The Josephians were on 17 for 1 overnight and were looking to firstly close the gap and then add to the total. The Peterites looking for early wickets.
The Josephians began the day with Night Watchmen Pathum Madushanka on 7* and Dilan Fernandopulle on 5 *. They started well but lost wickets at regular intervals. The first to go was Dilan Fernandopulle as he was caught brilliantly by Kavinda De Tissera at short leg off the bowling of Julien De Zilva. Julien once again a few overs later picked up Pathum as he was stumped in a flash by Janith Liyanage. Pathum making 22 runs.Yashan Samarasinghe steadied the ship along with Sadeera Samarawickreman. Sadeera was left not out on 31 at lunch as Yashan after a good innings of 26 runs was dismissed. The skipper was next in but played a poor shot and ended up getting caught at mid-off. The skipper was dismissed for 4 runs and as he got out stood at the crease for a while showing his frustration and disappointment. Super Supeshala the vice-captain looked to be struggling and was dismissed for 8 by julien De Zilva.
It takes courage and determination to play the big match and Priyamal Perera Clearly was a living testament. After day one Priyamal bowled 23 overs and was said to have been diagnosed with Chicken pox. But with the team crashing he stepped out to bat and looked to save the day for the Josephians along with sadeera.
As play resumed after lunch the very first delivery was faced by Priyamal Perera who was under immense pressure. And Julien De Zilwa with another peach of a delivery picked up priyamal. Priyamal was caught at short leg. Fabian Fernando walked in and looked to counter attack. Meanwhile Sadeera carried on blocking out one end. Sadeera clearly the only batsman who looked comfortable.
Fabian came out with some good shots and looked very positive with some good lofted shots. But before long Julien got him as Fabian was out caught behind. Slight controversy however. With 8 wickets down and the score at 137 the Josephians were done for. However Sadeera the lone ranger despite a bad shoulder injury looked for the big shots. With some classy shots he reached his half century and after that added a few more boundaries. Cleary the shoulder injury paid dividends as he was bowled out by Ranithaliyanaratchi for 68 well fought runs. Ranitha ended up with 3 wickets and Dushan Hemantha 2. But the pick of the bowlers was Julien De Zilwa who picked 5 for 50 .D Disanayake and S Alliraja hung in but unfortunately Dishanwas bowled out. The Josephians were bowled out for 165 in 64 overs. Julien De Zilwa was the best bowler in the match as he picked up 10 wickets .Julien a clear cut, talented player for the future. Sadeera on the other the main contributer for SJC. Sadeera showed every quality needed to reach the top.
With 115 runs to get over 40 overs remaining the Peterite skipper and Shehan Fernando set out to get the runs and bring victory to the school. Yashan & Priyamal once again opening the bowling. The openers blasted their way in the beginning and made a quick fire start. But a magical moment occurred as Shehan Fernando was caught on the boundary by Pathum Madushanka (one of the best catches ever seen taken at the battle of the saints- diving full stretch backwards off balance near the boundary rope). SPC were 22 for 1 at that stage. Josephians with a spark and a chance.However JanithLiyanage came in struck some powerful blows along with Sasheen Fernando. Janith top scored with 68 not out and lahirumilantha scored 22 runs. For the josephians super supeshala picked up 2 wickets. Janith guided SPC to victory as he struck some hefty blows.
The Peterites with a Stunning victory over their rivals the Josephians. The Moris Le goc trophy back with the Peterites this year. For the Josephians amongst all these politics it was a good effort however politics has consequences and that certainly was a major contributing factor to a poor performance. Well done PETERS !!!“Virtus et veritas” .
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’s College 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 165 all out 64 overs (Sadeera Samarawickrema 68, Yashan Samarasinghe 26, Julien De Zilwa 5/50, Ranitha Liyanaratchchi 3/43)
St.Peter’s College 2nd innings 115 for 4 (Janith Liyanage 68, Lahiru Milantha 22, Supeshala Jayathileka 2/28)
