Sri Lanka: Royal and Ananda under 17 joint champs (27 October 1998)

27 October 1998

Sri Lanka: Royal and Ananda under 17 joint champs

by Pelham Juriansz

Royal College Colombo and Ananda College, Maradana emerged Under 17 Division one Joint Champions for 1998 and the awards were presented at the Colourful Awards Nite held at the Kularatne Hall, at Ananda College, Maradana on September 25. The Chief Guests on the occasion were Hemaka Amarasuriya, Chairman, Singer (SRI Lanka) Ltd, and Mrs. Anoma Amarasuriya.

The Under 17 division two champions were Ananda Sastralaya-Kotte and the Runners Up trophy was bagged by Revata MMV Balapitiya. The Division Three Joint Champions were Basilica College, Ragama and Ibbagamuwa MMV.

The number of teams that entered the Under 17 Competition was 168 and 295 matches were played in the first round whereas 104 matches were played in the final round resulting in a total of 399 matches. The number of players who participated were 3360.

The Under 17 is indeed the cradle for the 1st eleven and clubs and finally the Sri Lankan National team.

The distinguished Chief Guest and other VIP's lit the traditional oil lamp at approximately 4.20 p.m. The Tournament was sponsored by Singer (Sri Lanka) Ltd. who have done yeoman service in the promotion of sports in this country.

Mr. H. L. B. Gomes, Principal of Royal College, and President of the Sri Lanka Schools Cricket Association speaking on the occasion warmly welcomed the chief Guest and other officials of the SLSCA. He paid a glowing tribute to all those who sacrificed much for the betterment of cricket in the country. He said that among the present lot of youngsters we might find future world champions in our midst. "This is indeed a historical occasion" he said. We might find amongst us future Aravindas, Jayasuriyas Mahanamas and Arjunas, to name a few.

Under 17 cricket has emerged out of the wilderness and now this tournament has become a major springboard for the 1st eleven teams.

The awards presentation was spiced with some excellent music by SEAC and Saman de Silva who kept the cricketers and the guests feet a tapping.

The skipper of the Royal College team Ruchira Jayasuriya (who also plays for the first eleven) was all smiles when receiving his award from Mrs. Anoma Amarasuriya.

The evening ended with the presentation of the Trophies to the winners of the 3 divisions.

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