De Mazenod - a vastly improved side
Anushaka Withanage
De Mazenod College, Kandana is a leading school in the Gampaha
district rapidly improving in cricket. In the recent past De Mazenod’s
cricket has made an upward swing producing Sri Lanka’s national cricket
team right arm fast bowlers Dilhara Fernando and Dhammika Prasad were
the first Mazenodians to play Test and one day cricket for the country.
Earlier player of the De Mazenod College Denuwan Fernando was selected
for the under 19 team in 2008. Nilusha Nonis was the all island best
player in 2008 and he scored 1,042 runs.
De Mazenod College have made steady progress so far and are well on
their way towards completing their goal having notched up two impressive
outright victories against Kalutara Vidayalaya and President’s College,
Rajagiriya respectively.
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The De Mazenod, Kandana team. Squatting (from left): Chenen
Anthony, Romariyo Soysa, Sachith Vishvakula, Nadeesha Silva,
Sasanka Kodithuwakku, Jude Madushan, Shanil Perera. Standing
(from left): Tharindu Costa (Vice Captain), Lakshan Rangika,
Nipuna Madusanka, Supun Gayashan, P.A.D. Maduranga, Sajith
Nirmal, Paveen Nonis, Sakvithi Perera (captain).
Picture by Sumanachandra Ariyawansa |
Looking at the past performances of De Mazenod College, the cricket
team has every reason to smile about in their endeavour to climb the
ladder. They have performed reasonably well at all age levels in the
past which augurs well for the future.
De Mazenod College first XI team were champions of the Lemonade
Tournament in 2003.
They are three times runners-up and two times qualified for the semi
finals in that tournament. They won the Diamond Jubilee Trophy in 2005
and under 15 team qualified for the semi-finals in 2008.
The school, despite the lack of facilities, is fully committed
towards sports and cricket takes pride of place, the MIC Malik Keerthi
told the ‘Daily News.’ The School has got up an organization called
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Sakvithi Perera (captain) |
the
Old Boys Association and also another organization called Parents
Cricketers Association to look into the welfare of the Cricketers and
thereby improve on the quality of cricket at the school.
The team is being coached by Sanjeewa Mendis, assisted by Amal
Fernando and Malik Keerthi the master in charge in the school.
The leading batsmen for the De Mazenod College are Lakshan Rangika
who has scored 415 runs in this season, Tharindu Costa scored 417 runs
in the current season, Sakvithi Perera (Captain) scored 350 runs in
first ten matches.Mazenod’s main strike bowler this season has been
their left arm spinner Lakshan Rangika who has captured over 50 wickets
in ten matches.
Cricket was introduced to De Mazenod College, Kandana in 1930. Since
then the school has been playing cricket in 1981.The school playing in
division I. But cricket really begins at De Mazond College from the
level of under-12 as the past records at school point out.
According to Sanjeewa, the coach, the team has performed creditably
well and gained much experience. The Principal of De Mazenod College,
Bro. Bertram Perera said that he would extend his maximum support to
develop the standards of the school team.
They have played 13 matches this season - St. Peter’s College
Colombo, St. Benedict’s College, D. S. Senanayake College, Moratuwa
Vidyalaya, St. Sebastian’s College Moratuwa, President’s College,
Rajagiriya, Kalutara Vidyalaya, Mahanama College, Colombo, Holy Cross
College, Kalutara, St. Sylvester’s College, Kandy.
Meanwhile, the first XI team is scheduled to play St. Anne’s College,
Kurunegala, Maris Stella College, Negombo and Isipatana College, Colombo
later this year. |
