Umpires will continue to support Observer-Mobitel Schoolboy Cricket Contests

by Leslie Fernando

CRICKET: Two key officials, Dilshan de Silva and Ignatious Anandappa of the Association of Cricket Umpires and Scorers Sri Lanka, have been involved in the selection panel of the Observer-Mobitel Schoolboy Cricket of the year Contest for a couple of years.

Here's what they have to say. The popular and prestigious Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year Contest which was inaugurated in 1979 by The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited has produced rich talent. The contests should be continued for many years to come said Dilshan de Silva, Secretary of the Sri Lanka Schools Cricket Association and a Key member of ACU-SSL.

Dishan said that he was very happy with the growth of school cricket in the island. There are many outstation schools in the game now and that shows. The game has got a firm footing in the island.

He said that the first winner of the Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year contest in 1979, Ranjan Madugalle has shown the world at large that the Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year is not anybody but someone special.

The ICC appointed Madugalle as the chief watch referee in their august body and Madugalle has got the respect of all cricket playing countries.

Dilshan further added that this contest has produced several Sri Lanka players. In fact some have captained the Sri Lanka team. This contest is also a tremendous boost for the schoolboy cricketers from the outstation.

The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited and the Observer should be commended for organising the Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year Contest for 29 years said one of the experienced cricket umpires Ignatious Anandappa.

School cricket is fast developing in the country and the outstation schools are fast closing the gap on the Colombo Schools - Thanks to the Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the year Contest.

The ANCL organised contest has catered to the schools in Colombo and outstation towns as well and it has been well received.

The umpires are in a better position to spot players talent during the school matches. Anandappa was of the view that hidden talent should be spotted by the umpires.

The President of the ACU-SSL, Saman Amarasinghe has advised and informed the umpires and also insisted them to spotlight special performances of the Schoolboy Cricketers and to bring to his notice, their performances.

'It has been the cricket umpires who have decided on the winners from the very first contest and they are undoubtedly the best judges of the game,' said Anandappa.