After a dismal performance on Day 1, Wesley College revived, in fact stunned their rivals with a riveting comeback by nearly chasing down 213 runs to steal a win during the 123rd Royal-Wesley encounter at Campbell Park.
An overnight score of 83/6 saw them struggling for survival from a follow on but a flashing upswing piled up 240 before a commendable declaration in the second essay by Royal gave a cricketing feast and a thrilling finale at the second oldest encounter in the island. The ultimate draw secured the Sir Frank Gunasekera shield at Reid Avenue for another year.
Winning the toss, home captain Andrew Parais invited Royal to bat first. Royal, despite being 21/2 at one 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.
Royal v Wesley – Day 1 – Geeshath’s ton torments Wesley
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.
Came Wesley’s day, as fortunes were short lived for Royal. Despite scuffling at a follow on, they attacked from ball one. Helitha Bambarenda annexed 65 runs with Yomesh Ranasinghe who later got out for 21 to Embuldeniya’s spin. But Helitha continued his pongo, dismissing the Royalists from his presence while Movin Subasinghe joined him to save them from a follow on. Movin’s enormous six over square leg ensured their safety but the duo continued their assault. Helitha Bambarenda reached a quick fire 67 before he was removed by Lasith Embuldeniya who took his fourth scalp for the inning and 106th for the season, breaking the record previously held by Maneesha Tantrigoda for most wickets in a single season by a Royalist.
Movin Subasinghe dealt with boundaries, adding insult to injury for Royal. The last pair Movin Subasinghe and Shanuka Madushan added 52 runs for the last wicket and a subsequent team total of 240 before they were all out. Movin’s late cameo resulted in 42 runs which included 4 gigantic sixes.
Royal with a 39 run lead, commenced their second innings with an aggressive approach. Naveen Withanapathirana took Andrew Parais to the cleaners with 20 runs off the first over. He was rather unfortunate to leave, following a stunning catch by Thilina Perera in the following over. Royal, with a clear intention of setting a target for Wesley were swinging their willows to score quick runs. Geeshath and Ronuka Jayawardene took them to 71/2 in 10 overs, with a fearless batting display. After Ronuka was run out for 20, Geeshath reached his half century. Positive cricket by the visitors saw them reaching 173/6 in 28 overs. A sporty declaration meant that Wesley needed 213 runs to win in 29 overs.
Led by their deputy and opener Zenith Wickramanayake’s 47, Wesley were throttling towards victory, reaching 139/3 in 19 overs. Needing 74 more in the last 10, the Royalists were nettled, until Ramanayake’s magic sent Andrew Parais back for 21. But youngster Thilina Perera propelled his way, to a possible win for the home side. His elegant strokeplay charmed the Campbell Park crowd, giving a short scare for the visitors. Himesh turned back the favour for the Royalists, claiming danger man Bambarenda’s wicket as Thiran Dhanapala took a magnificent diving catch, providing much needed inspiration for a seemingly dejected side. Finally Embuldeniya struck at a vital juncture to dismiss Perera for a terrific 85 when Wesley required 39 off 3 overs. Turning the tides in favour of Royal, Himesh forced Subasinghe to leave, possibly the last straw for them. At one point, Wesley was on top when they needed 90 off 12 overs with 7 wickets in hand but it was Ramanayake’s tight bowling with ideal variations in pace and bounce commanded Royal towards their goal in this thrilling finale. Wesley ended on 193/7 at close.
Chief 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 – 240 all out (69.1 overs) (Helitha Bambarenda 67, Movin Subasinghe 42, Samoda Athulathmudali 34; Lasith Embuldeniya 5 for 79, Helitha Withanage 2 for 8, Himesh Ramanayake 1 for 26)
Royal College 2nd innings – 173/6 dec (29 overs) (Geeshath Panditharatne 67, Thiran Dhanapala 47; Yomesh Ranasinghe 3 for 39, Andrew Parais 2 for 51)
Wesley College 2nd innings (Target 213) – 192/7 (29 overs) (Thilina Perera 85, Zenith Wickramanayake 47, Andrew Parais 21; Himesh Ramanayake 3 for 38, Lasith Embuldeniya 3 for 91)
Result – Match Drawn
