Cambrian Suchira - a superb batsman

Dilwin Mendis, Moratuwa sports correspondent

Suchira Fernando is a right hand opening batsman who is among the runs this season for the first eleven cricket team of Prince of Wales’ College, Moratuwa. He commenced his cricket career under former Cambrian Skipper Bandula de Silva. He started playing cricket for the under 13 team and then for the under 15 team where Sumith Fernando was his coach.

In his first year in the first eleven and under 17 his coaches were Lantra Fernando and Suranga Wijenayake, both Cambrian captains.

In the under 13 age group he played for the Division three and one and with his batting skills he had the opportunity to play for the under 15 division one for two years.

In his last year he was the vice captain and he cracked a brilliant 124 runs against St. John's Panadura where Cambrians entered for the quarter finals.

In the under 17 age group and in his second year he was the deputy skipper and collected 410 runs which included 159 runs versus Dharmapala, Pannipitiya.

Last year he opened throughout the year for the first eleven and in his second year so far he has collected 670 runs at an average of 33.5 with 70 against St Thomas and a scintillating 161 runs against Royal College, Colombo which is the third highest score in the series.

He is a fine fielder at any position with a good arm. His father old Cambrian Vipula Fernando represented the College cricket team in 1977 under Pemlal Fernando and was unable to play for the big match.

How he fared,

Vs Dharmapala – 25 and 11 not out, Vs Dharmasoka – 31, Vs Mahinda 18 and 25, Vs Thurstan – 32, Vs St Peters – 38, Vs Richmond – 12, Vs Ananda 17, Vs St Thomas 70, Vs Isipathana – 21, Vs Zahira – 53 and 41, Vs Sri Sumangala – 34 and 28 not out, Vs Gurukula 36, Vs Maris Stella, 03, Vs St Anthony's – 00, Vs Royal – 161, Vs Mahanama 10 and 04.

Total = 670

Average: 33.5