Trinity in box seat

S.M. Jiffrey ABDEEN - Kandy Sports Correspondent

Trinity College held the whip hand at the end of the first day's play in their Inter School Cricket Match against St. Thomas College, Mount Lavinia which began at the Asgiriya Stadium in Kandy yesterday.

The Trinitians having shot out the Thomians for a paltry 97 before the luncheon break have amassed 301 for 5 at close having a stranglehold in the match.

Rushan Jaleel in a sustained spell broke the backbone of the Thomians batting capturing 6 for 43. Suresh Wickrema supported him by capturing 3 for 15.

When Trinity batted, they lost an early wicket, that of opener Niroshan Dickwella for 5. But Shameera Wijesuriya 78 (15 fours 116 balls) and Heshan Wanniarachchi (36) put on 79 for the second wicket. Next Shameera Wijesuriya was joined by young Rajitha Jayatunga 84 (13 fours, 96 balls) and this pair put on 70 runs for the third wicket.

The best partnership of the innings came when Rajitha Jayatunga was joined by Kavinda Jayasuriya and this pair put on 102 for the fifth wicket.

St. Thomas College 97 all out in 35.5 overs (Nilaksha Fernando 17, Brian Dharmasena 14, Nuwan Kavinda 14, Rushan Jaleel 6 for 43, Suresh Wickrema 3 for 15)

Trinity College 301 for 5 wkts in 59 overs (Sameera Wijesuriya 78, Heshan Wanniarachchi 36, Rajitha Jayatunga 84, Kavinda Jayasuriya 48 not out, Suresh Wickrema 22 not out, Chamod Pathirana 2 for 77)