St Andrews Footscray coach Phil Crea says VTCA cricket is richer for having Sri Lankan-born players among its ranks.
Many local clubs are filling their import spots with players from the sub-continent nation, with outstanding results.
The Saints are no exception, with Gihan Kankanamge and Sajith De Silva two of the stars of the club’s first XI.
Kankanamge has taken six-wicket bags on two occasions this season, while wicketkeeper-batsman De Silva scored 145 recently against powerhouse Westmeadows.
“Cricket is their love,” Crea said.
“They’ve opened my eyes with the way they go about it. It’s just the way they compete and prepare themselves during the week for a game.
“What they bring to the competition is second to none. They’re absolutely champion people – a pleasure to coach.”
To recognise the Sri Lankan connection, a 30 over-a-side game has been struck with some of the best local talent in the VTCA squaring off with the best Sri Lankan imports in a special Australia versus Sri Lanka clash at Pennell Reserve, Braybrook, on Sunday from 11am.
“We did one years ago in the Willy comp years ago when we had an Australia versus India game and it was a success,” Crea said.
“I just thought it was a great concept. It’s great to see both cultures get together and have a game of cricket that we all love.”
If you think it’s going to be a hit and giggle game, think again.
There has been a lot of banter between the two sets of players in the lead-up to the big game.
“That’s all they’re talking about at the moment,” Crea said.
Crea, who captains the Australian team, has victory in his sights.
“It will be a hard game for sure, but we’re definitely going out there to win, I’m telling you that,” he said.
Crea hopes this will be the first of many Australia-Sri Lanka VTCA battles.
“It’s going to be a family oriented day,” he said. “The best part of it is the community will be coming together.”
