29th August 2024 12:55:53 Hours
The Annual Sapper Officers’ Cricket Encounter 2024, held on Tuesday, 27th August 2024 at the Sappers Cricket Ground - Mattegoda, was a spectacular showcase of cricketing prowess and camaraderie. The much-anticipated match between the Sappers Blue team and the Sappers Red team captivated the audience with an exciting display of skill, strategy, and sportsmanship, reflecting the true spirit of Sapper Officers. The Commander Security Forces (West) and the Colonel Commandant of the Corps of Sri Lanka Engineers, Major General Lanka Amarapala RWP RSP ndc psc, graced the event as the Chief Guest and as a key player of Sappers Blue team.
As the sun bathed the Sappers’ Cricket Ground in golden light, the atmosphere was perfect with anticipation. The ground, meticulously prepared and gleaming under the clear sky, set the stage for what was expected to be an unforgettable encounter. Sapper Officers gathered in large numbers, eager to witness the annual cricket encounter.
The toss was won by the Sappers Red team, who chose to bowl first, a decision that set the stage for an exciting innings. The Sappers Blue team took to the field with determination, aiming to set a formidable target. The Sappers Blue team’s innings was a showcase of aggressive and strategic batting. The Blue team had posted an impressive total of 206 runs for the loss of 3 wickets after 20 overs. The standout performance came from 76* runs by Captain Omesh Vidyarathne SLE, 52 runs by Maj Ruwan Herath SLE, 28* runs by Colonel Roshan Subhasinge and 26 runs by Major General Lanka Amarapala whose brilliant innings contributed significantly to the total.
Chasing a daunting target of 207 runs, the Sappers Red team faced a challenging task. Despite a spirited effort, they struggled against the disciplined bowling and tight fielding of the Sappers Blue team. The Red team’s innings saw them falter early and often, with wickets falling at regular intervals. Sappers Blue team’s bowlers maintained pressure throughout, and the Red team was eventually all out for 106 runs in 18 overs.
The Sappers Blue team’s comprehensive victory by 100 runs was a testament to their all-round performance and strategic play. The match was a display of high-quality cricket, with standout performances from both sides, reflecting the skill and sportsmanship of both teams.
Major General Lanka Amarapala was awarded as the Man of the Match for his exceptional batting performances, bowling figures in powerplay crucial overs and for the excellent fielding.
Captain Omesh Vidyarathne was awarded as the Best Batsman for his outstanding batting performance and Major Thilina Pussegoda was awarded as the Best Bowler for his brilliant bowling figures.
This year Sapper Officers' Cricket Encounter was held in advance, in order to pay courtesy respect to Major General Manoj Madurapperuma RSP USP psc who is due in his retirement, and has contributed immensely to uplift the standards of the Sappers’ Cricket.
