Antonians have a challenge on their hands
In terms of the rules governing Under- 19 cricket, Royal College Colombo and St. Anthony’s College, Katugastota spent the last couple of years more or less on the scrap heap. At times, it was galling to see ' A' Division schools shot out for totals of 8 and 23 while these two schools, who should have been in the Big League, sweated it out in a lower division.
Thankfully, sanity has prevailed and the Antonians, as well as the Royalists are back where they belong. The Katugastota School had a galaxy of stars in 2018/19, but skipper Theeksha Gunasinghe ( who topped the 1000 run mark), Tamashana Abeykoon, an utility player and talented all rounder Kalhara Senaratne have made their exit. A brilliant player, Navodya Vijaykumar, sadly, fell by the wayside.
Mohamed Kamil, who did not have many opportunities as an off spinner because of the presence of Senaratne and, latterly of Wanninayake, captains the side. Kamil made a couple of half centuries, topping them off with 84 versus St. Peter’s Negombo. He will surely provide himself with more chances this season.
A slip of a lad, but one heck of a bowler Nimnaka Jayatilleka should continue to lead the attack. His left-arm spin accounted for well over a hundred wickets. Twelve each against Royal and St. Joseph’s are proof of his quality.
Drafted into the team late, Chamindu Wickremasinghe was a revelation. A tall, left hander, he made an attacking hundred, opening the batting, in the Big Match. His fast medium deliveries and his batting talent, brought him to the verge of Under-19 representation. A dandy all- rounder Asitha Wanninayake, made a 50 against Trinity opening in tandem with Wickremasinghe. A more than useful off-spinner, he had a best of 5-39 against Asoka Vidyalaya.
Sasith Hirudika did not run through many sides, but with his pace, he was always a lively proposition. He proved useful as a tail- end hitter. Gihan Ebert, the Under-17 skipper, enjoyed a good run with bat and ball when he was at the helm. He will certainly add to the quality of the side.
Dayan Pankaja, Sachin Prabath and Chandimal Herath will be relied on for big runs. Lasith Werellagama is another front-liner who was, probably, over-shadowed by the banyan - tree like presence of the senior batters.
Big- made all rounder Tarindu Lamahewage, will be seeking consistency in selection. A good striker of the ball, his medium pace is the second string to his bow. Among the others eyeing places are Divyesh Ramaiya, Praveen Navaratne, Damitha Bandara, Bimsara Jayasekera and Teshan Siriwardena. The latter two are stumpers.
Beating the formidable Josephians by an innings and 18 runs last season, in the Murali-Vaas encounter must have been the icing on the cake for the Antonians. With the many talented players in the squad, it is reasonable to assume that Kamil’s team will have quite a bit of success in 2019/20. Suneth Gunatilleka continues to coach the team.