Ruhuna 110th Battle of the Blues:

Sanjika Ridma creates history

By scoring 100 not out on debut:

Priyan DE SILVA Matara sports correspondent

Sanjika Ridma a 15 year old created history in the drawn 110th Battle of the Blues between St. Servatius College Matara and St. Thomas' College Matara concluded on Sunday at the Uyanwatta Stadium Matara.

He would be the youngest and only batsman in the 110 year old history of the game to score a century on debut!

His 100 came from 195 deliveries and included fourteen boundaries. Coming in as nightwatchman at No.7 he put on 38 runs with night watchman Gihan Nimsara who scored 60 runs which included six fours and the only six of the match for the sixth wicket and 72 runs for the seventh wicket with Lahiru Kokila 30.

The stylish left hand batsman is on all rounder who bowls left arm leg spinners and has claimed 75 wickets this season. He is a great prospect for Sri Lanka's cricket. St. Servatius won the toss and invited St. Thomas' to take first lease of the wicket. They ended the day at 188/6 in the 85 overs bowled.

A more positive approach to the game by the Thomian's would have been appreciated. They were bowled out for 220 in 102.4 overs. Kasun Rajitha claimed 5/33 with his Right Arm fast deliveries and wicket keeper Sanidu Ediriweera did well to held on to three!

St. Servatius' approach to the game on the second day was similar to the Thomians and ended the day on 117/5 with Gihan Nimsara on 45 and Sanjika Ridma as night watchman. On the resumption of play on the final day the heroics of Sanjika Ridma eclipsed the inevitable draw. St. Servatius declared their innings at 288/9 in 132.2 overs as soon as Sanjika scored his ton.

St. Thomas' played a match better game in the second innings and were 102/2 at stumps in 32.3 overs.

Nisal Nadeepa complemented his half century in the first innings with another and was 61 at the end of play.