Dharmaraja hold the edge

With the experience of playing tough opponents in the Division I segment of the Under 19 schools cricket tournament and two Sri Lanka Under 19 players featuring in their playing XI, Dharmaraja will hold the edge when they meet arch rivals Kingswood in the 118th Battle of the Maroons which commences at Pallekele Stadium on April 4.

Kingswood have done well this season to close the gap that existed between them and Dharmaraja to a great extent in the field of cricket. But Kingswood are still playing in Division II of the country’s premier schools cricket tournament. However they have some positives to take to the annual Big Match.

Kingswood have cleared the first hurdle in their quest to regain the Division I promotion. By reaching the final of the Division II Tier ‘B’ tournament they have booked their Tier ‘A’ promotion. A similar performance in the Division II Tier ‘A’ tournament will elevate them to Division I. Kingswood were scheduled to compete against Vidyaloka College Galle in the the Tier ‘B’ final from Saturday. The three-day encounter is expected to provide them much needed exposure to prepare for the challenges at the annual battle which is played as a three-day encounter for the first time.

At the last edition Kingswood suffered a heavy defeat. But this time they are a much better side.

Kingswood are skippered by Kavija Gamage whose stylish batting earned a place in the Sri Lanka Under 19 team for the Under 19 Asia Cup. He has scored over 1000 runs and has captured over 90 wickets with his off spin. Gamage forms the batting line up with his deputy Nikeshala Nanayakkara (over 600 runs), Chanul Kodituwakku (over 600 runs), Aadil Sherif and Yosath Abeykoon.

In the bowling department Yosath Abeykoon opens the pace attack, while left-arm spinner Kenula Pihilianga is expected to play a lead role with his spin alongside Upadi Jayawardane.

Dharmaraja could not make a big impact in the Division I Tier ‘B’ tournament this season. They avoided relegation scares thanks to an outright victory against St. Sylvester’s. It helped them end the tournament proper as the seventh placed team in the nine team group.

Sri Lanka Under 19 batsman Pulindu Perera leads Dharmaraja. The prolific top order batsman has amassed over 900 runs this season and will be the mainstay in their batting lineup. The left hander has two centuries and eight half centuries against his name. The other youth cap Lakvin Abesinghe who has three centuries this season, wicketkeeper batsman Isuru Pannala (over 600 runs) and Nisala Abeyrathne form the backbone of Dharmaraja batting.

The pace attack is spearheaded by Nisala Abeyrathne while Dakshika Manukalpa and Onija Sesath take greater share of spin bowling responsibilities. Left-arm spinner Manukalpa has over 40 wickets against his name.

Kingswood College Team (Seated from left) Kavija Gamage (Captain), S.P.K.Basnayaka (Head Coach), M.W.G.L.Thilakarathne (PoG), H.M.D.A.Herath (Principal), Indika Tennakoon (MiC), Hishara Bandara(Assistant Coach), Norman Jeyakumar (Assistant Coach) (Second row from left) Pamuditha Bandara, Sadeesha Rathnayake, Chanul Kodithuwakku, Umantha Kithsiri, Dominsara Pieris, Nadeesha Bandaranayake, Eshan Ayodya, Gayan Thennakoon, Upadhi Jayawardana, Gauranga Bandara. (Back row from left) Yosath Abeykoon, Aadil Sherif, Rizwan Rasak, Kenula Pihilianga, Theshan Daganpola, Heshan Weerasinghe, Dilshan Weerawansa, Manula Wijethunga

by Reemus Fernando