Antonians struggle to 56/4 before rain stops play

S.M. Jiffrey Abdeen – KandySports Correspondent

The curse of the Weather gods was once again directed at cricket when only 28 overs of play was possible on the first day of Kandy’s 97th Battle of the Blues between St. Anthony’s College and Trinity College which began at Katugastota yesterday. The match will be continued today at 9.45 a.m.

The day before the match day the weather at Katugastota kept extremely fine. Then came the match day and play was possible only till lunch time. Drizzle followed by showers interrupted play.

At one stage these was a delay in covering the wicket which dampened the condition there was insufficient man power to put the covers. Schoolboys and old boys had to give a helping hand.

The Antonians Skipper Sachin Bulathsinghala won the toss and decided to take first lease of the wicket which appeared to favour the bowlers.

The Antonian opener Viraj Deepal and Kanishka Uggalpaya started off well before key bats man Viraj Deepal was caught by Rajitha Jayathunga off Bhagya Pallihawadana for 04.

One drop bat Pavithra Nanayakkara was trapped in front by medium pacer Amirth Sirmahan for a duck with just one run added to the total.

Thrid to go was the other opener Kanisthka Uggalpaya bowled neck and crop by Bhagya Pallihawadna for 11.

the Antonians with the score board reading 22 for 3 were in deep trouble.

The Antonian star batsman Neimesha Gunasinghe and Damitha Panditharatne choosing the right ball too hit took the score to 42 before left arm spinner Chairth Sudarska, Surprised Guansinghe with a ball which turned sharply and was bowled for 12. At close Damithra Panditharatne is still there unbeaten on 15 and Dilan Bandara not out 02.

An declaration is not possible and even if play is resumed the Antonian will continue batting till a substantial total is made.

As matters stand the match appears heading towards a draw with just four wickets falling on the first day.