The annual ‘Over 40 Cricket Sixes’ organized by the Mercantile Cricket Association was played successfully over the weekend at the MCA and D.S. Senanayaka grounds. The tournament was sponsored by Ceylon Cold Stores and played for the ‘Elephant Lemonade’ trophy.
In the 1st Semi- Final, the defending Champions, Union Assurance, 61/4 (05) beat J. Keells Holdings 44/1 (05). In the 2nd Semi-Final, HNB was stretched to the limit by Singer Srilanka PLC; Singer 66/3 (05) lost to HNB 68/2 (4.3).
HNB led by Manoj Perera regained the MCA Over -40 Cricket “Sixes” title beating the defending Champions, Union Assrurance PLC in the Final at the MCA grounds.
Union Assurance batting first put up a challenging 73 for 3 in 05-overs, riding on a 63 runs opening stand between Eric Upashantha (35 rtd. In 11 balls, inclusive of 04 sixes and 01 four) and Sanjaya Attanayake (26 in 08 balls inclusive of 02 sixes and 01 four)
Union Assurance in their quest to retain the title, started off well when they got rid of Saman Jayantha for 01, with the score at 06.
The match turned on its head when Union Assurance Priyanka Jayanama, who bowled the 2nd over got hit for 34 runs, including 04 wides and 05 runs via a careless over throw.
HNB opener Nilantha Bopage, who was severe on bowler Jayanama, retired not out, scoring 31 runs in 07 balls inclusive of 03 sixes and 02 fours.
Sajeewa de Silva (22) and Wendell La Brooy put the finishing touches, HNB reaching the target scoring 74/1 in 3.5 overs.
Final: HNB beat Union Assurance by 05 wickets.
Union Assurance PLC – 73 for 3 in 05-overs (Eric Upashantha 35, rtd., Sanjaya Attanayake 26, Susantha de Mel 12, Mahesh Wijenayake 1/14)
HNB – 74 for 1 in 3.5 overs (Nilantha Bopage 31 rtd., Sajeewa de Silva 22 not out, Eric Upashantha 1/15)
Special Awards (05)
Most Sixes in the tournament: Saman Jayantha from HNB (11 sixes)
Most Senior Player: Wasanthalal Fernando from John Keells
Best Bowler: Adrian G. Jaakey from John Keells (03 overs 05 for 19)
Best Batsman: Eric Upashantha from Union Assurance PLC (04 innings, 125 runs inclusive of 10 sixes)
Man of the Final: Nilantha Bopage from HNB
The tournament participated by 12 teams was sponsored by Ceylon Cold Stores PLC, played for the “Elephant House Lemonade” Trophy.
Nadeena Fernando, Brand Manager, Elephant House Beverages was the Chief Guest and he along with Ashley Ratnayake, President, Mahesh de Alwis, Chairman Tournament Committee and Sirosha Gunatillake, Executive Committee Member (all from MCA) gave away the awards at the post tournament presentation.
