Ranga Cooray tops 1,084 runs

By Leslie Fernando

CRICKET: Schoolboy Cricketer in the Outstations - Ranga Cooray, who captains Holy Cross College, Kalutara used all his experience playing in his fifth year, to pile up 1,084 runs this season.

Ranga is a effective right-hand batsman and has a top score of 202 runs against Maris Stella. He has another century - 168 against Horana Taxila MV.

Meanwhile Ranga scored five half centuries. He is also a good medium paceman capturing 58 wickets.

His best effort 6 for 21 against St. Anthony's College, Wattala. He has claimed 5 wickets on four occasions. He is also a good fielder.

Ranga started playing for college when he was 11 years and had the honour of captaining the under-15, under-17, under-19 and under-20 teams.

Ranga's first coach was Neil Rajapakse at Kalutara Cricket School. He turned out for Kalutara Town Club last year in the under-23 Premier League cricket tournament and scored over 400 runs. He had two centuries against Police SC (116 n.o.) and Kurunegala YCC-106.

He has completed 'A' Level Examination and will play for Saracens SC in the under-23 Premier League cricket tournament. Ranga's father George Cooray belongs to the lower income group and the family finds it difficult to getabout their day to day life. Ranga wants to carry on with cricket but is in urgent need of a job so that it will help the family too.

Ranga is grateful to his coaches Neil Rajapakse, Priyanath Samantha and Kusum Nandasiri. He is also thankful to Bro. Ranjith Perera, Bro. Francis, Br. Quintus, all his team for the support which has enabled him to hit the top.