Several matches started yesterday (31) in different parts of the island, making for another busy weekend of schools big matches.
Among the matches that commenced yesterday, the most highlighted one was the 74th Battle of Uva which saw 22 wickets fall on day one.
In addition to that, Rukshan Devinda of Dharmapala College, Pannipitiya managed to take 6 wickets against Rahula College, Matara.
Shamal Priyabhashana of Vidyartha College and Sethika Dilmith of Piliyandala Central College scored half-centuries.
12th Battle of the Golden Lions
After deciding to bat first, Rahula College was blown away for 156 courtesy of Rukshan Devinda’s magnificent 6/39. As their top scorer, Sasindu Battage made 46 runs.
When stumps were called on day 1, Dharmapala College were on 5/0.
Rahula College 156 (71.4) Sasindu Battage 46, Risinu Geethika 37, Rukshan Devinda 6/39, Chithum Beddage 2/31
Dharmapala College 5/0 (3)
74th Battle of Uva
Surprisingly, there were 22 wickets that fell on day 1 of the Battle of Uva between Badulla Uva College and Dharmadutha College which commenced in Badulla.
After having won the toss Uva College decided to bat first, but they failed to put a competitive total and were bowled out for 142.
However, in reply, Dharmadutha batters were bundled out for 108. At the end of day 1, Uva College were on 25/2.
Uva College 142 (39.4) Rochana Hirushika 26, Kushan Harshana 25, Vinuth Thisaraka 3/18, Ayesh Gajanayake 2/28 & 25/2 (13)
Dharmadutha College 108 (38.2) Dineth Hirushan 39, Ayesh Gajanayake 14, Mohommad Rifkan 3/04, Kushan Harshana 3/30, Rochana Hirushika 2/30
4th Battle of the Friends
After being put in to bat first, Gnanissara College bowled out for 145 runs. With the ball, opposition captain, Hasan Nadeemal bagged 5/28.
In reply, Rajapaksha College were in a commanding position on 112/2 with Vihanga Induwara scoring a fifty.
Sri Gnanissara College 145 (56.2) Tharusha Anjana 29, Menuja Santhusa 28, Sahan Nadeemal 5/28, Vihanga Induwara 2/19
Rajapaksha College 112/2 (33) Vihanga Induwara 55, Himsara Kavinda 34, Thisara Kavinda 2/19
63rd Battle of the Babes
Vidyartha College bowled St. Sylvester’s out for 94 runs with Anuja Rathnayake claiming a fifer.
At the end of day 1, Vidyartha College were in a comfortable position, adding 148 runs for 4 wickets. As their key batter, Shamal Priyabhashana remained unbeaten on 60.
St. Sylvester’s College 94 (49) Malith Lakshan 29, Charuka Ayeshan 19, Anuja Rathnayake 5/13, Adithya Bandara 2/21
Vidyartha College 148/4 (48) Shamal Priyabhashana 60*, Danupa Kodikara 36*, Nimesh Silva 3/38
Read : Isipathana beat Thurstan in 16th T20 encounter
21st Battle of Raigam-Salpiti
After being asked to bat first, Piliyandala Central College posted a total of 199 with Sethika Dilmith stroking a half-ton.
In reply, Thakshila Central College were on 36/2 at the end of day 1.
Piliyandala Central College 199 (76.3) Sethika Dilmith 68, Sonath Enuka 32, Dimantha Dinujaya 3/35, Sanvindu Dissanayake 3/67
Thakshila Central College 36/2 (21) Chamod Mihiran 16*, Ganindu Wijekoon 2/9
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