McLaren cricket team promoted

The McLaren's Group cricket team has boosted its position in the Mercantile Cricket Association (MCA) 50-Over League Tournament by ending runners-up and in Division C and earning a promotion to the B Division.

The team maintained an unbeaten position throughout the season leading up to the final through a display of outstanding cricket and an impressive all round performance.

McLaren's Group beat Airport and Aviation in the Quarter-finals and Standard Chartered Bank in the semi-finals but was defeated by Pan Asia Bank 'A' in a closely fought final.

Saminda Fernando, the leading scorer for McLaren's and in the tournament, was awarded the title of best batsman for his tally of 382 runs in the tournament.

He was ably supported by Mahel Jerome at the top of the order with Sandaruwan Hettiarachchi in the middle order. The best bowler's award was presented to Piyal Dissanayake for taking 15 wickets throughout the season. He was helped by the pace of Sachin Pieris and Asantha Solomon with the steady contributions of Tharindu Rukshan, Sandaruwan Hettiarachchi and Randika Fernando.

The McLaren team comprised Prasad Sanjeewa, Chalitha Madushanka, Randima Maduwantha, Saminda Fernando, Sachin Peiris, Mahel Gerome, Sanjith Kumara, Asela Madushanka, Basheer Bongso, Prasanna Wishvanath (coach), Sandaruwan Hettiarachchi, Piyal Dissanayake (vice captain), Tharindu Rukshan (captain), Randika Fernando and Asantha Solomon with Prasanna Wishwajith as coach.