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Umesh Karunaratne -first Thurstanite to win coveted Observer -Mobitel award

Post author By Editorial Team
Post date July 23, 2008
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CRICKET AWARDS: Two captains – Umesh Karunaratne of Thurstan College and Dinesh Perera of Tissa MMV, Kalutara, both fine allrounders, were the proud winners of the two main awards in the 30th Observer-Mobitel Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year All-Island and Outstation awards respectively at the awards ceremony held on Friday night.

Umesh Karunaratne – the Captain of Thurstan College was the Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year All-Island and Dinesh Perera was the winner of the Outstation Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year.

They were picked by the panel of umpires from the Association of Cricket Umpires (Sri Lanka), Central Province Cricket Umpires Association, Southern Province Cricket Umpires Association and Association of Cricket Umpires, Sri Lanka Kandy Branch.

Umesh Karunaratne becomes the first Thurstanite to win the coveted honour of Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year. The 20-year-old Umesh also won two other individual awards – runner-up Best Bowler and Best All-rounder and Thurstan also won the award for the best teams and the team was captained.

The 20-year-old Umesh, an GCE Advanced Level student at Thurstan College came into cricket in a big way and has played cricket from the age of 11 years. He captained the under 13, under 17 and first eleven teams.

The annual ?Big? cricket encounters against Isipatana has brought him great joy as he played in three encounters and last year won the Best Bowler?s award and was also received the Man of the Match award in the limited-over encounter in the same year.

Besides playing for Thurstan, his talent has been recognised at higher level and as a 15-year-old he represented Sri Lanka Schools in an under 15 cricket tournament in Malaysia in 2004, then he played in a under 19 tournament in Bangladesh in 2005 and in 2006 in Malaysia 2007 in the under 19 Tri-Nation Tournament where Bangladesh and India too played besides Sri Lanka and then played in the under 19 Tri-Nation Tournament where Pakistan and England too played besides Sri Lanka and finally played for Sri Lanka in the under 19 World Cup Tournament in Malaysia this year.

His batting has been the highlight and this season, he has scored 506 runs which included five half centuries. He has also bagged 89 wickets with his right-arm off-spinners. His best ?bowl? has been 7 for 40 against Maliyadeva and in that game, he had a match haul of 13 for 81. He had five-wicket hauls on eight occasions and a match-bag of 10 wickets twice.

He was also in the Sri Lanka Schools spin clinic managed by former Sri Lanka player Ruwan Kalpage.

He paid a grateful tribute to his school authorities and parents for encouraging him in the game and to his coaches who helped him along.

(http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2008/07/20/spo12.asp)

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Umesh and Dinesh take top honours

Post author By Editorial Team
Post date July 23, 2008
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Umesh Karunaratne (All-Island) of Thurstan College , Colombo and Dinesh Perera (Outstation) of Tissa Central College , Kalutara were adjudged the Observer-Mobitel Schoolboy Cricketers of the Year at the annual Mega Awards Show on Friday at the BMICH.

It was a night to remember as the most outstanding cricketers and teams of the 2007/08 inter-school season were presented with 34 glittering trophies and attractive cash awards at the 30th Observer-Mobitel Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year show, sponsored by Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel and hosted by the Sunday Observer, Sri Lanka ?s flagship English newspaper with the largest circulation.

It was a star-studded night with former Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year award winners ? Ranjan Madugalle, Arjuna Ranatunga, Sanath Jayasuriya and Muttiah Muralitharan adding colour to the much looked forward to event in the schools? sports calendar.

Chief guest Madugalle, who won the Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year award in its inaugural year in 1979 and ICC?s Chief Match Referee, said one could be the most brilliant cricketer in the world but no one is above the game.

Minister of Media and Information Anura Priyadharshana Yapa, Minister of Sports and Public Recreation Gamini Lokuge, Chairman of Sri Lanka Cricket Arjuna Ranatunga, Chairperson of Sri Lanka Telecom/SLT Mobitel, Mrs. Leisha De Silva Chandrasena, ANCL Chairman Bandula Padmakumara and Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel Chief Executive Officer Suren J. Amarasekera were the guests of honour.

