The SLashes - (Sri Lankan Ashes)

An expectant crowd gathers

A highlight of any trip is the annual local village “tenty tenty” cricket match which takes place on the beach at the Fishing Village.

A new trophy was up for grabs this year – after Lehiru, last year’s winning captain and our tuk-tuk driver, refused to hand it over, so proud was he of his accomplishment. So Della and Don had gone out bought a new trophy which is even more “bling” than the last. The match was hotly contested with two captains each keen to lift the new trophy.  Steve, Harry and Gav joined  Lehiru alongside 8 other villagers and were pitted against Udaya and his side. 

As is usual, there were fine displays of dodgy Sri Lankan bowling and iffy decisions by the umpires but with an accomplished over by Harry and despite Gav’s fielding, Lehiru’s side was  victorious to bring the score to 3-3 in the series – it’s amazing that this event has now been running 6 years – and this was probably the best supported ever.

Della did the honours and handed over the new trophy to Lehiru and his team, wondering if we’ll ever get that one back.  It’s a great afternoon of fun, and helps bring the community together and in such a wonderful setting.

Harry tries a yorker

Della challenging the umpire

Local hard-hitter

It's a Six

Della presents the trophy

The victorious team