Deneth Priyanga does St John’s, Panadura proud

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St. John’s College Panadura cricket captain, Deneth Priyanga Peiris, came up with a a remarkable achievement in the 2023-2024 Under-19 Two-day School Cricket Tournament season. by passing the 1,000 run mark making him the second batsman in the school’s history to achieve this milestone.

Peiris, an 18-year-old right-handed batsman scored a total of 1,027 runs with an average of 48.9. Throughout the season, he played 13 matches and had 21 innings, including three centuries and eight half-centuries. His highest score was 127 against P de S Kularatne College. Ambalangoda

Among his notable performances, Peiris scored centuries against Lyceum International School Wattala in the quarter-final match and Galahitiyawa Central College. His top score of 127 against P de S Kularatne College Ambalangoda played a crucial role in their victory in the first-round match.

During the season, Peiris also led his team to victory against tough opponents like Kalutara Vidyalaya and Sri Devananda College Ambalangoda. He is currently preparing for the annual Big Match against Royal College Panadura, scheduled for April 26.

This achievement marks the second time a cricketer from St. John’s College Panadura has reached the 1,000-run mark, with Ashan Dilhara achieving it four years ago. Despite missing three matches last year, Peiris, who has been playing Under-19 cricket since the age of 15, scored over 800 runs.

“I am happy to score 1,000 runs. Coaches, parents, and all my teammates supported and helped me a lot. At the beginning of the season, I was determined to achieve this target. I am really happy,” said Peiris, who is in his fourth year of playing Under-19 cricket.

Udara Maddumage serves as the Head Coach of St John’s College Panadura, with Namal Lenora as the Master in Charge (MIC), and Mrs. YP Perera as the College Principal. Peiris’ accomplishment reflects the dedication and talent present in the cricketing community of St John’s College Panadura.

Sajeewa Jayakody