Sri Lanka: Brilliant show by the Peterites (12 February 1999)

12 February 1999

Sri Lanka: Brilliant show by the Peterites

The Daily News

Defending champions St. Peter's College came up from behind with a spectacular performance to beat Royal by seven wickets in a key inter school cricket tournament match worked off at Bambalapitiya.

The Peterite top order responded in a remarkable manner after Royal had set a victory target of 250 runs in 55 overs. The home side eventually completed their task with plenty of overs to spare with Suranga Pinto leading their run chase. He was well supported by Mahesh Perera who set the pace with a sparkling knock of 77.

But it was Suranga Pinto's unbeaten century that really turned the game in St. Peter's favour. The Peterite opener concentrated more in occupying the crease and played the anchor role to give his side a memorable victory.

They had earlier collapsed for a disappointing 121 and conceded a first innings lead of 97 runs. But the Peterite top order clicked well in their second innings and completely surprised their opponents with a stunning batting display.

Royal probably underestimated their opponents after having taken major honours on the opening day. But in the second innings they put up a dismal performance on the field and dropped a couple of catches that certainly brought their downfall in the end.

St. Sylvester's College cruised to an innings and 84 runs victory over Carey College in their Elephant Lemonade Cup inter school match worked off at Peradeniya.

The Sylvestrians completely outplayed their opponents with the bowlers performing their role quite effectively. In fact the Careyites were bundled out for just 70 runs in their second innings with Ranga Dissanayake, C. Wijesinghe and Lihindipita causing the damage. In addition Zahran Hajireen too made his presence felt with a sparkling century that helped his team compile over 300 runs in their first innings.

Meanwhile Vidyartha College trounced St. Anne's College by ten wickets in a low scoring game played at Kurunegala. Vidyartha were helped to a great extent by their bowlers with S. Ranaweera ending up with a matchbag of eight wickets. Along with K. G. Ranjith, G. R. Jayakody and R. L. Bandara they completely destroyed the St. Anne's batting line up in both innings.

S. Thomas' College held St. Joseph's to a draw in another important fixture worked off at Darley Road. However the Josephians retained the Gilmour Jayasuriya memorial trophy for another year.

The Thomians took the initiative and declared their first innings at a formidable 259 for 7. Their top order batsmen put up a pleasing performance with Zakir Kanaka and Gihan Fernando making two significant contributions. In fact Kanaka came closer of compiling a maiden century and was unfortunately dismissed for a superb 92.

But the Josephians too made a good reply with the consistent Ian Daniels stroking a splendid knock of 74. The Joes then added some kind of embarrassment to their opponents by reducing the Thomians to 87 for 5 in their second innings.

Wesley College figured in another draw this time against the Trinitians at the Asgiriya Stadium. The only consolation for the Wesleyites was the fine bowling performance of P. Chandrasekera who captured 6 for 43 in the first innings.

In addition there were two half centuries by Wesleyite R. Wijetunga and A. Imbuldeniya of Trinity College. The former rescued the side with a fighting knock of 86 that helped his team reach a respectable total of 161 runs. Imbuldeniya performed a similar role for the Trinitians and carried his side towards safety after an initial setback.

The bad weather also spoiled two important games in Kandy with Ananda and Nalanda desperately in need of some match practices. Both teams returned back rather disappointedly after having failed to make an impact from their limited opportunities.

In fact the game between Ananda and St. Anthony's College ended in a tame draw with the entire second day's play being washed out due to heavy rain. The visitors did not perform well and were bowled out for a modest 184 runs.

The Nalandians too struggled somewhat against some accurate bowling and were dismissed for a total of under two hundred runs. They were in real danger after having collapsed to 65 for 6 at one stage. But Kelum Gangodawila came into their rescue with a fighting knock of 82 that also helped his side take a good first innings lead.

Prince of Wales College held D. S. Senanayake to a draw in their fixture played at Moratuwa. The Cambrians piled up a healthy first innings total of 232 runs mainly due to some sensible batting by R.Peiris and H. Fernando. But Muditha Maduwantha produced an equally good batting performance for D. S. Senanayake as the visitors finished at an impressive 187 for 5.

Source :: Daily News (https://www.lanka.net)