St. Benedict’s College, Kotahena can be rated as a team that can race to the top this season.They played six matches during the third term and were able to send a clear message across to others by winning three of them.
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| St. Benedict’s cricket squad. (Pix by Amila Prabodha) |
The wins were against St. Anne’s Kurunegala, Wesley and a historic triumph over Ananda by an innings and 38 runs. The win over Ananda College was recorded after 48 years and this season St. Benedict’s looks well set for the kill during the ongoing schools cricket season with their instincts perfectly in place. They also earned major honours against Richmond and Zahira.
The record so far is an overwhelming kick-start to what could be considered as a spirited comeback by the Benedictines. However they could not muster any big wins last season. They played 16 matches last year and had to be satisfied with a solitary win. The team has been fareing pretty well. Hard work during the off season paved the way to produce sterling performances as St. Benedict’s transformed into a team that could be considered as a well balanced outfit.
“Possibly we cannot ask for a better side. The team is a well equipped and well poised. We have good performers among the squad which packed with talent and the seniors are in top form. They have performed as and when the team needed them most and they are hungry to do better. We are confident that St. Benedict’s will be one of the top contenders vying to become the most successful school cricket team of the season,” buoyant coach, N.I.C. Silva said.
Silva has been in charge of the team for five seasons. St. Benedict’s have improved gradually and now they are in a position to inflict fear among their opponents. The performance during the third term of the season is evidence of this.
The squad consists of 36 talented cricketers and all of them are equally talented. Among them are six seniors around whom their strength lies. All-rounders Jason Perera who is the skipper, his deputy Sachin Pieris, Arjuna Perera, Dilan Angelo, Yohan Soyza and Sameera Sandamal are the most experienced campaigners. They are carrying out their roles with a great deal of zeal.
Batting and bowling strengths of St. Benedict’s is at its pinnacle after many years. In batting skipper Perera who is also the opener of the side, is in top form and is nearing the rare milestone of 500 runs in his seventh outing. Left-handed Perera has already scored three centuries – 100 against Richmond, 130 against Ananda and resuming his good form in the first term cracked a valiant 140 against St. Peter’s. This year has been a great one so far for the burly all-rounder who collected 800 runs last season. Perera is partnered by right-handed Thilina Silva who is also the wicketkeeper. Silva has been able to reach the 20s during the list of six encounters. He is in the fray to go for a bigger scores in the coming matches.
Newcomer Heshan Yasanthika, also a left-hander is next to follow. He too has been in good shape with a 45 against Wesley and a 35 against Ananda. Right-hander Arjuna Perera is another batting prospect for St. Benedict’s. He already has scored 135 against St. Anne’s to steer his side to a win while hitting a superb 75 against Wesley with ease. Right-hander Sameera Sandamal who comes in at No 5 has been constantly reaching the thirties but has failed to go beyond that. Another newcomer, Madura Madushan, a right-hander comes next in the order. Madushan is a stylish middle-order batsman and is a treat to watch while on the crease. He has scored a couple of thirties and is hoping to better his performance during the season. Right-handers Dilan Angelo, a hard hitter in the making and deputy skipper Sachin Pieris are others on the list. The remaining three slots in the line-up will change according to playing conditions and the strength of the opponents.
“This year the team is in a perfect frame of mind. The players understand our aim, which is to win matches. If changes are meant to be done, then all members are in favour of any decision taken by the team officials. The seniors have taken the burden on their shoulders with the bat and are doing a great job. This has given the team great power. Unlike previous years, our objective is clear. Every member of the team wants to reach the top,” said Silva.
In bowling too St. Benedict’s hold the upper hand when compared to other schools. They possess both reliable pace and spin bowlers.The pace attack is spearheaded by deputy skipper Pieris, a right-arm fast bowler who has the ability to bowl variations with seam. Pieris was also a member of the Sri Lanka Under-19 squad and in the ongoing season he has already touched the form that is required by any paceman. He has claimed 30 wickets so far with the best of 5 for 43 against Ananda. Skipper Perera, a left-arm paceman, shares the new ball with Pieris and his perfect line and length has given him rich dividends this season. He claimed seven wickets against Ananda in a winning performance, proving that he is a perfect all-rounder. Right-armers Chandana Jayasanka and Abdul Manas are the other seamers in the side.
“We did slight changes to our pace attack this year and the boys have adjusted themselves very well. Their target is to seize 20 wickets and put the opponents under pressure and limiting the opponents runs. The fast bowlers are doing a good job while maintaining the objective of the team to be on top,” explained Silva of his team’s strategies.
St. Benedict’s has the top spin bowling combination in schools cricket. Former Under-17 skipper Yohan Soyza, a left-arm spinner and right-arm off-spinner Dilan Angelo are bound to contain the opponents while being amongst the wickets. So far Soyza has claimed over 20 wickets while Angelo is nearing the 20-wicket mark. Right-arm leg-spinner Arjuna Perera and right-arm off-spinner Sameera Sandamal are the other key characters in the spin department who are considered as all-rounders.
Coach Silva who has studied the team’s progress thoroughly while adjusting the side towards its present position during the past four seasons noted that St. Benedict’s has more surprises in their bag. They have a massive list of 20 matches to compete this season while 13 more games are on the cards to be played during the first term. The target is to record seven or more outright wins this season and become the best team of the country.
“St. Benedict’s have not won more than five outright wins in a season for many years. In addition we wish that one of our batsmen would reach the milestone of 1000 runs and a bowler would surpass 100 wickets. At the same time we are making use of this season to groom our youngsters so in the coming years we will be able to preserve this form. While these performances and wins are being enjoyed, we also make sure to include at least four junior players in the playing XI. We all know what our goals are. With the help and blessings of those who support us, including the untiring efforts of master-in-charge Mr. Vivian Saverymutthapulle, St. Benedict’s will reach the top,” Silva stated.
St. Benedict’s cricket squad: Jason Perera (Captain), Sachin Pieris (Vice Captain), Arjuna Perera, Dilan Angelo, Heshan Yasanthika, Thilina Silva (wk), Sameera Sandamal, Madura Madushanka, Yohan Soyza, Abdul Manas, Shanilka Fernando, Chandana Jayasanka, Praveen Gunawardane, Dilshan Gamage, Shehan Duminda, Mahel Jayalath, N.I.C. Silva (Coach), Vivian Saverymutthapulle (M-I-C). |
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