Cricket News News Archive

OBSERVER-MOBITEL Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year 2008

Post author By Editorial Team
Post date July 23, 2008
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All-Island Contest

Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year – Winner Umesh Karunaratne (Thurstan College)

Runner-up: Geeth Kumara (Thurstan College)

Best Batsman – Winner: Madawa Warnapura (Nalanda)

Runner-up: Dimuth Karunaratne (St. Joseph’s College)

Best Bowler – Winner: Milan Fernando (S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia)

Runner-up: Umesh Karunaratne (Thurstan College) Best Fielder: Winner: Dinesh Chandimal (Ananda College)

Runner-up: Chirantha de Silva (Isipathana College)

Best Allrounder – Winner: Geeth Kumara ( Thurstan College )

Runner-up: Umesh Karunaratne ( Thurstan College )

Best Captain – Winner: Ruwantha Fernandopulle ( St. Joseph ‘s College)

Outstation Contest

Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year – Winner: Dinesh Perera (Tissa MMV, Kalutara)

Runner-up: Chathuranga de Silva (St. Aloysius College, Galle)

Best Batsman: Winner: Sarath Rangana Silva (Panadura Royal College)

Runner-up: Sanath Sameera Silva (President’s College, Kotte)

Best Bowler – Winner: Dinesh Perera (Tissa MMV, Kalutara)

Runner-up: Keshava Eranga (St. John’s Nugegoda)

Best Fielder – Winner: Dinudu Jayatilleke (St. Aloysius College, Galle)

Runner-up: Chamath de Silva (President’s College, Kotte)

Best Allrounder – Winner: Nipuna Ranasinghe (Ibbagamuwa Central)

Runner-up: Chathuranga de Silva (St. Aloysius College, Galle)

Best Teams All-Island

Winner: Thurstan College , Runner-up: Prince of Wales College, Moratuwa

Southern Province

Winner: St. Aloysius College, Galle , Runner-up: Mahinda College , Galle

Central Province

Winner: St. Sylvester’s College, Runner-up : Kingswood College Best Up and Coming Team

Sri Rahula MMV, Alawwa

Popular Cricketers

Most Popular Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year – All Island : Ruwantha Fernandopulle ( St. Joseph ‘s College)

Runner-up: Naveen Kavikara ( D.S. Senanayake College )

Most Popular Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year – Outstation: Rashitha Dilan ( Bandaranayake College , Gampaha)

Runner-up: Shehan Silva ( Joseph Vas College , Wennappuwa)

Cricket Big Match Cricket News News Archive

Thurstan Vs Isipathana 38th Encounter for the Abdul Jabbar Trophy match

Post author By Editorial Team
Post date July 15, 2008
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Thurstan Isipathana clash for the “Jabar” Trophy

Traditional Rivals Thurstan & Isipathana will clash for the annual Abdul Jabar shield on 26^th Thursday at the CR & FC grounds, this will be the 38^th encounter in the series that has been dominated by Isipatana from the inception. This year neither team is in the running for Championship honours which will make this game even more interesting. Excepting for 1975 where the match was drawn and in 2005 where Thurstan emerged victorious it has been Isipatana all the way. Thurstan & isipathana met each other for the first time in 1963 at the Havelock Park with Thurstan winning the match by 6 points to three. This was one of Thurstans finest seasons under the leadership of Deepal de Zoysa of CR & FC & Kandy SC fame. The honour of scoring the maiden try in the series rests with Vernon Caldera a Rugby player and cricketer of fame for Nondescripts Cricket club and the match winning drop goal was put over by Lionel Wickremasekera while Mantara scored Isipathana’s solitary try. In 1965 Isipathana under Ana Saranapala brought an end to Thurstan’s glory with a 17-0 win over a Thurstan team led by Indra Piyatissa that also had Sunil Jayakody (Dimbula), Sarath Fernando (CR & FC) and Srinath Gunasekera (University) at the CH & FC Grounds

