Quadrangle
Down Memory Lane, first published in Volume 01 of Quadrangle Magazine, December 2014
By Sujith Silva
Inspired by legendary individuals, sports teams of yesteryears and their marvels, I ventured into the golden years in search of those who excelled at Quadrangles and to share their stories.
We begin the journey with the Schools Cricket Season of 1957. While spending countless hours at the National Archives going through Old Ceylon newspapers and speaking to former Cricketers, including those who are surviving from the Old Ceylon era, I stumbled upon some of the household names of Cricket in Sri Lanka who stamped their class on the turf. Not to forget many leading civil servants and professionals in various fields, among them who first laid their hands on the Red Cherry back in the 50’s.
1957 Michael Tissera was leading St. Thomas’ College, Anurudha Polonnovita was steering Ananda College, Premasera Epasinghe was representing Nalanda College, Daya Sahabandu was making his debut for Royal College so did Lionel Fernando for St. Benedict’s. Anandian Sonny Yatawara was terrorizing the batsmen and later went on to clean bowl Sir Garfield Sobers. Ranjith Malawana was swinging the cherry at Darley Road, and Cecil Waidyaratne did that from Kotahena. Thomian Lareef Idroos was spinning a web with his leg breaks, whilst Royalist Mahinda Wijesinghe was putting batsmen on a spin with his slow turners. Ranjith Doranegama, Chandrasiri Weerasinghe, Neville Casiechetty, Darrel De Silva, L. Ebert and Ronald Reid were on a song with bats from Katugastotata to Mount Lavinia via Campbell Place and Bambalapitiya. Amidst all this, Benedictine Lovellyn Rayen, affectionately called as L.P steered St. Benedict’s College to become the ‘Unofficial Champions’, something St. Benedict’s couldn’t achieve for almost four decades since the early 20th century.
For better enjoyment, here I am sharing views from those who played in that season and also extracts from Ceylon Daily News columnists, Christie Seneviratne, who wrote under the guise of ‘The Yorker’. Christie Seneviratne was an outstanding schoolboy cricketer in the late 1930s from Wesley College. His critical reviews, mostly hard-hitting along with beautiful narrations on matches played, were a treat to read, and I hope it will be the same for the rest.
(Team Photographs with list)
St. Benedict’s College 1st XI
Lovellyn Rayen (captain), Neville Casiechetty (Vice Captain), Cecil Waidyaratne, Ranjith Jayewardene, Anslem Ludowyeke, Lasantha Fernando, Benjamin Silva, Elmo Rodrigopulle, Lionel Fernando, Neville
Wickremasinghe, Anton Abeysekera, Allan Gunesekera, Douglas Faux and Fritzroy Ponniah.
St. Joseph’s College 1st XI
Kirthi Caldera (Captain), Claude Perera, Priya Perera, Zacky Mohamed, Tissa de Soysa, Carlyle Perera, Emilton Fernando, Neville Jayawardena, Brian Berman, Peter Leanage, Ranjith Malawana, Derrick Francke, Angelo Rayen and J. Mustafa. Coach Michael Spittle
St. Anthony’s College 1st XI
Ranjith Doranegama (Captain), Adrian Berenger, Anton Rambukpotha, S.W. Seneviratne, A.H.Sherifdeen, Stephen Joseph, Ranjith Samarasekera, K. Thirunavakarusu, Charlie Joseph, Herath Banda, Michael Raj, Franco Rudolph, Brian Rambukpotha, Laskhman Algama, Sarath Panamuwa, Coach Robert Wright
St. Peter’s College 1st XI
Jayantha Fernando (Capt), Darrel De Silva, David Muthumani, Nihal Wijesena, Anton Paul Pillai, Brian Seneviratne, Premasiri Athukorale, Christie Marthalingam, Russel Duckworth, Lakshman Serasinghe (Vice Captain), Nihal Ranasinghe, Mitchael Rabot, Roy Dissanayake, S. Davoodbhoy, R Layman, N. Lutersz and Anton Perera.
St. Peter’s opened the 1st term with a match against St. Thomas’ on 11th January. Same time Royalists were hosting Ananda at Reid Avenue and St. Anthony’s were hosting Nalanda at Katugastota.
Peterites though managed to bowl out Thomians on the first day (162) with Anton Paulpillai grabbing 7 wickets for 57 runs they failed to capitalize on it and ultimately lost the game. Thus having an inauspicious start to their season and also giving Thomians their maiden win over Peterites. Royal on the other hand though being bowled out to a below par score in both innings (183 and 129) and was trailing Ananda on the first innings (240/7) almost pulled off a heist when Ananda were chasing 72 for victory in the 2nd innings. Royalist Mahinda Wijesena captured 04 wickets in consecutive balls and had Ananda in tatters (50/8) when bad light called off the play. Up in Katugastota, St. Anthony’s and Nalanda featured in a high scoring draw where Ranjith Doranegama and Chandrasiri Weerasinghe notched up centuries for respective schools.
