Ananda wins U-17 championship

Chris Dhambarage

Ananda College regained the inter school under 17 division one title when they defeated the giant killers Mahanama College by four wickets in the Lemonade Cup tournament final worked off at the CCC grounds in Maitland Crescent yesterday.

Mahanama batting first after winning the toss were dismissed for 130 runs with skipper Mathisha Perera, Madumal Jayaratne and Sachithra Perera claiming three wickets each.

Mahanama of course made a solid start to their innings with the openers Randhika Wellikannage and skipper S. A. Ruberu putting on 42 runs. The former struck four boundaries but the rest of the batting failed to consolidate and collapsed against the Ananda spinners.

The Anandians in reply reached their target in the 42nd over with four wickets to spare. The openers Geeshan Wimaladharma and Udesh Nadiranga put them on course towards a convincing victory with a superb stand of 88 runs. Man of the match Udesh Nadiranga hoisted one six and struck six boundaries during his 83 ball knock while Wimaladharma also stroked six boundaries facing 63 deliveries.

Ananda however went through some anxious moments mid way in their innings while losing three quick wickets for the addition of just four runs following a splendid spell of bowling from paceman Danushka Gunatilleke who returned excellent figures of 4 for 30.

Mahanama: 130 in 46.2 overs (Randhika Wellikannage 24, S. A. Ruberu 23, Danushka Gunatilleke 21, Mathisha Perera 3 for 20, Sachithra Perera 3 for 21, Madumal Jayaratne 3 for 31)

Ananda: 134 for 6 in 41.1 overs (Geeshan Wimaladharma 40, Udesh Nadeeranga 45, Danushka Gunatilleke 4 for 30, Heshan Perera 2 for 18)