Dilanka puts Bens on top

Chris Dhambarage

Dynamic all rounder Dilanka Auwardt hit an unbeaten half century and picked up a hattrick to put St. Benedict’s College to a strong position on the opening day of their inter school under 19 cricket tournament match against S. Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia which commenced at Kotahena yesterday.

Auwardt struck five boundaries during his unbeaten half century while Prageeth Fernando hit a top score of 65 from just 59 deliveries inclusive of three sixes and five boundaries as the home side piled up a formidable 250 for 9 in their first innings.

Auwardt then made his presence felt with the ball too while claiming all three wickets in the Thomian first innings in successive deliveries.

St. Benedict’s: 250 for 9 decl (W. Fernando 27, A. Sirimanna 39, P. Fernando 65, D. Auwardt 50 n.o, C. Pathirana 2 for 19, N. Matugama 2 for 79, N. Peiris 3 for 25)

S. Thomas’: 40 for 3 (D. Auwardt 3 for 11) C.D.