Trinity College, Kandy, First XI cricket squad 2008-2009

Over the years, the Trinitians have contributed their share of cricketers to the National team and will be proud of the fact that, Kumar Sangakkara has been appointed captain of the Sri Lanka cricket team.

Following in the footsteps of such predecessors are their present youngsters, who are shaping up well with the dream of reaching such heights in the national cricketing arena.

Trinity College, this year, has turned out to a forceful outfit. Part of the credit for the good performances produced by the young lads should go to their new coach, Sampath Perera, who took over the reins at the commencement of the season and to the Trinity College Cricket Foundation headed by Kumar Sangakkara supported by some of the finest cricketers produced by the school. Their efforts have borne fruit this season under the guidance of their Acting Principal, Brigadier Udaya Ariyaratne who himself was a fine sportsman.

The ‘Lions’, led by third-year-coloursman, Rushan Jaleel have had a successful season with six outright victories under their belt, all against formidable outfits.

They beat Sri Rahula, St. Anne’s, Kegalu Vidyalaya, Dharmapala while the high point was when they beat home town rivals, Dharmaraja College.

But they had their share of disappointments too, when they had to succumb to three defeats at the hand of three Colombo schools, St. Peter’s, Royal and Isiaptana.

Evidently, good teams learn from their mistakes and bounce back well, which the ‘Lions’ did learn and performed impressively in the matches that followed.

Skipper Jaleel, a fine all-rounder will have fond memories of the season in his penultimate year, especially with the ball. He has captured 120 wickets so far and is just a few wickets away from being the most effective bowler of the season.

He is capable of reaching this feat with two more matches left before they wrap up affairs this year.

His best figures were against the Royalists when he came up with a magical spell to capture 9 for 90. This diminutive lad has produced several bags of six or seven and added to match bags of ten against St. Anne’s and the Wesleyites, and 11 against Royalists and 12 against Isipatana.

His performance with the bat has also been impressive. He has made over 500 runs this season.

Last year’s skipper Dilan Gangoda has been the most successful bat with three centuries to his credit. He is among one of the few to go beyond the 1000 run mark this season. The sixth player has also has accounted for over 60 victims behind the stumps and is one of their most versatile players.

Mohamed Sajid, the deputy skipper and a left hand middle-order batsman with a couple of half tons has made his presence felt with an aggregate of 600 runs, while opener Kithmal Wimalaweera also has made impressive strides lately with a few half tons.

Playing in his third year, Kithmal, who has topped 500 runs, is also a lively fielder in the covers.

Another player who stole the limelight in many an outing is Shameera Wijesuriya, who has a number of half tons against his name and has scored over 600 runs.

Off spinner, Akila Jayasundara who has many years left in his schooling career, has had a booming season due to slight changes in direction and variations.

This has enabled him to reach the 100 wicket mark behind his skipper, despite missing a couple of matches due to an injury.

His figures of seven and eight and best figures of 13 for 110 against St. Sylvester’s College are signs of his immense talent.

Suresh Wickram, in his third year, despite being a bit mediocre with the bat was impressive with the ball capturing 7 for 47 against the Royalists.

Fifteen-year-old Niroshan Dikwella, who produced an unbeaten ton and two half tons is a yet another youngster who has distinguished himself.

Dinuk Weeraratne, who has topped 450 runs is a also the substitute wicketkeeper who is playing in his second year, while Dushan Ranasinghe, Keheliya Atugoda, Travin Ratnayake, Kavinda Jayasooriya, Madushan Basnayake and Janishka Premasinghe have also played useful roles, both with bat and ball, when the opportunity arose.

Due to a shortage of quality fast bowlers the Trinitians have had to rely to a great extent on their spinners.

The ‘Lions’ will warm up when they play against Price of Wales College, Moratuwa at Asgiriya Stadium before their 93rd ‘Big Match’ (against St. Anthony’s College, Katugastota) on March 13 and 14 at Katugastota.

Trinity College 1st XI cricket team from: