COLOMBO — Devapathiraja College cricket reached a memorable new high after the Rathgama school stunned the much-fancied Royal College, Colombo by 33 runs to win the Under-15 Division 1 schools cricket final at the Ananda College grounds earlier today.
For the coastal school from Galle, the victory represents far more than another trophy.
Devapathiraja College continues to produce outstanding young cricketers despite not having a cricket ground of its own, making the championship triumph one of the most inspiring achievements of the current schools cricket season.
Having defeated St. Sebastian’s College, Moratuwa in the semi-final, Devapathiraja entered the title decider carrying plenty of confidence.
Batting first, they posted a competitive 192 for nine.
Shanidu Sineth Mikeshara led the way with an elegant half-century, while Gautam Surya provided excellent support with a valuable 45.
The pair helped Devapathiraja build a total that ultimately proved sufficient despite Royal appearing firmly in control for much of their run chase.
Royal Collapse Opens Door for Devapathiraja
Royal College looked to be cruising towards the target at 121 for one.
Ramiru Thiranagama produced an impressive 78, while Herschel Dan contributed a confident 33 as the Colombo school appeared to take command of the final.
However, Dan’s dismissal completely changed the momentum.
Devapathiraja sensed an opening and applied relentless pressure.
What followed was a dramatic Royal collapse.
From the commanding position of 121 for one, Royal lost their final nine wickets for just 38 runs as panic began to spread through the batting order.
Devapathiraja’s bowlers and fielders remained disciplined, refusing to allow Royal back into the contest.
Royal College were eventually bowled out for 159 in 45.3 overs, handing Devapathiraja a famous 33-run victory.
The turnaround demonstrated tremendous character from a young side that never allowed the reputation of its opponents or the match situation to overwhelm them.
At 121 for one, the championship appeared to be slipping away.
Devapathiraja simply refused to surrender.
A Remarkable Achievement Without a Home Ground
The title becomes even more significant when considering the challenges faced by Devapathiraja College.
Unlike many leading schools cricket programmes, the Rathgama school does not possess a cricket ground it can call its own.
Yet Devapathiraja continues to compete successfully against some of Sri Lanka’s most established and better-resourced schools.
That makes this Division 1 championship a powerful example of what can be achieved through discipline, coaching, talent and determination.
The school’s cricket development has also received important support from the Foundation of Goodness, with the blessings and backing of its founder Kushil Gunasekara.
The Foundation of Goodness has been an exclusive sponsor of Devapathiraja College cricket, helping provide opportunities for young players who may otherwise struggle to access the facilities and support enjoyed by larger schools.
That partnership has now helped produce another outstanding result.
Devapathiraja Building a Proud Cricketing Tradition
Devapathiraja College is already well known within Sri Lankan schools cricket circles.
Its girls’ cricket teams have enjoyed considerable success over the years, winning multiple schools tournaments and establishing the institution as an important centre for developing young female cricketers.
The latest triumph by the boys’ Under-15 side adds another significant chapter to that growing sporting legacy.
Beating Royal College in a Division 1 final is an achievement any school would celebrate.
Doing so after watching Royal reach 121 for one makes the victory even more remarkable.
Devapathiraja’s young players showed composure when the final appeared to be moving away from them and then displayed the ruthlessness required to turn a small opening into a match-winning collapse.
Nine wickets for 38 runs told the story.
A Victory for Perseverance
For Devapathiraja College, this championship should be celebrated as more than a victory on a cricket scorecard.
It is a triumph for a school from Sri Lanka’s Southern coastal belt that has continued to develop young cricketers despite limited infrastructure.
It is also a victory for the coaches, school administrators, families, sponsors and supporters who have continued investing time and effort into the programme.
Most importantly, it is a triumph for a group of young players who believed they could defeat one of Sri Lanka’s most recognised schools cricket teams even when the match appeared to be slipping away.
Devapathiraja College may still be waiting for a permanent cricket ground of its own.
But after defeating Royal College to claim the Under-15 Division 1 championship, the young cricketers from Rathgama have earned something far more valuable.
They have earned their place in Sri Lankan schools cricket history.
