Peterites bag Murali Harmony Cup

Yasaratne GAMAGE reporting from Oddusuddan

St Peter's College, Colombo emerged Murali Harmony Cup 2012 champions with a nail biting one wicket victory in an action packed final against Jaffna Combined Schools here at IODR Oval in Oddusuddan on Wednesday.

Murali Harmony Cup mens and womens champions. St. Peter's College and Sri Lanka Army women.

Sri Lanka Army Ladies team wicketkeeper takes the wicket of a Shakthi Anuradhapura Ladies batsman in the Murali Harmony Cup final at the IODR Oval in Oddusuddan

Having decided to bat first Jaffna Combined Schools faced a tight and disciplined bowling from St Peters and also they did not show their attacking and fast batting style which they continued through out the tourney and as a result ended up piling up 90 for 9 in their 20 overs.

The fans thronged at the grounds expected Jaffna Combined Schools to entertain them as they did agaist Maliyadeva College in the semi-final where opener right hand bat Tuder made a magnificent 85. But tidy bowling and fielding by St Peters prevented them going for a big score. Captain Edward Edin too started with some big shots but was soon sent back to pavilion. Julian de Zilva took 3 for 14, and Chemila Obesekera 2 for 9. T. Kokulan top-scored with 25.

In reply, St Peter's batsmen struggled a bit at the start and then seemed settled after a couple of overs. But R Vathushan, A M Nobert and T Kokulan took wickets in regular intervals which made Peterites so difficult to reach the target easily.

T. Kokulan (2 for 14) and M. Norbert (2 for 16) were the pick of the bowlers for Jaffna Combined Schools, and caused a sensational collapse in St. Peter's middle and late order to put the pressure on the Colombo school who are the reigning schools' champions.

But the Jaffna schoolboys will rue several dropped catches which might have won them the match. The game was on when Peter's captain was bowled out after which the scored boar read 78 for 9. a 29 run last wicket partnership between Krishan Fernando and Sudeel Dissanayake secured their victory in the 19 over.

Jason Bultjens from St Peter's College won the player of the tournament award while Sujani Prasadika of Shakthi Ladies, Anuradhapura was the best in the girls' category. Edward Edin of Jaffna Combined won the best batsman of the tournament award. Anilka Sanjeewani was awarded the girls category.

Sri Lanka Cricketing legend Muttaiah Muralidaran, Security Forces Commander, Mullaitive Major General Leonard Mark, Kushil Gunasekara from FOG and many supporters and well wishers were also present at the awards ceremony.