Young cricketers hailed at Astra Cricket Awards ceremony

CRICKET:Junior cricketers came in for high praise at the Astra Junior Cricket Cup awards day held last week. Uni-Levers sponsored this tournament for ten years. Astra Cricket Cup tournament has been the tournament that all young cricketers long for and those who perform adequately are amply rewarded.

Astra sponsored this tournament following the theme: "Heartening future world champions" with the motto: "You are the next world champion". This year, Sri Lanka ended up as runners-up to Australia in the World Cup Tournament in the West Indies and with the intention of winning back the World Cup for Sri Lanka. This junior cricket tournament blends the targets of the sponsors and the hope of the young cricketers as well.

"Cricket is famous in Sri Lanka. Many youngsters enter the arena with the countless hopes and dreams. Fulfilling Unilevers mission, add vitality to life," said Surith Perera, the Unilevers Sri Lanka Food Director," and added: "Astra is delighted to help the young starts in our country to gleam their talents." Jayantha Dharmadasa - the Chairman of Sri Lanka Cricket Board said that it was a necessity to encourage young sportsman to follow cricket.

The Junior cricket tournament gives space for exceptional yet unknown cricketers to come forward. It provides a great opportunity to discover hidden talent."

The Principal of Ananda College - Mr. B. A. Abeyrathne, - the Chairman of Sri Lanka Schools Cricket Association said that response from the schools have been amazing. We are grateful for the enthusiasm shown by children especially from rural schools."