By N.U. Abdul Razzak Udayar
Highly talented Jamliya Sports Club of Madulbowa, Hemmathagama, captained by allrounder Wazeer, convincingly showed their superiority to be crowned as the Champions of the Inaugural Legends Premier League of Hemmathaga in Mawanella electorate, that was successfully concluded at the ground of the Kotegoda Youth Sports Club three kilo metres off the Hemmathagama town on Sunday 18th February 2024. There were 11 cricket clubs representing 8 villages in and around Hemmathagama in this cricket carnival where the legends were seen in action. Senior Cricketers of the villages of Amruppa, Dumbuluwawa, Hijiragama, Kotegoda, Madulbowa, Palliporuwa, Thalgaspitiya and Wadiyatenna were diligently engaged in this super softball cricket tourney organized by the Special Cricket Committee that was formed with two members of active on sports and social activists of all these 8 villages. This tournament was organized to foster unity in diversity, community spirit, and importantly bringing out the hidden talent and recognition of the players. The two-day long cricket tourney that was played under league format was worked off on 17th and 18th of February with the attendance of the cricketers, sports personalities, fans, well wishers and the villagers of these 8 hamlets.
The well reputed cricket club of Madulbowa Jamaliya stylishly lifted the championship defeating another high riding team, Tajmahal Cricket Club of Thalgaspitiya. The third place was secured by Emirates Cricket Club of Palliporuwa. In the Final, Tajmahal Cricket Club of Thalgaspitiya that was unbeaten in the league round was roundly defeated by the Jamaliya Cricket Club of Madulbowa. In the final that was restricted to just for 4 overs due to bad light, Tajmahal got 15 runs losing 3 wickets. M.M.M. Hisham was the top scorer with 11 runs for the losers. Jamaliya chasing the target of 16 runs, easily reached it in one point one over losing no wicket. The winning team Jamaliya was led by the all-rounder Wazeer while Tajmahal was captained by Rizwan. The following cricketers played for the Jamaliya Cricket Club. Wazeer (Cap), Fairoos, Ifthikar, Nawfar, Faisal, Ramseen, Mafas, Firdous, F. Haq, Arshad, M. Faisal, Sharfan, Nafeel and Murshid. Tajmahal Squad: Riswan (Cap), Shiyam, Hisham, Hussain, Riyaf, M.L. Aswar, M.M. Aswar, Munas, Ameen, Najmudeen, Iqbal, Faris, Risan, Zarook and Rimlan. The President of the Masjid Federation of Hemmathagama, Mr. Nizam who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest gave away the awards for the winners.
This tournament also witnessed the individual excellence as a number players showcased their exceptional talent and super skills in batting, bowling and fielding. The following cricketers were given special awards for their individual brilliance.
- Mohamed Ifam: Man of the Series- Kotegoda Youth Sports Club
- M.H.M.D. Murshid: Man of the Final Jamaliya Cricket Club of Madulbowa
- Mohamed Ramees: Emirates Sports Club – Palliporuwa
- Best Bowler: Azad Kamil- Kotegoda Youth Sports Club
