Kingswood a conspicuous side this year

Kingswood, one of the oldest cricket playing schools in the country has been relegated to the second division in school cricket after their poor performances previous seasons. They hope to do better this time around with five senior players in their ranks. 

Kingswood College Kandy founded in 1891, has made a name for itself in the sporting arena.

History

Cricket was introduced to Kingswood in 1893 and their inaugural big match encounter had played in the same year with their arch rivals Dharmaraja under the captaincy of A.E Spencer. It is the longest cricket match series in the Central Province spanning 106 years.  1962 it said they had one of the best teams where  they beat Trinity for the first time under the captaincy of Owen Mottau.

Last Year

Last year they were led by Nishitha Weerakoon, who was the stumper and opening bat. His deputy was Nuwan Chamara Unamboowe, a third-year player was a fine off-spinner. They reported outright victories against Wayamba Royal as well as Ambalangoda Kularathna in which Nuwan Chamara scored an unbeaten half century. Nishitha was the top scorer for the season with 480 runs and Nuwan was the highest wicket taker who took impressive 45 wickets. Tharindu Liyanage who is currently doing a great job in this season also took 44 wickets. They outright lost to Trinity and Richmond after a tight battle. 

Current Season

Kingswood defeated Vidyartha and St. Sylvester’s but lost to Carey on first innings. Their game against strong Maliyadewa Kurunegala ended in a no decision. They reported an outright victory by 8 wickets against St.Thomas College Matale last week and currently in a good position in the B Division table. 

Supun Bandara is the top scorer for the season with 229 runs followed by Saluka Walisundara scoring 209 who scored a fine half century against Vidyartha. The biggest strength for the Kingswood lads will be their spinners lead by Tharindu Liyanage and his partner in crime Dananjaya Monerawila; both off spinners have triggered many collapses in opposition batting line ups. Liyanage has taken 28 wickets apiece this season so far. Prabath Jayawickrama and Dilshan Edirisinghe are in charge of the new ball. Prabath himself totaled 18 wickets so far in the season.

Randika Wijerathna opens the batting with Dulanjana Themiya. Both of them are quite capable of getting the team off to a good start.

The Coach

H.N.T. Gamage one of the finest all-rounders to come out of Kingswood College, will coach again. He is a fine trainer and should get the best from the boys. Gamage as he is known was a fine left-arm medium pace bowler and a good right-hand middle order batsman during his days.  He was a regular member of the Kandy Youth S.C. playing in tournaments in the 1990’s.  

Speaking to ThePapare Mr.Gamage said that they are focused  to reach two main goals; to get promoted to the Division one and to win the the 107th Hill Country Battle of Maroons against their arch rivals Dharmaraja. Moreover he said that they are having a well balanced side including 20 well experienced player and only 5 freshers.

Sunil Herath is the master in charge and has been there for many years.

Kasun Bandara to the lead

Kasun, a third year player had a fair season last year with over 350 runs and twenty five wickets with his medium pace. Kasun has shown that he can get the players under him to perform during the early stages of this season. Kasun is yet to come into his usual batting rhythm in 2012/2013 season. Saluka Walisundara who occupies the first drop position is currently doing a fine job as his deputy.

The Squad          

Kingswood has tournament games against Ibbagamuwa, St Patrick’s Jaffna, Bandaranayake MV Gampaha, and St John’s Panadura remaining. The match with Wesley will be held this Friday in Police grounds Kandy.