St.Sebastian’s College, Moratuwa will eye another win at the 65th Battle of the Golds against the lowly Prince of Wales on the 13th & 14th of March at De Zoyza Stadium,Moratuwa.
Bit of History
Much like their counterparts Prince of Wales College, St. Sebastian’s have also produced National cricketers in the caliber of Duleep Mendis, Romesh Kaluwitharana & Roger Wijesuriya current Sri Lanka U19 coach who incidentally holds the most number of wickets (22) in the series during 1975-1979. Brothers Roger and Russel Wijesuriya went on to represent Sri Lanka at U 19 level while Sanitha de Mel & Anuk Fernando did so in the recent past. Sanitha De Mel captained the Sri Lanka U19 team in the 2012 World Cup while the last win in the Battle of the Golds came under his reign. Anuk Fernando represented the Sri Lanka U19 side in 2014 as well. Current St.Sebastian’s captain Visal Senanayaka led the team to the U17 championship two years ago as well.
Season so far
Without having two key players including Avishka Fernando who was on Sri Lanka U19 duty for much of the season St.Sebastian’s College have performed reasonably well winning four times on first innings, one draw and one loss in 15 matches.
“We haven’t had the best of seasons. Avishka was away and one of our main fast bowlers is still injured. But we have a few good all-rounders.” St.Sebastian’s coach Nalin Wijesinghe told ThePapare.com.
Coaching Staff
Nalin Wijesinghe former St.Sebastian’s and Sri Lanka U19 player and a level two coaching qualified coach has a decade of experience in coaching having started with Saracens SC and then to Kothalawala Defense Academy. He is ably supported by another former Sebastianite Samith Fernando who is the assistant coach of the squad.
Key Players & Youngsters
St.Sebastian’s batting would revolve around the dynamic Sri Lanka U19 member Avishka Fernando, who in his limited outings has amassed 980 runs with an average of over 65, with 3 centuries and 4 half centuries. In the bowling department Pramesh Fernando has taken 50 wickets at an average under 20 and youngster Shashika Fernando has scalped 30 plus during the season.
“Undoubtedly Avishka will be our key player alongside Pramesh. But eyes will be on Kusal Lakthilina and Muditha Fernando as future prospects with Visal our captain performing with both bat and bowl.” Nalin Wijesinghe added.
Their own words
“We don’t underestimate Prince of Wales’. All of Moratuwa will come on the day and I believe we will play our best.” Nalin Wijesinghe added finally.
“Two matches left, focusing on those two matches heading into the big match. We will give a good game come ready!” Visal added confidently.
Squad
Visal Senanayake – Left Hand Bat – Right Arm Medium Fast
Muditha Fernando – Left hand bat – Right arm off spin
Avishka Fernando – Right Hand Bat – Right Arm leg spin
Lahiru Heshan – Left hand bat – Left arm leg spin
Pramesh Fernando – Right hand bat – Left arm leg spin
Kusal Lakthilina – Right hand bat – Right hand fast
Viraj Jayaranga – Wicketkeeper – Right/left bat
Vishan De Mel – Right hand bat – Right arm fast
Asher Warnakulasuriya – Right hand bat – Right arm fast
Shahika Fernando – Right hand bat – Right arm off spin
Sachin Liyanage – Right hand bat – Right arm fast
Mishane Silva – Right hand bat – Right arm fast
Sachintha Silva – Right hand bat – Right arm off spin
Nimesh Bandara – Left Hand Bat – Right Arm Off Spin
Praveen Perera – Right Hand Bat – Right Arm Off Spin
Sandaruwan Fernando – Right Hand Bat – Wicket Keeper
St.Sebastian’s College 1st XI Cricket Captain
St.Sebastian’s College 1st XI Cricket Coach
