Jayawickrama has responded to his Alma Mater’s SOS call and taken over the side in the time of need.
Kushan brings in a wealth of experience having coached schools as well as foreign teams. He started his coaching career in 1997 at Prince of Wales’ College after completing his school career. After a successful stint he took over Lumbini College where they became All-Island Champions and went on to coach few other schools. He also has experience coaching in England, Bahrain and Malaysia where he was the National Development coach for 8 years. He undoubtedly would want to use his experience in helping his Alma Mater finish off on a high.
“Concentrating more on our batting because we haven’t been posting good numbers for the bowlers to defend. Only in the region of 150-200. I want them to go beyond 250 and even reach 300.” Kushan said on what aspect of the Cambrians’ game he wants to improve.
“We’ve played only three matches after I took over and they have showed good promise. They have improved and what I want is for them to win 2-3 matches in their remaining seven matches and be well prepared for the Big Match against St.Sebastian’s.” He added.
“Kushan and Kalpa, our coaches are very dedicated they train us for hours and help us hone our skills. They’ve added a lot to our game.” Cambrians captain and 4th year coloursman Jayanga Peiris added, highly praising the coaching staff.
Key Players & Youngsters
Hasitha Lanka has scored 600 plus runs this season while Vihanga Weerakkody and fresher Dilanka Maduranga has also done well with the bat. In the bowling department Thilan Nimesh and Jayanga Peiris has taken 34 & 32 wickets respectively in 8 matches.
“I am looking for 4th year coloursman and Sri Lanka U17 player Thilan Nimesh to perform. Hasitha Lanka has done well scored a 100 against S.Thomas’ while captain Jayanga got 90 wickets last year but haven’t reached that level this year but in the last match he got three wickets and scored a forty and is getting back to form.” Kushan mentioned hoping his seniors would come good at the business end of the season.
Their own words
“St.Sebastian’s are in front compared to our performances this season, but we are getting there, Guys have improved and we have 40 days and want to give a good game.” Optimistic Coach Kushan mentioned.
“Aim is to win the Big Match on first inning and will be giving everything in our power to win the One Day.” Jayanga Peiris added in a bullish manner.
Squad
Jayanga Peiris (C) – Left Hand Bat – Right arm off-spin
Thilan Nimesh – Right Hand Bat – Left arm leg-spin
Hasitha Lanka – Right Hand Bat – Right arm Medium Fast
Hasindu Shamika – Right Hand Bat – Wicket Keeper
Vishwa Chathuranga – Right Hand Bat – Wicket Keeper
Kasun Randika – Right Hand Bat – Wicket Keeper
Kasun Harshana – Left Hand Bat – Right Arm Medium Fast
Vihanga Weerakkody – Right Hand Bat – Right Arm off-Spin
Ramesh Zoysa – Right hand Bat – Right arm off
Sadun Zoysa – Right hand Bat – Right arm off spin
Savindu Peiris – Left hand Bat – Right arm off-spin
Sachintha Dulshan – Right hand Bat – Right arm medium fast
Kanishka Aloka – Right hand Bat – Right arm off-spin
Anjula Sahan – Right hand Bat – Right arm medium fast
Dilanka Maduranga – Right Hand Bat – Right arm medium fast
Shane Weerawardane – Right hand Bat – Right arm off-spin
Kushan Jayawickrama (Head Coach)
Kalpa Fernando (Asst Coach)
Prince Of Wales’ College 1st XI Cricket Captain
Prince Of Wales’ College 1st XI Cricket Coach
