Sri Lankan Cricket Tour 2023: A Journey of triumph and exploration

At the start of the August holiday, our Boys' College 1st XI Cricket team embarked on an unforgettable journey to Sri Lanka, a land of cricketing challenges and cultural wonders. Despite a minor flight delay in Doha, they landed in Colombo ready to take on the world!

Our cricketers tackled their first match with little sleep, a thrilling 35-over game against Royal College Colombo. We batted first and secured a commendable 41 run win with notable performances by Richard Seletswane and Thebe Gazide. Their journey continued to the iconic P. Sara International Stadium, where they faced St Joseph's College Colombo in a 50-over game. The first-ever test match for Sri Lanka was played here vs. England in 1982. Now a first class and club ground, many legends are club members, Muralitharan, De Silva, Mendis, Dilshan, Chandana, Samarasekera, Lakmal to name a few. The stadium's rich history and charm set the stage for remarkable performances, with Pranav Raichetti, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, and Liam Mudenda leading the way. A T20 battle at Thurstan College's scenic grounds provided high-octane action. A spectacular start led by Lhuan-dre Pretorius, a special cameo from Chris Anderson, and some dazzling spells from Pranav Raichetti and Tahseen Hanslo resulted in a nail-biting two run win!

Our off-field experiences were just as memorable. The Cricket Club in Colombo, adorned with cricket memorabilia and owned by an Australian couple, treated our team to delectable food. Leaving their mark by signing a shirt for their collection.

The mountains offered breathtaking experiences, from the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage to a tea factory tour in Kandy. They learned about Sri Lanka's rich tea-making tradition and explored the town of Kandy. A guided tour of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic introduced them to the Buddhist culture.

Back on the field, our bowlers showcased their skills against the best players from the Kurunegala District. Emile Odendaal and Pranav Raichetti's batting prowess, along with exceptional bowling, secured a convincing 50 run win. Playing at the SSC International Stadium in Colombo, the headquarters of Sri Lanka Cricket, was a special experience. Though they faced a formidable Mahanama College side, our bowlers put up a strong fight.

A visit to Hikkaduwa, a village near Galle, highlighted the community's resilience after the 2004 tsunami. The team played an intense match against Mahinda College, showcasing their spirit. Their final match at the Surrey Village Cricket Ground was marked by a thrilling finish. A reduced T20 game due to rain saw our bowlers shine again, helping us secure a 7 wicket victory.

Their journey ended with a visit to the Galle International Cricket Stadium, surrounded by the Indian Ocean, and the historic Dutch fort overlooking the stadium. The fort's rich history and reconstruction after the 2004 tsunami left an indelible mark.

Sri Lanka was an incredible host, and our cricketers made memories to last a lifetime which included five wins from the seven matches played. Our thanks for the cricket, culture, and camaraderie. 

#HappyFulfilment #Legacy #PassionDriven #PurposeInspired #MakingAWorldOfDifference #SaintsExcellence #InspiringExcellence