Amidst ups and downs throughout the game, Royal College collected first innings points over Mahinda College at Galle in their inaugural game of the 2016/17 season.
Royal, winning the toss, decided to bat first at Galle International Cricket Stadium with hopes of a fine start to the new season. Mahinda, on the other hand came in after a draw against Ananda College, having also clinched the Murali Cup 2016. The home team found early inroads when Reshan Kavinda removed opener Ronuka Jayawardana for 4 in the 7th over. Kirishikan Ravindranathan at the other end, battled away with 28 in an attempt to brace the innings which began to show signs of a struggle.
At 85/5 for lunch, Ganith Sandeepa and Himesh Ramanayake together put up a 42-run stand to revive Royal. Ganith Sandeepa reached a hard fought 52 while Ramanayake made a valuable 35. Kavindu Chathuranga later fused in with a 40 run cameo taking the visitors to a rather comfortable 205 in 58.4 overs. Reshan Kavinda took 4 for 37.
Mahinda College too had their problems with the willow as wickets at regular intervals hindered them on 98/4 at stumps. Skipper Ravindu Hansika was unbeaten on 58.
The visitors came out on the second day with a bowling assault to claim the remaining 6 wickets for 56 runs. Gothama Wisvajith rattled the line up with his stunning 5 wicket haul. Charuka Hatharasinghe and Ramanayake chipped in with 2 wickets each while Ravindu Hansika was the lone fighter with his valiant 87 in an inning which saw as many as 4 batsmen failing to get off the mark.
With a 51 run lead, Royal resumed their second innings but a tricky wicket continued to narrate its tale when the visitors recovered from reeling at 38/5 to declare on 101/9. Krishikan Ravindranathan and Radith Nanayakkara made 21 and 18 respectively. Prageeth Malintha, Prameeth Hansika and Kavindu Ediriweera took three wickets each. In response, Mahinda were 7 for the loss of no wickets at close.
Chief Scores –
Royal College 1st innings – 205 all out (58.4 overs) (Ganith Sandeepa 52, Kavindu Chathuranga 40, Himesh Ramanyake 35; Reshan Kavinda 4 for 37, Kavindu Chathuranga 3 for 64)
Mahinda College 1st innings – 154 all out (45.4 overs) (Ravindu Hansika 87, Kavindu Ediriweera 24; Gothama Wishwajith 5 for 49, Charuka Hatharasinghe 2 for 27, Himesh Ramanayake 2 for 28)
Royal College 2nd innings – 101/9 dec (35.4 overs) (Krishikan Ravindranathan 21, Radith Nanayakkara 18*; Prageeth Malintha 3 for 14, Prameeth Hansika 3 for 31, Kavindu Ediriweera 3 for 37)
Mahinda College 2nd innings – 7/0 (2.2 overs)
Result – Match drawn
