An unbeaten half-century stand between Senuja Wekunagoda and Yenula Dewthusa brought St. Joseph’s back into the game after losing three quick wickets against St. Peter’s on Day 2 of the 91st Battle of the Saints at the SSC Grounds.
St. Peter’s College resumed their first innings on 176/7. Overnight batter Lashmika Perera helped them post 244 all out on Day 2, adding 67 runs for the final three wickets with support from the lower order. The left-hander stroked a fluent 58 off 79 balls, including 9 fours and a six.
From a Josephian point of view, Maanasa Madubashana was the pick of the bowlers, delivering with good energy to claim 3 for 77. In addition to this, Demion De Silva, Nushan Perera, and Yenula Dewthusa picked up two wickets apiece.
In response, Abhishek Jayaweera and Aveesha Samash opened the innings, laying a solid platform for St. Joseph’s with a 59-run partnership. Just when the Peterites were desperate for a breakthrough, Lashmika Perera came into the attack and struck in his very first over—removing Jayaweera, who offered a simple return catch.
Perera turned out to be the man with the golden arm, striking again in his next over to dismiss Samash for 32. Nimthaka Gunawardena’s stay was brief, as he was clean bowled by Joshua Sebastian, leaving St. Joseph’s at 71 for 3.
Yenula Dewthusa then joined Senuja Wekunagoda and the duo steadied the ship for St. Joseph’s, putting together an unbeaten 79-run partnership for the 4th wicket before bad light brought an early end to Day 2.