In 1967 during the tenures of Principals P M Jayathileke (Thurstan) & Col G W Rajapakse (Isipathana) two distinguished educationists the match was elevated to a big match status for the Abdul Jabar Trophy. From the initial years this was a closely contested game, the inaugural match and the 1968 encounter were won by Isipathana with slender margins with Thurstan Place Kickers Tissa Nanayakkara and Diyanesh Rajaratnam missing vital penalties. However the period thereafter Isipathana displayed their superiority while Thurstan under the leadership of Tissa Wickramanayake drew 3 all in 1975. In 1993 Thurstan under Suranga kulawickrema almost turned the tables until Isipatana scrum half Bohoran stole a brilliant blind side try in the last minute to clinch the trophy. In 1998 Thurstan beat Isipathana in the presidents trophy knock out tournament but failed to wrest the “Jabar”. In 2005 Thurstan achieved their long cherished dream to engrave their name in the “Jabar” with a splendid win with skipper Amila Eranga playing a captains game.

Isipathana who began with a clean sweep in the sevens tournaments fared disastrously by losing to Trinity in their first encounter, though beating Royal Isipathana could not find their rhythm and failed to be in the contention for the league crown. Nevertheless Havelock town lads are a competent outfit with their skipper Dinesh Chaturanga and Vishwamitra Jayasinghe being outstanding players.

Thurstan who were relegated to B division enjoyed a moderate season winning four matches, drawing two and losing to group champs St Josephs & Ananda. It will be up to Thurstan Skipper Husseifa Adahan to come up with a improved performance and rise to the occasion on the big day. The commitment and dedication of.Thurstan’s Rugby committee comprising of past stalwarts Chula Dharmadasa, Milinda Ratnayake, Rear.Admiral Harsha Mayadune Suranga Kulawickrema and Mohan Fernando certainly promises a bright future for these lads who are yet forced to practice on their makeshift Ground of sorts at Thurstan Road

Ranjit Jayewardene a member of Deepal de Zoysa’s record breaking Thurstan team of 63 will be a special guest along with Wimal Kulatunga another of his team mates. Ranjit Jayawardena who paired off with Deepal de Zoysa as a wing forward Captained Colombo Schools in 1963 and was a leading member of the Havelocks Championshi, team of 1964 occupying the third row with Noel Brohier and Gamini Fernando. Ranjit was also selected to play for Ceylon Barbarians. Latterly he played for the University and Air Force. Wimal Kulatunga represented CR & FC in the mid sixties

Sunil Karunanayke.

Cricket Big Match Cricket News News Archive

Salgado the first 15’year-old to score a double ton in Limited Overs cricket

Post author By Editorial Team
Post date July 7, 2008
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Salgado the first 15?year-old to score a
double ton in Limited Overs cricket
by Reemus Fernando

Skipper Sajeewa Salgado hammered an unbeaten 208 in just 116 balls for Thurstan College to amass a massive 409 for six wickets and guide the team to a huge 262 run victory over St. John?s College, Nugegoda in the Inter School Under-15 Division I tournament match played at Thurstan College Grounds, on Saturday.

The 15-year-old scored 28 fours and seven sixes in his record setting knock which is the first double century scored in a limited overs match of the particular age group tournament.

The number four bat, combined with Ashan Wanigaratne, his deputy, for a valuable 150 run partnership for the third wicket and helped his team score the highest score of the on going Under-15 Inter School Limited Overs tournament. Thurstan scored 409 for six wickets, which is the highest score in the Limited Overs tournament in this age group.

“I am delighted to have scored the double ton,” said Salgado when ?The Island? contacted him. “I was asked by our coach Wasantha Sir (Warnasuriya) to go for a hundred. When I reached 150 I knew I could go for the double ton,” said Salgado.