“Benedictines set poser for their Coach”
Ceylon Daily News, 17th January introducing St. Benedict’s 1st XI
‘The cricket coach of St. Benedict’s College is in a quandary. There is so much talent that selecting the final team has set him a poser’
‘Like most Colleges this season, the accent has been laid on good fielding. The batting strength goes down as far as number eleven and the bowling is capable of upsetting the best batting sides’
‘Leading the team is third year L.P.Rayen, a keen student of the game and an intelligent lad. This versatile sportsman is a sound middle batsman, who scored a century last season. A brilliant field, he is bound to be a source of inspiration the side. He is also a penetrative off spin bowler.’
‘One of the best, most accurate and menacing medium pace bowlers in the schools today, Cecil Waidyaratne is certainly an asset to the team’
‘Some of the catches taken by Ranjith Jayawardena during last season have still not left the minds of those who saw them’
‘If this youngster (Neville Casiechetty) can only adopt his temperament to suit his batting potential, he will be one of the hardest batsmen to get out’
‘Pin sized Elmo Rodrigopulle is expected to be among the wickets this season with his right arm leg spinners. He is a dependable bat at any position’
‘Choosing the eleventh man is the coaches’ headache’
St. Benedict’s under L.P. Rayen stepped out for the first time for the 1st term against a formidable St. Thomas’ 1st XI captained by Michael Tissera which had one of the finest leg spinners in the schools cricket, Lareef Idroos.
BOWLERS WILL REVEL ON SODDEN WICKETS, Ceylon Daily News (18th January’1957)
Thomians are favourites against St. Benedict’s
‘The Yorker’ predicted Michael Tissera’s boys will have upper hand after Thomians crushed the Peterites a week earlier at Mt. Lavinia. On top of it, this game was to be played on turf wicket and it was going to be a challenging experience for the Lovellyn Rayen and his team who are used to play cricket on matting wickets at Kotahena.
However after the first day’s play, Sports Correspondent of Ceylon Daily News posted the following as their Sport Headline on Saturday 19th January’1957.
Benedictines are well on top
THOMIANS TOTTER AT MT.LAVINIA
Six crash for 48 in reply to 171
St. Benedict’s after dominating the first day’s play went onto create a major upset as they brought down the fancied Thomians to record their first win for the 1st term. In reply to St. Benedict’s modest score of 171 in the first inning, St. Thomas’ were bundled out to 74 with a deficit of 97 runs. Benedictines scored a quick fire 74 runs in their 2nd inning and set a victory target of 171 for Thomians to reach in the later in the Saturday afternoon. Thominas were then bowled out for 114 runs giving St. Benedict’s a 57 run win.
‘The Yorker’ in his weekly School’s Cricket Review ‘Schools Cricket Inquest by The Yorker’ which was published on every Wednesday had this to say (23rd January 1957, Ceylon Daily News);
‘The Benedictines outplayed their opponents in every department of the game. It was only on the day of the match I heard that the Benedictines had a serious training camp at the College during the vacation. Discussions, lectures, practical work and theory and film shows formed part of this resident camp. Can one, therefore, expect such a side to do badly?’
‘It is seldom that I get the opportunity of saying only complimentary things about a team. I have looked for their faults, but found nothing. If they can only improve their batting, then they will take a lot of beatings’
‘With no ‘Stars’ to adorn the team, not much was expected of them this season. They have made me sit up now. What they lacked in ‘Stars’ they made up by excellent team work and rare fighting quality’
On the following week, St. Benedict’s was hosting Royal which was captained by Michael Willie a side packed with fresher’s but still had the likes of Samarasinghe brothers, Mahinda Wijesena, Daya Sahabandu. A close game was expected after Royal had better of Ananda College captained by Anurudda Polonnovita in their first encounter. However Bens after toppling the Thomians, were the fancied team.
After first day’s play at Kotahena, Ceylon Daily News 26th January reported following on their Sports Page.
Benedictines batter Royal attack
‘The Benedictines made merry at the expense of the Royal bowlers for 230 minutes to rattle up 322 for the loss of four wickets and then proceed to peg the Royalists down to 63 for 3 in 90 minutes of play at Kotahena’
During those days game was played (1st term two day games) from 12.00 noon onwards with a short break for Milk (Tea Break) coming in midway with close of play scheduled for 6.00pm (or till light stands good) on each day. Royal 1st XI was bowled out for 202 in the 2nd innings on Saturday (26th January) and asked to follow on Royalists batted out rest of the day for a draw while putting up 111/3.
Schools Cricket Inquest by The Yorker, Ceylon Daily News 30th January;
‘Enterprise part of the Benedictine batsmen paid them big dividends’
‘Lionel Fernando was most unfortunate to miss his hundred. This lad has already proved his worth in the two games. Neville Casiechetty paying scant respect to the bowlers hit up 63 in his usual gay, cavalier fashion while Anslem Ludowyeke though patient at first, scored an attractive 76.’
‘I had the misfortune to sit and painfully watch one of the slowest innings when Michael Dias scored a painstaking 53 on the second day for Royal’
‘It was a glorious first day marred by colourless second.’
