Geethal Fernando produced a stellar fast-bowling display to take a 14-wicket match bag as St. Benedict’s College defeated St. Joseph’s College by an innings and 27 runs on Saturday in their traditional encounter at Kotahena.
The tall and lanky seamer nicknamed, ‘Gulliver’ took two 7-wicket hauls to torment the Josephians who failed to encounter the seaming deliveries of the 18-year old fast-bowler.
After being blown away by the same bowler for only 39 runs in their first innings on Friday morning, the Josephians were restricted to 134 in their second essay.
The Benedictines were 114 for 6 overnight. Left-handed Shehan Fernando carried his team to the 200-run mark as he made an unbeaten 61 while Madushan Kularathne and Poorna Charuka chipped in with 24 and 38 respectively.
For the visitors, Sri Lanka U19 representative Jehan Daniel top-scored with 25 while skipper Sandaruwan Rodrigo made 24. Geethal ended with 14 for 70 to win the Man of the Match and Best Bowler award while Shehan Fernando bagged the Best Batsman award.
Since the inception of the Mack-Croner Trophy in 2010, neither of the schools has recorded a victory until today.
St. Joseph’s – 39 all out in 14.4 overs – Kevin Corteling 15, Revan Kelly 14, Geethal Fernando 7/16, Poorna Charuka 2/20.
St. Benedict’s – 200/7 declared in 71.2 overs: Shehan Fernando 61*, Madushan Kularathne 24, Poorna Charuka 38, Dineth Rathnayake 20, Harin Cooray 3/30, Jehan Daniel 3/50.
St. Joseph’s (2nd inn) – 134 all out in 38.5 overs: Jehan Daniel 25, Sandaruwan Rodrigo 24, Malshan Rodrigo 19, Geethal Fernando 7/54, Madushan Kularathne 2/50.
