Matale under 19 cricket sixes on July 25

S.M. Jiffrey Abdeen Kandy Sports Corr.

The annual schools Under-19 six a side cricket tournament organised by the Matale District Cricket Association will be worked off at the Bernard Aluwihare Stadium in Matale on July 25 (Saturday) at 9 a.m.

Twelve schools namely St. Thomas College, Government Science College, Vijaya College, Christ Church College, Zahira College, Weera Keppetipola Central College, Akuramboda, Dambulla Central College, Kaikawela Central College, Royal English School, Mahinda Rajapaksa Navodaya School, Kaikawela, Greenwood International School, and Matale Hindu College have entered this tournament. St. Thomas College are the defending champions and they go out firm favourites to win the tournament this year too unless there is an upset.

The chief guest at the opening ceremony will be the Minister of Urban Development and President of Matale District CA Rohana Dissanayake. Also gracing the occasion will be Mayor of Matale Mohammed Hilmy. Vice Presidents of Matale District CA Saman Senanayake, Susantha Weerasinghe, P.H. Chandradasa, Sidath Talgahagoda and Divisional Secretary A.B. Herath.

The Chief Guests at the awards ceremony will be the first Test cricketer produced by Matale Chanaka Welagedera and Sri Lanka 'A' Cricketer Akalanka Ganegama.

It must be recalled that Chanaka Welagedara played for St. Thomas College, Matale and Matale CC earlier.

The Honorary Secretary of the Matale District Cricket Association Ravi Punchihewa said that the following trophies are on offer.

Champions: MDCA President Rohana Dissanayake Trophy

Runner up: The Matale District CA Trophy

There will be also special awards for Best Batsman, Best Bowler, Player of the Tournament and Man of the Finals.