(UTV|COLOMBO) – S. Thomas’ College captain Sithara Hapuhinna hit a brilliant century but the loss of the last seven wickets for 49 runs saw his side finish with a moderate total of 216 on the opening day of the Singer Trophy Under 19 division 1 inter-schools 2-day cricket final against defending champions St Joseph’s College at Royal College grounds, Reid Avenue yesterday.
By the close the match was evenly poised with St Joseph’s having lost four wickets for 120 runs.
Opener Hapuhinna struck 21 fours and a six in his knock of 117 off 127 balls and shared in two half century stands with Ryan Fernando (24) and Shalin de Mel (12) before Josephian left-arm leg spinner Dunith Wellalage ran through the rest of the batting to finish with figures of 5 for 45.
Wellalage then showed his prowess with the bat scoring an unbeaten 28 and putting together an unfinished fifth wicket stand of 60 with Dineth Jayakody (39 n.o.).
A lot depends on this pair if Joes are to win and retain the title when the match continues today.
Scores:
S. Thomas’: 216 in 59.1 overs (Sithara Hapuhinna 117, Ryan Fernando 24, Delon Peiris 21, Ravindu de Silva 19, Yohan Perera 14, Shalin De Mel 12, Dunith Wellalage 5/45, Salinda Seneviratne 2/34, Ashain Daniel 2/61)
St. Joseph’s: 120/4 at close in 35 overs (Dineth Jayakody 39 n.o., Dunith Wellalage 28 n.o., Dinal Anuradha 18, Sheran Fonseka 17, Johannne de Zylva 12, Thevin Eriyagama 1/15) – (DN)
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