Mahanama-DSS clash in Battle of the Golds

Thushan JAYASURIYA

Mahanama and D.S.Senanayake College will meet each other at the Battle of the Golds which will be held for the sixth consecutive year on March 30 and 31, 2012 at SSC Grounds. The two teams are likely to give of their best.

The D.S. Under 19 Cricket Team

Mahanama Under 19 Cricket TeamDehiwala

The two Colleges, Mahanama and D.S. field well balanced sides. Started in 2007, they have come a long way with experiences in their previous battles. And the guidance from the senior staff from the two colleges has become a blessing to succeed in this event.

Mahanama side will be playing in the battle of the golds under the captaincy of Duleeka Thissakuttige, a left hand batsman playing his fourth year in the Under 19 pool. He has scored more than 900 runs for the season. Also he is playing for Sri Lanka Under 19 cricket team. He was the highest run scorer of the side last season. The Vice Captain, Chathura Wanniaarachchi also helps the side with his batting and bowling skills. He has scored over 650 runs including a century and three half centuries.

Other than those two players, Chathura Jayasinghe,Senura Welagedara, Pavan Devinda, Janaka Dayananda, Naveen Silva prop up the batting while Dayan Perera, Naveen Silva will contribute with bowling.

D.S.Senanayake also possesses some talented players including Lasith Abeyratne (Captain), Uvin Bandara, Saveen Sanoj and Binura Fernando. D.S.Side gave a good display at the sixth annual cricket encounter - Battle of the Golds.

Lasith Abeyratne, a multi-talented player who is playing his third year has scored a mammoth total of 817 runs in 18 matches inclusive of one century and five half centuries in 18 matches. Uvin Bandara also another star player in the side has shown his colours with a total of 646 runs with three half centuries and bagged 23 wickets in bowling. Third year player and all rounder Saveen Sanoj, is the vice captain of the D.S.side. He has excelled in batting with a total of 554 runs in 19 matches and succeeded in bowling with 32 wickets. Left arm fast bowler Binura Fernando also supports the side with his superb bowling. He as bagged a total of 38 wickets in 16 matches.

Both schools have figured draws in their previous years. In their one day matches, Mahanama won twice in 2008 and 2010 while D.S. won thrice in 2007,2009 and 2011. This year one of those two may be able to become the outright champions of the Battle of the Golds.