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Chilaw Marians not the boy next door anymore
Togetherness has given them vast strides
By Bernie Wijesekera
Chilaw Marians started playing cricket way back in 1976 and they had their humble beginnings. Today despite a slippery climb the Marians are a force to be reckoned with.

The coastal district club at the start was fielding a team with players virtually drawn from Chilaw and Puttalam districts. Namely St. Andrews Puttalam, St. Mary's Chilaw, Ananda Maha Vidyalaya, plus some players from St. Joseph's College Darley Road. The first President of the club was Rev. Bro. Edwin Ambrose. The club got that much needed inspiration and encouragement from the likes of former Sri Lanka fast bowler, Fairlie Dalpathado, K. Kathikesan, Shanthi Seneviratne, Bertram Navaratne, Kingsley Appuhamy, Edward Gamini etc., said Godfrey Dabrera, secretary cum manager of the Marians. The club initially played in the Daily News trophy. Former Sri Lanka leg spinner and old Josephian Brian Rajadurai, had his baptism of fire at the Marians, and later played for SSC.

Q: You may have had problems in keeping the players together, finding funds to develop the game, plus facilities?
A: Yes. But the players despite this setback were totally committed. They worked hard and played for the right reasons. Today they are a result-oriented team and giving some of the leading clubs a run for their money.

Q: Who is your present President?
A: Ervin Fernando - a vital cog-in-the-wheel. He spends much of his time with the team and maps out strategy. The committee under his guidance is working on a structure, which is not only beneficial to the Marians, but in turn will help the national cause, too.

Q: Who is sponsoring the team?
A: Lakbima and former president of Sri Lanka Cricket Thilanga Sumathipala. He has a tremendous passion for the game and helps those in need - even with men and material.

Q: The Marians must be having a daunting task for regular training?
A: Since 1998 the players train at CCC grounds. Shammi Silva, the deputy chairman of the Gymkhana Club, is giving all support.

Q: With players spread far and wide, how are you going to keep them together and look into their needs? With some of them apparently coming from less affluent homes.
A: That's a good point. Sri Lanka Cricket is giving a player an allowance. Besides looking into their welfare personal (family) or otherwise. Virtually the entire team is accommodated under one roof, since 1998. They are living at my residence in Ragama. But some of them have found jobs and at present are living on their own. It's not only playing cricket, but also looking into their future well-being. This in turn will inspire them to play with confidence and give of their best.

Q: Among club circles they say it's not Chilaw Marians, but it's Colombo Marians.
A: Yes they may think so. But how many of these affluent clubs are apparently helping emerging rural cricketers to continue with the game. They may be doing so. But for how long? Some of them due to economic problems will fall by the wayside. But there should be continuity. But I am proud to say that the Marians have a vision to achieve their mission. Make cricket for all races. There's no discrimination whatsoever. The officials and the players are working for the right reasons. The present hierarchy of SLC is going flat out to promote the game and develop it at district level. Chilaw and Puttalam districts will draw attention.

Q: Who are your outstanding players, who turn out to be future prospects?
A: Praneeth Jayasundera, a lad from President's College Rajagiriya. He is billed to play professional cricket in Victoria. He is a fine all-rounder. Ranil Dhammika, a left-arm leggie from Lumbini, Sehan Wijeratne from Prince of Wales, right-arm off-spinner. Dilruwan Perera from Sri Sumangala, the team is being led by Hasantha Fernando, a national player. But sad to mention that he has not found a regular place.

The team is virtually an Under-23 side. The lads have the grit and determination. Coached by Mahes Weerasinghe, a man for all seasons. A Level II coach. His humility has made an impact with the team's success on and off the field. With a score of 227 for 6 in the 20 over 20 final against Colts CC, The Marians created a world record (with a 70-yard boundary). The world record 221 was jointly held by Gloucestershire, Surrey and Leicestershire (65 yard boundary).

Our performances since 1998 todate (2004) is an envy among most clubs. In the Under-23 semi-final against Bloomfield, 774 all out, a Sri Lanka record in any form of competitive cricket.

Marians, with their efforts on the cricketing field has done proud for the game, before long will have a ground (first class) for all the rural youth to indulge not only for cricket but also for other sports, too in the Chilaw district, said Dabrera.

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