Team-work key to Joes' success, says coach

Supun Perera

CRICKET: St. Joseph's College with six outright victories were declared as the undisputed champions in the schools Lemonade Trophy Tournament for the year 2007.

They won against Isipathana, De Mazenod, Kandana D.S. Senanayake Vidyalaya, Maris Stella, Meepawala Amarasuriya and Trinity College, Kandy while in the big match against St. Peter's they took major honours and in the 50 over encounter they beat St. Peter's by three wickets. Sri Lanka Youth cricketer Roshane Silva stroked an elegant century.

The success of the St. Joseph's team was due to the hard work put in by the school authorities and coach Harsha de Silva. The lanky Josephian paceman had done wonders with the college cricket team after taking over the reins from Upali Ahangama in 2001.

It is team work that has contributed to the success of the team. Players like Angelo Mathews, Thisara Perera, Dimuth Karunaratne, Roshane Silva combined well with others to bring glory to St. Joseph's said Harsha. Joes could have won many more matches if not for inclement weather.

According to Harsha Josephians will be losing only Mathews and Rajeewa Weerasinghe for the next season and they will be once again hoping to be in the top slot with nine senior players.

He also paid a glowing tribute to Rev. Fr. Sylvester Ranasinghe, the Rector, Rev. Fr. Chaminda Wanigasena, the Prefect of Games Prasantha, Ranaweera, the master in charge the chairman of cricket advisory committee Susilough de S. Wijeratne for their unstinted support in making this dream a reality. Kapila Manohara is the assistant coach to Harsha de Silva.

The Josephians last won this title in year 2005 under Hashan Goonetileke where they recorded nine outright victories.