14 Thursday 5th March, 2009

eams have been written that most brilliant of players, backed by hard facts clearly indi- my primary contribution was Lanka was on the threshold of Musafer, Rohan Jurangpathy, about the “Golden Years” who usually dis- cates the travesty of justice that supporting partnerships and yes test . Gearing up for Gehan Sonnadara, Sumithra Rof Peterite and Josephian dained a helmet, to don one. kept him out of the I have another good one - 179 “Tests” more “.professional”’ Warnakulasuriya of Royal, Guy cricket. Countless arguments for Rumesh’s ability to make a ball Test team. Though primarily a against Royal in 1978 with Kitto , combined with good De Alwis, Saliya Ahangama, and against one particular climb very steeply and follow up batsman, Rohan who also cap- who scored 104, out - the quality and more evenly Ken De Alwis, Mahinda “greatest” era or a specific team with a toe crunching yorker tained in 1980, picked up several only way they could get him. On matched teams meant outright Halangoda, Stefan Anthoniz of have been made and are still brought him over 100 wickets in crucial wickets, specialising in the other hand I did make a few wins in two days were rare. In St. Thomas’, Ravi Ratnayake of being made whenever Peterites a school season with more than breaking partnerships. small contributions with 3 cen- fact, the Royal/Thomian 03 day Trinity, Roger Wijesuriya of St. or Josephians meet. 50% being bowled. Match bags of Kitto Fernandopulle, the mas- turies (a top score of 148 vs St. fixture had just started and Sebastians, Nishantha, For many years we were very over 10 wickets were common ter strategist was easily one of Anthony’s in 1980) and a few batsman like Sumithra Dammika, Sanjeeva and Arjuna fortunate to have had the contri- and taking over four wickets per the best cricketing brains - fifties - though my highest scores Warnekulasuriya of Royal bat- Ranatunga ( of Sri butions of two very special peo- inning in almost every match, he proved by the umpires’ panel at Big Matches were 39 and 31. ted two full days for a 100 runs. Lanka), ple - the legendary cricketer, was terrifying. I had to rein him awarding him the Best Captains The two most experienced Yet, between ‘78 and ‘80 St. (Test record and teacher, coach and commentator in on several occasions to pre- Trophy in 1979. His half cricketers of the 1978 side were Peters had fourteen outright International ), the late C. E. Maurice Pererea of vent serious injury. There were against the Aussies had com- Suraj Abaysekera the skipper, a wins including St. Josephs, Sanath Kaluperuma, Asanka St. Peters (1944 - 1946) and the no helmets those days. Always mentators raving about “late wiley off spinner who subse- Royal, St. Thomas, Trinity, St. Gurusinghe, Charith late T. Harold De Andrado statis- good natured and concerned, he cuts like Sathasivam.” Kitto is quently played for the BRC. Anthony’s, St. Benedicts, Senanayake, Brendon Kuruppu titian extraordinary of St. would very rarely bounce at any- today the Second XI coach of St. Suraj played as the main spinner Thurstan, Isipathana and (Test Double Centurion and Joseph’s, who did not play a “Big one during school matches, but Peters and is doing a great job at for Sri Lanka “A” and was called Dharmapala. Some of them present Manager of the Sri Match” but was a reserve in 1944 Lanka team), Hemantha and 1946. Together, they provid- Devapriya and Kamal ed a great depth of articles for Dharmasiri among otherss. several cricket souvenirs of the Many of these have played past and their commitment, for our country in Test or One knowledge and lucidity have Day Internationals or been on been the backbone of trial for Sri Lanka or Sri Lanka Peterite/Josephian cricket liter- school teams. I may have left out ature. Each of them had their The ‘Platinum a few top players and to them - preferences and I who had the my sincere apologies. privilege of knowing both, have Other members of the had many amicable discussions, “Platinum Years” teams were mostly sober but some I must left arm spinners Janaka admit coloured with a few spir- Abeygunaratne (77-80) and its, on the merits of their views Roshitha Perera (80-82) who while putting forward those of Years of Peterite took 31 wickets at 14.7 in 1980, mine