Exceptional bowling and Pasindu Sooriyabandara’s maiden century lead Royal to her 4th outright victory.

The 1st XI Cricket Match between Royal College and De Mazenod Colege, Kandana was held on the 30th and 31st of January 2016 at Reid Avenue.

The Mazenodian skipper won the toss and invited the Royalists to bat first. The Royal batsmen who have been putting up big scores in the past few games proved their consistency as they piled up 300 runs for the loss of 9 wickets. Fresher Pasindu Sooriyabandara, continuing his rich form, scored his maiden hundred as he mounted 107 runs in 136 deliveries. Ronuka Jayawardane (43) Ganith Sandeepa (39) and Naveen Withanapathirana (38) also made notable contributions.

De Mazenod College in their first innings was bundled off for 164 runs in just 45 overs. Himesh Ramanayake was the chief destroyer as he picked up 4 wickets while the skipper Geeshath picked up 3 wickets with his leg spinners. Royal College called upon the De Mazenod boys to follow on as they were behind by 136 runs.

The boys from Kandana showed great composure but the Royal camp’s bowling proved too good as they were all dismissed for 202 in 48.5 overs. Off-spinner Ganith Sandeepa and pace bowler Duvindu Induranga picked up 3 wickets each while Lasith Embuldeniya picked up 2 wickets bringing his total count for the current season up to 96.

Royal chasing a target of 67 runs for victory managed to do so in just 17.4 overs. Pasindu and Ronuka putting up a fifty run stand made sure the Royalists crossed the line in time to secure their fourth outright victory for the season.

MATCH SUMMARY

Royal College (1^st innings) 300/9 in 64.2 overs

Ronuka Jayawardena 43

Naveen Withanapathirana 38

Ganith Sandeepa 39

Helitha Withanage 22

Geeshath Pandithrathne 22

De Mazenod College (1^st innings) 164 in 45 overs

Himesh Ramanayake 49/4

Geeshath Panditharathne 19/3

De Mazenod College (2^nd innings) 202 in 48.5 overs

Ganith Sandeepa 37/3