A keen tussle in store for honours

CRICKET: The 63rd 'Battle of the Golds' Prince of Wales College and St. Sebastian's College will be played on March 8 and 9 at Tyronne Fernando Stadium, De Soysa Park, Moratuwa.

The 28th 'One Dayer' too will be played at the same venue on March 10.Out of the 62 encounters played so far the Cambrians are in front with six wins, while the Sebastianites have three wins while the rest have ended in draws. A keen tussle is on the cards for supremacy in this cash.The first captains of the two sides -Duncan Fernando (Prince of Wales) and Eugene de Silva of St. Sebastian's.Last year, it was another draw and the captains were - Tarindu Dilshan (Prince of Wales) and Amila Aponso (St. Sebastian's).

This year Prince of Wales will be led by Kusal Mendis and the vice-captain will be Ashen Mendis and St. Sebastian's will be led by Anushka Perera with Anuk Fernando will be the vice-captain.

The Cambrians recorded their last victory in the series in 1977 under Pemlal Fernando while the Sebastiaites last won in 2011 under the captaincy of Savitha de Mel.This season, Prince of Wales have played 14 matches and have won four games outright and won four on the first innings and lost another four on the first innings and have drawn two games.

St. Sebastian's too played 14 matches, won four outright, won six on the first innings, lost three matches on first innings and they have drawn one. Philip Cooray of St. Sebastian's was the first two score a century in the series in 1954 when he made 106 while Jagath de Soysa scored 105 for Prince of Wales in 1955. So far only two players have scored two successive centuries, Lalith Weerasuriya for St. Sebastian's in 1957 and 1958 while Sahan Wijeratne scored centuries for Prince of Wales in 2001 and 2002.

Prince of Wales College standing (from left): Devaka Dabrera, Thilan Nimesh, Sachith Pushpakumara, Hasith Lanka, Nividu Janeesha, Sachin Silva, Gayan Chamara, Suraj Thivanka, Shenal, Chethaka, Jayanga Peiris, Kishen Aponso, Ravindu Sasanka.Seated (from left): Nalin Dissanayaka (Asst. Coach), Shanaka Dulaj, H.G.T. Kavinda (MIC), Kusal Mendis (Captain), Sampath Weragoda (Principal), Ashen Mendis (Vice-Captain), Susantha Mendis (P.O.G.), Suchira Fernando, Suranga Wijenayaka (Coach). Pic: Moratuwa Sports Corr.

St. Sebastian’s College – standing (Back row): Gayan Silva, Nimesh Fernando, Visal Senanayake, Avishka Fernando, Sachinda Gunewardena. Middle Row (From left): Isuru Mendis, Pramesh Fernando, Shan Fernando, Kusal Eddisuriya, Sangeeth Cooray, Pramod Fernando, Vimukthi Pushpakumara, Muditha Fernando. Seated (from left): Rashan Peiris (Coach), Luke Jayadeva, Rev. Fr. Ruwan Pradeep (Prefect of Games), Anushka Perera (Captain), Rev. Fr. Bonnie Fernandopulle (Rector), Anuk Fernando (Vice-Captain), Frank Cooray (Master-in-Charge), Sachintha Fernando, Kalpa Ferando (Asst. Coach). Pic: Dilwin Mendis – Moratuwa Sports Corr.