by Rex Clementine

The first round of Sri Lanka Cricket’s Major League Tournament came to a close last week, with Bloomfield and NCC emerging as the table-toppers in their respective groups. The two Colombo-based powerhouses are now set to lock horns in the grand finale, which begins tomorrow (March 5) at the R. Premadasa Stadium. The four-day First Class match promises to be a high-stakes battle for domestic supremacy.

However, the real headline of the tournament wasn’t the two finalists but the stunning relegation of SSC – Sri Lanka’s most storied cricket club. For the first time in its illustrious history, the club will be without First-Class status for at least two years, a fall from grace that has sent shockwaves through the country’s cricketing circles.

Alongside SSC, Ragama Cricket Club, Negombo Cricket Club, and Kandy Customs have also been shown the exit door, having finished in the bottom half of the table. But SSC’s relegation, in particular, is akin to a giant being felled – an unthinkable scenario for a club that has long been the nursery of Sri Lankan cricketing greats.

SSC might feel hard done by, as fate seemed to conspire against them this season. The weather gods were unkind, washing out crucial games they could have won. Injuries, too, played a major role in their downfall, with key bowlers like Nisala Tharaka, Kasun Rajitha, and Pramod Madushan spending more time on the treatment table than on the field.

But some insiders believe the club was also a victim of its own star power. With many of their marquee players tied up with national duties, SSC often found itself fielding understrength sides. To make matters worse, several senior players prioritized franchise cricket, leaving the club in the lurch at critical moments. Although they returned midway through the league, the damage had already been done, and SSC found itself staring down the barrel.

While some clubs in the past have resorted to backdoor moves and legal loopholes to avoid the drop, SSC’s management deserves credit for taking relegation on the chin. They didn’t plead for special treatment or try to move the goalposts in their favour.

Not too long ago, a prominent club was saved from relegation through some questionable maneuvering, and others have even sought legal recourse to cling to First-Class status despite tournament rules being crystal clear. But SSC, true to its stature, accepted its fate with dignity, setting an example for others to follow.

Sri Lanka Cricket has been on a mission to streamline domestic cricket, reducing the number of First-Class teams to improve the quality of competition. Not too long ago, the tournament had a bloated 26-team structure. But with the numbers being trimmed – down to 14 teams next season and 12 the year after – SSC now finds itself in the unenviable position of having to claw its way back into the top division.

Despite the setback, SSC is already plotting its comeback. The club’s Cricket Committee Chairman, Samantha Dodanwala, made it clear that they aren’t looking for excuses – just a way back.

“At the end of the day, we have to take responsibility rather than offering excuses. Now we are duty-bound to fight our way back into the top division. The good thing is that all the players have agreed to stay on and help us reclaim our rightful place,” Dodanwala told ‘The Island‘.

Royal College, renowned for its rich cricketing legacy and consistent excellence in the sport, proudly announced the continued support of Chrelisa Global (Pvt) Ltd, one of the world’s leading ceramic tile manufacturers from Italy to the development of cricket at Royal College by extending its sponsorship for the second consecutive year. Under the leadership of Dhilip Vedamanikkam, Chairman of Chrelisa Global (Pvt) Ltd, the company has once again stepped forward to support Royal College Cricket. With its roots in Italy and a strong presence in Sri Lanka through its showroom in Nawala, Chrelisa Global has demonstrated its dedication to empowering the next generation of cricketing stars.

Royal College has long been a powerhouse in Sri Lankan school cricket, consistently producing top-tier players who have gone on to represent the national team. The school’s cricketing excellence is evident across all levels, from junior to senior cricket.

At the junior level, Royal College has dominated the scene, with the Under-15 and Under-13 teams making history by clinching all-island championships across A, B, and C divisions. This remarkable achievement underscores the strength of Royal’s cricketing pipeline and its commitment to developing future talent.

The Royal College Junior Cricket Academy continues to grow, with over 150 young players undergoing structured training to hone their skills and prepare for the future. This initiative ensures a steady flow of talent into the senior ranks, maintaining the college’s reputation as a cradle of cricketing excellence.

(Right to Left) Royal College 1st XI Captain Ramiru Perera, Chrelsa Global Chairman Dhilip Vedamanikkam, alongside Principal, Krishantha Silva and Vice-Captain, Rehan Peiris, celebrating the continued partnership supporting the cricketing excellence of Royal College.

The Senior Cricket team has consistently demonstrated outstanding performance, securing numerous accolades in recent years and producing players who have gone on to excel at the highest levels of the sport.

The renewed partnership with Chrelisa Global (Pvt) Ltd is a significant boost for Royal College Cricket. This collaboration not only highlights the strength of cricket at Royal College but also reflects Chrelisa Global’s dedication to supporting grassroots sports and community development.

Dhilip Vedamanikkam, Chairman of Chrelisa Global (Pvt) Ltd, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We are proud to continue our support for Royal College Cricket, an institution that has consistently produced exceptional talent and upheld the highest standards of sportsmanship. At Chrelisa Global, we believe in empowering the next generation, and this partnership aligns perfectly with our vision of fostering excellence both on and off the field.”

The Royal College Cricket community is deeply grateful for Chrelisa Global’s unwavering support, which will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success and growth. Together, Royal College and Chrelisa Global are committed to nurturing the cricketing stars of tomorrow and upholding the legacy of excellence that defines Royal College Cricket.

Under 19 Division I Tier A Cricket

by Reemus Fernando

Left-arm paceman Tharusha Kodikara rattled Richmond batting line up with a six wicket haul to lead Gurukula to 159 runs win in the Under 19 Division I Tier ‘A’ limited overs tournament quarter-final played at Mattegoda on Monday.

Kodikara produced remarkable figures giving away just six runs in his ten overs, which included six maidnes.

Chasing 199 runs to win, no Richmond batsman could reach double figures.

Batting first, Thathsara Eshan top scored with 82 runs for Gurukula to reach 298 runs.

Gurukula will now meet the winners of the other quarter-final between St. Joseph’s and St. Servatius’ in the semi-final.

Scores

Gurukula

198 all out in 46.1 overs (Hiruna Nimsara 27, Thathsara Eshsn 82, Denura Dimansith 39; Malith de Silva 3/29, Thamindu Pradeeptha 2/12, Nethsara Akash 2/30, Pubudu Mihiranga 2/38)

Richmond

39 all out in 21.3 overs (Tharusha Kodikara 6/05, Poorna Kalhara 3/07)