St. Joseph’s College 1st XI under Kirthi Caldera’s captaincy stepped out for their first game of the 1st term and hosted St. Benedict’s at Darley Road on 1st & 2nd February’1957. On the same weekend St. Peter’s hosted Anthonians at Bambalapitiya. ‘St Joseph’s recovered after a poor start’ said the Sports Headline on Ceylon Daily News (2nd February 1957) after the first day’s play. Joes were at one time down at 3 wickets for 30 on board and then rescued by a stubborn partnership of 87 runs between captain Kirthi Caldera and Zacky Mohamed that helped Josephians to put up 217 on board. Neville Wickremasinghe captured 6 for 49 for Benedictines. Bens on their turn, went passed the Joes by scoring 229 runs on the second day with Fitzroy Ponnaiha, Lasantha Fernando and Neville Casiechetty contributing with the bat. Josephians then scored 118/6 on the 2nd innings but took time to declare which was late in the afternoon as they gave Benedictines 106 to win in less than 40 minutes left to play. Bens took up the challenge and went for the chase but only managed to score 34 runs with 4 wickets down. The Yorker (Ceylon Daily News 6th February 1957) called the game ‘As expected this game gave the big crowd a rare batting treat when the bowlers took the honours during the weekend matches’.
Meanwhile at Bambalapitiya, St. Anthony’s 1st XI led by Ranjith Doranegama bounced back after being shot out for 92 in the first day to record an exciting 52 run win over Peterites after Peterites were set a victory target of 126 runs to get in the final session.
Then it was the turn for Antonians to host Benedictines at Katugastota on 9th and 10th February. Game was expected to be a closely contested affair. On the first day Antonians were bowled out for 134 and Bens were at 124/4 at the close of play. Ceylon Daily News reported on Saturday morning ‘Wickremasinghe wrecks Antonian batting’ as Neville Wickremasinghe ran through the Antonian top order to finish with 5 wickets. Benedictines went onto pile up massive 312 runs and then in return Antonians did better by scoring 373/5 with captain Ranjith Doranegama scoring a well struck 152* and match fizzling out to a tame draw.
On the same weekend Josephians hosted Royal College at Darley Road where Josephian last pair managed to salvage a draw from a certain defeat. The Royalists had the upper hand when they scored 180 in their first innings and bowled out Josephians to a paltry 89. Then on the 2nd innings they set Joes a victory target of 185 and by the final hour of the second day match was seemed heading for a tame draw when Joes opted to play safely. However with a dramatic turn of events, Josephians lost four quick wickets in the last half an hour and it was upto the final Josephian batting pair to steer them home safely.
Peterites failed hold on to their first innings lead of 33 runs against Zahira and then unexpectedly stumbled to a 5 run loss in their 2nd innings chasing 77 runs to victory. This was their 3rd loss on the trot.
Following week (15th & 16th February) Antonians played against Darmaraja at Lave view . Antonians put up massive 331 runs on the board with Ranjith Doranegama (93), Sherifdeen (64), Berenger (53), Charlie Joseph (33) and Ranjith Samarasekera (30) all making contributions. Rajans were skittle out for 127 and in the 2nd Innings they were struggling at 95/7 when match was called off. Sherfideen captured 3/18 in the 1st innings and Seneviratne took 4/10 in the 2nd Innings. Ceylon Daily News reported ‘Rain Robbed Antonians of a certain victory’.
St. Joseph’s took on St. Thomas’ at Darley and an exciting game was on the cards with both sides having a fine batting line up and equivalent bowling attack too. However, Thomians snatched victory after bowling out Josephians twice with Lareef Idroos enjoying a match bag of 10/83.
Peterites after losing three games in a row, for the first time in their history, hosted Ananda who were led by left arm leg spinner Anurudda Polonnovita at Bambalapitiya. Newspapers predicted another tough game for Peterites with Anandians favoured to win it. However, Jayantha Fernando’s boys who were bowled out for modest 163 in their 1st innings fought back to bowl out Ananda for 139 runs with Peterite spin duo Russell Duckworth (3/33) and Mitchell Rabot (3/37) causing much damage. However once again Peterites folded in their 2nd inning, which was a custom by then, but managed to salvage a draw as Anandians didn’t have time to chase 118 runs for victory.
St. Benedict’s were visitors at Kurunegala when St. Anne’s hosted them on a day match and Bens recorded an easy win with L.P. Rayen leading from front with bat and ball by scoring 107 not out and taking 5/16 in the 2nd innings of Annites.
During the same weekend Nalanda hosted Royal at Campbell Park and took major honours in a drawn game after bowling out Royalists for 110 runs Palitha Premasiri taking 8/49 and yet again Chandrasiri Weerasinghe the Nalanda skipper was on fine form with bat in scoring 136 in their score of 243/4. Royal in their 2nd innings scored 204/7 by the end of play. Wesley took honours in their drawn game against Trinity which was marred by rain. L. Ebert scored 112 in their score of 268/8 and Nimal Maralanda scored 52 in Trinity’s score of 106/6.