and those of a few col- Wicketkeeper/ Opener Arjuna leagues like Kitto Fonseka (1978) who had four Fernandopulle, captain of the half centuries, batsman Bakir 1979 side who can become a bit Mohamedally (78-79), vociferous in his lament that Chrishanthus Peiris (1979), nothing has ever been written Cricket’, 1978-1980 Sugath Perera (78-80), about the glorious years we trod Christopher Perera (80-81), the turf. I suppose Perera and De Suren Perera (1979), Rohan Andrado put up with the young Paulas (1980-82) who scored 55 upstart who argued with them on many occasions while field- developing cricketers having up several times for Sri Lanka after a lapse of many years like against Royal in 1980 and scored only because I had acceptable ing at first slip, I would dive to already fed the First XI team trials but could not make it to St. Thomas’ which was an 8 heavily in later years including credentials - having been 12th catch a bail he had sent flying or with three players this season. the final Test 15. Incidentally victory in a match where a century in 1982, Dane Joseph man in 1977, played the entire on two occasions even caught a Amal Silva, my opening part- Suraj who was second highest 2 1/2hrs of play was lost due to (1980-82) who also scored a cen- seasons of 1978-1980 and cap- cart wheeling stump. One of the ner for two of these years was wicket taker in 1978 fittingly rain. In the great vic- tury in 1982 and seamers Ernest tained in 1981. few to play for his country as a the rock on which we built many scored the winning runs of the tory, two very sporting declara- Fernando (1977 and 1980), So this is a tribute to the bril- fast bowler while still at school, of our totals. Over 700 runs in historic Big Match victory. tions threw the match open - we Sarath Perera (1980) and Abdul liant Peterite teams of 1978-1980, but his versatility may have his first year (1979) and reaching The other was Walter declared 56 runs behind St. Razak (1980). the Platinum Years and I hope been forgotten as he was also a the 1000 in the big match of 1980 Fernando a superb all-rounder Josephs and the Joes closed The teams were coached by the facts presented will find the deadly right arm leg spinner with the second highest score of with a classic action and unbe- with very little hope of win- Brig Dr. H. I. K. Fernando (1978 approval of the two great men, who took three wickets in a big 144 made him an obvious lievable accuracy who bowled ning. We chased 187 runs and and 1979) and Tony Opatha who no doubt will be watching match with spin - all three vic- choice to open for Sri Lanka. the perfect late out swinger to got it in 40 overs in the 17th (1980) assisted by Brian from above the future of many tims were by Amal. Incidentally, our partnership of right handers. With over 50 mandatory over in failing light. Seneviratne and Master In generations of Peterite and Also, while there were many 97 for the first wicket still stands wickets at an average of 11.3 and It should be remembered that Charge Austin Fernando. At the Josephian cricketers now and great all rounders in past as the highest for St. Peter’s. A a batting average of over 30 per our run rate of almost 4.7 runs helm of St. Peter’s was the for evermore. Peterite and Josephian teams, brilliant wicketkeeper who made inning he was easily the most per over was almost double that much revered Rector, Fr. Joe E. For after all, and whatever with all due respect, they did not catching and stumping look very valuable player of 1978. Walter of the previous 10 innings at the Wickremasinghe, who sadly anyone else says, at no period in play truly representative cricket easy, and though I cannot represented Sri Lanka Schools Big Match which had an aver- passed away a few years ago. the history of the game has any against the world’s top teams remember how many victims he and subsequently played for and age of only 2.5 runs! Today, members of the other team, either Peterite or and no one has conclusively had, with Rumesh and Vinodhan captained the Tamil Union. We bowled out Prince of “Platinum Years” teams have Josephian produced three Test proved his class by taking five firing thunderbolts from either With three half centuries to Wales College for 33 runs, scattered far and wide while