Bongso (119) Shines for Thomians

by Ranjan ANANDAPPA

Spearheaded by a fine century (119) by left handed one drop batsman Javed Bongso and two impressive bowling efforts by Neomal Wickremasekera and M. Ravichandra Kumara helped S.Thomas' to take a first Innings win in their drawn school cricket encounter against Ananda at Ananda Mawatha yesterday.

Bongso who was unbeaten on 43 on the first day struck 119 with eighteen boundaries, and on his way was involved in two fruitful partnerships first with N. Kavinda (59) adding 66 for the third wicket and a further 136 for the fourth wicket with Shivan Perera (42) to see their side reach 329 for 8 declared after dismissing Ananda for 199 in their first Innings. The Thomians were 138 for 3 overnight.

Ananda going in for the second time with a deficit of 130 fared no better losing wickets at regular intervals, despite Danuka Madusanka (46) and Geshan Wimaladharma (24) holding the side together for some time. With their dismissals, none of the Ananda batsmen could produce an Innings of substance and was in danger of a certain defeat, losing three quick wickets for 2 runs. Ananda finally ended the day at 141 for 9 at stumps.

Ananda 199 and 141 for 9 in 55 over (Danuka Madushan 46, Geshan Wimaladharma 24, Rasith Jayaratne 16, Pasindu Madushan 18, Thusitha Samarakoon 15, Sachitra Perera 10 n.o. Madushan R. Chandrakumara 3 for 33, Neomal Wickremasekera 2 for 56, Umesh Fernando 2 for 27).

S.Thomas' 138 for 3 overnight 329 for 8 declared in 86 overs (N.Kavinda 59, Javed Bongso 119, Shivane Perera 42, Sachin Pieris 27, Ramith Gunaratne 32, Tharindu Abeygunasekera 4 for 58, Pasindu Madushan 2 for 77).