Rajapaksa Central searching for a win to tie the series

Text and pix by P.D. de Silva

The Rajapaksa Central College Weeraketiya team led by Tharindu Ushan will go all out to tie the series when Vijitha Central College Dikwella host them in the 10th edition of the Golden Battle of Ruhuna at the Uyanwatta Stadium in Matara on April 3 and 4. Vijitha, led by Gayan Nigamuni, won the 6th encounter played in 2015 to lead the series 1-0.

Mahela Nambuhewa’s unbeaten 103 made in 2013, remains the highest individual score for Vijitha, while Rajapaksa Central’s Charith Sawathsara’s 6- wicket haul is the best bowling performance in an innings.

The Rajapaksa Central College team led by Tharindu Ushan will be selected from Janitha Malith, A.G. Manula Kalpitha, P. A. Dekum Divanjana, A.M. Chamathsara, H.K. Nimsara Nayanajith, W.G. Tharindu Oshada, W. Abhishek Pramuditha, W. Dasun Madusanka, W.A. Dulaj Samudika, Arsha Champika, I.A. Lakvindu Sampath, I.H.A. Vidura Subash, M. Y. N. Mendis, G. B. Hasintha Dilshan, T.S. Rajapaksha and K. Nimsara Didulantha. The team is coached by Hashan Tharinda and P.H. Jayantha is the Master-in-Charge (MIC).

The Vijitha Central College team, led by P. G. Lahiru Kosala, will be selected from Nadun Kaushalya, Oshan Dhanushka, B. G. Singith Sathsara, N. T. Savindu Dewshan, Kushan Malinda, P. A. Vihanga Keshara, Omesh Lakmal, Rochana Wickremasinghe, K. H. Menusha Dinu Sachintha, Sachinthaka Lakmal, Sarod Ransara and Kavindu Shavinka. The team is coached by the experienced P. B. Buddika who was instrumental in getting his alma mater St. Servatius College to the elite Division I of the Schools Tour nament, while Yohan Tharindu continues as the MIC.