St. Anthony’s College Katugastota travelled down to Colombo to meet Ananda College at Campbell Place on 23rd and 24th February. Antonians were clear favourites with Ranjith Doranagama in fine form with the bat. However it was Charlie Joseph who took the batting honours with 80 runs not out in the 1st innings. Antonians won on 1st innings as match ended in a draw.
Peterites after showing some signs of improved performances were predicted to do well when they hosted Royal at Bambalapitiya. Alas, they couldn’t prevent their 2nd innings miseries as for the 4th consecutive weekend (and same number of matches) Peterites were bowled out for less than 100 runs in the 2nd Innings and not surprisingly lost the match too.
St. Joseph’s after beaten by Thomians managed to bounce back with a win on their match against Wesley College which was played at Campbell Park with Priya Perera grabbing a match bag of 11/102.
With Trinity – Antonian Big match not being held for the 2nd year running, Trinity hosted St. Thomas’ in Kandy with Old Boys from both schools joining hands and making arrangements to play the match under carnival atmosphere. However, Trinitians wouldn’t have enjoyed the results as they were thrashed by Thomians by innings and 76 runs. Ronald Reid scored 93 in St. Thomas’ score of 383/6 and only Nimal Maralanda a fine ruggerites, if not one of the best country as seen showed some fighting skills on cricket field for Trinity as he batted alone in both innings with scores of 86* (in 1st innings total of 170) and 39 (in 2nd innings total of 137). Michael Tissera took 5/39 in Trinity’s 2nd innings.
These Inter College Cricket Matches – Just What is their Aim?
School Cricket Review by The Yorker, Ceylon Daily News, 27th February’1957
The writer made these points presumably after witnessing teams loosing the values of gamesmanship and some matches failing to produce any results. Here are some extracts;
“Are these inter collegiate cricket matches serving the purpose for which they are played? I have my doubts! Accent appears to have been laid for too much on winning or making a draw of the game, and not fostering the ideals of friendly rivalry among the teams”.
On the review on week’s performances
‘One of the greatest recoveries we have seen this season was the Antonian one, thanks to that shy youngster, Charlie Joseph.’
‘As expected this Ananda-Antonian game at Campbell Place provided many thrills.’
‘Once again a drab and weak-kneed batting display and a putrid fielding exhibition contributed to get another Peterite defeat.’
St. Benedict’s who were on a roll under L.P.Rayen hosted St. Peter’s on 1st & 2nd March at Kotahena while St. Anthony’s hosted St. Joseph’s at Katugastota.
Ceylon Daily News, 2nd March’1957
“Benedictines played bright cricket”
‘But the Peterites did not disgrace themselves and gave the best performance upto date.’
‘Liyanage (Leanage) in devastating spell’
St. Benedict’s recorded a 1st innings win over St. Peter’s as the match ended in a draw with Captain Lovelyn Rayen and Neville Casiechetty scoring half centuries for Bens in their score of 254 and Benjamin Silva capturing 4/13 when bowling out Peterites for 151. On their 2nd Innings Jayantha Fernando’s boys batted well as Peterites scored 257/6 at the close of play with Jayantha Fernando (82), Darrell De Silva (70) and Brian Seneviratne (85*) scoring half centuries.
At Katugastota, St. Joseph’s recorded a 1st innings win over St. Anthony’s as Josephian pace bowler Peter Leanage caused major damages to strong Antonian batting line up in the 1st inning with a 7 for 35 runs as Antonians were bowled out for 146. Zacky Mohamed propelled Josephian batting with 76 runs in their 1st innings score of 184. Antonians fought back in the 2nd innings by scoring 284/8 with Ranjith Doranegama notching up another century.
On the same weekend Royal hosted Trinity at Reid Avenue and took major honours in their drawn game as they managed to bundle out Trinity for 162 after scoring 291 runs in the 1st inning. Trinity following on was badly placed at 86/5 at the close place.
Pictures from School Cricket Inquest – by The Yorker, Ceylon Daily News 6th March.
Unbeaten St. Benedict’s College hosted another unbeaten side, Nalanda College at Kotahena on 8th & 9th March.
“Two strong batting sides have it out” Ceylon Daily News, 8th March.
‘Both the Benedictine and Nalanda batting sides have been going great guns this season and we have yet to see them putting up a bad show.’ ‘Bowlers are bound to have a tough time.’
The match was a contest between bats and it ended in a draw but Bens recorded a 1st innings win. St. Benedict’s proved they have the best batting line up in the season as they scored 306 runs and overpowered Nalanda’s 1st inning of 243/6 which was largely built on their star performer and Captain Chandrasiri Weerasinghe’s knock of 127 runs.
Trinity travelled down to Colombo again as they were the visitors at Darley Road when St. Joseph’s under Kirthi Caldera hosted them. St. Joseph’s recorded a 1st innings win with Ranjith Malawana capturing 7 for 45 runs and Zacky Mohamed scoring 89 runs. Trinity’s M. Kurukulasuriya scored 101 in their 2nd innings score of 186/9. St. Anthony’s College Katugastota faced their name sake St. Anthony’s College from Wattala in their one day game on the same weekend and had an easy win.
