Batsmen prosper as A team depart for Kenya

With the national side in South Africa and the A team on route to Kenya, there were some rich pickings for the batsmen in the second week of the Premier League. The batsmen cashed in on Friday with four centurions and four sides look set to secure maximum batting points sometime tomorrow.

One of those sides was the Sinhalese Sports Club who have a number of players in Africa with the A team and national side. However, they are blessed with embarrassing riches and are not reliant upon their stars. They rattled up 327 for three wickets against Sebastianites.

Malintha Perera, who has taken over the gloves in the absence of Prassana Jayawardene, is a belligerent player and he scored 129 runs from 232 balls including 15 boundaries. He was well supported by the ever-efficient Priyanka Wickramatunge, who reached his hundred just before the close and remains unbeaten on 100 not out.

Burgher Recreation Club compiled 303 for the loss of four wickets in their match against the Air Force. Sanjeeva Silva was the star of the show, scoring a massive 151 from 234 deliveries.

Panadura Sports Club were in the runs last week and have continued their fine form. They finished the day on 298 for four. Sarath Jayawardene (84) and Sunendra Kumara (96*) were the top scorers.

Colts Sport Club struggled last week but found life a little easier today when they played Galle CC. They bundled out the Southern Province club, who have been starved of much needed funds in recent months, for just 194 and then replied with 52 for one. Sajith Fernando appears to be ominous form for Colts and has raced to 38 from just 31 deliveries so far.

Matara Sports Club struggled against Bloomfield Sports and Athletic Club. The Bloomfield fast bowlers caused the problems, with Hemantha Alles and Ruchira Palliyaguru picking up four wickets apiece.

Tamil Union had wrestled the initiative from Moors Sports Club and at 134 for two looked set to build a large first innings score. However, Rangana Herath reminded the selectors that he too likes to travel with six wickets for 67 runs. Tamil Union were eventually bowled out for 246 and in reply Moors SC were 52 for two.

Perhaps the performance of the day though was that of Antonians Sports Club against Nondescripts Cricket Club. The small club battled their way to 266 for eight at the close of play. Ravi Peiris laid the foundations with a patient 86 from 229 deliveries. The impressive Ganegama, who can be quite nippy on occasion, picked up three wickets.

Colombo Cricket Club continued a fine start to the season last weekend with an imposing 307 for six at Kurunegala. Damitha Hunukumbara top scored with 106 from 215 balls.