Fighting knocks by Gihan and Kavindu

S M Jiffrey Abdeen - Kandy Sports Corr

St Servatius College, Matara held Trinity College to a draw in their inter-school cricket match concluded at the Asgiriya Stadium, Kandy yesterday.

Only two innings were completed in the match which was interfered by rain and bad light on both days.

St Servatius College in reply to Trinity's total of 206 made very slow progress yesterday. Perhaps the loss of wickets at regular intervals may have compelled them to make this approach.

They lost one of the openers at 3 and were later struggling at 49 for 5. A sixth wicket stand of 45 took the total to 94. Two more wickets fell and they were tottering at 104 for 7.

Then came the face-saving stand of 55 for the eight wicket between Gihan Nimsara 80 (8 fours and 184 balls) and tail ender Kavindu Umesh 29 (4 fours, 93 balls) and at one stage the game swung in favour of the visitors who had the chance of overhauling Trinity's total.

They were 159 for 7 with both batsmen batting well. At this stage Gihan Nimsara was dismissed for a well compiled 80 which was the highest in the match. What was most important for them was survival and prevent the Lions going for a win. His partner Kavindu Umesh batted doggedly to thwart the Lions in their own den.

But with the departure of these two batsmen the innings folded up.

Sixteen-year off-spinner Ravin Sayers bowled best to capture 4 for 45 supported by left arm spinner Lakshan Jayasinghe 2 for 24).

Today Trinity College will meet Isipathana College at the Asgiriya Stadium.

Trinity College: 206 all out

St Servatius College: 168 all out in 78.5 overs (Gihan Nimsara 80, Kavindu Umesh 29, Ravin Sayers 4 for 45, Lakshan Jayasinghe 2 for 24).