St.Peters College opening batsman Denham Perera and three down batsman Angelo Emanuel gave the visitors something to smile about when the duo put on a splendid partnership for the third wicket. At lunch, the Peterites were tottering at 42 for the loss of 2 wickets.  

After going down yesterday to a brilliant all round performance by the home team, the Peterites displayed sheer grit during the second day. The Royalist resuming their overnight total on 232/2 wickets ended their innings at an astounding 338 for the loss of just 3 wickets. Overnight batsman Madusha Rajaratne and Imal Liyanage who ended their innings last evening at 33*runs and 88* runs pushed on for a well deserved 88* and 120 respectively. They made sure that the home team took charge. The Royal College batsmen looked in good shape with just over a month for the Royal-Thomian. Ramith Rambukwella in particular was on song during his innings yesterday when he took the Peterites to the sword smashing a brilliant century. Debutant Imal Lyanage too scored a dazzling 80 runs and carried on from his overnight score of 84 runs to post a sparkling 120. He together with three drop batsman Madusha Rajaratne gave a good start early in the day for the Royalists. Charutha Rajaratne came in with a with a quick fire 33 runs to finish off on a high for the home team.

St.Peters College with the help of opening bat Denham Perera and Angelo Emanuel scored an impressive 271 for the loss of 8 wickets.

Day two saw the Peters unit fight back, lead by opener Denham Perera and stand in skipper Angelo Emanuel. Denham scored a brilliant century for the Pete’s during his second stint in the game. He was unfortunate to be dismissed at 111. The cricketing world has seen many instances where batsmen have gotten out during this stage, and Denham too perished over the woo doo’s of cricket. After getting out at 23 runs in the first innings, Denham made sure that he kicks on in the second innings. He was up against the wily left arm spinner from Reid Avenue Maneesha Tantrigoda. Denham paced his innings brilliantly and rescued the Peterites from a miserable situation on day one.  His innings included 12 brilliant hits to the rope and a smashing six.

Skipper  and Senior batsman Angelo Emmanuel who gave great support to Denham perished at 99 runs. Angelo smashed a brilliant century against St.Aloysius during the third term and showed glimpses of his regular style in his innings of 99. It was disappointing to see Angelo perish without reaching those magical three figures. Denham and Angelo did not have it easy with Maneesha Tantirigoda tormenting the batsmen in every possible way.

The Royal College skipper added five more wickets to his tally today with a splendid bowling performance. The Royalist have heavily relied on Maneesha and he has delivered at almost every single occasion.

Scores in brief

St.Peters College 155 all out (Shehan Fernando 70, Denham Perera 23, Maneesha Tantrigoda 8-32, Ramith Rambukwella 2-32). Second innings 271/8 (Denham Perera 111, Angelo Emanuel 99, Maneesha Tantrigoda 5-42)

Royal College 232/2 overnight & 338/3 dec (Ramith Rambukwella 103, Imal Liyanage 120, 88 not out, Charutha Rajaratne 33 n.o)

Sankha DLT