A Tamil Union side bubbling with enthusiasm are looking forward to adding the Segment 'A' under 24 cricket title when they meet SSC in the two-day final commencing at Maitland Place today.
Despite the loss of some of their up and coming youngsters, Tamil Union proved they had ample talent in stock to clinch the Kurunegala Sixes tournament and then beat CCC, to enter the Under 24 final.
Although SSC have the advantage of playing at home, Tamil Union have shown the self confidence that go to win matches as they displayed in their rain-hit semi-final against CCC which they won on bonus points.
Skipper Indika de Saram led Tamil Union from the front by scalping six victims behind the wickets in that game.
The best news for Tamil Union is that most of their 'deserters' who decided to move over to Moors SC over a captaincy issue, have returned.
However, a Tamil Union official stated that they will be considered for selection only if they turn up for regular practices.
SSC under Suranjith Silva have a highly talented outfit which would take some beating. High on their list of match-winners is Mahela Jayawardene, the promising Sri Lanka cricketer who made his Test debut in the recently concluded home series against India.
Jayawardene has accumulated the most runs for the club with 313 at an average of 62.6 inclusive of a century.
Apart from Jayawardene, SSC can look to the talents of Shantha Kalavitigoda, Avishka Polonowita, Ruwan Galappathi, Chaminda Boteju and Harith Jayasuriya to take them to the trophy.
The winning team will receive Rs. 30,000 and the runner-up, Rs. 20,000. Individual awards include Rs. 2,000 for Man of the final, and Rs. 1000 each for Best Batsman and Best Bowler.
In the absence of a sponsor, the Sri Lanka Cricket Board will pocket out the expenses. - [S.T.]
Asoka KV win
Asoka Kanista Vidyalaya Colombo beat Prince of Wales College Moratuwa in their under-13 Horlicks trophy cricket match played at Prince of Wales grounds, Moratuwa recently.
Asoka Kanista 144 for 9 wickets (Darshana Vithanage 38, P. A. Tarindu Harsha Ariyawansa 28, Asanga Viraj 25, Malinda Senadheera 20, Suranga 2 for 12, M. Salshan 3 for 30.
Prince of Wales College 54 all out (Chameera 13, Tilina Dissanayake 6 for 13, Malinda Senadheera 4 for 6) and 105 for 6 at close.