players, two who shared the new wickets and scoring a half cen- end. There must have been his credit Niranjan Rodrigo who Ananda 34 and 94, Nalanda 67, some have even crossed the ball for Sri Lanka - Rumesh tury on his debut - at Lord’s, like many. captained in 1982 was a solid Royal 50, St. Thomas’ 111, great divide. Ratnayake and Vinodhan John Rumesh did. Rumesh is today Known as the “Black & middle order bat and right arm Dharmapala 43 and Thurstan I have not had the fortune to and the other Amal Silva, the representative of the Asian White” Scotch Wiskey combina- leg spinner with best figures of for 77. Scored 304 for 3 against a watch many of the great players opened batting. In addition, Cricket Council and is responsi- tion - Amal with his Caribbean 5 for 17 against Isipathana in very strong Royal side which of the past - Clive Inman, Dion Kitto Fernandopulle opened bat- ble for the development of crick- tan and cavalier style and me 1980. Niranjan took 23 wickets subsequently had three Sri Walles (who I now meet regular- ting for Sri Lanka Schools and et in several countries. with my pale face and dour/solid at 14.6 in 1978 and scored an Lanka test bowlers and ly) Malcolm Spittel, Cyril Dias, scored 58 against the Australian Vinodhan’s movement in the English style temperament, unbeaten 100 against the Bens destroyed a mighty Royal bat- Fred Perera, Robert Fernando, Schools team, Rohan Buultjens air and off the wicket had to be though I did show a few rare in 1982. A brilliant cover fielder ting line up for 50 runs, the Malcolm De Costa, Laddie captained Sri Lanka Schools experienced to be believed and flashes of belligerence with it was always a treat to watch same side that gave the Joes a Outschoorn, Hubert Bagot, Joe against the Indian Schools and given the right conditions he three sixes in big matches one him gather and throw with per- leather hunt by scoring 379 for 6 Misso, Johnpulle, Peter De the Dutch team and subsequent- was unplayable - as a shell onto the Kandos advertisement fect fluidity. wickets, two weeks later! Neise, Adiel Aunghie, Russel ly toured India with the Sri shocked Royal team discovered near the scoreboard and another The third seamer in 1978, left The only Peterite or Duckworth, Fairly Dalpathado, Lanka Test team, Suraj when he ran through them with sweet shot off Hiran Cooray armer Ajith Dassanayake wrote Josephian side in history to Maurice Perera, Dr. H. I. K. Abayasekera played for Sri figures of 6 for 14 in 1980. Match which had the commentators himself into the record books have won both the Big Match Fernando, Fr. Joe De Mel, Shirly Lanka ‘A’ while Trehern Perera bags of 10 wickets each against ducking for cover. A few more of with an excellent 5 for 34 and and the 50 over. Champions in De S. Illesinghe and Michael and myself were also chosen for Thurstan and Trinity gave him these rare shots were against contributed another very signif- 1978, 1980 and 1981. Awarded Chanmugam (who coached me), the trials of the Sri Lanka the highest number of wickets other schools and one I particu- icant and match winning stroke Best All Island Team by both Travel Fernando (the President Schools squad. in 1980 - 54 at 14 runs apiece. larly liked was against Royal at for 6 over square leg when 6 Observer and Times sponsored of the Cricket Foundation of St. The Test caps were not mere Anyone who was around dur- Bambalapitiya which hit the runs were needed off two balls panels. Won the first ever all Peters), David Arndt, Tony ornaments either. Amal Silva ing this period will not challenge wall of Muslim Ladies’ College - to win the Exide trophy final. island knockout limited over Buhar and Brian Seneviratne to scored a century at Lord’s the fact that Rohan Buultjens must have been due to my rather Ajith also took over 40 wickets cricket trophy where over 50 name a few, of whose exploits against England and still holds was one of the best batsman of heavy bat which was a custom in the next two years and scored teams participated. Best we have only been able to read the record for the most number the period - winning the made Gray Nicholl’s Single a half century vs Royal in 1980. Captain three years on the trot, or hear with joy and apprecia- of victims in an international Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year