The first day of the 35th “Battle of the Rocks” encounter ended in a batting collapse for Maliyadeva College with St. Anne’s College setting eyes on a formidable first-innings advantage.
The prominent sporting event between Maliyadeva College and St. Anne’s College Kurunegala was played on a beautiful sunny day at the Welegedara Stadium Kurunegala. Though the conditions seemed to be perfect for batting, surprisingly Devans skipper Dulaj Ranatunga won the toss and elected to field first. Batting first under the picturesque Elephant Rock, the Annites scored 236 for 9 in 65.4 overs before declaring their innings. Dananjaya Bandara, who scored a century against Kingswood College this season, was the top scorer for St. Anne’s College as he added 57 runs. Useful contributions with the bat from Pubudu Ganegama (33) and Wanitha Wanninayaka (32) added stability to the innings while Skipper Randira Ranasinghe chipped in with 30 runs. Naveen Maduranga and Sanjeevan Priyadarshana claimed three wickets apiece in the Devans bowling effort.
The final session brought in excitement for the Annite bowlers, as they managed to crash through the defenses of the opposition. A top-order collapse resulted in ending the Devans going into stumps on 83 for 9 in 23.4 overs.
By shattering the Devans batting lineup, the Annites would be optimistic of pushing for a win on the second day. A 153 run deficit looms ahead of the Devans.
The second day’s play is scheduled to commence tomorrow (7th April 2018), from 10.00 a.m. onwards at the Welegedara Stadium, Kurunegala.
35TH BATTLE OF THE ROCKS 2018
St. Anne’s College, Kurunegala 1st Innings 236 for 9d (65.4)
Dananjaya Bandara 57, Pubudu Ganegama 33, Wanitha Wanninayaka 32, Randira Ranasinhe 30 Naveen Maduranga 3/60, Sanjeevan Priyadarshna 3/46
Maliyadeva College, Kurunagala 1st Innings 83 for 9 (23.4)
