MCA – FAIRFIRST ‘F’ DIVISION 20 OVER LEAGUE TOURNAMENT 2026

HNB Assurance will go all out to emerge undefeated champs and take home the ‘Fairfirst Trophy’ when they take on McLarens Group in the finals of the 8th MCA – Fairfirst ‘F’ Division 20 over League Cricket tournament scheduled to be played at the CCC ground at 2.00pm today [20th March]. The game which was originally planned to be played under lights is being played as a day game due to the previling fuel crisis. The third place game between MAS Active and Ansell Lanka will commence at 9.45a.m.

HNB Assurance, the only undefeated team in the tournament beat E B Creasy by 111 runs, Pizza Hut by 8 wickets, Attire Pvt Limited by 27 runs, Commercial Credit by 44 runs and Sitrek Group by 88 runs to lead group D and enter the knock out stage of the tournament. In the knock out stage they defeated Commercial Bank ‘B’ by 118 runs in the pre-quarter final, PABC by 6 wickets in the quarter-final and Ansell Lanka by 28 runs in the semi-final to qualify for the final.

McLarence Group Team

McLarens Group, playing in group A lost to Aitkin Spence by 66 runs but led their group having defeated Softlogic Life by 44 runs, PABC by 46 runs, Astron Lanka by 24 runs and Metropolitan Group by three wickets to enter the knock out stage. In the pre-quarter final, McLarens beat SAGT by 48 runs, overcame Camera.lk by 22 runs in the quarter-finals and MAS Active by three wickets in the semi-final to qualify for the final.

HNB Assurance is led by Dulanjana Wijesinghe will be selected from Dasun Abeywardena, Sangeeth Peiris, Abhishek Jayaweera, Lahiru Sithpriya, Pasindu Pathum, Chamod Piumal, Dasis Manchanayake, Taariq Naziar, Milinda Sanjaya Isuru Sampath, Charith de Silva, Tharindu Guruge, Anupa Sasanka, Dulanga Hettiarachchi, Supun Chanaka, Minidu Rajakaruna, Mohamed Rahumathulla and Raveen Alexander.

Manager: Kalhara Kariyawasam

HNB’s Pasindu Pathum who has scored the most runs [346] in the tournament so far together with Dasun Abeywardena and Lahiru Sithpriya are ranked among the top ten run scorers. Taariq Naziar is among the top tenwicket takers with sixteen wickets to his credit and In the fielding department Sangeeth Peiris is among the top ten with 12 dismissals to his credit.

McLarens Group led by Asanka Ranasinghe will be selected from, Russel Van Rooyen, Shehan Sandaruwan, Saminda Fernando, Ashan Mullegama, Dilan Perera, Oshada Chathuranga, Sachira Wijesinghe, Inesh Chamikara, Sadisha Gamage, Suranga Rodrigo, Lahiru Amarasekara, Ethan Ransilige, Hasindu Perera, Dulshan Jayawardhana, and Mandil Damruka

Manager: Samadhi Siriwardena

McLaren’s all-rounder Ethan Ransilige is among the top ten run scorers and wicket takers in the tournament and Shehan Sandaruwan is the second highest wicket taker [17 wickets] of the tournament.

Twenty four teams entered this year’s MCA F Division Tournament .

St. Servatius’ College will start as favourites when they take on arch rivals St. Thomas’ College in the “Battle of the Blues of Ruhuna” which gets underway at the Uyanwatta Stadium today.

‎The Servatians enter the contest with a strong outfit bolstered by the presence of two Sri Lanka Under-19 players. Skipper Chamarindu Nethsara and all-rounder Viran Chamuditha, still fresh from the recent Youth World Cup, add both quality and expectation to a side eager to end a title drought that has stretched for more than five decades.

‎Nethsara’s reliability behind the stumps and his contribution with the bat provide stability at the top, while Chamuditha has been in exceptional form this season, amassing close to 500 runs in just five matches. With his performances at the Youth World Cup still vivid in memory, the all-rounder will carry the hopes of the Servatian faithful.

‎However, success will hinge on a collective effort. Openers Heshan Madushanka and Risinu Kithmuka, both with over 400 runs this season, are expected to lay solid foundations. They will be supported by Thathsilu Bandara and Chamod Mihiranga, giving the batting unit both depth and balance.

‎The bowling department is equally formidable, spearheaded by the spin duo of Chamuditha and Samiru Gimhan, who have shared more than 60 wickets between them. Additional support comes from Lasindu Ramanayake, who has claimed over 30 wickets this season, including an impressive seven-wicket haul against Prince of Wales.

‎In contrast, St. Thomas’ College, led by wicketkeeper-batsman Abdul Majid, will enter the encounter as underdogs but not without firepower. Majid has been their standout performer with over 500 runs this season and will be key to anchoring the innings. He is expected to receive strong support from Thathsara Dewmin, Manuga Guruge, Kumesh Nuwanjana and Punal Pamuditha.

‎Dewmin has also been their most consistent bowler with nearly 30 wickets, while Dinura Pawnji and Guruge are likely to play crucial supporting roles with the ball.

