St. Benedict's through to final

Thushan Jayasuriya

Two fruitful partnerships and Chandana Jayasanka's bowling (4 for 30) took St.Benedict's College to the final of the Inter-schools under-19 limited over tournament when they recoded a 59 run win over Wesley College in the semi-final played at R.Premadasa International Cricket Stadium Colombo yesterday.

Taking the first lease of the wicket, the Benedictines scored 232 for seven wickets in 50 overs. Janindu Karunatilleke cracked a half century (61) inclusive of six boundaries while Thilina Silva also made a fine half ton (66) studded with five hits to the ropes and two sixes. The Opening pair of Janindu Karunatilleke (61) and Thilina Silva (66) involved in a fruitful partnership of 137 runs for the third wicket while Sameera Sandamal (21) and Madura Madusanka (42) involved in a 58 run partnership for the fourth wicket. The Wesleyites couldn't make much headway and they were restricted to 173 in 42.1 overs. Jonathan Caderamanpulle was the best among Wesleyite batsmen (60) while Chandana Jayasanka was the pick of the bowlers with 4 for 30.

St.Benedict's College will confront St.Peter's College at Moors Cricket Club Grounds in the final match of the tournament today.

St.Benedict's: 232 for 7 in 50 overs (Janindu Karunatilleke 61, Thilina Silva 66, Sameera Sandamal 21, Madura Madusanka 42, Dhanushka Karunaratne 3 for 34, Sachin Jayawardena 2 for 47)

Wesle: 173 in 42.1 overs (Jonathan Caderamanpulle 60, Dhanushka Karunaratne 39, Thiraj Kariyawasam 27, Chandana Jayasanka 4 for 30)