The “Battle of the Golds,” the highly anticipated limited-overs encounter between Kegalu Vidyalaya and St. Mary’s College, Kegalle, concluded recently at the Public Grounds, Kegalle, with the Marians emerging victorious. After posting a competitive total of 202 runs, St. Mary’s College produced a brilliant bowling and fielding display to dismantle Kegalu Vidyalaya, securing a dominant 62-run victory and retaining the trophy.
Kegalu Vidyalaya skipper Gaurawa Thejan won the toss and elected to field first, aiming to apply early pressure with his diverse bowling attack. However, openers Uththara Walisingha and Hirushan Chandrasiri gave the innings a flying start, although Walisingha was soon dismissed for 30, caught off the bowling of Ometh.
A well-constructed 40-run partnership between Malinga Wijethunga and Hirushan Chandrasiri followed, stabilizing the innings. However, Malinga perished attempting an expansive shot, stumped off Migara Gamlath. Shortly after, Hirushan, who had anchored the innings from one end, was run out. The middle order struggled to capitalize, with skipper Samuditha Kahandawala departing for just 12, leaving St. Mary’s in a precarious position. With wickets tumbling, Kegalu Vidyalaya’s bowling and fielding units grew in confidence.
However, Kevin Udagedara and Sulakshana Udawatta launched a cautious counterattack to rebuild the innings. Sulakshana eventually fell to a mishit, but Udagedara held firm. He formed a vital 35-run partnership with Tharusha Jayaweera, contributing the bulk of the scoring.
The momentum shifted dramatically in the final four overs. Udagedara and Sasmin Dharmasena accelerated, adding nearly 40 runs to propel the total. Udagedara remained unbeaten on a gritty 44, guiding his team to a final score of 202.
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For Kegalu Vidyalaya, Kaushalya Bandara, Migara Gamlath, and Vihanga Sathsara were the pick of the bowlers, claiming three wickets apiece. Vice-captain Shashin Medagedara delivered a superbly economical spell, conceding just 26 runs in his 10 overs, albeit wicketless. Despite the bowling heroics, the Vidyalians were let down by their discipline, conceding 40 runs in extras — a factor that proved decisive.
Chasing a target of 203, Kegalu Vidyalaya got off to a disastrous start. First-innings hero Kevin Udagedara struck immediately, removing Yalitha Methsitha for a duck in the very first over. Apart from skipper Gaurawa Thejan, the frontline batsmen struggled to cope with the attacking bowling of St. Mary’s. The Marians backed their bowlers with brilliant fielding, cutting off runs and applying immense pressure.
Thejan, who played a valiant yet isolated innings, was eventually dismissed by Sulakshana Udawatta, leaving Kegalu Vidyalaya reeling at 50/5. In a desperate situation, Janindu Mallawaarachchi and Ometh Balasooriya came together to build a rescue partnership. The pair added a valuable 60 runs, with Janindu playing the aggressor and Ometh holding one end.
Just as the partnership began to threaten the Marians, disaster struck. Ometh Balasooriya was run out following a serious miscommunication between the wickets. The Vidyalians were then 134/6, requiring 68 runs with four wickets in hand. Hope was briefly sustained by Janindu, but he too was run out in unfortunate fashion. With his departure, the tailenders crumbled under pressure, and Kegalu Vidyalaya were bundled out for just 140.
With this outstanding performance, anchored by Kevin Udagedara’s all-round display and exceptional team fielding, St. Mary’s College secured a comprehensive 62-run victory. This win in the limited-overs encounter, following their major honours in the drawn three-day big match, ensured they retained the trophy, continuing their dominance after last year’s emphatic 10-wicket victory.
Brief Scorecard
St. Mary’s College, Kegalle – 202/8 (50 Overs)
Kevin Udagedara 44*, Hirushan Chandrasiri 30, Shehara Samarasinghe 15, Sasmin Dharmasena 14*, Sulakshana Udawatta 13, Samuditha Kahandawala 12, Malinga Wijethunga 12
Kaushalya Bandara 25/2, Migara Gamlath 31/2, Vihanga Sathsara 41/2, Ometh Balasuriya 39/1,
Kegalu Vidyalaya, Kegalle – 140 all out (42.5 Overs)
Janindu Mallawaarachchi 64, Gaurawa Thejan 21, Ometh Balasooriya 13,
Sulakshana Udawatta 15/2, Samuditha Kahandawala 29/2, Sasmin Dharmasena 30/2, Shehara Samarasinghe 17/1, Kevin Udagedara 19/1
St. Mary’s College, Kegalle won by 62 runs
