No more delaying, no more waiting the battle of the saints is finally here as SJC took on SPC today at the P SARA stadium. The peterites as well as the Josephians have been in good form leading up to this encounter.
The Josephians won the toss and decided to bat first. Dilan Fernandopulle and Dinal Fonseka opened the batting for the Josephians who made a good start. They put on a partnership of 36 runs before a silly run out interrupted the partnership. From 36 for no loss it soon became 36 for 2. However the ship steadied by VidushaJayasinghe and Sadheera Samarawickrema who scored 26 and 33 respectively.These two took the score to 96 for 2 and then 96 for 4. After that it was a continued slumped as the Joes reduced to 122 for 7 at lunch.
After lunch play resumed and in a few overs they were bowled out for 141 runs. (how out again)PathumMadushanka was the last man to be dismissed. FotthePeterites Julien De Zilwa picked up 5 wickets for….. runs. Julien was amazing (describe better)with his bowling and he clearly out foxed the Josephians. The Peteritevice CaptainDushanHemantha also chipped in with 2 wickets. It was a good outing for all the spinners as they clearly dominated.
The Peterites in reply looked to pile on the pressure; however the Josephians with another twist opened their bowling with PriyamalPerera and YashanSamarasinghe.
Skipper Shehan Fernando hit a massive six off his first delivery and clearly showed aggresive intent. It was not long before both Shehan and Sasheen Fernando were bowled courtesy Yashan who ? The Peterites batted with composure and gradually made their way to the total of 141.
In the final session, the Peterites looked to add to their lead. They were able to notch up a total of 192 before they were bowled out. PriyamalPerera picked up 4 for 81 and Yashan picked up 4 for 37. These two in tandem were quite excellent for the Josephians. For the Peterites Jason Buljens (47) was the top scorer. JanithLiyanage also scored 36 that added to the total.
SJC with a few overs to go commenced their second innings and at the end of day 1 were on 17 for 1 at the end of play. DinalFonseka the only man to be dismissed as he was caught LBW off the bowling of DushanHemantha.MathumMadushanka the night watchmen was sent in to stick around in the last few overs. He was left unbeaten on 7 and DilanFernandopulle on 5.
The Josephians will want to improve their batting tomorrow or it may be the downfall that will result in loosing the match. For the Peterites its all about picking up wickets and “going for the Kill”. Battle of the Saints has lived up to its name thus far.
St.Joseph’s College 1st innings 141 all out 42 overs (Sadheera Samarawickrema 33, Vidusha Jayasinghe 26, Julien De Zilva 5/42, Dushan Hemantha 2/17)
St.Peter’sCollege 1st innings 192 all out 52 overs (Jason Buljens 47, Janith Liayanage36, Yashan Samarasinghe 4/37, Priyamal Perera 4/81)
St. Joseph’s College 2nd innings 17 for 1 in 9 overs (Dinal Fonseka 5, DilanFernandopulle 5*, Pathum Madushanka 7*, Dushan Hemantha 1/5)
