Feshal’s consistency brings glamour to Sylvestrians

During the last two years, the Sylvestrians were the team to beat, however, with the exit of Ravi Karunaratne, Rajitha Wickremaarachchi (captains in 2005/06 and 2006/07 respectively) and Chaminda Ranaweera, they have developed a stutter initially.

Led by fifth year player and Sri Lanka under 19 representative Mohamed Feshal, the Sylvestrians exits notwithstanding, should have another good season. The skipper has not really delivered the goods so far. But, given his capabilities, the runs and wickets should come sooner rather than later. Feshal was a centurion against Thurstan last year, and accumulated nearly 700 runs.

Vice captain Roshan Jayatissa is probably the side's leading all rounder. A quickish off spinner, he is also a punishing bat. Jayatissa made four one day fifties last season. A genuine left handed all rounder, Chanaka Silva, who had a very productive run in 2006/07 has started the season well with a hundred against Dharmaraja and a five wicket bag against the Anthonians.

Medium pacie Yasira Chanaka opens the bowling and bats effectively in the middle order. Chanaka bagged five wicket's against the Annites. Chanka Colombage, a tidy off spinner, bats capably in the late order. Second year player Kasun Alwis opens the batting. A left hander who scored on unbeaten century against St. Anne's, Alwis has the ability to bat for long periods. Last year's keeper, Alwis now bowls medium pace.

Nuwan Silva is another top order batsman who has performed with consistency. A big score for Nuwan could be around the corner. The stumper's duties are now performed by opening bat Saman Embilmeegama. St. Sylvester's expect major contributions from Suneth Hettiarachchi, a left arm spinner and a hard-hitting left hand bat. He is new to the school, but is quite an experienced cricketer.

Nuwan Nilantha, Dhananjaya Athauda, Thivanka Gunaratne, Sajith Alwis (brother of Kasun) and Anuradha Eriyagama complete the squad. The Sylvestrians with be playing fifteen matches in all. So far they have played Dharmaraja (won on first innings), St. Anne's (won on first innings), St. Anthony's (lost on first innings), CWW Kannangara (won outright) and Carey (no decision).

The coach Tudor Gunaratne, who played for the College in the early eighties, later turned out for Kandy Youth and Kandy CC in Sara Trophy Cricket. He is happy with the side which he terms a balanced one. The Sylvestrians could do with some materials for both practice and matches.