The champion Vidyaloka team. Genuflecting from left: Hasa Manohara, Hansaka Randeepa, Rashmika Prabath, Pasindu Dasun, Prageeth Bimsara, Chamith Shiran. Standing from left: Yasith Deshan, Chamath Nirmal, Hansaka Jayanath, Dulara Nimsara, Pasindu Sankalpa, Sonal Ransara, Gihan Asanka, Senith Praveen, Pasindu Lakshan (captain), Dilshan Kavinda, Dilan Rashinda, Umanga Imanjana, Dasun Chamod, Sasindu Lakshan
It was a classic inter-school cricket final between two teams from the north and south - Jaffna Central College and Vidyaloka College, Galle. Although it was an under-19 division III contest, the fare dished out was top drawer stuff akin to a major league tournament albeit on the matting wicket at Campbell Place last week.
There was very little to separate the two unbeaten sides in this 50-over finale with Jaffna Central falling short by 17 runs during a thrilling run-chase after Vidyaloka electing to bat first made a formidable total of 210. However, neither of these two teams will gain promotion to division II despite proving that the sport was alive and kicking in the country despite the pandemic.
The Sri Lanka Schools Cricket Association (SLSCA) proclaimed that the aim of these competitions was to nurture talent which could serve the national team in the future proudly claiming that Jaffna Central already had in their ranks a national star in V. Viyaskanth who featured in the inaugural LPL (Lanka Premier League) last year. However, the treatment meted out to players who are the future treasures of the nation was deplorable to say the least.
Players of both teams were not allowed the use of the changing room at Nalanda College on whose ground the final was played. The pavilion was out of bounds for the two teams as well as spectators but not for the big wigs of the SLSCA. The players were seated outside the boundary without any tent basically like nomads. Since spectators were barred because of the Covid situation, some enthusiastic parents were seen watching the action from the rooftop of an adjoining building.
“This is a final but there were no facilities for players,” said a team official angered by the step motherly treatment meted out to the participating teams. SLSCA officials were perhaps surprised by the high quality of cricket displayed during the final and like it is done in Sri Lanka, patted themselves on the back for successfully organising it during difficult times.
It was a historic triumph for Vidyaloka in their maiden appearance in an under-19 cricket final. They have always been one of the leading schools at junior age group level and produced some outstanding cricketers such as the legendary ‘Slinga’ Lasith Malinga, Nipun Malinga, Ashan Randika and Chandima Prasad to name a few.
Vidyaloka’s coach for more than two decades Thusitha Kariyawasam sees this victory as an opportunity to develop and progress by playing in a higher division.
“We have some talented players but it’s not worth playing in lower divisions because players won’t benefit. They have won several all-island awards but have not progressed beyond division III. “Even if they score 1,000 runs or take 100 wickets, they won’t get recognition for being in division III. This is a good opportunity to get promoted to division II,” he said, appealing to the SLSCA to grant them promotion for the benefit of children to develop the sport.
An SLSCA official said the teams were aware before the final that the winners would not be promoted because of the truncated season.
Jaffna Central coach FR Selton also concurred by saying that if SLSCA wants to develop cricket in Jaffna they should promote them to division II where only St John’s College is competing now.
“Last year we came to the quarter-finals but because of the coronavirus it was stopped,” said Selton, an old boy of the school in his first year as coach. He is confident the team can go places despite not having a turf wicket and practice on side wickets.
Right hand middle order batter Kavinda Basnayake starred for Vidyaloka scoring a brisk 47-ball 53 with five boundaries and a six to help his side post 210 for six in 50 overs.
Openers Lakshan Sandeepa (34) and Chamath Nirmal (29) gave the team a good start with a 60-run stand. Kavinda and Sonal Ransara (22 n.o.) bolstered their innings with an 85-run stand for the fifth wicket.
Jaffna Central in reply made 193 for eight in 50 overs after cruising at one stage. Needing 60 runs in the last 10 overs, they were choked by some superb pace bowling as wickets tumbled at regular intervals during their chase.
M. Sansajan top scored with 55 off 88 deliveries hitting five boundaries and a six while N. Ajay contributed 45 off 73 balls with a boundary and three sixes as the two put on 53 runs for the third wicket. “We gave away 40 runs extra and we lost our key batsman in the second over which put us on the back foot,” said Jaffna Central skipper B Inthujan.
An elated Vidyaloka captain Pasindu Lakshan said this triumph was three years in the making. “We have been targeting this since losing in the semifinals three years ago.
I am happy to note that four players will be playing next year as well. It was a good team effort.
“Everyone gave 100 percent. Our fielding side was good at holding onto catches and getting the run outs,” said the wicket keeper batsman who also lauded the pacers Dilshan Kavinda, Sonal Ransara, Seneth Pravin, Gihan Asanka and left-armer Sasindu Lakshan.
When asked about the significance of defeating a team from the north, the southern school captain was magnanimous in victory. “There is no difference between us by race or caste. We are all brothers. We played in the highest spirit of sportsmanship and fair play,” said Vidyaloka skipper Pasindu Lakshan.
(Pix by Thilak Perera)