Rain wreaked havoc for four sessions of a possible nine as the 136th Battle of the Blues dwindled into an inglorious draw.
Resuming on day three at 182/1 after the final two sessions of day two were washed out, S.Thomas’ College came out with an attacking intent to put a substantial lead and put Royal under pressure. Nipuna Gamage slashed two fours on the back foot and one on the front foot before a horrible mix-up with Ravindu Kodituwakku saw Gamage being run-out for 48. At that time the pair had put on 100 runs in 27 overs. Couple of overs later Kodituwakku was on the receiving end as another risky single attempt saw him walking back to the pavilion five short of what would have been a brilliant century for the fresher.
Thomian camp sent in Tharindu Rathnayake and Chenutha Wickramsinghe in search of quick runs but were restricted for 15 and 28 respectively. While the lads from the school by the sea made attempts to give away their wickets it was the Royalists who tried not to take those chances dropping as many as five catches during the hectic morning session. S.Thomas’ with wickets falling declared on 270/7 with a lead of 71 runs with the miserly Randev Pathirana taking 4 for 71.
When bad light stopped play at 12.15pm Royal were 19 for 1 with Yohan Mendis picking a brilliant catch at short leg off the bowling of Shenal De Silva to dismiss Hasith Samarasinghe. Play was called off at 3.00pm with Royal College retaining the D.S.Senanayake Shield as a matter of course.
Match Summary :
Awards
Best Fielder – Thiran Dhanapala (RC)
Best Bowler – Sachitha Jayathilaka (STC)
Best Batsman – Ravindu Kodithuwakku (STC)
Man of the Match – Ravindu Kodithuwakku (STC)
