The much anticipated SLC Premier League Tier A Tournament 2016/17 kicked off today at Colts grounds where the last year’s league runner-up, Moors SC took on the hosts, Colts CC in the season opener.
Moors SC captain Kosala Kulasekara won the toss and elected to field on a placid surface. After losing the opening batsman, Avishka Fernando cheaply for 5, Kanchana Gunawardena and Hashan Dumindu rebuilt the Colts innings adding 114 runs for the second wicket.
Left-handed Gunawardena slammed 14 fours during his excellent 127-ball 74 while former Sri Lanka U19 player, Dumindu managed 39 off 89 balls. Captain Kulasekara removed both the batsmen in quick succession which brought skipper Dilruwan Perera and young batting star, Angelo Jayasinghe to the crease.
Perera and Jayasinghe added 130 runs for the 4th wicket to set a solid platform for the hosts. The visitors struck late to dismiss both Perera and Jayasinghe for 80 and 72 respectively but the hosts took major honours on day one. Sri Lanka Cap, Perera clobbered 5 sixes and 6 fours during his 95-ball 80 while Jayasinghe stroked 8 fours during his 154-ball 72.
Former St. Sebastian’s College off-spinner Umeshka Morais, playing his maiden first-class game picked up 2 wickets while leg-spinner Sachithra Perera grabbed only one wicket. Former Josephian Priyamal Perera and fast-bowler Nisala Tharaka is currently at the crease unbeaten on 17 and 7 respectively.
Play will resume tomorrow for second day’s play.
Colts CC – 318/6 in 89 overs: Dilruwan Perera 80, Kanchana Gunawardene 74, Angelo Jayasinghe 72, Hashan Dumindu 39, Kosala Kulasekara 2/51, Umeshka Morais 2/95.
