Dharmapala cricketers to make their presence felt

Thushan JAYASURIYA

Dharmapala Vidyalaya skipper Sahan Chamikara

Dharmapala Vidyalaya, Pannipitiya will have to strive hard this season in order to make their presence felt in the under 19 cricket scene with their fresher laden side. Dharmapala, another up and coming team in the under-19 division-one tournament, played their first match of the division against Rahula College, Matara last year, marking a significant milestone in their cricketing history.

The victory at the Coca-Cola Trophy in 1986 is an unforgettable memory for them. This season, they have played against several cricket giants including Ananda, Nalanda, Prince of Wales Moratuwa and Maliyadeva Kurunegala.

The side is spearheaded by experienced player Sahan Chamikara who has been a vital link in the squad.

He is confident that the team will be able to revive in the season with his experience. Ashan Udara, who plays his second year, is the Vice Captain of the team and opens batting for their side. This elegant right hander has cracked over 900 runs last season.

During this season, he recorded his highest individual score of 130 runs against S.Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia.

Prashanth Ratnayake, Ashan Jayasanka, Himasha Liyanage, Harsha Gallage, Kushan Jayalath, Sanka Himasha, Vimukthi Radella are some players whom they can rely on. The team is coached by Susila Gunawardena. He mentions that the team is in a good form. Most of the players in the squad are freshers and the team is performing better than before.

The team gets the support of college principal K.G.Wimalasena, vice principal, master-in-charge, prefect of games and the Old Boys Association.

Dharmapala Vidyalaya under-19 first XI Squad. Pictures by Sulochana Gamage

Dharmapala Vidyalaya under-19 first XI Squad comprises of Sahan Chamikara (captain), Ashan Jayasanka (vice captain), Himasha Liyanage, Kushan Jayalath, Harsha Gallage , Prashan Ratnayake, Tharindu Maduwantha, Vimukthi Radella, Jayampathy Bandara, Supun Chathura, Asanka Sameera, Gihan Madusanka, Himalka Chameen, Tharaka Hondamunige, Bimantha Lakpriya, and Heshan Pasindu

Coach: Susila Gunawardena
Master-in-charge: Sujith Liyanage

Prefect of games: Asela Mapatuna