St. Joseph’s dominate first day’s play

St. Joseph’s College, Colombo dominated first day’s play against Trinity College, Kandy in the Singer U19 Division 1 Two-Day Tournament 2017/18 final at Colts Cricket Grounds, Colombo.

After electing to bat first, St. Joseph’s College posted a formidable score of 300 in their first innings at the back of their skipper Jehan Daniel’s excellent 142-ball 86. In reply, Trinity College lost opening batsman Hasintha Jaysooriya in the third over but ended at 35 for 1 in 7 overs at close of play.

Earlier in the first session, Sri Lanka U19 cap and left-arm seamer Thisaru Dilshan struck first blood for the Trinitians when he trapped the young left-hander Yesith Rupasinghe in the very first over.

The experienced duo, Revan Kelly and Nipun Sumanasinghe playing their final match for their alma mater added a valuable 63-run stand for the second wicket.

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Vice-Captain Sumanasinghe was dismissed by the Trinity captain Hasitha Boyagoda in the 15th over when Trevon Perceival held onto a stunning diving catch at mid-off. Sumanasinghe’s collected four boundaries during his 54-ball knock of 28.

Kelly was the next to go when he was cleverly stumped by wicket-keeper Ashan Lokukatiya off Boyagoda’s bowling as the Josephians were restricted to 76 for 3. Kelly made a solid 39 off 45 deliveries with four fours and a six.

Skipper Daniel who came in at number five was positive from the start as he added two vital stands in the middle overs along with Dineth Jayakody and Dunith Wellalage to consolidate the innings. Daniel and Jayakody added 69 for the fourth wicket before Jayakody was caught plumb in front by Kavishka Senadeera.

15-year old Wellalage was the second top run-scorer for the Josephians as he struck a 75-ball 42 with 3 fours and 1 six. Wellalage and his skipper Daniel added 80 runs for the 6th wicket stand before the latter gave a leading edge off left-arm spinner Vimukthi Nethumal.

Daniel was by far the best batsman for the boys from Maradana as struck four gigantic sixes and four boundaries as well as milking the spinners with ease.

View : St. Joseph’s vs Trinity – Singer U19 Two-Day Tournament – Final

Two vital contributions from the lower order – Sachintha Ravindu Mahindasinghe (20) and Lakshan Gamage (35*) pushed the Josephian score to 300 before Thisaru Dilshan cleaned up the tail.

The match will be continued tomorrow (9th May) for second day’s play as both the teams chase a first-innings win to secure the championship.