“I achieved it only in the last over. My double century and the team?s 400 runs were at stake in the last over but I managed to pull both off with some big hits,” said Salgado.

Hailing from a cricketing family with his father (Thissa Salgado the former Thurstan opener) and elder brother (Charith Salgado former Royal batsman) having excelled in cricket at school, young Sajeewa Salgado too wants to make his mark in cricket. “I want to do well in cricket. If I could bat well and take the team to the tournament final, that would be fantastic,” he said.

Incidentally, it was Salgado?s second score of over 100 runs after he scored 102 not out against Mahanama College in an Inter School Under-13 tournament match in 2006.

Salgado represented the Sri Lanka School Cricket Association?s Under-14 and Under-15 in Malaysia in 2007 and 2008 and was the Man of the Match in the final in the 2007 Malaysian tour. In the Under-14 tournament in Malaysia Salgado picked up six wickets and aggregated 72 runs.

Salgado is incidentally the third school cricketer to have scored a double century in a limited overs match and Thurstan?s score is only the fourth score of over 400 runs in an Inter School Limited Overs match. In the Under-15 age group, their aggregate is the highest score and the only score over 400 runs.

pic

Name: Sajeewa Salgado

Date of Birth: 8 February 1993

Height: 5?5″

Weight: 60 Kgs

School: Thurstan College, Colombo

Batting Style: Right hander

Bowling: Right arm off spin

Team position: Captain Under-15 A team

Relatives: Thissa Salgado (father-former Thurstan opener)

Charith Salgado (elder brother-former Royal 2nd XI bat)

Cricket idols: Sanath Jayasuriya and Misba Ul-Haq

Highest score: 208 not out against St. John?s College Nugegoda

Junior Club teams: NCC and CCC

Current Junior Club team: CCC Under-15

Tournaments:

Under-13 Tournament 2006

Aggregated 367 runs with 102 not out against Mahanama College

Scores:

Thurstan College 409 for 6 in 50 overs (Sajeewa Salgado 208 n.o, Ashan Wanigaratne 72, Kavinda Wimalasiri 25, Manoj Perera 29; D. V. Jayashan 2/83)

St. John?s College Nugegoda 147 all out in 41.2 overs (G. R. Wanniarachchi 37, G.L. Udara 22, M. T. M. Fernando 32; Sajeewa Salgado 2/15)

Cricket News News Archive

THURSTAN CRICKET AT ITS BEST

Post author By Editorial Team
Post date July 3, 2008
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Dear Thurstanites,

Sri Lanka School Cricket Association (SLSCA) had announced Thurstan College 1^st XI cricket team as the best cricket team for year 2007/2008.

This is the first ever best team award that we received in the history of 56 years of cricket at Thurstan College.

Apart from that we are receiving the following outstanding individual prizes for year 2007/2008.

Lemonade Trophy

Best Team award

Geeth Kumara had been adjudicated as a Best All Rounder for his outstanding performance with the bat and the ball. Geeth had scored more than 1000 runs and captured more than 50 wickets.

Skipper Umesh Karunaratne had been adjudicated as a runner up Best bowler for his outstanding bowling capturing 92 wickets.

Observer – Bata Trophy

Best Team award

Geeth Kumara had been adjudicated as a Best All Rounder for his outstanding performance with the bat and the ball. Geeth scored more than 1000 runs and captured more than 50 wickets.

Skipper Umesh Karunaratne had been adjudicated as a runner up Best All rounder for scoring more than 500 runs with capturing 92 wickets to his tally.

Sri Lanka under 19 world cup cap Umesh Karunaratne had been adjudicated as School Boy cricketer of the year for 2007/2008 for his outstanding performance & leadership. This is the first time in history that Thurstan Cricketer being selected to receive this most prestigious school cricket award.

Apart from that Geeth Kumara had been adjudicated as Runner up School Boy cricketer of the year for 2007/2008 and this is the first time that school boy cricketer of the year and runner up school boy cricketer of the year been selected from the same school.

