Morale runs high in the Kingswood camp

Over the last couple of years, Kingswood has performed well in limited over games and, thus the captain’s optimism is justified. However, this year they are minus the services of last year’s captain Demintha Dahanaike and Indika Senaratne - two very good cricketers

“I have a balanced team and the youngsters are playing well. Morale is high. I have two targets. Winning the Big Match and the One Dayer against Dharmaraja, and reaching the Lemonade Trophy final.”.

Asiri Amerasinghe - Captain

The above are the words of Asiri Amerasinghe, the captain of the Kingswood team.

A sixth year player, Asiri’s game has blossomed after elevation to the captaincy. Dharmapala’s bowlers were put to the sword as he made an unbeaten 133. He followed up with a half century against Vidyartha. Tragically, Asiri, who was a very good leggie in his Junior days, hardly bowls now. He puts it down to a thigh injury he suffered a couple of years back.

Opener Prasad Senaratne has not quite hit the form expected of him. However he has collected 15 wickets with his off spinners. Lahiru Gannoruwa will open the batting with Senaratne. At first drop is Krishan Silva, a left hander, who is now in the runs after an indifferent season in 2005/06, Madhawa Maduranga is also in the frame as an opener.

The middle order batsmen are Nirmal Jayasinghe, Ranpathi Jayawansa, Amila Kangaraarachchi, Sajith Atulugama and Chadima Abeykoon. The wicket keeping duties will be performed by Migara Bandaranaike who can also perform with the bat.

The new ball will be handled by Jayasuriya and Abeykoon. Atulugama and Lakshman Tantirige are medium paces. The bowler who has bagged the most wickets is off spinner Chalitha Dharmaprema. Vice-captain Anuradha Hettige, presently injured, is the left arm spinner.

The lads from Randles Hill have played seven games so far. They beat the Matale Thomians outright, and have won four matches on first innings. They blotted their copy-book with a first innings defeat to D.S. Senanayake.

Over the last couple of years, Kingswood has performed well in limited over games and, thus the captain’s optimism is justified. However, this year they are minus the services of last year’s captain Demintha Dahanaike and Indika Senaratne - two very good cricketers.
Priyantha Wickremasuriya, a former skipper and outstanding cricketer, coaches the team. Sunil Herath is the Master-in-charge. - AK