Watch out Royal, it may be your turn

By Harry Jayachandra

A war of attrition is on the cards when the 128th Battle of the Blues gets underway at the Sinhalese Sports Club Grounds on Thursday. Despite denials to the contrary, S. Thomas’ will be out to avenge their last over defeat to Royal last year. It is also pertinent to mention that this is the 128th consecutive encounter. World War one and two did not disrupt what is arguably the most looked forward cricket’s social event of the year.

Royal team

Seated (L-R) Mr.Chulaka Amarasinghe (Coach),Mr.M. T.A.Rauf(Senior Games Master),Yasith Abeykoon, Feroze Ahamed, Haroon Mawjood (Captain),Mr. H. A. U. Gunesekera (Principal), Dilan Nanayakkara(Vice Capt),Charith Chathuranga, Kusal Perera, Mr. E.G.M. Rajakaruna (MIC).Mr.Gamini Perera(Asst. Coach) Standing L- R Chalaka Bogada, Banuka Rajapakse, Maneesha Thantrigoda, Mahesh Buddika, Kanishka Boteju, Vinod Malwatte, Sahan Hettiarachchi, Lakshitha De Silva, Diren Waranakulasooriya, Chamath Dharmasiri, Kithruwan Vithanage, Kaveesha De Silva

Royal go into this encounter with a relatively young side. Leading the team is spinner and useful lower order batsman Haroon Mowjood. This soft spoken young man could well turn out to be Royal’s ace this year. He does not bowl the flipper anymore, but if there is turn on the pitch Mowjood could be lethal with his googly and orthodox leg spin.

Both teams have had what can best be described as an up and down season. Royal managed to pull off three outright victories against Sri Rahula, St. Benedict’s and Trinity. The last victory was possibly the most important as they routed the boys from Kandy by ten wickets. In addition it was their last inter school match before the ‘big match’. S. Thomas’ also had a good outing in the penultimate weekend. They defeated Zahira by an innings and 37 runs.

Coaching Royal for the second consecutive year is Chulaka Amarasinghe. This man during his time at the crease, was well known for his aggressive stroke play and positive attitude when it came to the game of cricket. The great thing is that he has been able to instill these qualities in young charges. Speaking to The Sunday Times Amarasinghe said: “We started the season well winning two out of four matches. Then we had a few problems with injuries and the O’Level exam coming in. from the beginning of this year we have been able to sort our problems out. A very clear reflection of this was our victory against Trinity. We do have a young side filled with talent and potential. But maturity only comes with time in the middle. I believe that we have been able to sort this chink out as well.”

S.Thomas’ team

Standing from left-N.T.Nugawela,W.H.D.Soysa,W.Weerawardena,R.Nirushan, D.S.Walpita, R.A.Fernando, I.A.S. Dasanayake, U.S.M.Fernando, M.R.N.FernandoSeated from left- A.J.Thahir, P.G.S.C.P.Pussegolle, T.A.M.Peiris(Captain), N.M..Mazahir, L.R.De Silva

Amarasinghe added that in his opinion Royal were going in to this game as under dogs. “That’s the way I like to approach a game. There is far less pressure and expectation. Last year also we went in as the dark horse and came away with a victory. Our approach this year is the same. We will play positive cricket and who knows what will happen. We have a balanced team and both our bowlers and batsmen are peaking at the right time,” said Amarasinghe.

Former cricketer, curator and well known cricket commentator Ranil Abeynaike is coaching S. Thomas’. He said that last year’s defeat was not really a loss. “If you recall, we declared in the first innings to make the game more open. And eventually it went down to the last over. The team is playing well as a unit and well balanced. The top order batsmen are scoring and we bat down to nine. When it comes to bowling, we have a well balanced attack. I think both teams are even. We are going in with a very positive frame of mind,” said Abeynaike.

Skipper Ashan Peiris who has scored nearly 900 runs this season, said in conclusion that he was happy with his side and the team’s form.