Cambrians and Sebastianites in search of win

By Dilwin Mendis - Moratuwa Sports Corr

CRICKET: Both Prince of Wales and St. Sebastian's have two evenly balanced teams for their 57th annual cricket encounter and to expect a outright result by either side will be difficult at the Tyronne Fernando Stadium in Moratuwa on March 9 and 10.

The Cambrians registered their last win in this encounter in 1977 under the leadership of Pemlal Fernando and the last St. Sebastian's victory came under the leadership of Sarath Perera in 1966. On the present strength of the two teams, the indications are that this year's game too will produce a draw - the 49th consecutive draw.

In the series, Prince of Wales has got six wins and St. Sebastian's two while some matches have not been played in the series. The Cambrians with fourth year coloursman Pishan Hewage as captain will have the added advantage of having last year's captain Isuru Gunasena for any advice that he may require in this year's big encounter.

In batting, Rumesh Thirimanne has a century (181) against Ananda and another 'ton' against Maliyadeva and 94 against D.S. Senanayake College and Prince of Wales beat D.S. Senanayake College. Sanka Peiris is allrounder who scored a century this season. Satchintha Cooray - an experienced fourth year player leads St. Sebastian's this year. St. Sebastian's will also have the advantage of having in their ranks last year's skipper Dilhan Cooray who scored a 'ton' in last year's match. They also have 10 members of last year's team and that makes them a formidable combination.

Trevin Fernando scored a century for the Sebastianites this season. The others from whom runs can be expected are: Dilhan Cooray, Rajitha Mendis, Randhika Fernando and Gerald Bennet.

The Sebastinites played 16 matches, won four in-a-row and lost to Ananda and drew the rest of the matches.