Sebastianites pile up 303/9

Dilwin MENDIS, Moratuwa Sports Corr.

St. Sebastians College, Moratuwa is in a strong position at the end of day one, against more fancied S.Thomas College, Mt. Lavinia in their inter-school under 19 cricket tournament match commenced at Moratuwa. In reply Thomians have made 77 for 1 for the Sebs total of 303 for 9 declared.

Winning the toss and occupying the crease Sebs were soon in trouble with three of their key batsmen in the pavilion with nine runs on the board. Thomians could not hold the grip and homesters consolidated their positions steadily.

At this stage Oshada Fernando joined Charith Fernando and the pair put on 97 runs for the fourth wicket. Charith Fernando contributed 64 runs.

After the exit of Charith Fernando, last year’s under 17 skipper and in-form batsman Brian Paul joined Oshada Fernando and pulverised the Thomian attack to score 81 runs which included seven hits to the ropes and five towering sixes.

Both of them were associated a 141 runs partnership for the fifth wicket which was the highest of the day’s play.

St. Sebastian’s 303 for 9 decl. (Charith Fernando 64, Oshada Fernando 80, Brian Paul 81, Anuk de Alwis 23, S. C. V. Pathirana 2 for 30, A. D. J. Kerner 2 for 48, H. N. C. Fonseka 2 for 45).

STC 79 for 1 (M. F. Salim 57 n.o.).