Moratu Vidyalaya has hit the top the hard way

Dilwin MENDIS -Moratuwa Sports and Special Corr.

CRICKET: Moratu Maha Vidyalaya, a leading mixed school in the island has produced past pupils of professional repute and also sportsmen of genuine class. Just to mention a few Lakshman de Alwis, Nimal Fernando, Gamini Perera, Bernard Perera, Sarath Fernando.

The latest addition is Ajantha Mendis of international fame who was named the up and coming international cricketer of the year by the international cricket conference. But the best product is Mohanlal Fernando who is Doctor of Medicine, star Athlete and a fine cricketer.

He played for the University of Ceylon and Nondescript Cricket Club and was in the then Ceylon Cricket Pool.

Moratu Vidyalaya first played cricket in 1934 under the captaincy of H.N. Samarasinghe. Though they had no genuine facilities for sports yet they marched from strength to strength. Due to their commendable achievements in the field of sports especially cricket, the MP of the area Minister of Lands Jeevan Kumaratunga converted the matting wicket into a turf.

The then Principals of Methodist High School, Moratumulla, Annesly J.L. de Mel and A.M. De Silva of Moratu Vidyalaya organised a `Big Match' between them. Mr. De Mel was one of the pioneers of forming the National Schools Cricket Association loved the game of cricket and unfortunately when he retired, the authorities of Methodist High School gave up playing cricket. This forced Moratu Vidyalaya to look forward to another school to play the Big Match. So the match between that's how Moratu Vidyalaya and Sri Sumangala, Panadura came into being. Thus the Moratuwa cricket crazy fans were denied of another Big Match between two Moratuwa schools.

The match between Moratu Vidyalaya and Kalutara Vidyalaya played few years back was of tremendous interest. The formidable Kalutara Vidyalaya batted first and scored 219 runs. Janitha Sameera top scoring with a fine knock of 73 runs Malinga Bandara bowled his heart out to capture 5 for 39. In reply, the `underdogs' - Moratu Vidyalaya were all out for 179 runs. Mahesh Kumara and Maligna Bandara contributed 43 runs each. J. Samitha was equal to the task and captured 6 for 54.

Due to some brilliant fielding, visitors were skittled out for paltry 79 runs in their second essay and homestars were left to score 120 for an outright victory.

The match was in the balance until the final run was scored and all the spectators were on nerves. Amid great difficulties, Moratu Vidyalaya just achieved the target of 120 runs after losing seven wickets.

This was yet another game of cricket which showed the great uncertainties of the game.