79th Battle of the Saints against St. Peter’s:

Sadeera’s century helps Joes make a bold reply

Thushan Jayasuriya

St.Joseph’s College Colombo made a bold reply by scoring 180 for two wickets in reply to St.Peter’s College’s first innings total of 236 for 9 declared on the first day of the 79th Battle of the Saints against St. Peters College for the Rev. Fr. M.J. LeGoc Memorial Trophy which commenced at P.Sara Oval yesterday.

After losing the first wicket at 11, opener Dilan Fernandopulle was joined by Sadeera Samarawickrama who were involved in a second wicket stand of 92 runs before Fernandopulle departed with the total at 103 for 45 including eight fours.

Samarawickrama who hammered the Peterite bowlers made a well compiled century and remained unbeaten on 105 inclusive of 13 fours and one six and was involved in an unbroken third wicket partnership of 77 runs with Sachien Hewawasam(20 not out).

The Peterites bowlers could not contain Samarawickrama who was in cracking form and became the 14th Josephian and 30th centurion in the Josephian-Peterite Series.It was his second century for the season.

Peterites taking first lease of the wicket were off to a disasterous start losing their first wicket without a run on the board when opener Shasheen Fernando departed for duck. Then Jason Buultjens and Janith Liyanage were involved in a fruitful second wicket stand of 77 runs before Buultjens was dismissed for 26 runs.

Wickets kept falling at regular intervals But Janith Liyanage played the sheet anchor role and went on to top score of 70 runs inclusive of seven hits to the ropes and one over it.

Peterite skipper Dushan Hemantha couldnot make any impression being dismissed for a duck caught by Perera off the bowling of spinner Akurugoda.

The lads from Bambalapitiya were boosted by an unbroken last wicket stand of 20 runs between Crishan Fernando (42 not out) and Sahan Nanayakkara (9). Crishan Fernando made an unbeaten 42 runs which helped the Peterites to make a respectable score 236 for 9 declared. Earlier Chemila Obeyesekere hit a hard hit 20 runs. The Josephian spinners did the damage with Aravinda Akurugoda ( three for 45) and skipper Sachien Hewawasam (two for 35). In an unusual move spinner Aravinda Akurugoda opened bowling for St.Joseph’s College and finished as the top wicket taker.