Determined Lions never looking to be deprived
Being deprived of the ‘plum’ even after ten wins has obviously shaken and jolted Trinity College. So much so, that they are leaving no stone unturned in their preparation for this season. Minus four players from last season, Trinity will be led for the second year running by sensational off spinner Raveen Sayer. Opener Nushan Weerasinghe will lead the team if Sayer is unavailable.
Trinity First XI squad
Trinity this season sets great store by attacking cricket. Openers Weerasinghe and Sanogeeth Shanmuganathan certainly set the pace in their match against Maliyadeva a day or two ago. Their liaison gave Trinity supporters a fore-taste of what to expect.Weerasinghe was unlucky to miss a hundred in the 50 over game against the Anthonians. Tall, upright, he lets his bat do the talking. Sanogeeth is belligerent and a far more versatile stroke-maker. He packs a lot of power.
Shavindu Amerasinghe and Dilan Jayalath, who will come in at three and four are eminently capable of building on the platform laid by the openers. Hasitha Boyagoda is another with a good record in Junior Cricket. Injuring probably affected him; however he performed satisfactorily when he got the chance.
Skipper Sayer’s batting may have suffered from the twin loads (captaincy and main spinner) he has been called upon to bear. Wicketkeeper Navin Ekanayake has done a competent job and has pulled his weight with the bat when Trinity has needed runs. In addition, bowlers Lahiru Kumara and Duvindu Tillekeratne, in their different ways, can put runs on the board.
Raveen Sayer
Bowling could be their strong-point. Paceman Lahiru Kumara, who is in the under 19 squad, has genuine pace. A little more emphasis on line will pay dividends. A left arm fast medium bowler Rashmika Dilshan will share the new ball with Kumara. Though lacking the speed of his partner, Dilshan compensates with movement. He was very successful in the just concluded Under-17 season.
With numbers on his side, Sayer won’t have to worry about the bowling aspect. He was very prolific in 2012/13 but a little less so last year. The lack of a good third seamer may be the only glitch for the Trinity attack. In addition to the skipper, they have Hasitha Boyagoda and Shavindu Amerasinghe for off spin, Duvindu Tillekeratne picked up over 65 wickets last season. If another left arm leggie is needed, Sashmika Waidyatilleka is certainly capable of filling the bill. He is also a useful left hand bat. Thasila Dodanwela purveya the ‘chinaman’.
Nushan Weerasinghe
Thiyagaraja Banugoban, is a fair batsman in the middle order. Besides his a good right-arm leggie. All in all, this Trinity attack looks complete and potent. Pardoning the expression, the ring-master cracking the whip is the tried and tested Sampath Perera. Under his guidance, Trinity has invariably enjoyed on outstanding season. This year promises to be as good as any that went before (under him). Starting his work in the Lion’s Den in 2008, Sampath has the credentials to qualify for higher honours.
2008/09 Rushan Jaleel (7 wins, 2 losses)
2009/10 Mohamed Sajid (8 wins, 1 loss)
2010/11 Akila Jayasundera (10 wins)
(All Island Champions, Runner up in 50 over tournament)
2011/12 Niroshan Dikwella Triple Champions won big match.
2012/13 Dinuk Wickremanayake (4 wins)
2012/14 Ron Chandragupta (7 wins, 2nd in League Tournament)
2014/15 Raveen Sayer (10 wins)
Mr. M.A.M. Dissanaike is the Master-in-Charge of this successful group of youngsters. The Squad: Raveen Sayer (Capt.) Nushan Weerasinghe, Sanogeeth Shanmuganathan, Lahiru Kumara, Hasitha Boyagoda, Dilan Jayalath, Auvindu Tillekeratne, Shavindu Amerasinghe, Rashmika Dilshan, Naveen Ekanayake, Sachira Gaminda, Sashmika Waidyatilleka, Yasaran Pitawela, Thiyagaraja Bhanugoban, Thasila Dodanwela.