The Lads from Matara will be looking to bring down some big name schools in their quest for glory in the Sri Lanka Schools’ U19 Division 1 Cricket Tournament.

A Bit of History

St. Servatius College began in the year 1897 and ever since has gone on to become one of the best, if not the best school in the Southern town of Matara.

Sanath Jayasuriya, was able to put Sri Lanka on the cricketing map after growing up playing cricket in Matara. Along with him, Kasun Rajitha, the fast young bowler, and the current ICC umpire Ruchira Palliyaguru are also products of this school in Matara.

Last year led by Ashen Deemantha, they managed to go as far as the quarter-finals of the ‘Singer Trophy’ U19 cricket tournament. They trounced Thurstan College in the pre-quarter finals but had to give a walkover to St. Sebastian’s College in the final eight stage.

2016/17 season

Falling into the group of death, St. Servatius will look to defy all odds and qualify for the quarter finals. Even though Servatius began the season with two first innings losses there were many positives for them to take away in those games.

Beginning the season against Trinity College in a traditional fixture, Servatius gave them a good run for their money even though they fell 20 runs short of a famous first innings win. In the game against St. Joseph’s, even though the batting failed in the first innings, Muditha Hashan managed a magnificent unbeaten 96 to save the team from an outright loss. Another positive was Sashika Dulshan bagging a good 5-for against the Joes.

Key Players

Sri Lanka U19 fast bowler nick named Dale Steyn, Thilan Prashan, a 4th Year player, will look to shake up batting line-ups with his nippy pace. Bagging 30 wickets last time around he would look to improve on that tally this year. Coming in down the order and scoring 440 runs last year, Prashan would look to make this season a more prosperous one with the bat as well.

Captain and yet another 4th year player, Isuru Udayanga would look to lead by example and better his 220 run tally of last season. Coming in to bat in the middle order, the captain will also look to add solidarity to the Servatius batting line up.

Coming into the team from St. Sylvester’s College, Muditha Hashan would look to add his experience to the Servatius batting. Scoring 670 runs last season at St. Sylvester’s and starting off this season with an impressive unbeaten 96, Mudith would look to make many more runs and impress in the ongoing season.

Photo Album: St. Servatius’ College Cricket Team Preview 2016/17

Coaching Staff

Past Air Force coach Rohan Ariyathilaka would be the man behind the scenes at St. Servatius this time around. Known to be a strict disciplinarian, Rohan will look to stamp his authority and take the lads further than the past season in this tournament. He will also look to make use of his experience with Air Force and Rahula College.

Master in Charge since 2011/12 G.H. Nayananda De Silva would continue on this season as well.

Final Say

With a strict disciplinarian behind the scenes and having a balanced squad to pick from, Rohan Ariyathilaka will be looking forward to a successful group stage and go better than last season’s quarterfinal place this time around.