On the weekend of 15th & 16th March, St. Benedict’s hosted St. Sebastian’s Moratuwa at Kotahena, St. Anthony’s hosted hometown rivals Kingswood.
St. Benedict’s enjoyed a win over St. Sebastian’s with Benedictine Neville Casiechetty (70) and Lasantha Fernando (86*) scoring fine half centuries and Cecil Waidyaratne claiming 4/20. Antonians meanwhile managed to beat Kingswood. Ranjith Samarasekera with twin half centuries along with another half century by Ranjith Doranegama and five wicket haul by Stephen Joseph helped Antonians in their cause.
While the Battle of Blues between Royal and St. Thomas’ taking place at Colombo Oval on 22nd & 23rd March St. Peter’s hosted Nalanda at Bambalapitiya.
The Battle of the Blues was a battle between Ronald Reid (of St. Thomas’) and Michael Willie (of Royal) as both batsman stall the limelight in the drawn game. However Thomians under Michael Tissera’s captaincy had the satisfaction of enjoying the 1st innings win. The biggest surprise of the weekend, most probably of the season, came from Bambalapitiya. Peterites were expected to go for a leather hunt against Nalandians at Bambalapitiya with Nalanda’s skipper Chandrasiri Weerasinghe enjoying fine season with bat. However Jayantha Fernando had other ideas and strong Nalanda batting line up was curtailed to 165 runs by Peterites thanks to Lakshman Serasinghe who returned to competitive cricket after missing few games due to an injury and grabbed 3 wickets for 31 runs. Peterites amassed 331/7 in their 1st innings with Jayantha Fernando (79), Brian Seneviratne (70) and Lakshman Serasinghe (90) stroking well for Petes. Nalanda was struggling at 111/9 in their 2nd innings when bad light ended the game and saved face.
School Cricket Inquest –by The Yorker, Ceylon Daily News 27th March
‘What a surprise the Peterites gave the Nalandians! Labeled the ‘weakest team this season’, at the outset they came out with flying colours to very nearly beat one of the strongest schoolboys eleven. The match in itself provided two days of fine cricket and above all, it was played in the right spirit.’
Meanwhile while most of the schools were playing or preparing to play their Big Matches, St. Benedict’s College, which did not have a Big Match in their schools fixture till then though Benedictines started playing Cricket in 1890’s and were among the handful of schools to play competitive Cricket in Sri Lanka, opened up a new chapter in their Cricketing annals. Benedictines inaugurated a big match and took on a combined team comprised of Cricketers from their ‘Sister’s Schools’ managed by Lasalian Brothers. Namely St. Sebastian’s (Moratuwa), St. Mary’s (Chilaw), St. Anne’s (Kurunegala), St. Anthony’s (Wattala) and De La Salle College (Mutwal). Match was played at Kotahena on 30th March and it was a one day game.
‘Yet another big match is inaugurated, St. Benedict’s Vs Combined Sister Colleges’, Ceylon Daily News 27th March.
St. Benedict’s had the distinction of winning their first Big Match against Combined Sister College team.
St. Peter’s hosted Wesley at Bambalapitiya, their final match before the Big Match. Peterite Darrell De Silva notched up a century in this drawn game.
Ananda – Nalanda Big Match was played on 30th & 31st March. It was expected to be a battle between fearsome pace bowler of Ananda, Sonny Yatawara and fine batsman of Nalanda Chandrasiri Weerasinghe. Sonny Yatawara was regarded as one of the, if not the greatest fast bowler of late 1950s. He used to terrorize batsmen with his fast and fiery express bowling same time Nalanda captain Weerasinghe was amongst the leading run scorers of the season tormenting bowlers. Though Nalanda College was firm favourites with their impressive record leading up to the Big Match, Ananda College under Anuruddha Polonnowita grabbed honours in this drawn game.
School Cricket Inquest –The Yorker sums up, Ceylon Daily News 3rd April
‘The match of Chandrasiri Weerasinghe’ and ‘The Battle of missed catches’
‘The other Big Match which I saw for a brief period was the St. Benedict’s versus Combined Sisters’ Colleges game at Kotahena. What struck me most forcibly the wealth of talent in outstations. Some of the bowlers seen in action that day could compare very favourably with those in Colombo, could be even better.’
‘The Benedictines scored a thrilling victory in a race against the clock and registered the first win in this inaugural fixture’
‘The Benedictines fielded admirably to end a fine season unbeaten and with an enviable record!’
‘A week to go and the Selectors get a headache’
‘First for the list of batsmen, I cannot see a Combined Colleges side without Ronald Reid (St. Thomas’), Chandrasiri Weerasinghe (Nalanda), Ranjith Doranegama (St. Anthony’s) and Neville Casiechetty (St. Benedict’s) that would make four places. L.P.Rayen (St. Benedict’s) and Lasantha Rodrigo (Prince of Wales) should fight it out for another batsman’s place. Personally I would choose Rayen for his ability to lead the team’.
