One of the preeminent educational institutes in the North Central province Anuradhapura Central College first XI cricketers are on the hunt for glory to re-establish their supremacy in the schools’ cricket franchise.

Photo Album – Anuradhapura Central College Cricket 1st XI Cricket – 2015/16

The history of cricket in the institution dates far back into the late 1980`s when it was first initiated among the school children. With blooming enthusiasm the children participated in sports and worked their way up the ranks.

Yet, the lack of experienced mentors for the team and proper necessities to mould the talent of the players is a drawback in the sport as it was bought to a halt for more than a decade up until the new millennium. With the appointment of Keerthi Gunaratne, the present coach of the team, the sport was reinstated once again in the year 2007.

Since the reinstatement the boys have been performing above par and have escalated themselves from Division II to Division I within a short period of time.

“We performed well since 2007 and played good cricket where we beat Carey College, Colombo in our final game in the Division II format and got promoted to the upper division in the year 2009. Since then we have been playing good cricket but recent ups and downs have hindered our path of success” Keerthi Guneratene – Coach.

Anuradhapura Central College
Coach – Keerthi Guneratene

So far in their hunt for glory they have lost more than they have won. Out of the four games they have managed only one first innings victory while they walked away in despair in the other three games.

Even though they did not have a grand opening to the season, the sheer determination of the boys remains the same as their Captain Randima Indrarathana is in fine form playing as a batting all-rounder. Randima has scored more than 250 runs in the format while he already has 15 wickets under his belt.

Anuradhapura Central College
Captain – Ravindra Indrathana

“We have only one first innings win out of the four matches we played. It might not have been the start we expected but we are determined that we will perform well in the upcoming matches as we do possess the potential and the talent for it.” Randima Indraratna – Captain.

Apart from the skipper Sahan Ishara, Prabath Buddhika, Ravindra Prabashwara and Vishmitha Dhanajaya have performed well during the course of the season.

The lack of experience within the team seemed to have affected their performances. The Coach, expressing his thoughts, said that it is one of their major concerns that all their experienced school cricketers had bid adieu to the Northern Province and found shelter in top schools of the central and western province.

Without proper ground conditions for favourable practice sessions it is indeed a challenge for them to play good cricket on the turf wickets within city limits. Yet, their passion and love for the game together with the hunger for victory will drive them on and on.