Scoop with 12 gram willow. Trehern Pereira who opened Best Batsman, Best Bowler etc, tion. Test series, which was against and Best Batsman, 1000 runs in a 1980 saw some of the best the batting with me in 1981 bat- etc, etc. However, most players of our India and this in a three Test season, two centuries both ‘not starts any pair of openers have ted in the middle order between This then is what I proudly era have been able to watch series! Vinodhan John and out` in the Big Match, the Big ever given the side as we put 1978 and 1980 with one century refer to as the “Platinum Years” David Heyn, Tony Opatha, Roy ’s exploits are Match record of the best batting together a half century stand in against Royal College and three of Peterite cricket ...... Dias, Gary Melder, Rajiv well known by all. While the double, the Second best batting 15 out of 21 innings, at least one 50’s. He was also a very accurate And before any reader com- Benedict and all those others fearsome fast bowlers of the past double for St. Peter’s, the highest against every school except off spinner who was the princi- ments that the opposition may who played school cricket from were probably very quick, there aggregate in the series, the Royal College and at the pal contributor to the 50 over have been of poor quality let me the late sixties. is no factual evidence that they record third wicket partnership Benedictine match put on a cen- victory in 1981 with 3 wickets set out the galaxy of stars who We and all present and future could have taken out several of of 173 with Kitto Fernandopulle tury stand in each innings. for 19 runs in 10 overs effective- played against us and put the cricketers of our two great the world’s top batsman and like which stands to this day and Strangely Amal never took ly choking the Josephian bats- argument to rest - Ranjan schools owe a profound debt of Rumesh (though he is not proud countless other centuries and strike in college and I always men. Madugalle (International match gratitude to these heroes for of it), hit Larry Gomes on the half centuries against most batted at No 1, but for Sri Lanka School cricket in the late 70’s referee), , they have been a shining exam- face, hit the towering other schools. His total com- he regularly faced the first ball. and early 80’s had advanced to a Sudath Pasquel, Ramesh De ple to us. on the head and in fact caused mand over any bowler of the era Other than captaining in 1981, very high standard and Sri Silva, Kesera De Costa, Haroon ! Print Care Packaging win Printers’ Cricket Sixes Tex and pix by M. Farook Lantra manage just 57 for 3. More than 272 participants from 34 Print Care Packaging (Pvt) Ltd., bagged printing firms affiliated to SLAP took part the Printers’ Cricket Sixes Challenge tro- in the tournament. phy beating Avery Dennison Lanka (Pvt) The chief guest was Ltd., in their five overs, Six-a-Side cricket (Former National cricket captain and tournament held at the Shalika Sports Canada Cricket Coach) grounds Narahenpita on February, 28. Results – 1st semi final: Aitken The Sri Lanka Association of Printers Spence Printing 63/4 in five overs lost to (SLAP) conducted the tournament for the Print Care Packaging (Pvt) 66/2 in four third successive year. overs. The highlight of the day was the high- 2nd semi final: Packages Lanka 65/4 in est score by Chatura of Expo Printers who five overs lost to Avery Dennison 66/4 in scored a massive 114 not out with 17 sixes five overs. and two fours in 28 balls in a total of 133 Final: Print Care Packaging Pvt. Ltd., Prasad Sanjeewa of Print Care Packaging Pvt. Ltd., receives the Man of the runs against CMC Engineering who could 95/5 beat Avery Dennison Lanka (Pvt) Ltd., Final Trophy from Miss Madavi Marrikar (Committee Member, SLAP) 57/5.

Jaliya Vimukthi of Avery Dennison Lanka Pvt. Ltd., receives the Best Batsman’s Trophy from Sanjeewa The skipper of Print Care Packaging Pvt. Ltd., Sylvester Mohen Anthony receives the SLAP Challenge Champions Trophy The skipper of Avery Dennison Lanka Pvt. Ltd., R. M. Lakmal Tharanga (Secretary, from Shamel Jayathileke (2nd Vice President and receives the Cup runners-up trophy from Deepal Abeywardana, (Sub SLAP). Chairman Organising Committee, SLAP). Committee Member, SLAP)