The champion St Joseph’s College cricket team comprising Shevon Daniel (captain), Dunith Wellalage, Sadeesh Jayawardena, Hirun Kapurubandara, Mithira Thenura, Hiran Jayasundara, Yenula Dewthusa, L. Dissanayake, Rishma Amarasinghe, Deshan Senevirathne, Lahiru Amarasekara, Abhishek Jayaweera, Kenneth Sasmina, Shenuk Serasinghe, Senodh Dulvin Soysa, Dineth Jayakody, Asiri Caldera (master-in-charge), Dilan Ramanayake (head coach), Kavindu Perera (assistant coach), Lahiru Wickramasinghe (assistant coach)
St. Joseph’s College was the team to beat and they lived up to expectations as the envy of many by winning the top prize in school cricket in the form of the Under-19 Tier A championship thanks to a splendid team effort to overcome Richmond College in the final at Police Park in Colombo.
Skipper Shevon Daniel led from the front with a knock of 80 as the Joes won the title for a second year running.
“We executed our game plan well in the final,” said coach Dilan Ramanayake, himself a former Joes all-rounder. “I think credit should go to all the players.”
Deshan Seneviratne, Mithira Thenura and Muditha Lakshan spearheaded the fast bowling department while spinners Daniel, Lahiru Amarasekara and Yenula Dewthusa mesmerized the opposition.
Ramanayake made special mention of Sri Lanka youth player Dunith Wellalage who led the way with fine all-round performances. “He is a born talent, very matured and his attitude is always very high. He has a superb fighting spirit and never gives up the game. He has already shown his potential both at national and international level,” said Ramanayake.
“I always give the freedom to the players. The most important thing was that we were able to maintain an unbeaten record. We always work as one family.
“My players and my supporting staff maintained a good coordination with college rector Fr Ranjith Andradi, master in charge Asiri Caldera and two assistant coaches Kavindu Perera and Lahiru Wickramasinghe giving us good support,” he added.