Dharmadutha has the edge over Uva
 

by V. T. Raj - our Badulla sports correspondent

The 50th Battle of Uva between Uva College and Dharmadutha College will be played at the Badulla cricket grounds for the Nimal Siripala de Silva Challenge Trophy on April 1 and 2.

The Minister of Health Nimal Siripala is sponsoring this year's tournament and both schools have finalised arrangements for this big day.

These two schools did not participate in any major cricket tournaments this year, as there were no inter-school crickets as such in Badulla. However some of the players of both these schools have gained experience by playing in the club tournaments organised by the Badulla District Cricket Association.

In the past Uva College had won 16 encounters as against Dharmadutha College, which had won only 12. The balance 21 encounters had been drawn. Uva College had not won since 1982 while Dharmadutha College beat Uva College in the 48th encounter and the 49th encounter in 2004 ended in a draw.

Dharmadutha College has the edge over Uva College in this 50th encounter

Dharmadutha College:

Himal Kanishka Perera will lead Dharmadutha team this year. This right hand batsman was the deputy skipper last year. Last year he was awarded the up and coming player of the tournament trophy. He is a fourth year coloursman.

Dhammika Pushpakumara Dissanayake will be his deputy this year. This front line left hand batsman is a fourth year coloursman.

Other senior batsmen are: K. A. D. Shammy Nayanajith: This all-rounder is a left hand batsman and bowls medium pace. Last year he won the man of the match award and representing the school for the 5th successive year.

P. R. Chamith Nishantha: He is a middle order left hand batsman and an allrounder. He is a second year coloursman.

Dilan Nalinda: This all-round player is a right hand batsman and representing the school for the third successive year.

Chaminda Lakmal Athanayake: He is also an all-rounder and bowls medium pace. He is a right hand batsman and representing the school for the second successive year.

Others who will be fighting for a place this year are:- Thiwanka Mihindukulasooriya, F. M. Irshard, Chamith Nishantha, Saman Harshanath, Manoj Dhanushka, Gayan Pradeep, Kosala Hemantha, T. M. M. Ranga Bandara, D. L. Prasanna, R. M. Samara Dhananjaya, Shantha Pradeep, Naleena Piumal and Waruna Thanushka.

The team is being coached by Ajith Bandara who is also the Provincial Coach attached to the Badulla DCA. The sports minded principal Ovitipana Jayathilake assisted by the Prefect of Games Ajith Widanaduruge are working round the clock to make this 50th encounter a success.

Uva College:

Left hand batsman M. D. P. Hasintha Wijeratne will skipper the Uva College team this year. He is also a right arm medium pacer who is representing the school for the Third successive year. A. M. Ramzan Azardh will be his deputy. He will keep wickets this year and a good right hand batsman. This is the second time he had been appointed Vice Captain. Other experienced players in the side are:

R. M. Chamikara Thilina Kasun: A third year coloursman who bats with his left hand and bowls medium pace with his right arm.

H. M. Shashi Chathuranga: Second year coloursman and a right hand batsman and also bowls right arm off-spin.

S. M. Ranil Chandana: He is representing the school for the 5th successive year. He captained the school for two years and is a solid right hand batsman and bowls medium pace.

W. W. M. Sandun Prabath Gunathilake: A third year coloursman and a hard-hitting right hand batsman. He is also a right arm medium pacer.

The other five players will be selected from:- S. M. Ranil Chandana Senaviratne, S. M. Madushanka Prabath Dissanayake, A. M. Kamal Chethana Sankalpa, M. Amal Rishan, S. M. Chandana Samarasinghe, W. D. Nuwan Prasadh, Isuru N. Wijesooriya, W. M. Tharindu Maduranga, P. N. Chaturanga, B. M. Tharaka Senadheera, R. M. Saliya Sampath, R. M. Achalanka Sadeep, G. H. D. Madushanka de Silva and H. M. D. Chathuranga Ratnayake.

Thusitha Pathum Ratnayake is coaching the side this year with the assistance of the Principal Mr. D. M. Kalubanda and the Prefect of Games Poojitha Peelipotha.