A terrific response by Maris Stella curtailed Royal dominance as the lads from Negombo enforced a draw in their U 19 fixture at Reid Avenue.
Batting first, Royal amassed 348/7 in 65 overs, gaining the upper hand of the game. A solid 65 run partnership between Ganith Sandeepa and vice-captain Thiran Dhanapala and later a 92 run stand between Himesh Ramanyake and the deputy braced a rapid innings for the hosts. Thiran Dhanapala stormed his way to a rapturing 120 in just 78 deliveries while Pasindu Suriyabandara and Ronuka Jayawardena piled up the misery for the visitors with 63 and 40 respectively.
In response, Maris Stella were muddled at 50/4 at stumps as the Royal spin took over the proceedings from the batting assault. A seeming resistance was ruffled when Charuka Hatharasinghe made the breakthrough trapping Ravindu Fernanado for 9 and rattling the lone fighter Kevin Perera for 38. However a late unbeaten cameo by Sanka Purna curbed the Royal authority, lifting the score by 62 while Ashen Fernando braced with another 31 before they were bowled out for a resilient 213.
Maris Stella continued their revival despite the follow on as they comfortably handled the daunting bowling attack of Royal. Roshen Fernando’s 65 spearheaded their recovery as they reached 291 at close, thwarting Royal from a possible win.
Chief Scores –
Royal 1st innings – 348/7 dec (65.3 overs) (Thiran Dhanapala 120*, Pasindu Suriyabandara 63, Ronuka Jayawadene 40, Kulith Samarakoon 36; Shenal Perera 3 for 52)
Maris Stella College 1st innings – 213 all out (59.4 overs) (Sanka Purna 62*, Kevin Perera 38, Ashan Fernando 31; Lasith Embuldeniya 4 for 53, Charuka Hatharasinghe 3 for 39, Ganith Sandeepa 2 for 33)
Maris Stella College 2nd innings (F/O) – 291 all out (58.2 overs) (Roshen Fernando 65, Awantha Perera 64; Geeshath Panditharathna 5 for 53)
Result – Match Drawn
Holy Cross College vs Lumbini College
Holy Cross College narrowly escaped against Lumbini, forcing a draw at Colts. Lumbini skipper Mohommad Akram dismantled the Holy Cross line up, grabbing 8 for 24 in the first innings.
Chief Scores –
Holy Cross College 1st innings – 104 all out (58.4 overs) (Saminda Ravinath 31; Mohommad Akram 8 for 24)
Lumbini College 1st innings – 237/7 dec (57 overs) (Ravindu Sanjeewa 112, Janith Dias 44, Kaveen Peiris 30*; Kavendra Anjula 3 for 73, Dilhara Nanayakkara 2 for 35)
Holy Cross College 2nd innings – 142 all out (80 overs) (Lahiru Tambavita 54, Avishka Perera 30; Chanaka Devinda 3 for 19, Mohommad Akram 3 for 72, Thanuka Dabare 2 for 20)
Result – Match drawn
