Anthonians have the edge

An Anthonian side whose forte seems to be team-work takes on a slightly flashier Trinity team in the 28th limited over match played for the Sir Richard Aluvihare Trophy at Katugastota on Wednesday the 19th. At the time of writing the Big Match has just begun and thus it is not possible to say which will be the more confident unit coming into this games.

The Anthonians have made some last minute changes in personnel, but they have a fierce competitive streak. Their determination and hard graft could well provide a David slaying Goliath situation.

They have some useful seamers in Leonard, Ranasinghe and Bandara who will be pocketed up by spinners Palihakkara and Ekanayake. Skipper Dissanaike has a big role to play with the bat. He is the player with a few hundreds to his name and he should dictate terms.

Trinity skipper Gangoda has been somewhat inconsistent, while Wimalaweera, Munasinghe and Jaleel have generally contributed with the bat. Bulunaawa can provide the big hits.

One player, Sachith Pathirana can win this game for Trinity if he reins in his exuberance and bats according to the dictates of the situation.

Trinitians will hope that Ilangaratne will be more on target in his early burst with the new ball.

For the record, the Anthonians have won 14 (including last years match) to Trinity's 11, one match ended in a no decision.

The chief guest will be the 1981 Anthonian Captain, Angalo Liyanage, currently General Manager Sales and Marketing of EFIRD Lanka Private Ltd., a member of the Brandix Group.

Liyanage had a distinguished career at cricket while in school and then proceeded to captain Colts and Tamil Union in Sara Trophy Cricket. Incidentally, he led the Anthonians in the inaugural limited over in 1981 and achieved a win.

At the request of the Police and the Army, no vehicles will be allowed into the ground. All arrangements for this match are in the hands of the old Anthonians Cricket wing led by Ranjith Pieris.
A.K.