Prince of Wales College prepare their arsenal to lock horns with arch rival St. Sebastian’s College to regain their elusive glory in the 67th Battle of the Golds.
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A bit off the history books
Prince of Wales College has an illustrious history in excess of a century in the sport of cricket. After making their debut in the schools cricket arena under the guidance of G.C Mendis in 1896 with J.G Fernando as the first skipper, they played their first three games against Royal College, Wesley College and S. Thomas’ College respectively. Despite all three games ending in defeats, it did not deter this proud institution from becoming a prominent nursery for many future national cricketers
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 team in 1926 during the early 1900’s. In the post war era the Cambrians have nurtured some of the greats in Granville de Silva, Amal Silva, D.S. De Silva, Chaminda Mendis, Hasantha Fernando and Darshana Gamage. Current Sri Lanka players, Kusal Mendis & Lahiru Thirimanna are also proud products of Prince of Wales’.
Key players
The current squad of players comprise some fine talents in which some have also gone to wear the national colours at the under 19 level. With a rich balance of youth and experience the Cambrians are undoubtedly a formidable outfit in this year’s Battle of the Golds.
By far the stand out among these consummate young men is Vishwa Chathuranga who despite missing out on a majority of the school’s season due to national duty, has blossomed with bat in hand. His acquisition is nothing but timely for the Prince of Wales lads as they build up for all important clash against their old foes.
Photo Album: Prince of Wales College Cricket Team Preview 2016/17
Dilanka Maduranga who took on the reigns as captain during the absence of Vishwa has been charismatic as he led his team from the front. With an impressive tally of 700 runs under his belt marked with two handsome centuries, speaks volumes about his prowess. His outstanding innings of a 146 which came against S. Thomas’ proves to be the stand out performance thus far this season.
Prince of Wales have produced some of the finest all rounders throughout the years in the school’s arena. Thilan Nimesh is one such player who has shone for the Cambrians this season. While bagging 690 runs with a best of 111 against DS Senannayake, Nimesh has scalped 52 wickets with his crafty left arm spin.
Sanoj Darshika, has been yet another lynchpin in the middle order for Prince of Wales with his 610 run tally, with an impressive 112 against St. Benedict’s College putting the icing on the cake. The dependable middle order bat strengthens and provides depth to the Cambrian line up as they paint an ominous picture to any foe.
Yet another batsman who has made this mark in this year’s campaign is Avindu Fernando with a splendid run tally in excess of 600. With a fighting knock of 88 against Mahanama college Avindu has proved his ability as a batsman stabilizing the Cambrian middle order.
Kaumal Nanayakkara another left-arm spinner, is the second of the spin trio as he has been a stalwart in the bowling line up. With a wicket tally of 49 caps under his name Kaumal has been a thorn in many batting line ups throughout the campaign.
Savindu Peiris completes the spin trio as the right arm off-spinner has made his mark with 38 wickets thus far. Skipper Vishwa Chathuranga will be spoilt for choice in the bowling department as the spinners have prospered this campaign with a harvest of wickets in this year’s school’s circuit.
Coaching Staff
Kushan Jayawickrama will be the man to once again guide the troops this year as Santha Rodrigo will be his deputy at the helm.
Final Say
Having managed 4 outright wins this season out of the 14 games that have been played, the Cambrians have managed to topple some formidable lineups in the shape of Royal College and Mahinda College in innings victories. Despite a few minor hiccups losing to the likes of Lumbini College in a low scoring fixture and likes of Nalanda College and Thurstan College, Prince of Wales still remains a daunting prospect to their arch rivals as they prepare to lock horns in the battle of the golds.
Prince of Wales, College Squad:
“Vishwa Chathuranga (C),Dilanka Maduranga (VC), Thilan Nimesh, Avindu Fernando, Dilesh Nanayakkara, Sanoj Darshika, Suwath Mendis, Savindu Peiris, Prince Alanka, Sanjaya Fernando, Devanka Peiris, Dhanushka Fernando, Shehan Avishka, Kaumal Nanayakkara, Tharuka Fernando, Anjula Sahan, Sandun Fernando”
