Royal College came out with a pleasing performance to take major honours on the opening day of their 117th inter school under 19 cricket encounter against St. Joseph’s College which began at Reid Avenue today.
After they were restricted to a modest 225 runs in the first innings the home side hit back strongly through their bowlers to reduce their opponents to 44 for 4 wickets in reply.
All rounder Randev Fernando was the cynosure of all eyes as he almost single handedly carried Royal College towards safety with a top score of 81 runs and then followed up with a penetrative spell of bowling while claiming three key wickets for just ten runs.
Even then his effort with the bat was quite significant considering the fact that he came into the crease at a vital stage of the innings when they were really struggling to put up a decent total on the board.
However Randev Pathirana simply changed the complexion of the game with his solid determined batting and with the support of Rajith Vidanapathirana (46) they were able to extend their innings and to finish with a healthy total at the end.
The spinners Aravinda Akurugoda and Nevin Fernando captured three wickets each for St. Joseph’s College but they really had to toil under tough conditions and work hard for their wickets following their initial success.
Royal College all rounder Randev Fernando came into the limelight once again this time with the ball as he completed a highly successful day by capturing three wickets in the St. Joseph’s College first innings.
In fact the Joes have already lost four of their top batsmen for a mere 44 runs and they still need a further 82 runs to avoid the humiliation of been asked to follow on.
Royal College: 225 (Randev Pathirana 81, Rajith Vidanapathirana 46, Nevin Fernando 4 for 64, Aravinda Akurugoda 3 for 34)
St. Joseph’s: 44 for 4 (Randev Pathirana 3 for 10)
