Peterite Cricket League on December 11

Anuradha ABEYSEKERA

Peterite Cricket Foundation (PCF) of the St. Peter's College, Bambalapitiya will conduct the inaugural Peterite Cricket League 2011, a six-a-side cricket tournament on December 11 at the school ground. A press conference prior to the tournament was held at the school's Rev. Sr. Flora Memorial Hall recently.

The participation will confine to present and Old Peterites, where eight teams will battle out for the Rev. Fr. Sunil Herman Perera trophy. The champion trophy was named in memory of late Fr. Sunil Perera, who has been the sports coordinator to the St. Peter's College for more than seven years.

The runner-up trophy was named as Austin Fernando trophy in recognition of 14 years service of the school's former cricket Master in Charge.

The tournament will be conducted in the IPL and Hong Kong Sixes format. Eight players of each team must consist of one school player, one under 23 player, two players in 25-30 age category, two veterans over 35 players and two International and Club players. One over 35 player and the school boy player of the bowling team must be on the ground at all times when they field. Peterites will be lined up under eight franchised teams namely Titans, Romans, Pirates, Vikings, Gladiators, Warriors, Knights and Spartans.

St. Peter's College Rector Rev. Fr. Travis Gabriel said that the event will strengthen the ties between old boys and school while reuniting Peterites in a cricket carnival atmosphere.

He also expressed his confidence that the tournament will be a great success and will become one of the big school old boys event in the country. Franchise owners will nominate their respective captains and both will decide the playing six in each team.

Six targets to be set up around the ground where batsmen can win cash prizes by hitting them except for the school players.

During the lunch break, an under-15 school boy exhibition match is to be played, bringing more school flavour into the event. Most of the special awards have also named after few iconic personalties who rendered yeomen service and brought fame to the school.

Man of the Final award has named in memory of late Darrel Wimalaratne while the Best Batsman and Best Bowler trophies were named after outstanding Peterite and national cricketers Roy Dias and Romesh Ratnayake respectively. Dr. H.I.K. Fernando trophy will be awarded to the Best Fielder and Man of the Tournament trophy has been named in respect of 1978 and 1981 Peterite cricket teams which are considered to be the most talented teams the school has ever produced.