Definitely all credit should go to all the past Principals, POG?s, MIC?s, Cricket Secretaries, Coaches and present principal, POG, MIC, academic and non academic staff, Cricket coach, Old boys, parents and all the Members of Thurstan cricket for their tireless efforts.

Also Thurstan cricket got a Rs. 1.3 Million sponsorship with the help of distinguished old boy Noel Joseph who is a livewire of so many activities of OBU. This is the biggest sponsorship that we have ever got for any sport at Thurstan College.

Hope all the past and present Thurstanites will rally around with us to keep the momentum going on in years to come.

Cricket Cricket Big Match Cricket News News Archive

Cricket Big Match – Limited Over Match Special Awards

Post author By Editorial Team
Post date July 3, 2008
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THURSTAN VS ISIPATHANA LIMITED OVER MATCH FOR THE W. A. DE SILVA TROPHY

“ANUSHA PRIYANTHA DE ALWIS MEMORIAL TROPHY” for the Man of the Match (donated by his sorrowing parents in memory of their beloved son (Ex. Thurstan cricketer) killed in action in the Eastern province

ARAVINDA FERNANDO MEMORIAL TROPHY for the Best Batsman (Donated by his Team – Mates at Isipathana 1987-1990) (captain of Isipathana in 1990)

Cricket Cricket Big Match Cricket News News Archive

Cricket Big Match – Big Match Special Awards

Post author By Editorial Team
Post date July 3, 2008
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HARSHANA DEEPAL MEMORIYAL TROPHY for the MAN OF THE MATCH Donated by his family in memory of HARSHA DEEPAL CAPTAIN OF ISIPATHANA IN 1980

JAYANTHA PARANATHALA CHALLENGE TROPHY for the BEST BATSMAN Donated by Jayantha Pranthala CAPTAIN OF ISIPATHANA IN 1970 AND FIRST Isipathana TO REPRESENT SRI LANKA

MAHANAMA WILAYARATNE CHALLENGE TROPHY for the BEST BOWLER Donated by Mahanama Wijayaratne FIRST THURSTANITE CRICKETER TO TOUR ABROAD (National Schools Cricket Association Tour Australia in 1961)

Cricket News News Archive Overseas Branches

THE BIG MATCH (UK)

The London version of the Thurstan v Isipathana Big Match was played at Northwick Park on Sunday 22nd June 2008. It was great to see both schools producing players with so much talent.

On behalf of the OBA (UK), I wish to congratulate the Thurstan team for winning the match so convincingly. Our young Thurstanites worked hard at this with commitment and determination. It really was a win for both schools as the event brought out the best of all participants proving it to be a true example of sportsmanship, unity and harmony. It was hard to distinguish who belonged to which school as it was such a friendly affair. There was so much organisation and preparation and all that was done with whole hearted co-operation from both sides. We want to thank Isipathana for being such good sportsmen and for the brotherhood.

The evening get together provided further opportunity for comradeship and enjoyment. The music, the dancing, the food and the cordial atmosphere kept everyone going merrily into the late hours. There were also some talk of a joint musical evening during the year and that’s a great idea.

We wish to say a big “thank you” to both teams, the participants and the organisers for a wonderful day. This certainly should continue as an annual event.

Best wishes.

Lucky Panagoda

President – Thurstan College OBA ( UK )

Cricket Cricket Big Match Cricket News News Archive

Thurstan -Isipathana BIG MATCH Details held on the 29th Feb-1stMarch at the SSC

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Post date March 2, 2008
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Match Details

Isipathana 1st ings
141 for 10 in 80 overs

Thurstan 1st ings
201 for 7 in 42 overs

Indika Massalage 62

Isipathana 2nd ings
179 for 8 in 72 overs

D.Fernando 60 not out

Man of the match – D.Fernando – Isipathana College
Best Batsman – Indika Massalage – Thurstan College
Best bowler – G. Kumara – Thurstan College