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| Sunday, 10 August 2003 |
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Count Down: 19 days more for OBSERVER-BATA Silver Jubilee awards ceremony ... : Twice winner Thilan happy outstation schools entry into cricket by LESLIE FERNANDO Thilan Samaraweera, twice winner of the OBSERVER-BATA Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year award 1994-1995 says he owes his climb to the top in cricket due to this popular contest. Thilan won the plum in 1994 and 1995 and on both occasions he also won the best batsman and best allrounders awards too. The Silver Jubilee awards ceremony is on August 29 at the BMICH. Asked for his comments regarding the annual contest, the 29-year-old Thilan, the Test and one-day player, who also led the Sri Lanka 'A' team, endorsed this long standing contest as the best for schoolboy cricketers. Thilan who had the distinction of playing for Ananda and then for SSC and Sri lanka was of the view that Observer-Bata Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year contest proved to be one of the best in the country. "I am indeed happy that this contest has continued for 25 long years and my wish is that is continues for at least another 25 years". Thilan also said cricketers from lesser known school like Ginigathhena MV, Poramadulla MV (both from Nuwara Eliya District), Kularatne MV, Ambalangoda, Revatha MV, Matara and Kalutara MV, to name a few are now playing competitive cricket due to the interest shown for the Observer-Bata Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year Contest. He said that about 90 per cent of Sri Lanka cricket team have won awards in this contest. Thilan further said that the game of cricket is now not confined to the popular schools, the game has spread throughout Sri Lanka. It is indeed happy to note more outstation cricketers have gained selections to Sri Lanka 'A' team, Development Pool, under-19 BCCSL squad and the National Team. He added that the Observer-Bata shows have been well received as the selections made by the umpires have been good throughout. The selections made have had the desired results as those selected for awards have gone on to represent the Sri Lanka team. Thilan went on to thank Bata Show Company for the tremendous contribution to cricket for the last 25 years. By having this contest with Sunday Observer interest in cricket has been kept alive among the schools. Speaking in general, Samaraweera said that cricket is a game that builds team spirit and this is essential in any game. |
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