Maris Stella College Negombo, will be looking to make history with a surge towards another Under 19 Cricket title this seasaon.
A Bit of History
Formally known as St. Mary’s College, Maris Stella was renamed following the takeover by the four Marist Brothers in 1922 but only started playing cricket back in early 90’s.
Talking about the past cricketers to have represented the Sri Lankan national team from Maris Stella, Graeme Labrooy stands out as one of the stars as he made his Test and ODI debuts back in the year 1986. They were crowned U19 league winners in 2001/02.
In addition to Labrooy, the likes of Dasun Shanaka and Dushmantha Chameera are the recent Maris’ products to have reached the pinnacle of cricket by playing for Sri Lanka.
2016/2017
Falling into what is widely considered the group of death, Group D, Marist Stella will face a tough task to keep up to expectations. They began their season with a draw against President’s College, an outright win in a traditional game followed by a draw game but an unexpected loss to St. Joseph’s meant that the lads from Negombo need to pull up their socks to get their season back on track.
Key Players
Captain Sachindu Colombage will be the man to watch out for as he will look to make the most of his 4 years of experience playing 1st XI cricket. Scoring 550 runs in 13 matches last season along with 45 wickets, Sachindu would hope that he could do better this time around with his leg spin and batting.
Left handed batsman, Kevin Tharusha will be at the heart of the Maris Stella batting and would look to add solidarity to the team this year as well. He made 586 runs in 12 matches last season.
Lasith Croospulle, switching jerseys from De Mazenod to Maris Stella, Croospulle would look to better his performances as he moves to Negombo from Kandana. Scoring 500+ runs for De Mazenod last season, he was a pivotal part of the batting for the boys from Kandana and would look to add value to the Maris Stella batting this time around.
Fast bowling all-rounder, Thimidu Preithma would look to better last season’s tally of 38 wickets and 248 runs this time around and be a driving force behind Maris Stella’s success.
Third year coloursman, Pasindu Ushetti will head the spin bowling brigade at Maris Stella with his Left-arm orthodox spin. Playing in 12 matches last season, Pasindu managed 36 wickets and was useful with the bat scoring 336 runs.
Photo Album: Maris Stella College Cricket Team Preview 2016/17
Coaching Staff
Having worked for more than half a decade with the Josephian junior and senior cricket teams Anil Chandana takes over the reins for Maris Stella this time around. Having gained valuable experience at Joes, Anil will look to guide the lads from Negombo to success. He will be assisted by Dishan Shaminda. Ishara Fernando would be the master in charge of the boys.
Final Say
Maris Stella are unlikely to have it all their way with a poor start to their 2016/ 17 season and will have to pull up their socks and put in the hard yards in if they are to go towards their maiden title.
