Dedication and hard training bring results

By Leslie Fernando

CRICKET: It was sheer dedication and hard training that enabled me to reach a good standard in cricket said Malith Gunathileka, the skipper of Ananda College who carried away the glittering trophy for being the Observer-Bata Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year.

Malith also set some what of a record by being voted in as the Most Popular Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year 2007. This is the first time that these two awards were won by a single cricketer in a year.

The Ananda College allrounder said that he was delighted to receive three awards, Observer-Bata Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year, Most Popular Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year, All-Island and the Best Allrounders award.

Malith said that he played cricket for Ananda from the age of 10 years in various age groups. "I was well supported by my teammates during the school cricket season. I had a very good season, scoring 589 runs claiming 96 wickets," Gunatileka said.

Gunatileka said he has to thank B. A. Abeyratne, Principal Ananda College, coaches, parents, family members and well-wishers who gave him lot of encouragements. His aim is to continue playing cricket and represent Sri Lanka in the near future.

Malith added that the popularity of the Observer-Bata contest has been so great that it should continue for more years to come.