Walala A Ratnayake Central College cricket team: Seated from left: Sahan Sithumina, H.A Chathuranga (MIC cricket), Chandupa Thejan (V.Capt),Dhammika Herath (Principal), Viraj Kularatne (Capt), A M.C.T Jayatilleka (MIC cricket), S.K Seelarathne (coach). Standing from left: Chamika Prabashwara, Dharshana Nissanka, Raveesha Sankitha, Thimira Sandamina, Praveen Gamage, Sadusha Weerakoon, Dineth Wijedasa, Gavesh Vimukthi, Desindu Ariyawansha, Malindu Pavan, Kavishka Nethmina, Pasan Weerasinghe, Nimantha Bandara, Mohammed Yoonus, Samindu Himasha, Dulanjana Bandera.
Walala A. Ratnayake Central College will meet Nugawela Central College in their 19th Battle of Blue and Gold annual cricket encounter which is scheduled to be held on April 26-27 at the Asgiriya Cricket Stadium Kandy.
The big match started in 2004 at the same venue Asgiriya Cricket Stadium while Nugawela Central led the series winning 5 matches and Walala A Ratnayake Central having 4 wins determined to equal the tally this time.
Walala Central won their last big match in 2019 defeating opponents by 9 wickets while Nugawela Central recorded their last big match win in 2022 defeating opponents by 5 wickets. This time both teams are equally balanced and a keen tussle is expected.
This time Walala Central is led by Viraj Kularatne while Nugawela Central is led by Rumesh Weerasinghe. Chandupa Thejan vice captain of Walala Central, Sahan Sithumina are their senior players while S.K Seelarathne the coach and Master in charges A.M.C.T Jayatilleka and H.A Chathuranga give good support to the team.
Meanwhile Nugawela Central vice captain Duminda Ekanayake, Pasindu Watagoda and Sadeepa Kaushal are key players and their coach Jaliya Wilathgamuwa and Master in charge Susantha Abeykoon give great strength to the side.
The Principal of Walala Central Dhammika Herath always tried to develop the school. This school has been named as a National Sport School and already produced several key athletes. Tharushi Karunaratne the Asian Games gold medalist is also a product of this school. They are still lack of facilities, especially the ground is small and not enough to play.
Nugawela Central Principal R.B.W.A.M.H Rajaguru and her staff always get good support from parents to develop school cricket while their intention is very clear to uplift the sports including cricket. Both schools wanted to maintain high discipline during this big match and get success. However both sides have to make positive approach to get a decision.
Dhammika Ratnaweera