The day began with formalities and it was delayed from the usual start of 9.40 to 9.50. However, Rajans almost got the dream start to the match with Navinda Dilshan finding the edge of Vinuka Pussapitiya in the very first ball. But, it was off a no-ball. Vinuka made full toll of the opportunity and together with Hashika Gamage added 49 runs for the first wicket. Things were looking smooth until the first wicket and that’s when the tables turned.
With the introduction of spin, Rajans took over control and rattled through the wickets with utmost ease. Kingswood went into lunch with 5 wickets down for just 91 runs. The second session was no different from the first, as the remaining 5 wickets also fell cheaply with little resistance from the lower middle order. Upendra Warnakulasuriya, Thushan Herath and Yasith Samarathna shared 3 wickets each as the spinners cleaned up Kingswood College for just 142 runs.
>>Photos : Dharmaraja College vs Kingswood College – 113th Battle of the Maroons | Day 1
The reply from the Rajans did not start off well. They lost a wicket in the 4th over and the runs seemed hard to come by. The seamers bowled in tandem, Sachintha Senanayake and Dulaj Bandara managed to see off the session until tea.
After tea, both batsmen took over control. They were untroubled in most times but there were few chances which were grassed by the fielders. Sachintha reached his half-century with a delightful sweep stroke. His stroke play was a treat to the eye. Dulaj took his own time, to get going. The pair was hoping to see the day through but a loose stroke in the last over saw Dulaj gifting away his wicket for a hard-fought 37.
Play will resume tomorrow with the Rajans still trailing by 17 runs.
