Founded by Sir L.E.Blaze in 1891, Kingswood from its inception became an eminent school that introduced many sports including the oval shaped game “Rugby” to the nation.
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Cricket in this school too runs way back to the 1890’s where, according to the available records, they have played their first big match in 1893. The Kingswood team was captained by A.E. Spencer.
Throughout its long journey of cricket, Kingswood has produced many outstanding players in the caliber of Nishitha Rupasinghe to represent Sri Lanka ‘A’ team while Suwanji Madanayake and Lakshitha Madushan to represent first class cricket.
Sri Lanka under 15 player Niroshan Perera toured overseas in 2005 and the recent favourite Tharindu Liyanage was selected to the under 17 national squad in 2012. Having won the last game in 1958 under the then “school-boy cricketer” Maurice Fernando, Kings are trying to come back strongly with an experienced team to thump Rajans and grab the T.B.Tennakoon Memorial Challenge trophy this year.
Season so far.
Avishka Chandrasiri, captains the lads from Randles Hill this season. An excellent paceman two seasons back but hardly bowls now as he has turned his career around as a batsman who has struck excellent form. He made a good, unbeaten knock off 151 when opening the batting against Vidyartha. He had 4 half centuries to name before his knock of 151 against Vidyartha. Rajans must look to dispose of him as quickly as possible.
Photo Album: Kingswood College Cricket Team Preview 2016/17
Deputy skipper Vimukthi Wijesiriwardena is Kingswood’s match-winner. A prolific left-arm spinner, his match figures of 13 for 125 against St. Sylvester’s are particularly impressive. He is considered an all rounder in the starting he has knocks of 61 and 63 coming in as a lower order batsman.
Another player who has contributed enormously with bat and ball is the small made Ganindu Kaushalya. He has a top score of 74 and a best of 4 for 48 with his off spin. More importantly, he has been among the wickets in every game.
Opener Yasod Kavinda has knocks of 70 (St. Sylvester’s) and 52 (Dharmaloka). In addition he is also a cog in the bowling department with his medium pace. Duleen Wijenarayana and Saumya Piyasena are the batsmen with the highest scores 73 and 56 respectively which were both scored against St. Anthony’s.
Final say
Kingswood who has retained much of the last season players, will look to give the spectators a good run for their money. This time they seem to have the best opportunity to go for the outright win. Something they have wanted for 35 long years.
