St.Sebastian’s College, Moratuwa will eye another win but Prince of Wales’ will make certain that their ordinary season won’t continue to the Big Match when the two rivals meet at the 65th Battle of the Golds on the 13th & 14th of March at De Zoyza Stadium.
Sebastians’s outshine Cambrians in Season
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.
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.
“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.” Kushan Jayawickrama added.
Stopping Avishka will be huge
All eyes will be on Avishka Fernando, the Sri Lanka U19 who will be the star attraction at the De Zoysa Stadium. If he gets going Prince of Wales will have an Everest to climb, but get him out early and St.Sebatian’s batting will look fragile. Avishka who in his limited outings has amassed 980 runs with an average of over 65, with 3 centuries and 4 half centuries.
“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.
For the inexperienced Prince of Wales side their three coloursman captain Jayanga Peiris, Hasitha Lanka and Sri Lanka U17 player Thilan Nimesh will have to be at their best. Their focus will be on batting to get a substantial score on the board for the bowlers to work their magic.
“I am looking for 4th year coloursman and Sri Lanka U17 player Thilan Nimesh to perform. Hasitha Lanka has scored 600 runs and 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.
“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.
“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.
Prince of Wales’ Squad
Jayanga Peiris (C) – Thilan Nimesh – Hasitha Lanka – Hasindu Shamika – Vishwa Chathuranga – Kasun Randika – Kasun Harshana – Vihanga Weerakkody – Ramesh Zoysa – Sadun Zoysa – Savindu Peiris – Sachintha Dulshan – Kanishka Aloka – Anjula Sahan – Dilanka Maduranga – Shane Weerawardane
St.Sebastian’s Squad
Visal Senanayake (C) – Muditha Fernando – Avishka Fernando – Lahiru Heshan – Pramesh Fernando – Kusal Lakthilina – Viraj Jayaranga – Vishan De Mel – Asher Warnakulasuriya – Shahika Fernando – Sachin Liyanage – Mishane Silva – Sachintha Silva – Nimesh Bandara – Praveen Perera – Sandaruwan Fernando