‎History, however, adds an extra layer of intrigue. According to records, St. Servatius’ last tasted victory in 1971 under Nimal Munaweera, while St. Thomas’ last win came in 2007 under Tharaka Dushyantha.

‎With both teams eager to rewrite history and rising young stars ready to shine, this year’s Battle of the Blues of Matara promises an absorbing contest filled with pride, passion and the pursuit of long-awaited glory.

(RF)

St. Peter’s Team with officials

Seated (ffrom left) R.P.H.P. Perera (Trainer and Physiotheraphist), Nalin Wijesinghe (Head Coach), Rohan Fernando (MiC), Enosh Peterson (Captain), Rev. Fr. Rohitha Rodrigo (Rector), Rev. Fr. Praveen Wijesekara (Priest in Charge), Asadisa Thejana (Vice Captain), Thushara Madushan (Asst. Coach), Dinuka Godakanda (2nd XI Coach).

Second row (from left) Dineth de Silva, Tharin Senvidu, Hiruka Silva, Joshua Sebastian, Sadeesha Kariyawasam, Savi Fernando, Jason Fernando, Thareen Sanketh, Janith Panditharathne, Standing Yathindra Jayaweera. Back row (from left) Dinsara Rathnaweera, Shadeesha Silva, Thenura Dissanayake, Shavidu Silva, Dimalsha Jayawardana, Evan Joshua Rodrigo, Menura Dissanayake, Oshadha Akalanka.

By Reemus Fernando

‎

Unbeaten St. Joseph’s College will start as clear favourites when they meet arch-rivals St. Peter’s College in the prestigious “Battle of the Saints” Big Match, which gets underway at the SSC Grounds today.

‎Joes, led by Rishma Amarasinghe, arrive with an impressive unbeaten record this season and a well-balanced side that has shown both consistency and match-winning ability. With memories of their historic 2008 triumph still cherished, the Josephians will be determined to emulate that famous side led by Ruwantha Fernandopulle, which ended a 35-year drought. However, they too are currently in the midst of a long wait for another outright win in the series and will be eager to break that deadlock.

‎A major strength of the Josephian outfit lies in their formidable spin department. The inclusion of Sri Lanka Under-19 spinner Vigneswaran Akash further strengthens an already potent attack featuring Nushan Perera, who has claimed 69 wickets this season, and Vishwa Peiris with 50 scalps. Together, they form arguably the most dangerous spin unit in the schools circuit this year.

‎Their batting unit has also been equally impressive. Aveesha Samash has been the standout performer, amassing close to 800 runs, including a century and seven fifties. Skipper Amarasinghe has led responsibly, while Yenula Dantanarayana, Dilpa Maduranga and Senuja Wakunagoda have all made valuable contributions. This depth in batting, coupled with their bowling strength, makes Joes a formidable opponent.

‎In contrast, St. Peter’s College may not boast many outright victories this season, but they remain unbeaten thanks largely to a resilient and cohesive batting lineup. Led by skipper Enosh Peterson, who has found form at the right time with an average close to 40, the Petes will rely heavily on their batsmen to challenge the favourites.

‎Asadisa Silva has been exceptional, scoring 687 runs at an average of 53, including three centuries. He has been well supported by Joshua Sebastian, who averages 52, while Savi Fernando has accumulated over 500 runs. Jason Fernando has also contributed consistently, adding further stability to the lineup. The return of Thareen Sanketh from a shoulder injury is another positive, as he has shown signs of regaining form.

‎However, St. Peter’s face concerns in their bowling department. Off-spinner Sadeesha Silva, with over 40 wickets, and left-arm spinner Janith Panditharathna, who has claimed 27 wickets, have been the main contributors. Beyond them, the attack has lacked penetration, which could prove costly against a strong Josephian batting lineup.

‎It will also be interesting to see how both teams utilise the SSC conditions, particularly their pace bowlers, as neither side has seen significant impact from their seam attacks this season.

‎With Joes boasting superior balance and momentum, they will look to press for a rare outright victory. Meanwhile, the Petes, driven by their batting resilience, will aim to defy the odds and maintain their unbeaten run. The stage is set for another thrilling chapter in this historic rivalry.

St. Joseph’s Team with officials

Seated (from left) Lahiru Wickramasinghe (First XI Asst. Coach), Lakmal de Silva (First XI Head Coach), Nushan Perera, Asiri Caldera (First XI MiC), Rishma Amarasinghe (Captain), Rev. Fr. Samesh Anthony (Prefect of Games), Rev. Fr. Ranjith Andradi (Rector), Rev. Fr. Priyan Tissera (Vice Rector), Senuja Wakunagoda (Vice – Captain), Sanjeewa Fernando (Second XI MiC), Aveesha Samash, Pradeep Munasinghe (Second XI Coach). Hasith Dilhara (Fielding coach), Miranga Wickramage (First XI Asst. Coach)

Standing (from left) Chethina Kavinda, Mario Suraweera, Dilpa Maduranga, Vishwa Peiris, Dihen de Silva, Nimthaka Goonewardena, Yenula Dantanarayana, Chamath Perera, Nethula Damthusa, Nirwan Jayathilaka, Demion de silva, Pamoda Dalpadado, Disinu Samarasingha, Thisanga Perera, Vigneshwaran Akash.