Reviewed by Thehas Dayaratne (Web Content Team)
Trinity College Kandy’s 1st XI cricket team has once again proven why they belong at the top, delivering a stellar 2023/24 season that will go down in the Sporting history of TCK.
Competing in the Under 19 All Island Division 1 Tier A Tournaments, the team grabbed the One Day Championship while finishing as runners-up in the Two-Day tournament. Their incredible efforts were recognized at the U19 Schools’ Cricket Awards held on the 26th of September at the BMICH.
The One Day tournament was where Trinity stamped their authority. Out of 12 matches, they secured 11 victories, steamrolling their way to the final. In the intense championship game against St. Joseph’s College, Colombo, the boys held their nerve, clinching a nail-biting win by just 2 wickets. It was the kind of match that makes champions, with Trinity proving their mettle in the most pressure-filled moments.
Their Two-Day campaign was equally impressive. Winning 8 first innings out of 12 matches and securing one outright victory, the team displayed incredible consistency throughout the season. Though they lost the first innings in the final to Richmond College, their journey to the final showcased the immense strength of the squad.
The season saw standout performances, with Master Malith Rathnayake leading the bowling attack, taking an extraordinary 102 wickets over the course of the season. On the batting front, Master Viduka Dhammage was in a league of his own, amassing over 1,000 runs, cementing his place as the team’s top run-scorer.
This year’s squad featured a mix of experienced seniors and promising young talent:
1. Manula Kularatne (C)
2. Dinusha Peiris (VC)
3. Tharana Wimaladharma
4. Supun Waduge
5. Dinuka Tennakoon
6. Janith Warnakula
7. Viduka Dhammage
8. Malith Rathnayake
9. Vathila Udara
10. Dimantha Mahavithana
11. Pulisha Thilakaratne
12. Thisal Yapa
13. Ometh Bandara
14. Sweath Anurajeewa
15. Rajindu Thilakarathne
16. Viduneth Dhammage
17. Kaveen Gamage
18. Jayavi Liyanagama
19. Kavindu Jayaratne
Under the leadership of Captain Manula Kularatne and Vice-Captain Dinusha Peiris, the team grew stronger with every game. Head Coach Mr Naveen Ekanayake, alongside Assistant Coach Mr Lakshitha Alahakoon, Trainer Mr Bandula Pushpakumara, and Master-in-Charge Mr Bryan Senaratne, ensured the boys were ready to play their best.
Trinity’s triumph in the One Day format marked their second consecutive championship, proving that this squad isn’t just about individual talent but a well-oiled machine. This was a season built on hard work, unity, and a burning desire to win. The pride of the Lion roared loud, and as Trinity’s 1st XI moves forward, they carry the torch for future cricketing greatness at the school.
