RAN THROUGH BATTING SIDES WITH SHEER PACE AND ACCURACY
Anton Perera was a legendary fast bowler for St Peter's College Colombo Sri Lanka.
Legendary fast bowler Anton Perera has passed away in California, United States. He leaves behind his wife Marlene, daughters Charlene, Sheryl and son Johann. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday at St. Bernadine’s Church Woodland Hills, California.
School cricketers of the late fifties and early sixties will never forget burly paceman Anton Perera as he ran through the batting sides of most of the schools with his sheer pace and accurate bowling.
7 FOR 11 AGAINST ST. THOMAS’ COLLEGE
One of Anton’s exploits we will always remember was his bowling fete of 7 wickets for 11 runs against St. Thomas’ College at Mount Lavinia. At close of play the Thomians were reeling at 39 for 9. The Mount Lavinia school was captained by Michael Tissera who went on to lead Sri Lanka in the later years.
HE HUMBLED ANANDA AT CAMPBELL PLACE
Anton Perera passed away at age 72.
At Campbell Place, Borella he ran through the Ananda College side to win by and innings before the ‘milk interval’ on the second day which is a record even today. Ananda College was led by a fine all-rounder Yatagama Amaradasa. Richard Hyen scored a century as the captain of the Peterite side.
Peterites had some of the best pacemen in the schools circuit at the time. Fast bowlers Desmond Dharmarajah and Anton Paulpillai, played the supporting role to mighty paceman Anton Perera. Anton Perera was in the first schools cricket team to tour Australia.
ATHLETE
As an athlete in throwing events, Putt Shot, Javelin and Discus throw he won events at the Public Schools meet lowering several records. There was no question had he not migrated to the US to join his parents he would have represented Sri Lanka in Cricket and Athletes.