The schools Cricket season for 1957 came to an end with the Joe-Pete being played at the Colombo Oval on 5th & 6th April. St. Joseph’s went in as clear favourites with St. Peter’s having a dismal season barring the matches played at the latter part of the season which gave some solace to Peterites.
‘Josephians, Peterites have string batting, weak bowling, so……..RUNS APLENTY AT THE OVAL – BARRING RAIN. Result? – It’s a toss – up’. By the Yorker , Ceylon Daily News 5th April
‘Fighting fifth wicket stand after 64/4. Josephians stage a fine recovery, gallant 99 by Caldera.’ Ceylon Daily News 6th April.
The match ended in a draw with St. Joseph’s recording a 1st innings win with Josephian skipper Kirthi Caldera being unfortunate to miss out on a century by getting out on 99 to the bowling of Russell Duckworth. Carlyle Perera (77) and Emilton Fernando (53) scored for Josephians (1st innings 298) and Ranjith Malawana took 8 wickets for 57 runs in dismissing Peterites for 192. Peterites following on did better than expected with Jayantha Fernando (81) and Darrel De Silva (59) and Premasiri Athukorala scoring his second fifty (52) of the game (85 in 1st innings) to ensure Peterites reached a respectable score of 246 all out at the end of play.
After the final week of Schools cricket matches the selectors picked the Combined Schools XI to face the touring Madras Cricket Association XI on 16th & 17th April at SSC Grounds at Maitland Crecent, Colombo 07. The players were;
Lasantha Rodrigo (Prince of Wales) as Captain, M. Anwar (Zahira), Neville Casiechetty (St. Benedict’s), Ranjith Doranegama (St. Anthony’s),L. Ebert (Wesley), Ranjith Malawana (St. Joseph’s), E.L Pereira (Royal), Anuruddha Polonnowita (Ananda), Ronald Reid (St. Thoams’), Chandrasiri Weerasighe (Nalanda), Sonny Yatawara (Ananda), Darrell De Silva (St. Peter’s), Larif Idroos (St. Thomas’) and Cecil Waidyaratne (St. Benedict’s). Later on M. Anwer was replaced by Josephian skipper Kirthii Caldera as former opted out from the squad due to holy month of Ramazan.
School Cricket Inquest –The Yorker sums up, Ceylon Daily News 10th April
‘Cricket season ends, schools fielding and batting under par’
‘The Schools Cricket Association selectors have done a good job of picking the Combined Colleges team to meet Madras Cricket Association. I do not agree, however with the selection of the captain. I would have preferred the Benedictine skipper L.P.Rayen. Anyway the selection has now been made.’
‘It was only fitting that the Josephian Peterite have ended the season. What Cricket it was during the two days. The capacity crowd on both days were treated to a rare exhibition of batting and of course deplorable fielding especially on the 1st day.’
It was announced, six school boys were picked to represent Ceylon Cricket team for their tour of Malaya. This included Sonny Yatawara (Ananda), Chandrasiri Weerasinghe (Nalanda), Ronald Reid (St. Thomas’) and Neville Cassiechetty (St. Benedict’s) and team was expected to be captained by Sathi Coomaraswamy of Tamil Union.
Benedictines under L.P.Rayen ended the season as the ‘Unofficial Schools Cricket Champions for 1957’ after being unbeaten (even on 1st innings) with Ananda College and Nalanda College coming as second best followed by St. Thomas’ College.
Memories of Lakshman Serasinghe a versatile sportsman from St. Peter’s also captained College 1st XV in 1956, reputed for his left arm swing bowling and a hard-hitting batsman. Now domiciled in Australia, enjoying the sunset of his life.
‘I played for College between 1954 to 1957 as an all rounder. We had a fine team in 1957, but did not play well during that season and lost few games badly, like losing to St. Thomas’ for the first time and then St. Anthony’s (Katugastota), Royal and Zahira. Jayantha, Darrel, Russell, Brian and Anton were some of the outstanding players we had. I was the Vice Captain and I was injured during themed season and missed some matches. Clive Inman who captained the College in 1955 was our coach at the beginning of the season and halfway through Maurice Perera took over the coaching role. I think we played well towards the latter part of the season, including the Joe Pete Big match where match ended in a draw. I remember the game against St. Benedict’s which was played at Kotahena and it ended in a draw. Bens had some fine bowling unit with Cecil (Waidyaratne) was bowling really fast and swinging the ball well along with L.P Rayen and Neville (Wickremasinghe). Lionel (Fernando) and Neville Casiechetty batted well for Bens. When it came to the Big Match, all predicted that we will struggle and Josephians to do well as we had a poor season compared to Joes. Then we surprised all by drawing the match after being asked to follow on. Premasiri Athukorala played really well in both innings and also Jayantha Fernando’.
