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| Sunday, 24 November 2002 |
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| News Business Features Editorial
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Funds needed, otherwise Kuliyapitiya MMV forced to quit cricket Kuliyapitiya MMV who carried away the award for the Best Up and Coming team at the 24th Observer-Bata Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year Awards ceremony at the BMICH on Friday night has performed well and reached a good standard playing in division three school cricket competition. The school authorities are happy that they won a top award in 1st XI cricket. However, the school is facing grave financial problems in continuing playing cricket. D.R.P. Dinapura, Master-in-Charge and Coach said that a cricket season is due to start in early January 2003. But, it is most unlikely that the school will be able to play. "We have to play eight games and will have to forego the matches for want of finances." The school started playing cricket in 1987 in the under-12, under-15 and under-17 age groups. This season, the school played in the under-19 age groups. The same under-17 team reached the semi-finals. At present, there are over 80 players in all three divisions and they will continue to play in the next seasons, funds permitting. The school has its own ground, "but we have to borrow materials from Wayamba Campus. A used matting was gifted by Thurstan College to the school in a generous gesture. Principal A.A.W. Pathiraja is doing his best for the school's cricket team, but his hands are tied-up as far as the finances are concerned. The umpires fees are paid from school funds. It will be pathetic if funds are not provided by the Education department and the school will be forced to abandon cricket. Jayampathy Sirisena, prefect of Games said that boys have to bring their own lunch and also for the opposing team for home matches. Sometimes Old Boys Association and a few well-wishers provide finances to purchase cricket balls for matches and practices. "We have talented cricketers and two of them A.M.T. Mohan and U.K. De Aravinda play for Kurunegala Youth SC in division one cricket competition", added Jayampathy Sirisena. The school had a very successful season this year, winning 4 matches, drawing 2 and losing the other 2. So, Kuliyapitiya MV urgently needs funds to carry on with cricket! - (L.F.) |
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