Skipper Geeshath Panditharatne’s consecutive centuries for Royal, followed by tight bowling left Wesley College in shambles at the end of Day 1 of the 123rd Royal-Wesley encounter played at Campbell Park today.
Winning the toss, home captain Andrew Parais decided to invited Royal to bat first. Royal, despite being 21/2 at a point, commenced their recovery which was spearheaded by Geeshath Pandithratne and deputy Thiran Dhanapala. A much needed 138 run partnership between them was established before Thiran was dismissed for 57 by Samoda Athulathmudali. The captain continued his valiant innings before reaching an outstanding century, tormenting the Wesley bowlers with his willow. His innings was ceased at 112 after a brilliant effort by Shenal Dangalle who caused his run out, perhaps the only possible way they could sent him back. Later Yomesh Ranasinghe dismissed Helitha Withanage for 11 but sloppy fielding and wicketkeeping robbed the home side of a few wickets which could have reduced Royal to a lower total. Malith Kariyawasam who was shielding one end was engaged in a needless run out at 37 before Royal declared 279/8 at tea.
An onerous start by Wesley saw both openers Zenith Wickramanayake and Thisuraka Akmeemana both sent back to the pavilion by Helitha Withange. Himesh Ramanayake too joined the party by dismissing Jason De Silva for 9, leaving the host side tottering 16/3. Thilina Perera who joined Samoda Athulathmudali grappled for revival but star bowler Lasith Embuldeniya sought to avert the threat sending Thilina for 14 following a stumping by Thiran Dhanapala. Royal kept on applying pressure, gathering momentum with an ideal situation to dominate. Ganith Sandeepa trapped skipper Andrew Parais for 1 before set batsman Athulathmudali who was bracing the crumbling innings was dismissed my Malith Kariyawasam for 34. Royal ended the day on top, leaving Wesley reeling on 83/6 at stumps still needing another 96 to avoid a follow on.
Day 1 scores –
Royal 1st innings – 279/8 dec (61.5 overs) (Geeshath Panditharatne 112, Thiran Dhanapala 57, Malith Kariyawasam 37; Yomesh Ranasinghe 3 for 88, Andrew Parais 2 for 64, Samoda Athulathmudali 1 for 35)
Wesley College 1st innings – 83/6 at stumps (32 overs) (Samod Athulathmudali 34; Helitha Withanage 2 for 8)
