Karandeniya Central off Ambalangoda may not have a rich cricketing history. They are a naturally talented bunch of sportsmen and they have proven this in no uncertain terms. As a result sports, especially cricket keeps on expanding at the school.
Last year the Karandeniya cricketers were adjudged the most promising school cricket team of the year for their prolific performance in the circuit. Since the year 2000, when cricket was launched at Karandeniya Central, the school has been gradually moving up the ladder starting from the Division III segment. Presently Karandeniya Central is one such team that plays in Division II.
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| Karandeniya Central cricket squad. (Pix by Amila Prabodha) |
Last year they narrowly missed out from being promoted to the Division I despite being unbeaten after 10 tournament games which included eight wins. Karandeniya Central cricketers were in the limelight when they drubbed S. Thomas’ Mt. Lavinia by 50 runs in the inter-school Under-19 limited overs tournament. During the past 11 years Karandeniya Central has contributed eight junior players to the national cricket teams of all age categories starting from the Under-15s.
This record stands as a strong shot in the arm for their present successes in the school cricketing field as Karandeniya Central launched their mission successfully to reach the top with two wins. They beat St. Mary’s Kegalle and Devapathiraja Ratgama in two of their outings during the third term. This perfect kick-start has certainly led them to a perfect position. If they could strike with five more wins they could finish off the season in style and gain the much anticipated promotion to the top.
However whilst comparing with the strong team they had last year, this season Karandeniya Central will have to put in a lot of work to achieve what they wish for. The team still has the services of six seniors though five of the most important players has gone on to club level with great offers. Talent has been at its highest at Karandeniya Central as a result those players who came in as replacements too are fairing quite well.
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| Layan Eranga (Captain) |
N.H.N. Sudesh (V. Captain) |
“It’s really pleasing to note that two of our highly skilled spinners joined two leading premier clubs. It’s more satisfying to note that the replacements are coming in handy from within the squad through these youngsters. We have had a perfect start and with the two wins the team gained which is a great psychological advantage.
This has given the boys a great boost to continue with their practices in preparation for the first term. Our aim is to do well and reach the Division I segment by next year,” said Ranjith Priyantha, the master-in-charge.
Skipper Layan Eranga, a right-hander opens batting for Karandeniya Central. He has contributed a great deal last season and the team depends and expects a lot from him. The other opener’s slot is still vacant .
According to team officials nearly seven batsmen are vying for the place. Others to follow are: Nishan Sudesh, Shehan Wijesinghe, Nishan Madushanntha, Namal Deshantha and Yohan Madushanka. They are all right-handers. The remaining three slots are likely to be filled by all-rounders or bowlers according to the situation.
Karandeniya Central has a fairly decent pace bowling attack with the combination of right-armers Namal Deshantha, Yohan Madushanka and newcomer Nadun Manamekala. The side is also in the process of grooming three more seamers to take over the mantel if and when the need arises. In addition the team has a strong contingent of spinners led by off-spinner Nishan Madushanka.
He is assisted by the Mendis twins Janinda and Janaka. They also have two strong leg-spinners in Shehan Weerasinghe and skipper Eranga. Overall they are a team to play safe against by any school cricket side. Their coach Isuru Anushka, who is also a past cricketer of Karandeniya Central, has done a perfect job in grooming their talents. It would be surprising not to see Karandeniya Central at the top division next season due the enthusiasm and talent they possess.
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