Looking to relive the past glories

The Katugastota Antonians led by fourth year Selvyn Jamion are on a mission to relive the successes of the late eighties and early nineties when the likes of the Kalpages, the Wijetungas, the Muralitharans and the Sajith Fernando’s dominated the schools scene.

Of late, the Antonians performances have taken a bit of a dip. But this year, with the vast majority of the team comprising fourth year and third year players, the school is aiming at more impressive deeds. In fact, the skipper’s ambitious are modest. “We are aiming at being the best in the Central Province” he says.

Jamion, a fourth year player, is a lively fast medium bowler who picked up 42 wickets last season. His best was a match bag of 9-60 against Mahanama. A hard-hitting left hander, his batting has suffered through lack of opportunity. Now that he is the captain, he could advance his claim for a middle order berth.

Diminutive Harshana Medagoda is the deputy. A neat left hander who made 3 fifties in 2005/06, he also purveys some useful off breaks.

With six fifties and 30 wickets, last year’s skipper Shamir Munas is bound to be the key player in the side. He also made a hundred against the Benedictines.

Another promising all rounder is lanky Peter Samarakoon. He bowls well with the new ball and is a determined left hander who made 76 against the Josephians last season.

Fourth year Gimhan Dissanaike, a right handed opener, top-scored with 80 against Wesley. An attacking player whose best is yet to come. Gimhan is the stumper of the side, too.The third year players in the side are Malindu Perera (a left handed opener) Sahan Palihakkara (left arm leggie) Suneth Hettiarachchi (left arm spin) Eranda Hewapathirana (off spin). However, the most talented of them all is another third year Adil Reyal. A left arm spinner who grabbed 5-6 against Vidyartha in the season opener, he bats well and is an exciting fielder, too.

Jerome Siegertsz, Fabian Leonard and S. Uduwaka complete the Antonian line up.

The Antonians beat Karandeniya Central, Ibbagamuwa and Mahanama, and had nine first innings wins in 2005/06. In the debit side they lost to Royal outright and to St. Sylvesters and St. Joseph’s on the first innings.
Champika Siriwardena who turned out for his alma mater in the late eighties continues to coach the team. He took over in mid-stream, as it were, from Piyal Wijetunga. - AK