Memories of Peter Leanage
I played for St. Joseph’s from 1955 to 1957 and Mr. Malcom Spittle was our Senior Coach. I left College after 57 with two more years left as I joined Royal Navy at the age of 16. I still remember, back in 55’ when Mahinda De Silva was the captain of St. Joseph’s, people got to know me as a fast bowler after the game against Royal College. I was the opening bowler along with Tony Buhar and was given the choice of picking the new ball from a box of balls. I picked a ball which fitted my hand nicely and started to bowl. I found I’m getting a good swing and pace. Soon I managed to grab 4 Royal wickets in my first spell. Royal 1st XI was all out in the 1st day and I realized that I have picked the wrong ball. It was an Under 16 Cricket Ball (a small size leather ball) and that’s why I managed to ball like a demon. Following day Sports Pages carried ‘Peter Leanage Schools Fastest Bowler’. At the close of first day’s play Mahinda got to know that we used the wrong ball. Then on the 2nd Day, rain interrupted play and all expected the match to be drawn with two innings to play. Then Mahinda called us and said, because of the ball incident, we should in true ‘Josephian Spirit’ give this match to Royal and he forfeited our 2nd Innings and informed umpires to walk into the middle and we followed. No one expected this decision as Royal had to score only 80 odd runs to win within couple of hours. They scored and won the match. Next day, all pages praised us and our ‘Josephian Spirit’. I do not think, any present day team would take such a call in true gamesmanship.
I remember the match against St. Anthony’s at Katugastota where I got 7 wickets. Antonians had Ranjit Doranegama, a fine batsman. I managed to use the early morning conditions well to swing the ball and our slip fielders and the keeper had a time behind the stumps. This is because it was a cold and misty day. Michael Berman used to recall that game as he had a hard time behind the stumps. Also I remember playing against St. Benedict’s with Neville Casiechetty and LP Rayen coming to my mind. Among the big matches, I remember my 1st Big match in 54’ where we all went on a leather hunt with Peterite Clive Inman scoring a double century. Then in 55 we lost it badly but bounced back in 56’ when Peterite captain Ken Duckworth declared and gave us 90 runs to score in the final hour and we scored it with few more overs left. From the 56/57 seasons some players I may recall Ferdinand, Idroos and Tissera from St. Thomas’, Jayantha Fernando, Duckworth brothers and Lakshman Serasinghe from St. Peter’s and among the Josephians Malcom Francke, Malcom Berenger, Michale Berman, Ranjit Malawana, Kirthi Caldera were some outstanding players
Memories of Professor Sherifdeen
‘Back in those days, I was a small made boy, a left hand batsman and a spinner. I got the break to play 1st XI when I was Under 15 (1955) as some of the seniors including Lafir was sitting for their SSC (GCE O/L) and the young players were drafted in until the seniors returned for 3rd term games. I made the debut against St. Thomas’ (1955) during a 3rd term match and managed to take two wickets on my first game. Once the seniors returned, I was retained in the squad, maybe since I performed well against St. Thomas’. I played for St. Anthony’s 1st XI between 1955-1958, John Halangoda was a coach a mentor who shaped most of us at junior level. He used to throw a coin on the pitch near the batting crease and asked us to bowl targeting that. We had to hit it 6 out of 6 balls. This was a must for all bowlers. Then at 1st XI, during late 50’s our coach Robert Wright used to put importance on our fielding. So we were a good fielding unit and I specialized on slip fielding.
It was a memorable experience to play under Ranjith Doranegama in 1957. He was a cheerful character, inspirational leader, always motivated us and kept the team as a united bunch. While he is batting, it was a sight for the eyes, stylish and master of cover drive. Our top order was really strong. Most of the time Ranjith (Doranegama), Anton (Rambukpotha) and S.W. Seneviratne does the bulk of the batting and bat long so rest assured that we would not needed to bat (from No. 05 down) but this puts pressure on bowling attack. Adrian Berenger and Stephen Joseph was our opening bowling attack.
I remember the match against St. Benedict’s which was played at Katugastota. Neville (Wickremasinghe) and Cecil (Waidyaratne) bowled us out cheaply. Cecil was outstanding, a smooth run up and a beautiful action and then he swings the ball. Then Lovellyn (L.P.Rayen) played beautifully and they scored more than 300 runs. On our 2nd innings, we all batted well and Ranjith Doranegama scored a quick fire century. An amazing inning, less than run a ball century. I remember playing really well against Dramaraja as I was just bowling floaters and their batsman couldn’t read it so I picked up wickets. Then the game against Ananda at Campbell Place was a memorable one too. On the first day, after we got out (204 runs) it was Ananda’s turn to bat late in the afternoon. I started to bowl and used to vary the deliveries as I noticed the conditions of the matting would help me. In fact Ananda spinners bowled well on the same matting, including Anurudda Polonnovita who noticed that I was using the conditions of the matting to bowl really well. Ananda players were struggling and I managed to grab 03 quick wickets. Unfortunately lights were fading and umpires called of the play for the day. Come the 2nd day, when we walked to the middle we noticed the matting was put quite loosely. So when I started to bowl again I couldn’t get the same bite or the grip from the surface which I got on the previous day. I went wicket less and when Ranjith called in fast bowlers, they managed to use the conditions and take wickets and we managed to bowl them out cheaply. The game against St. Joseph’s too well remembered for the opening spell of bowling by Peter Leanage who used the early morning conditions quite well and troubled us. During the Milk (Tea Break) our discussion was how to face Peter Leanage and counter his swinging deliveries. The game those days was played in true spirit and we enjoyed it, it was not about a competition. I wonder present day boys enjoy their game like we did’
Memories of Mitchell Rabot
It was a memorable year, as most Colleges had elite sporting talent, with some players already established in club cricket. St. Peter’s College was captained by Jayantha Fernando, a brilliant sportsman and one of a rare privileged few to captain the College in four different sports; rugby, tennis, athletics and cricket.
