St. Sebastian’s favourites against Cambrians

by Reemus Fernando

Deserving finalists of the Under 19 Division I Tier ‘A’ tournament, St. Sebastian’s College will enter the landmark Battle of the Golds Big Match as favourites. The historic encounter against arch rivals Prince of Wales will commence at the De Soysa Stadium, Moratuwa today as a three-day encounter.

The Sebs captained by Ryan Dissanayake recorded outright victories against Royal, Maris Stella and Maliyadewa in the tournament proper to reach the knockout stage where they beat St. Anthony’s Katugastota by four wickets and St. Joseph’s on first innings to book final berth. St. Sebastian’s have also registered an outright victory against St. Sylvester’s as well in a traditional encounter.

The Sebs are armed with the tournament’s highest wicket taker Malintha Silva in the spin department. Dissanayake has many bowling options in his armoury with Adesh Almeida, Shenas Hashen and Koshendra Fernando adding variety.

St. Sebastian’s College Team Seated from left: Kelum Perera (Physical trainer), Pasan Wanasinghe (Head Coach), Ryan Dissanayake (Captain), Rev.Fr. Daya Dharshana (Rector), Adesh Almeida (V. Capt.), Rev. Fr. Dilusha Chamara (Prefect of the Games), Kanishka Perera (Master in Charge), Sandaru Perera (Master in Charge), Mohamed Azhar (Asst. Coach). Standing from left: Sendinu Peiris, Ushen Silva, Navod Fernando, Adeesha Lakshan, Kaveesha Perera, Koshendra Fernando, Risinu Prabesh, Shenan De Silva, Akash Dissanayake, Shefan Fernando, Lashen Fernando, Malintha Silva, Meshone Ferdinando, Shenas Hashein.

Their strong batting lineup includes Ushen Silva, Kaveesha Perera, Dissanayake, Almeida, Lashen Fernando, Navod Fernando and Koshendra Fernando.

Cambrians skippered by Rivith Jayasuriya are a strong team though they have not celebrated much during the tournament proper.

They are likely to open their attack with Prasanna Lakmina and Naveen Fernando. In the spin department skipper Jayasuriya, Rusandu Silva, Prince Fernando and Nethul Anuhas will share most of the duties.

The Cambrians will rely on Jayasuriya and Palingu Perera to provide them with a strong start in the batting department. Suwahas Fernando, Nethul Anuhas and wicketkeeper batsman Deneth Sithumina have given them runs in the top order. Jayasooriya and Suwahas contributed with centuries during the league tournament.

With two strong team meeting, the 75th edition is set to produce a thrilling contest.

St. Sebastian’s who won their fourth Big Match last year trail 4-6.