As we approached 2015, Under 19 division one school cricket matches got underway this weekend. St. Peter’s College played against Ananda College at Katunayke FTZ grounds and the boys from Bambalapitiya registered a first-innings win.
Anandians won the toss and put their opponents to bat first. Petes was struggling at first as their top order collapsed cheaply. But their middle order showed class and stability. Didulana Mendis scored a classy 75 runs continuing his good form from the last few matches. Sachin Dalpathadu chipped in with a useful 47 runs to help Peterites get to a good first innings total of 209 of 73.4 overs. For Ananda College, fast-bowler Kasun Perera bagged 3 wickets for 29 runs and all-rounder Sahan Arachchige took 2 wickets for 16 runs. Peterites fought back hard to get to this total after their top order was bundled out cheaply.
Anandians came to bat in the latter part of the first day. They were not allowed to settle down at the crease as the Peterite bowling attack took full control of the proceedings. There were few starts from some batters but they couldn’t manage to carry on make a big score. Ultimately they were bundled out for just 145 runs in 48.4 overs. Junior National Poolist and left-hander Sahan Arachchige made the highest score of 35 runs. Sahan put up stand out performance for the Anandians from both bat and ball. Sammu Ashan and Nipun Arachchige chipped in with 29 and 26 respectively. Peterites speedster Randel Senevirathne was yet again amongst the wickets as he took 2 wickets for 20 runs. Vinu Mohotti bowling his off spinners grabbed 3 for 37. Taneesha Weerakoon used his variation to take 3 wickets for 29 runs.
St. Peter’s college came on to take their second lease of the wicket in the morning session of day two. Their intention was clear as they attacked the Ananda bowlers to somehow score some quick runs and put their visitors to bat. It was Didulana Mendis who scored the highest score of 38 as the Peterites declared their innings at 135 runs for the loss of 7 wickets. Dilanka Sandaken took 4 wickets 41 runs. Ananda bowlers did well to restrict their opponents to that score. The declaration proved to be too little too late to create a winning chance for home side.
Anandians collapsed yet again but time ran out on the Peterites. They only managed to take four wickets in the second innings. The boys from Maradana were struggling at 34 runs for the loss of 4 wickets as the umpires called off play. Taneesha Weerakoon took 2 wickets for 20 runs. After all it was a good performance by St. Peter’s College but their batting should improve as the season is going get more and more competitive.
Chief Scores:
St. Peter’s (1st innings) -209 all out in 73.4 overs: Didulana Mendis 75, Sachin Dalpathadu 47, Kasun Perera 3/29, Sahan Arachchige 2/16.
Ananda (1st innings) -145 all out in 48.4 overs: Sahan Arachchige 35, Nipun Haggala 26, Sammu Ashan 29, Taneesha Weerakoon 3/29, Vinu Mohotti 3/37, Randel Senevirathne 2/20.
St. Peter’s (2nd innings) -135/7 declared in 71.4 overs: Didulana Mendis 38, Dilankan Sadekan 4/41, Sammu Ashan 2/49.
Ananda (2nd innings) – 34/4 in 17 overs: Taneesha Weerakoon 2/20.
