Women's cricket receive more attention in Matara

Priyan De Silva - Matara Sports Corr.

Sri Lanka Cricket's (SLC) has used its resources to promote women's cricket in Matara last year. The Uyanwatta cricket ground was upgraded to international standards by SLC and the Deshamanya H K Dharmadasa pavilion was renovated by the Nawaloka group of companies to facilitate the practice sessions of the women's teams that played in the T-20 world cup. Even SLC's district coach in Matara spent most of his time assisting in the preparation of the ground and coaching the

district's women's cricket team rather than promoting the game at school level.

Junior cricket is at an all time low in the district with none of the three teams playing in division one of the Sri Lanaka schools under thirteen tournament proceeding beyond the first round. In the under 15 tournament St Servatius College were unfortunate not to proceed beyond the second round while St Servatius College and Rahula College qualified for the pre quarter finals of the under 17 division one tournament in 2012.

Schools like Sariputhra Colege Pamburana and Telijjawila Central College which qualified to play in division two of the tournament in some age groups seem to have given up the game.

Only Ashen Deemantha of St Servatius College was able to bring some credit to the district on being selected the best player of the recently concluded under 15 inter provincial cricket tournament conducted by Sri Lanka Cricket. Even the selection of this team was done without holding a single practice match. There have been many sons from Matara who have represented the national team the most illustrious being Sanath Jayasuriya. It is hoped that Sri Lanka Cricket will take appropriate action to ensure just returns for its investment's in Matara in 2013.