The 90th edition of the Battle of the Saints Annual encounter played for the Maurice J. Legoc Memorial Trophy between St. Joseph’s College and St. Peter’s College ended in a draw yesterday (23) at the SSC grounds in Colombo.
Even though St. Joseph’s College managed to claim more victories in the tally throughout history, St. Peter’s took the trophy back to Bambalapitiya as they were the last victorious team in 2016 so the trophy will remain at Bambalapitiya.
Having been asked to bat first, St. Peter’s College scored 270 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in their allotted 60 overs on Friday, and St. Joseph’s College in reply made 228 runs for the loss of 5 wickets before declaring the innings on day two.
The Josephians resumed day two’s play on 91 runs for the loss of a wicket. Hirun Kapurubandara, who was unbeaten on 53 runs overnight, missed out on a well-deserved century when he was dismissed for 94 off 108 balls innings with 9 fours and 4 sixes.
Young left-hander Abhishek Jayaweera made 80 off 151 balls with 4 fours and a six. Kapurubandara’s and Jayaweera’s second wicket partnership worth 153 runs also renewed the record books.
For the Peterites, skipper Vishen Halambage picked up 3 wickets with his leg-spin bowling. St. Joseph’s made a sporty declaration and conceded a lead of 42 runs. In the 3rd innings of the match, St. Peter’s College were under the pump as Josephians tried to insert pressure.
The first-innings hero for St. Peter’s – Dilana Damsara made another half-century on day two as the Peterites made 204 for the loss of 9 wickets having batted for 63 overs.
Seamer Maanasa Madhubhashana and left-arm spinner Yenula Dewtusa shared 7 wickets with the ball for the boys from Maradana.
Chasing 247 runs to win, in the final innings of the day, Hiran Jayasundara and Hirun Kapurubandara made 38 and 27 unbeaten runs respectively as St. Joseph’s were 75 for 1 at the end of the match.
Brief Scores;
St. Peter’s College – 1st innings – 270 / 9 (60) Owen Salgado 46, Dilana Damsara 103, Nathan David 35, Ishira Ayupala 21, Manasa Madhubhasana 3/69, Yenula Dewthusa 4/74
St. Joseph’s College – 1st innings – 228 / 5 (49) Abhishek Jayaweera 80, Hirun Kapurubandara 94, Vishen Halambage 3/66
St. Peter’s College – 2nd innings – 204 / 9 (63) Dilana Damsara 65, Vishen Halambage 25, Asadisa de Silva 21, Joshua Sebastian 19, Ishira Ayupala 21*, Yenula Dewthusa 3/52, Manasa Madhubhashana 4/66
St. Joseph’s College – 2nd innings – 75 / 1 (13) Hiran Jayasundara 38*, Hirun Kapurubandara 27*
Best Fielder – Hiran Jayasundara (St. Joseph’s College)
Best Bowler– Yenula Devthusa (St. Joseph’s College)
Best Batsman – Hirun Kapurubandara (St. Joseph’s College)
Best All Rounder – Abhishek Jayaweera (St. Joseph’s College)
Man of the Match – Dilana Damsara (St. Peter’s College)
 at the SSC ground in Colombo.){kind=link}