Antonians settle for a draw
by S. M. Jiffrey ABDEEN - Kandy Spots Corr.
Back to the wall defence by St. Anthoney's College helped them to
thwart Trinity College lions and force a draw in the 94th "Battle of the
Blues', which ended in an exciting draw at the Asgiriya stadium, Kandy
yesterday.
Trailing behind by 76 runs in the first inning, the Antonians faced
defeat at one stage, when both openers were back in the pavilion for 16
runs.
Then a third wicket stand of 55 between two junior cricketers Manoj
Sarathchandra (139 balls 2 fours), and Yohan Woods 14 (116 balls)
frustrated the Trinity attack for nearly 35 overs and they bolted for
125 minutes and time was an important factor for them. Yohan Woods who
hardly allowed anything to get past, played the innings of his life.
Manoj Sarachchandra too plodded on to stop the Lions in their victory
bid.
This partnership was broken at 71 and the Antonians were in trouble
agains as the total stumped to 114 for 7 just after tea and a Trinity
victory at this stage looked a possibility as the Antonians lead a had
of only 38 with plenty of overs remaining.
But a stout hearted defence of the eighth wicket pair of Arvinda
Premaratne 28 not out (107) balls 3 fours) and Milinda Ranasinghe 16 (4
fours 57 balls) added 43 runs for the eighth wicket. They were at the
wicket for 23 overs and the time factor was more important to the
Antonians as the Trnitians will have less time to score the runs needed
for victory. This partnership virtually ended all hopes the lions would
have entertained in breaking their 24 year old `hoodoo'. Their last win
was in 1986 and thereafter it had been a stalemate of 24 draws.
The Antonians were finally all out for 184 and had a lead of 108 runs
and Trinity did not have any overs left to chase for the runs required.
Trinity off spinner Rushan Jaleel who opened the attack bowled well
to capture 4 for 32 and leg spinner Akila Jayasundera had figures of 4
for 54.
Trinity cricket captain of 1957 and ruggerrite Uvais Odayar was the
chief guest and he distributed the awards.
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