James Cartman Trophy: St. Benedict’s has edge over rivals Wesley

St. Benedict’s
(Seated from left): Capt. Jude Vaas (POG), Rohana Fernando (Physio), Asela Jayasinghe (Senior Asst. Coach), Pemlal Fernando (Head Coach), Sharujan Shanmuganathan (Capt), Rev. Dr. Pubudu Rajapakse (Director, Rev. Bro. Anton Piyumal MIC), Lal Wickramatunga (Consultant), Mevan Dissanaike, Prageeth Nishantha (Senior Asst. Coach), Yasith Umayanga (Scorer), W.S. Janak (Asst. MIC).
(Standing from left): Didula Edirisuriya, Yohan Edirisinghe, Mihila Jayaweera, Marion Fernando, Haren Olagama, Janindu Nadnasena, Nadun Fernando, Ayesh Gajanayake, Manikya Deshapriya, Dineth Senila, Dumindu Yehen, Akein Perera, Samindu Peiris, Tehan Bitar, Trishane Silva, Vihanga Ratnayake.
(Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi)

Wesley
(Seated from left): Shashanka Cabraal (Physio), Lakshan Hewage (Senior Asst. Coach), Co. Rtd. Rizan Hamidon (Head of Sports), Anuga Pahansara (Capt), Avanka Fernando (Principal), Rashmika Amararatne, Nalin Nanayakkara (MIC), Imran Thahir (Head Coach).
(Second row from left): Binoth Walpola, Denuwan Nathmal, Jeewahan Sriraam, Nehemian Perera, Anuk Peiris, Dinuja Samararatne, Tharanga Fernando, Senal Weerasekera, Dimath Sudarshan, Deneth Sigera, Shamma Jonathan, Sehandu Athauda, Sithuka Yakudagodage.
(Third row from left): Lithum Nadakandage, Minuka Mandinu, Adhyaan Zain, Kavindu Amarasinghe, Dinula Dison, Ehren Ali, Ahmed Al Nahyan, Dewmith Liyanage, Dulshan Mogan, Nadila Nethmina.

By M. Shamil  Amit

Wesley and St. Benedict’s have a legacy of playing against each other for the last 129 years since they first met each other on the cricket field in 1896.
Four years ago (2021), history was written with the two sides confronting each other for two trophies: the two-day encounter for the James Cartman Trophy and the limited-over encounter for the Rev. Bro. Luke Gregory Trophy. The annual encounter has turned into a special event for the two schools, who will clash on March 31 and April 1 at P Sara Stadium.
Looking back at the performance of the two teams, they have not enjoyed a good season, and it seems that it’s going to be a close tussle. But St. Benedict’s, led by player in form and Sri Lanka youth team vice-captain Sharujan Shanmuganathan, looks to have the edge against the Wesley side led by Anuga Pahansara.
St. Benedict’s will be looking for a repeat of their last-year win, where they came out victorious by 46 runs to become the first holders of the James Cartman Trophy, while Wesley will certainly have to put their best foot forward if they aim to lay their hands on the trophy for the first time.
However, St. Benedict’s will leave no stone unturned to make this encounter memorable as they will be celebrating their 160th anniversary. It remains to be seen whether Wesley can prevent them from achieving the feat.
Of course, the cynosure of all eyes will be on Bens skipper Sharujan, as he is in top form and has shown his capabilities. His unbeaten 202 against St. Peter’s is an example of what to expect from him. If he is not dislodged early, Wesley is going to have a tough time.
The limited-over encounter fought out for the Rev. Bro. Luke Gregory, played yesterday (30), saw St. Benedict’s pulling off a comfortable six-wicket win to record their fourth successive win.
So, as mentioned, with the two teams coming onto the field with a mission — the Bens looking for a repeat and Wesley aiming for their first win — the supporters of both sides can expect an interesting tussle, with no quarters given or asked. It remains to be seen who will be able to achieve the feat.