Royal College managed to retain the Sir Frank Gunasekera Shield after the stalemate against their traditional rivals Wesley College at the SSC.
The 124th encounter between the two schools was hampered by rain on both days where a mere 58 overs were possible on Day 1.
Heavy overnight showers delayed play while gloomy clouds were covering the grounds later on throughout the day. Early wickets by Senal Dangalle gave a short scare but Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Helitha Vithanage commenced to revive Royal, reaching 98/3 at lunch. Pasindu reached his half ton by lunch while the skipper remained on 28.
The pair continued to dominate proceedings, where Helitha displayed his form by reaching his half century. Pasindu throttled to his maiden century for the season, a timely ascent for the big match hero from last year. When bad light halted play after tea, Royal remained on 210/4.
Resuming from their overnight score 210/4, Pasindu Sooriyabandara (108*) and Thevindu Senarathne (33*) continued to dominate game where Pasidnu added another 30 runs to score his career best before he was removed for 138. Thevindu was joined by Himesh Ramanayake who propelled his way to a half ton before Royal declared on 317/9. Senal Dangalle took 5 for 86.
Wesley’s response was spearheaded by Movin Subasinghe’s valiant unbeaten 91 but he had little support from the others lwhere the visitors lost wickets at regular intervals. At close, Wesley remained on 204/7.
Chief Scores –
Royal College, Colombo 1st innings – 317/9 dec (77.3 overs) (Pasindu Sooriyabandara 138, Helitha Vithanage 52, Himesh Ramanayake 50*, Thevindu Senarathne 46; Senal Dangalla 5 for 86, Movin Subasinghe 2 for 71, Mohammed Ubayadulla 2 for 78)
Wesley College, Colombo 1st innings – 204/7 (65.4 overs) (Movin Subasinghe 91, Jason De Silva 25, Senal Dangalla 23, Shamod Athulathmudali 15*; Himesh Ramanayake 2 for 30, Abishek Perera 2 for 54)
Result – No Result
S. Thomas’ College vs St. Joseph’s College at Darley Road
Traditional rivals S. Thomas’ and St. Joseph’s battled it out for a draw in their Singer Cup encounter at Darley road.
Earlier on day 1, the hosts were struggling on 126/6 when skipper Harin Cooray (49) and Pahan Perera (47) revived home team, taking them to 217/9 before Harin Cooray’s spin left the visitors on 13/3 at stumps. However, Romesh Nallaperuma’s unbeaten 42 took the Thomians to 161/9 before they declared their innings.
At close, St. Joseph’s were on 215/9, braced by Nipun Sumanasinghe’s half ton and a 36 by Jehan Fernandopulle.
Chief Scores –
St. Joseph’s College 1st innings – 217/9 dec (71.2 overs) (Harin Cooray 49, Pahan Perera 47, Dineth Madurawala 33, Shevaan Rassool 31; Pavith Rathnayake 3 for 33, Dellon Pieris 3 for 50)
S.Thomas’ College 1st innings – 161/9 dec (48.4 Overs) (Romesh Nallaperuma 42, Kalana Perera 32, Manthila Wijerathne 29, Sithara Hapuhinna 20, Ishen Perera 18; Harin Cooray 3 for 45 , Havin Perera 2 for 46, Ruchira Ekanayake 2 for 31)
St Joseph’s College 2nd Innings – 215/9 (63 Overs) (Nipun Sumanasinghe 55, Jehan Fernandopulle 36,Havin Perera 24 * Ruchira Ekanayake 22*; Ravindu Kodituwakku 3 for 32, Kalana Perera 2 for 20, Dellon Peiris 2 for 60, Pavith Rathnayake 2 for 66)
St. Sylvester’s College Kandy vs Gurukula College Kelaniya (Day 1)
At St. Anne’s College Grounds, St. Sylvester’s were shot out for a paltry 48 by Gurukula College in 31 overs in their Group C clash.
Praveen Nimesh and Malindu Viduranga took 3 wickets each. In response, Asintha Malshan and Teshan Malinda led the charge taking Gurukula to 247 before Sylvester’s remained on 2/0 at stumps.
Chief Scores –
St. Sylvesters College, Kandy 1st innings – 48 all out (30.3 overs) (Praveen Nimesh 3 for 15, Malindu Viduranga 3 for 16)
Gurukula College, Kelaniya 1st innings – 247 all out (56.3 overs) (Asintha Malshan 69, Teshan Malinda 41, Pruthuvi Rusara 31; Manuja Perera 4 for 65, Manjith Rajapaksha 2 for 40)
St. Sylvesters College, Kandy 2nd innings (at stumps) – 2/0 (2 overs)
