Methodist High School, Moratuwas force a draw against Joseph Vaz in 1958

by Dilwin MENDIS - Moratuwa Sports Corr.

CRICKET: Methodist High School in Moratumulla and Joseph Vaz, Wennappuwa were two Schools that loved playing cricket, but had to take things lightly as lack of funds didn't permit them to have a big splash. Meathodist High School was founded in 1936 and the first Principal was Annesley J.L. de Mel and he was instrumental starting cricket and later became the President of the National Schools Cricket Association. They played junior cricket and 2nd XI cricket as they are not in a position there days because of lack of funds.

However, the two sides took to cricket somewhat seriously and in 1958 Methodist High School came up with somewhat of a satisfactory team led by Christopher Cooray with a former skipper Edwin Fernando also in the team.

Joseph Vaz were ever willing to play the game and the match was fixed for March 13 and 14 to be played on the matting wicket at De Soysa Park, Moratuwa at 12 noon on both days. Methodist High School had some promising cricketers like Lakshman Perera, Edwin Fernando, Ridly Fernando, Nimal Perera, Percy Perera, Clinton Fernando, R.A.N. Perera, Nihal Peiris. Joseph Vaz batted first and were shot out for 58 in the first innings with Methodist High School bowler Percy Perera claiming 5 wickets for 9 runs bowling 5.4 overs with one maiden over. Methodians didn't fare too well either, but were able to reply with 125 in their first turn with Edwin Fernando top scoring with 52.

The second innings was some what better for Joseph Vaz and they made 155 for 2 wickets with a top score of 71 not out by Dezil Fernando and Methodist High School had 88 runs in front.

It turned out to be a challenging declaration that Joseph Vaz made as Methodist High School had to made 89 runs for victory. The Joseph Vaz bowler Gamini Ranasinghe who failed to take a wicket in the first innings, was in the thick of the game in the second innings with 6 for 16 in 5 overs with 3 maidens, so, it was really a close call for Methodist High School from defeat, but they barely managed to save the game.