Dharmasoka to go for the best

Thushan Jayasuriya

Dharmasoka College Ambalangoda, one of the pioneers of cricket in southern province, is struggling for greener pastures this season, having acquired four outright wins against Zahira College Colombo, St. Servatius College Matara, Revatha MV Balapitiya, Kalutara Vidyalaya and two first innings wins against Dharmaraja and Trinity.

The team is led by fourth year player and all rounder Gihan Mihiranga.This right hander batsman has scored 381 runs in 11 matches with a highest individual score of 79 runs against Maliyadeva College, Kurunegala. Other than that, he scored 51 runs against Trinity College inclusive of seven boundaries and five sixes this season.

Right arm spinner Duminda Kannangara is the vice captain of the side. He has bagged 35 wickets in nine matches with a best of five for 34 against St. Servatius College Matara and he took a match bag of eight wickets against Rahula College Matara (1st innings - five for 68, 2nd innings – three for 49)This is his fourth year being in the team

Third year coloursman and left hander batsman Adeesha Thilanchana has strengthen up the Dharmasoka batting side with his superb performances. This season, he hammered 531 runs in 17 innings. His best score is against Maliyadeva College Kurunegala (78). Apart from that, he has knocked five half centuries against Maliyadeva, Revatha, Dharmaraja, St.Servatius and Rahula Colleges.

Third year player Yohan De Silva is the next star player of the team. This right hander batsman made a total of 479 runs for this season with his highest individual score against 88 runs against Trinity College Kandy with five half centuries against Kalutara MV, Trinity, Dharmaraja, Revatha MV and Prince of Wales.

Right hander batsman and third year coloursman Thanura Halambage is another successful batsman in the Dharmasoka under 19 squad. This season he topped up 400 run mark in his under 19 cricket career. His highest individual score was against 74 against Richmond including seven boundaries and four sixes. He scored two half centuries against Revatha MV(64), Richmond College (74).

Third year player and Left arm leg spinner Chamath Gunasinghe is a vital person in Dharmasokian bowling department, having bagged 46 wickets in 11 matches in this season. His best bowling performance is against Rahula College (six for 31).

Ramesh Mendis, Right arm off spinner has been able to add plenty of variety to their bowling department. This season he captured a total of 43 wickets in 10 matches. His best effort was against Zahira College (six for 28 ) and he bagged another five wicket haul against Prince of Wales (five for 51)

The coach of the team P.Milton says “The team is in a good position. They have shown all round performance. We have talented players who are rich with their in born talents. Each and every one have talents. The talents have equally divided among the players. So there is no unique ones. I’m happy with my team and their performances”.

The team gets the full support from the Principal, academic staff, Coach P.Milton, Cricket Master In Charge Sunil De Silva, Parents Association, Cricket Wing, School Development Committee, Senior and Junior Old Boys Association.

The under 19 first XI team of Dharmasoka College Hasindu Widarshana, Amila Harshana, Pasan Piyaranga, Chatura Umayanga, Nimesh Prashan, Sudara Deshantha, Adeesha Thilanchana, Ramesh Mendis, Sohan Jayamal, Thilan Maduranga, Isuru Chaturanga, Chamath Gunasinghe, Yohan De Silva, Gihan Mihiranga (captain), Duminda Kannangara (Vice Captain), Buddhu Tharaka, Thanura Halambage.