(UTV|COLOMBO) – The 141st traditional cricket encounter between Royal College Colombo and St. Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia ended in a draw this evening, at the SSC grounds in Colombo.
Amidst chaos and confusion over the government’s declaration of banning large gatherings in the country to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus, proceedings at the SSC were uninterrupted until both captains decided to call curtains on the ‘Battle of the Blues’, on the third and final day of the match.
On Thursday, Royal College captain Thevindu Senarathna won the toss and elected to field first to kick-start proceedings of the blue ribbon encounter of the domestic school cricket calendar for 2020.
Despite favourable conditions the Royalist’ failed to restrict the Thomians to a modest total.
Shalin De Mel’s knock of 85 helped St. Thomas’ post a formidable 369.
However they consolidated the crease for 128.2 overs which all but eliminated Royal’s chances of forcing a result in their favour.
Ryan Fernando and Gavin Botheju contributed to the Thomian total with 70 and 54 runs respectively.
For Royal Gishan Balasuriya picked up 2/68.
Royal players then needed to avoid the follow-on and they too consolidated their innings patiently much to the disappointment of spectators.
They went on to score 282/8 before the declaration.
Dasis Manchanayaka remained unbeaten on 53 while Isiwara Dissanayaka scored 42.
For St. Thomas Umayanga Suwaris was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 2/35 while Kishan Munasinghe picked up 2/38.
With the result of the game a foregone conclusion on the final afternoon, both sets of players played for individual honours.
At the close of play on the third and final day of the big match, St. Thomas was on 127/5 and ensured they retained the prestigious DS Senanayake Trophy for another year.
Gavin Botheju was unbeaten on 36 at stumps while Ryan Fernando scored 34.
For the Royalist’ Gishan Balasooriya picked up 4/50.
Meanwhile with the increase in the number of coronavirus related cases, organizers have postponed the annual One-Day encounter between Royal College and St. Thomas’ College. (NR)