Thurstan College recorded their first win in 2015 as they beat the defending champions Richmond College by 6 wickets in their under 19 division 1 schools cricket tournament fixture.
On a sunny day at Surrey Ground, Maggona, Thurstan College skipper Thimira Jayasinghe won the toss and elected to bowl. Thurstan College managed to restrict the strong Richmond College batting lineup to a low total of 149 in 35 overs. Right-handed middle order batsman, Saveen Nanayakkara was the highest run-scorer as he managed 37 runs. Left-arm spinner Senal Wijesinghe snapped 3 wickets while Dilan Madushanka and seamer Charana Nanayakkara took two wickets apiece.
Trailing by 149 runs, Thurstan College posted 188 runs in their first innings as they cut the deficit and managed a lead of 39 runs at the end of their first innings. Skipper Thimira Jayasinghe scored a composed half-century (56) while opener Kasun Abeyrathne and Rusira Munasinghe chipped in with 33 and 32 runs respectively. Banuka Maduppriya took three wickets while off-spinner Charith Asalanka and left-arm seamer Chamod Piumal captured two wickets each.
Richmond College batsman had a better outing with the bat in the second innings as they managed 209 for the loss of 9 wickets before declaring and set a target of 171 for Thurstan to win the match in 49 overs. Left-handed Junior Lions skipper, Charith Asalanka scored a resilient 74 while left-handed middle order batter Kamindu Mendis just missed his half-century as he managed 46 runs and their skipper Sithara Gimhana scored a valuable 37 runs. Leg-spinner Thimira Jayasinghe was the star with the ball as he grabbed 8 wickets for just 51 runs.
Thurstan College reached their target of 171 as they lost only 4 wickets in the process. Opener Kasun Abeyrathna guided the Thurstan innings as he scored 62 runs while Isuru Fernando contributed 37 runs. Charith Asalanka and leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga picked four wickets between them but it was all in vain as Thurstan College recorded a 6-wicket win to begin the New Year (2015).
Chief Scores:
Richmond College (1st innings) – 149 in 34.2 overs: Saveen Nanayakkara 37, Shenal Wijesinghe 3-42, Dilan Madushanka 2-18, Charana Nanayakkara 2-26.
Thurstan College (1st innings) – 188 in 59.4 overs: Thimira Jayasinghe 56, Kasun Abeyrathne 33, Rusira Munasinghe 32, Banuka Maduppriya 3-53, Charith Asalanka 2-25, Chamod Piumal 2-22.
Richmond College (2nd innings) – 209/9 declared in 40.3 overs: Charith Asalanka 74. Sithara Gimhana 37, Kamindu Mendis 46, Chamod Piyumal 31, Thimira Jayasinghe 8-51.
Thurstan College (2nd innings) – 175/4 in 47.5 overs: Kasun Abeyrathna 62, Isuru Fernando 37, Charith Asalanka 2-31, Wanindu Hasaranga 2-26.
