St. Joseph’s College recorded their 6th outright victory in the 2015/16 under 19 cricket season when they comprehensively outclassed St. Anthony’s College, Katugasthota by 8 wickets in their annual 104th cricket encounter which concluded on Saturday at Darley Road.
This match is played for the Murali-Vaas Trophy, which is named after the two great Sri Lankan bowlers, produced by these two catholic schools. The Josephians have now successfully won this encounter for four consecutive years under the leadership of Sachien Hewawasam, Dylan Fernandopulle, Pathum Madusanka and Sandaruwan Rodrigo respectively.
Sandaruwan Rodrigo won the toss and invited the visitors to take first lease of the wicket. The lads from Kandy could not muster more than 138 as the hosts’ spinners completely decimated their opposition.
The boys in blue and white made a competitive 233 in their first innings gaining a valuable 95-run lead. Malshan Rodrigo continued his good form stroking the top score of 44 while all other batsmen chipped in with useful cameos.
The visitors were once again down the barrel against the heavy spin barrage of the hosts’ as they made only 160 all out after batting 80.4 overs. The Anthonian skipper Kanishka Uggalpaya was the standout performer scoring 31 and 43 in both innings respectively.
The Josephians needed 66 runs to cap off a victory and they reached the target in 6.4 overs.
St. Anthony’s – 138 all out in 49.2 overs: Kanishka Uggalpaya 31, Lakjeewa Wijebandara 24, Mohommed Alfar 20, Harin Cooray 4/15, Malshan Rodrigo 3/27.
St. Joseph’s – 233 all out in 53.3 overs: Shewon Fonseka 37, Nipun Sumanasinghe 36, Kevin Corteling 29, Neran Gunathilake 20, Malshan Rodrigo 44, Sandaruwan Dharmarathne 6/88.
St. Anthony’s (2nd inn) – 160 all out in 80.4 overs: Kanishka Uggalpaya 43, Charuka Raveen 3/35, Harin Cooray 4/46, Ruchira Ekanayake 2/34.
St. Joseph’s (2nd inn) – 66/2 in 6.4 overs: Shewon Fonseka 21, Sandaruwan Rodrigo 30.
