Thilina Danushka shines and Devinuwara MMV show promise in cricket

by Priyan DE SILVA Matara Sports Corr.

CRICKET: K.P. Thilina Dhanushka - the captain of Devinuwara MMV is among the runs in the under 15 division three tournament cricket matches. Playing against Kirinda Puhulaella M.V. in the under 15 tournament match at Devinuwara Pradeshiya Sabha grounds, he made a majestic score of 218 inclusive of 20 fours and 18 sixes which helped Devinuwara MMV to make 347 for 9 wickets in their alloted 50 overs.

Kirinda Puhullaella MMV were able to make only 193 in 46.5 overs.

That was not all. Two days later Thilina Dhanushka made 99 in their match against Rahula College, Matara 'B' at the Rahula College grounds.

Thilina's 99 had 18 fours and 3 sixes in a total score of 235 - Rahula replied with 153 for 4 wickets when it started raining and the match was called off and Devinuwara MMV were awarded victory by 43 runs in the special rules that applied.

Devinuwara MMV is a school that is very much interested in cricket. They qualified for the second round of the under 15 division three tournament, but lost to Tzu-Chi National School, Hambantota.

Devinuwara MMV is a co-education school which has a student population of 800 plus. It was District Coach for Sri Lanka Cricket in Matara Prasanna Galappaththi who convinced Principal M.D. Gunasiri in 2009 to start cricket at the school.

The young boys at the school was quick to catch up with the game and the energetic master-in-charge Achala Yapa and coach S.M. Jayasuriya saw them play in the under 15 tournament in 2009 and this year. This new team should do well as the boys are keen.