The list of rival captains in 1957 were, Lasantha Rodrigo (Prince of Wales), Michael Tissera (St. Thomas’), Ranjit Doranegama (St. Anthony’s), M. Joonos (Zahira), Anurudha Polonnovita (Ananda), Michael Willie (Royal), L.P.Rayen (St. Benedict’s), Harold Juriansz (Wesley), Chandrasiri Weerasinghe (Nalanda) and Kirthi Caldera (St.Joseph’s). They were brilliantly talented and formidable leaders and most of them played premier club (while playing schools cricket), Mercantile and later represented All Ceylon teams as well. I was quite privileged to have played against them and later in club and Mercantile cricket.
It was a disappointing season, with St. Peter’s winning one and loosing four of the 12 matches. As I read through the old cricket memorabilia of books, I saw a statistical gem. This was written in The Peterite Monthly Vol. 1 No.2, of February 1957 and headlined ‘Cricketers on a Record Breaking Spree’. These were the records
- First Peterite XI to have lost to St. Thomas’ College.
- First Peterite XI to have been defeated on home turf.
- First Peterite XI to have lost three consecutive matches in one season.
- First Peterite XI to have lost to Zahira College.
- First Peterite XI to have lost while chasing a total of 78 runs with all wickets intact.
- First Peterite XI to have been all out at least once below 100 for five consecutive matches.
I am quite sure we were on the cusp of certain defeat against St. Joseph’s but for a brilliant match saving innings by Premasiri Athukorale whose cavalier 85 runs was the defining moment in the Big Match. Athukorale and Christie Marthalingam (16 n.o) plundered 94 precious runs in a record eighth wicket partnership to ensure a draw.
Memories of Michael Tissera
I played for St. Thomas’ from 1954 to 1958 whilst Captaining College in 1957. I could’ve played in 1959 but I left the College in 1958. We played 10 matches that season of 57 and won 7 but we lost to St. Benedict’s. We would’ve been ‘Unofficial Schools Cricket Champions’ if not for that loss. Instead St. Benedict’s became Champions. We were very strong as a team and also had individuals likes of Reid and Idroos who were outstanding.
Our 1st match for the 1st term was against St. Peter’s at Mt. Lavinia and the turning point of the game was when Lakshman Serasinghe who came in at 3 down in the 2nd innings left a googly from Idroos and was clean bowled. Jayantha was batting well but with that wicket we managed to bowl them out cheaply. Against St. Benedict’s, I won the toss at Mt. Lavinia. Since it was a turf wicket and with the rain I thought of using the conditions to our advantage. So I asked the Benedictines to bat first. This decision backfired as when the wicket started to dry up in the afternoon batsmen found it easy to bat and St. Benedict’s put up a decent score. Then in their turn to bowl , Cecil Waidyaratne and Neville Wickremasinghe bowled really well as the opening pair. L.P Rayen was an aggressive captain and a smart player. He led them well in fact they fielded brilliantly. We lost that game.
Against St. Joseph’s, we had a really good start and we managed to bowl them out for 155. Then Ronald Reid and Goonetileka put on a good opening stand and Idroos bowled another good spell in the 2nd innings against Josephians. We were set to score 80 odd runs in few overs before close of game and we just managed to score that and won it. We had easy wins against Anthonians (3rd tem), Wesley and Trinity in the 1st Term. I can recall Malsiri Kulakurasuriya, Nimal Maralande and Odayar playing for Trinity. The Battle of the Blues ended in a draw but Reid played outstanding cricket again for us. Some of the outstanding players in that season were Lorenz Pereira and Michael Willie (Royal), Anurudha Polonnovita and Sonny Yatawara (Ananda) and Chandrasiri Weerasinghe (Nalanda), Ranjit Doranegama (St. Anthony’s), Ebert (Wesley) were among the Top 05 batsmen in that year.
I really enjoyed 50’s and for that matter 60’s and 70’s too. In 50’s, schools cricket unlike today was played while upholding highest values, we enjoyed it. We went out with positive minds and took risks to win matches and in the process we lost games too. Today, Tournaments and Competitions have killed the spirit and the game. I treasure those times as life back in those days was fantastic!’