Sri Lanka: Poignant memories of the Trinity-Antonian series (11 Mar 1998)

Wednesday 11, March 1998

Poignant memories of the Trinity-Antonian series

Peradeniya special correspondent, Victor Alahakoon

'Cricket luverly cricket', that's what is looked forward to and that's what will be at the annual sporting event in the hill capital, "The 82nd Trinity-Antonian cricket encounter" to be played at Katugastota on March 13 and 14.

This time-honoured event between two old institutions in Kandy, not only revives memories of the game but also the progress, it has made during the period. For old boys and well-wishers it is an occasion to recount the friendly rivalry and revelry. Over the years

Progress rests on commitment, dedication and hardwork and the results are the well-knit sides that have been fielded over the years, and the outstanding sporting personalities who have left lasting memories of their cricketing prowess. Cricket was introduced to Trinity in 1893 during the Principalship of Rev. R. W. Ryde. The Antonians took the game much later.

The first Trinity-Antonian cricket encounter was played on the historic Bogambara Grounds in March 1914 with the Antonians winning the game. Trinity responded with a win at the very next game and the stage was set for a well contested series. But the initial advantage Trinity had in experience and confidence carried them through the period 1918-1928 and saw Trinity dominate the cricketing scene to register half the total wins - 22, it has to its credit in the series. Team game

Cricket being a team game it wouldn't be fair to single out names for mention. But the names of a few players who did the schools proud during the period were, for Trinity. Percy Maralanda 7 for 47 (1919), M. D. D. Jayawardena 120 in (1922), Herman Shockman 9 for 80 (1922), A. N. B. Frazer 5 for 13 (1913), L. C. de Meld 111 in (1923), R. B. Ettipola 7 for 44 (1925) and C. Thalgodapitiya 6 for 10 (1928).

The Antonians during the period had the legendary Jack Anderson who stole the show for three consecutive years and still holds the record for the highest individual score made by a schoolboy cricketer 291 not out against S. Thomas College, Colombo in 1918. Jack Anderson's score of 111 against Trinity in 1918 is the 1st century to be made at the Asgiriya grounds. Inauspicious

The period 1929-1947 too was inauspicious for the Antonians especially the post-war period, the Antonians were deprived of their premises (the British army occupying) practice pitches and playing-fields.

Trinity during that time had in C. Dharmalingam a left-arm bowler who for two consecutive years nagged the Antonians with his left-arm spin, in (1938) he took 9 for 14 and in (1939) had the figures of 6 for 17 and 6 for 31 inclusive of a double hat-trick, a world record. Then there was T. B. Werapitiya with scores of 100 in (1943) and 143 in (1944) the highest score made by a Trinitian. Comeback

Meanwhile the Antonians getting back their premises, with facilities restored and having the services of a renowned cricket coach in Mr. John Halangoda came back fighting and in 1947 the Antonians nearly humbled the Trinitians at Asgiriya. The match is worth reminiscencing in that the strong Trinity batting line-up for once that year crumbled under the spin bowling of Dicky Dunuwille the Antonian mystery bowler who was later responsible in changing the fortunes of Antonian cricket. Antonians however lost the match by 68 runs due to a spectacular performance in good fielding where seven close-in-catches were grabbed by Trinity's Clarence Senanayake to dismiss the Antonians. The Antonians won the very next encounter (1948) at Katugastota where Dicky Dunuwilla taking 6 for 10 once again mesmerized the Trinitians and the Antonians since then have not looked back.

During the period 1947-1997 Trinity has registered four wins as against the Antonian tally of eight wins. Most Antonian victories (11) in the series have been registered during the period. Illustrious

The names of a few illustrious Antonian cricketers in the period come flooding to memory: A. L. M. Lafir 176 in 1954, Ronnie Stevens 120 in 1952 and 102 in 1954, S. W. Seneviratne 100 in 1958, Charlie Joseph 127 in 1960, F. Burke 145 in 1962, Vasantha Seneviratne 110 in 1964, Ralston Burke 165 in 1965, Randy Sims 101 in 1964, M. Dunuwilla 106 in 1970, Premalal de Silva 148 in 1973, Bernard Perera 155 in 1976.

Finally an interesting game of cricket is once again on the cards at Katugastota for the weekend.

Source :: Daily News (https://www.lanka.net)