Sport
12 December, 2025
Sendanayake notches game 100
ALL-ROUNDER Tharaka Sendanayake achieved a significant milestone on Saturday, playing his 100th senior match for Pomborneit.
Sendanayake becomes the first import to reach the milestone for the Bulls and has already become one of the club’s most decorated players in the modern era.
Currently in his eighth season at Pomborneit since joining for the 2018/19 season, Sendanayake has won multiple division one team champion awards as well as a South West Cricket division one cricketer of the year award.
“Senda’s commitment has been outstanding over eight seasons so far,” Pomborneit president Dave Murphy said.
“He’s been fully committed since day one and has been an enthusiastic member of our club ever since.”
In 100 division one games, Sendanayake has scored 2164 runs at an average of 30.30 with 10 fifties and three centuries.
In addition, he has taken 143 wickets at an average of 14.28 with his off-spin.
Sendanayke has also featured in 24 Twenty20 matches for Pomborneit, scoring 436 runs and taking 34 wickets.
Three division one premierships and four Twenty20 titles are also in the Sri Lankan’s resume in his time at the club.
“He’s been brilliant, such an exciting player to watch,” Murphy said.
“He’s played a massive part in raising our standards of play alongside Larry (Lahiru Fernando).”
Grant Place has captained Sendanayake in six of his eight seasons at the club.
“For me his bowling has been incredible,” Place said.
“He rarely goes for more than two or three runs an over, he gives 10 overs of value every week.”
Place also acknowledged Sendanayake’s contributions with the bat.
“When he gets going he can hit the ball to any corner of the ground.
“He’s played some wonderful innings in really big games.”
The Bulls president said both Sendanayake and the club had benefited from the cross-cultural experience over the years.
“Senda could barely speak English when he arrived, he now speaks it reasonably well and has had a lot of different Australian experiences.
“In return we’ve learnt about his culture and life, and he’s tested a few of the boys out with his spicy curries,” Murphy laughed.
The man himself is grateful for the journey.
“My wife and daughters are now with me in Australia, we are very happy,” Sendanayake said.
“Pomborneit has been very supportive, my heart is with Pomborneit, I hope we can have more success.”
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