Despite having the services of not less than seven coloursmen, Royal have often failed to live up to expectations. But in the last few first term matches, the Reid Avenue boys have shown a vast improvement and are determined to put of their best show for the season at the big
The 1996/97 has been one of their leanest ever cricket seasons. Despite having a formidable side on paper, Royal have suffered five defeats this season. However, most of these defeats were due to bold declarations made with a positive approach.
Leading Royal this season is wicket keeper batsman Kavinda Nanayakkara. He has been enjoying a fine season with a rich harvest of over 1,100 runs. Skipper Nanayakkara has scored four 'tons' and six half centuries to his credit.
The seven coloursmen in the side are skipper Nanayakkara, opening batsmen Thushan Amarasuriya and Janaka Gajanayake, allrounder Lasantha Liyanage, vice captain Anuka Samarakkody, Umesh Gunawardena and Shanaka Perera.
In the bowling department, much is expected from that fine offspinner Lasantha Liyanage. Apart from scoring over 500 runs as a batsman, he has captured nearly 50 wickets. Anuka Samarakkody too has captured over 30 wickets.
Royal have an experienced pair of openers in Thushan Amarasuriya and Janaka Gajanayake who should lay a solid foundation in this all-important game. Coming in at vital No.3 position is fresher Jehan Mubarak, the son of ex-Cambridge opener Aziz Mubarak.
After their last defeat at the hands of St.Joseph's, Royal have made a vast improvement and even bowled out formidable Ananda side for 61 - their lowest ever against Royal. They even came closer to a certain win over St.Peter's which was deprived by rain.
Royal bowling has variety in left-arm pacemen Asanka Sanjeeva, right-arm medium pacemen Thushan Amarasuriya and Shanaka Perera, right-arm leg-spinner Umesh Gunawardena, left-arm spinner Harith Rajakaruna, Lasantha Liyanage (off spin). Sanjeeva has captured nearly 40 wicket this season.
The team is coached by former Sri Lanka player and old Royalist Nirmal Hettiarchchi.
Royalist Sumithra Warnakulasuriya is the highest individual scorer for either side in the series with his marathon knock of 197 made in 1980. Of the 117 matches played in the series, Royal lead with 32 wins. Royal had the distinction of registering two successive wins in 1990 under Udaya Lakmal Wijesena and in 1991 under Rohan Iriyagolle.
Royal have often showed their fighting qualities in the 'Battle of the Blues' series. With a formidable outfit, the Reid Avenue boys are capable of producing another fine effort over the Thomians this year.