Defending joint champions St. Peter’s College finished on top on day 1 against Ananda College, while Thurstan College dominated Richmond College in their respective Semi-final encounters in the Singer U19 division I two-day tournament which commenced today.
St. Peter’s College vs Ananda College
Peterite Skipper Lakshina Rodrigo won the toss in the all-important semi-final and opted bat first at the Moors grounds. The lads from Ananda took early wickets to remove a strong Peterite top order. All-rounder Shivan Perera along with Ranmith Jayasena put up a late show to add some respectability to the Peterite scorecard. Right hander Shivan Perera made a classy 68, while Ranmith Jayasena fought hard for his solid 43 with the bat as St. Peter’s College made a fighting 211.
Left-arm spinner Asel Sigera was the chief destroyer as he grabbed 3 scalps for the Anandians to restrict the Peterites.
In reply Ananda were made they closed on day one work hard for their runs as they finished on 74 for 5, handing the advantage right back to the Peterites.
Santhush Gunathilaka captured four crucial Anandian wickets.
Brief Scores
St. Peter’s College, Colombo 211 all out in 71.3 overs – Shivan Perera 68, Ranmith Jaysena 43, Manelker de Silva 26, Santhush Gunathilake 20, Asel Sigera 3/36, Sammu Ashan 2/17, Chamika Gunasekara 2/35.
Ananda College, Colombo 74/5 in 21 overs – Sahan Suraweera 24, Kalana Wijesiri 20, Santhush Gunathilake 4/15
Richmond College vs Thurstan College
Being asked to bat first on a good batting surface at the Surrey Village grounds in Maggona, Thurstan College responded well to the challenge. Yeshan Wickramarachchi started things off on the right foot compiling 47 runs, while Nipun Lakshan stroked a classy 77 runs to help the Thurstanites to a commanding position.
All-rounder Sawan Prabash remained unbeaten on 73 at stumps consolidating the Thurstanite innings. Left-arm spinner Avindu Theekshana had to toil hard on a good batting strip as he battled to bag a well-deserved 5-for. Sandun Mendis chipped in with a handy four scalps with his right arm off-spin to put a fight for the lads from the South at stumps.
The Richmond batting line up have their work cut out against a strong Thurstan bowling line up on day two with a place in this year’s final still up for grabs.
Brief Scores
Thurstan College, Colombo 289 all out in 97 overs – Nipun Lakshan 77, Pawan Prabash 73*, Yeshan Wickramarachchi 47, Prageesha Mendis 22, Avindu Theekshana 5/78, Sandun Mendis 4/72.
