Semi-finalists of the premier limited overs tournament this year, Moors Cricket Club is a team to watch-out for in the battle for pre-eminence among the domestic giants of the Sri Lankan cricket franchise.
With a substantial batting line up and the solid bowling attack with experience within the ranks, they will aim high for the championship and nothing else.
Moors Sports Club founded in the year 1908 spans it`s history over a century. The service rendered to Sri Lanka Cricket from baybrooke place is boundless. The hoodoo of being in finals and ending up in runners-up position for the last couple of years is their burden and transgressing that obstacle is their biggest dare now.
Key players
Dilhara Lokuhettige leading the side upfront with his reputation as an experienced skipper for the outfit which has been built on his powerful batting – as a pinch-hitter or lower order batsman – coupled with his bustling seam bowling. With a highest score of 211 in 130 first class matches he is the ideal foil to lead the boys. With a bowling average of 24.26 he has bagged 321 wickets during his covet career of the long version of the game.
The newest addition to the outfit, national cap Chathuranga De Silva will power up the middle order of the batting. This youngster filled with potential is in fine touch scoring in every game they played in the premier limited overs tournament. His aggressive top order batting will provide the start for the outfit and create an easy atmosphere for the rest of the batsman to follow. It would be good to see how he settles himself in the longer version of the game and the shift of pace from aggressive batting.
Vimukthi Perera will be powering the bowling department of the outfit, followed by the rest of the all-around players. Having played 39 first class matches he holds a bowling average of 30.20. He has delivered forthrightly by bagging 91 wickets in these 39 matches. This left arm medium pacer will be indeed a treat to watch in the upcoming three day games.
With the likes of Denuwan Rajakaruna, Oshada Fernando, Thillakaratene Sampath in fine touch after the premier limited overs tournament,walking them back to the dressing room would be tedious for any side. The bowling department will be powered by Kosala Kulasekara, Irosh Samarasooriya and Ranil Dhammika with fine pace and spin to defend the scoreboard. With bowlers who could swing both ways and spin the ball it will be a hard task to bat against Baybrooke place lads.
Coaching Contingent
Mahesh Wijesooriya being the guiding light of the outfit for the last three years has successfully mentored the gang to two consecutive finals. Winning over 89 championships in his coaching career, this gentlemen needs no introduction to the coaching charter of cricket in Sri Lanka. Missing out on entering the final stage of the premier league tournament which was concluded recently, he will hope for a much better performance from his boys to make it to the third consecutive final and break the hoodoo of ending up in the runners-up bracket.
Wijesooriya sharing his thoughts exclusively with ThePapare.com “I hope that we could make it to the finals this time too as we missed out before due to a mistake made by the third umpire. We have a good team and we have been practicing well on and I believe that it will pay off”.
The skipper expressing views stated that it was disappointing to loose on the semi-finals when the road ahead was clear but now the boys have got over it and that they are all on track for a much better tournament and better target.
Full Squad with Disciplines
Tillakaratne Sampath – Right-hand bat – Right-arm off break
Dilhara Lokuhettige – Right-hand bat – Right-arm fast-medium
Denuwan Rajakaruna – Right-hand bat – Wicketkeeper
Oshada Fernando – Right-hand bat – Leg break
Harsha Cooray – Right-hand bat – Right-arm off break
Chaturanga de Silva – Left-hand bat – Slow left-arm orthodox
Kosala Kulasekara – Right-hand bat – Right-arm fast-medium Fast
Janaka Gunaratne – Right-hand bat – Right-arm off break
Irosh Samarasooriya – Right-hand bat – Right-arm fast-medium
Ranil Dhammika – Left-hand bat – Slow left-arm orthodox
Vimukthi Perera – Left-hand bat – Left-arm fast-medium
Rasika Nanayakkara – Left Hand Bat – Wicket keeper
Cricket Club Previews – Moors CC – Coach
