Prince of Wales vs St.Sebastian's March 11 and 12

by Dilwin MENDIS , Moratuwa Sports Corr.

CRICKET: The 61st annual encounter between Prince of Wales' College and St.Sebastian's College will be played on 11th and 12th of March 2011 at the 67th test venue of the world Tyronne Fernando Stadium commencing at 10 a.m. on both days. It will be followed by the 26th Limited- Over match on 13th March 2011 at the same venue.

The first match of the series was played in 1933 and the matches continued till 1937. The series was not played due to unknown reasons. It recommenced in 1954 and there was a stoppage again in 1969 and 1970 and since then it is continuing without a break.

If there was no interruptions, this will be the 80th encounter. Out of the sixty matches so far played, Cambrians are leading with six wins the Sebastians have recorded two wins. The last result was in 1977 when the Cambrians won at their home grounds and since then for the last thirty three years it was tame draws. Sometimes it may be a record among the 'big matches'.

This year the hosts are Prince of Wales and the Chief Guest for both these encounters is the Rector of St.Sebastian's College Rev. Fr. Bonnie Fernandopulle.

During the season, the Cambrians have played sixteen matches and recorded only one victory and the rest of the matches were drawn. This year, the Cambrians will be led by a third-year Coloursman and an allrounder Isuru Thilina and during this season he has passed the 500-run mark. He is an off-spin bowler and his deputy will be Sri Lanka Schools cricketer Tarindu Dilshan a third year coloursman who has more than 800 runs under his belt. He could play only ten matches during the season as he was engaged with the national duties. He has taken 25 wickets and the highest score he made 137 not out against St.Servatius, Matara. Tarindu Dilshan is a second year coloursman and an allrounder with 400 runs and 50 scalps. He bowls off spin and a sound fielder in any position.

Rajeev Perera is a fresher and so far he has scored 450 runs and a quick run getter. Kusal Mendis is the 'baby' of the side and he is the reserve wicket-keeper and so far he has scored 450 runs. Last year, he led the Sri Lanka Schools under 15 team to Malaysia and he was the first Cambrian to achieve this feat. Namidu Fernando is a fresher and a leg spinner so far he has claimed 42 wickets.

Hashan Fernando opens bowling with Chamika Fernando while Ashen Mendis and Chamika Fernando open the batting and the regular wicket keeper is Nipun Perera. Cambrians are coached by an old Cambrian Lantra Fernando and Master-in-charge Susantha Mendis too an old Cambrian.St. Sebastian's College is captained by a third-year colourman Samitha de Mel who was the vice-captain of the Sri Lanka under 19 schools team against England schools. Due to this, he missed several school matches. He has one century and one fifty under his belt and opens bowling with Vishva Fernando.

The deputy skipper is Charith Fernando who is a fourth year colourman and led the team in the absence of Samitha. A fine all-rounder and he has passed the 500 run mark with a century and four fifties.

Anuk de Alwis is a former skipper and a fifth year Colourman and a good all-rounder. His presence in the team is an asset to the skipper. He has scored 552 runs and taken 40 wickets.

Deshan Dias is a third year colourman and the wicket-keeper of the side. He opens batting with Luke Jayadeva. Deshan who joined the one thousand brigade last year has passed the 800 run mark. Ramesh Mendis 'keeps' wickets in the absence of Deshan Dias.

Oshada Fernando, a third year coloursman has so far scored 942 runs with one match left prior to the big match. His double century against Holy Cross College, Kalutara is a ground record and the highest score made by a Sebastianite.Left arm leg-spinner Amila Aponso has so far taken 50 wickets and he too represented Sri Lanka Schools against England Schools.

Vishva Fernando is a second-year player and he has taken more than 50 wickets. He is a hard-hitting hat while Marlon Fernando too, a second year player, and an off-spinner with 26 wickets.

Luke Jayadeva who opens batting with Deshan Dias is the 'baby' of the team and fine close in fielder.

So far St. Sebastians have played fifteen matches and yet to play St. Thomas', Mt. Lavinia before the big match and they have recorded seven victories this season and the rest of the matches were drawn. They are coached by Niel Rajapaksa while the Master-in-chargers Frank Cooray who is an old Sebastianite.