Malinda Gunaratne match winner

S M Jiffrey Abdeen - Kandy sports corr

St Mary’s College, Kegalle, created a major upset when they beat the strong Wesley College by 9 runs in a thriller in their schools under-19 limited over knock out cricket tournament match played at the Kegalle esplanade yesterday.

Match winner for St Mary’s was skipper Malinda Gunaratne who cracked a crackerjack 71 with 6 fours and 2 sixes to take the sting off the Wesley College attack. Eraj Jayamanne made 37 and this duo put on 67 for the third wicket. Wesleyites chasing a victory target of 212 did well at the early stages powered by a brilliant 52 with 7 fours and 2 sixes by R Suriyakumar and he was supported by V Karunaratne who made 43 with 6 fours.

But there was very little supported from the others to overhaul the Marians total of 211, which they fell short by 9 runs.

Chamika Karunaratne took 3 for 23 while Prince Jayakumar had 2 for 38. This win by the Marians is no flash in the pan as they had been having a highly successful season having registered 9 outright wins this season.

St Mary’s College 211 for 9 wickets in 50 overs (Mahinda Gunaratne 71, Eraj Jayamanne 37, Christopher Denipitiya 19, Madawa Herath 16, D Karunaratne 3 for 30, S Suriyakumara 2 for 29, D Fonseka 2 for 40).

Wesley College 202 all out in 47.4 overs (S Suriyakumar 52, D Karunaratne 43, D Muzammil 20, D Kariyawasam 19, D Jayawardena 13, Chamika Karunaratne 3 for 23, Prince Jayakumar 2 for 38).