Cricket continues to be one of the more popular sports in Seenigama, and draws sporting enthusiasts from the region in their numbers. Of recent, cricket in Seenigama has had heightened interest following the success and achievements of an outstanding cricketer from the region.

Talented youth Pulina and Anjana travel to Malaysia
for cricketing event

International Exposure
D.H. Ashan Pulina Tharanga from Devananda College, Ambalagoda was in Malaysia in October, to participate in a cricket coaching camp. A right hand bat and leg-spinner, he was the U-15 runner-up for Most Outstanding Cricketer at the Astra Cup Junior Cricket Tournament in 2007.  He represented the national Under-15 cricket team on a Malaysian Tour earlier this year as well.  

Pulina along with Anjana Lakshan Kudahetty of Royal College, Colombo - an all-rounder who has captained Royal College U-13 side in 2005 and was the vice-captain of their U-14 side in 2006, are attending the Australia-based Casey Cricket Coaching’s inaugural tour of Malaysia, where they will get an opportunity to international exposure and to improve their game.

Pulina’s and Anjana’s trip to Malaysia was coordinated by the Foundation of Goodness (FoG) and made possible thanks to kind sponsors from the UAE and Australia.

Under-13 matches
The Dubai Desert Cricket Academy was in Seenigama in August to play two friendly matches against a team from Sri Wimala Buddhi MV.

FoG’s founder/trustee Kushil Gunasekera at the launch
of the matches against the Dubai Desert Cricket Academy

The first match was a 25 overs game and was keenly contested. The host team won the toss, elected to bat first and went on to make 122 for 4 wickets.

The hosts won the game after bowling out the visitors in the return innings for 49 in 20.4 overs.

Matches between Sri Wimala Buddhi MV &
Dubai Desert Cricket Academy in Seenigama

Sri Wimala Buddhi MV’s luck held for the second match too which was 15 overs game. On this occasion the Dubai Desert Cricket Academy won the toss and opting to bat first, made 43 for 7. In reply, the host team reached 45 runs in just 7.4 overs.

Lakbima Cricket Tournament
More cricket – this report was filed by the Foundation of Goodness’ Sports Coordinator Gavinda Bolonghe.

Seenigama U-15 team plays in the
Lakbima National Cricket Tournament

The Seeigama U-15 cricket team participated in the Lakbima U-15 National Cricket Tournament - 2nd Division. The boys made it all the way into the quarter final. This was definitely an achievement as the team had been coaching for only 6 months prior to the tournament.

The first match of the 2nd division was held on 17 September at our very own Seenigama Oval against Madampagama Madya Maha Vidyalaya. A great performance by the Seenigama team saw all wickets down for 105 runs. They reached the target in 15 overs with 5 wickets in hand and moved on to the next stage of the tournament.

Another match of the Lakbima U-15
National Cricket Tournament gets underway

The second match they played was held on 22 September at Ambalangoda Public Grounds. This match was against Batapola Madya Maha Vidyalaya. Here, the Seenigama team made 112 runs for 7 wickets which saw them enter the quarter final stage of the tournament.

The third match on 24 September was played back again at the Seenigama Oval and was against Baddegama Kristu Deva Balaka MV. After a very exciting game the Seenigama boys lost the match and were knocked out of the tournament.

Not deterred by the turn of events, the Seenigama team says they were happy and encouraged to have made it so far in the tournament, and are grateful for competitive exposure gained.

“You can't put a limit on anything.
The more you dream, the farther you get.”
- Michael Phelps

2008.10.27