Maris Stella determined

Thushan JAYASURIYA

Maris Stella College Negombo, with several freshers in their side, is determined to give out their best to match up to reputed schools this year in the Inter-schools Under-19 Cricket Tournament.

Last season, they fared well with three outright wins against St.Servatius Matara, Holy Cross Kalutara and St.Patrick's College Jaffna. They also had the satisfaction of taking first innings honours in the matches against three leading schools - S.Thomas’ Mount Lavinia, St.Peter's College and Zahira College.

This has been a tremendous performance from an outstation school which has continued to produce some outstanding cricketers in the recent past despite going through many difficulties and challenges on and off the field.

The non-availability of a turf wicket to continue their regular practice sessions and home matches has been a major draw back for Maris Stella College. As a result, their top order batsmen have always being under pressure when playing matches outside.

In fact three years ago they enjoyed one of their finest seasons because they were able to maintain an unbeaten record and also did well to reach the semi-finals of the inter-schools 50 over tournament.

In the past they have produced a number of top cricketers in the calibre of brothers Sri Lanka cricketer Graeme and Wendell Labrooy, Shehan Samaratunge, Marlon Mallawaarachchi both of whom played for the Sri Lanka under-19 team. Ranga and Sandun Dias, Shantha Fonseka and Mevan Fernando, Angelo Jayasinghe who captained Sri Lanka Youth under-19 team are some of the outstanding cricketers produced by Maris Stella.

Solid Middle order right hand batsman Prasansana Jayamanne will lead the side this year. As the highest run getter, he has scored around 600 runs last season with a highest individual score of 120 runs not out against Holy Cross College Kalutara and scored another century (110 not out) against S.Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia.

Bowling all rounder Shehan Chathuranga will be his deputy. Last season this right arm off spinner has captured around 30 wickets.

In his batting he has totalled 400 runs with a best score of 80 runs not out against S.Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia.

The new ball will be shared by Shanaka Fernando and Chathuranga Rajapakse.

And the spin attack will comprise of Ruwin Sinnaiah and Shehan Chathuranga The coach of the team Harsha Gamaadikari says that the most of the players in the squad are freshers.

And the unfavourable weather grabbed the chances to win as most of their matches were washed out.However they are hoping to give out its best this season. The team gets all the encouragement from Prinicipal Rev. Brother Sunanda Alwis and Master in Charge of Sports Susan Thamel.

The Maris Stella College under 19 squad.

Prasansana Jayamanne (Captain), Shehan Chathuranga (Vice Captain), Thusitha Peiris, Ruwin Sinnaiah, Ashen Maduwantha, Sudesh Lakmal Dishen Rodrigo, Viraj Jayamaha, Shanaka Shakila Bhasura, Pathum Vimukthi, Vihanga Ravishanka and Sajith Peiris. Coach: Harsha Gamaadikari,

Assistant Coach : Dishan Shaminda, Junior Coach : Roshan Jayasinghe, Master-In-Charge : Lalantha Fernando