Nondescripts on the verge of first-class championship

Nondescripts Cricket Club (NCC) need to score 247 runs to secure a first innings victory against Colombo Cricket Club (CCC) to become the first-class champions this year. With a full strength side thanks to the cancellation of an exhibition match in India, which threatened to deprive the side of Hashan Tillakaratne and Aravinda de Silva, they should score the runs with ease.

Nondescripts began the day three points ahead of Burgher Recreation Club. They picked up one bonus point today after bowling out Colombo Cricket Club for 246 and that should put them out of of reach. BRC are not completely out of the picture, but need NCC to slip up badly and to produce something very special over the next two days.

Akalanka Ganegama, the young Nondescripts fast bowler who recently made his debut for Sri Lanka in Sharjah, snapped up four wickets in the day to underline his promise and force CCC onto the back foot. A 94 run fourth wicket partnership between Polonowita (86) and Jehan Mubarak (48) rescued the innings, but they then lost their remaining seven wickets for 80 runs.

Sajeewa Weerakoon, the BRC left arm spinner, has bowled himself into national contention this season as the highest wicket taker. He continued his fine form today as he took six wickets against Tamil Union. Indika de Saram steadied the Tamil innings though with 86 from 165 balls and Upul Chandana, still feeling his way back after injury, compiled a patient 40.

Tamil Union finished the day on 282 for eight. BRC now need to wrap up the innings in the early morning and then score 400 as soon as possible if they are to have a chance of claiming the championship.

Bloomfield Sports and Athletic Club will have been delighted to have the services of their national players today. Unfortunately Sanath Jayasuriya, who interestingly choose to bat at number five, and Tillakaratne Dilshan both failed, as Bloomfield were bowled out for just 88 in 36 overs. Thilan Samaraweera took four wickets. SSC were 30 without loss at the close.

In the final Super Eight match, played between Panadura Sports Club and Colts Cricket Club, Panadura finished the day on 167 for five after 61 overs. SN Liyanage, who has picked up an impressive bag of wickets this season, took four wickets and WP Wickrama scored an unbeaten fifty.