Royal retained the O.L.F Senaratne trophy in a tame draw at SSC against their traditional rivals Prince of Wales College Moratuwa.
Moreover, it was a historical moment for Royal left arm spinner Lasith Embuldeniya, the highest wicket taker who claimed his 100th scalp for the season becoming only the second Royalist to ever reach the summit after Maneesha Tantrigoda.
It was evident that the track offered very little for the bowlers as the Royalists amassed 346/8 before declaration. The highlight of their innings was skipper Geeshath Panditharathna’s unbeaten 150. A good start by Naveen Vithanapathirana was carried on by Geeshath and his deputy Thiran Dhanapala who combined for a 129 run stand. Thiran scored 61 before Geeshath reached his century before tea. The aggressive approach saw Royal lose a few quick wickets but Geeshath remained till the end scoring an elegant 150, signaling his dominance against the Cambrian attack.
Prince of Wales posted a fluent reply, with an opening assault by Vishwa Chathuranga who made 41 before he was removed with a stunning yorker by Helitha Vithanage. His opening partner, Sandun Soysa added a further 62 runs with Kasun Ekanayake before being sent back by Ganith Sandeepa for 39. After lunch Royal struck early, as Himesh Ramanayake dismissed Ekanayake for 51 with an edge to Thiran behind stumps. Later, Embuldeniya removed the Cambrian captain Vihanga Weerakkody for 25 before capturing his 100thscalp by trapping Sanoj Darshika for 9. However, Dilanka Paranavithana kept his cool, exploiting the ideal batting conditions as he reached 72 runs before they were bowled out for 323. Lasith Embuldeniya yielded 4 for 97.
Chief Scores –
Royal College 1st innings – 346/8 dec (87.5 overs) (Geeshath Panditharathna 150*, Thiran Dhanapala 61, Naveen Vithanapathirana 52; Sandun Soysa 4 for 118)
Prince of Wales 1st innings – 323 all out (99.4 overs) (Dilanka Paranvithana 72, Kasun Ekanayake 51, Vishwa Chathuranga 41; Lasith Embuldeniya 4 or 97, Duvindu Hettiarachchi 3 for 29)
Result – Match Drawn
