Ramith ton helps Royal retain Mustangs Trophy

by Ranjan Anandappa

Royal skipper Ramith Rambukwella became only the third player to score a century (103 n.o.) in the 36 year old history of the 'Mustang' trophy limited over cricket series between Royal and S. Thomas' helped Royal to retain the trophy for the third consecutive year defeating traditional rivals S. Thomas' by 7 wickets at the SSC ground yesterday.

Royal in pursuit of a modest 167 run target set by the Thomians ran away with the match utilising only 27.5 overs to reach their victory target. Rambukwella was in complete control as he pulverised the Thomian attack to all corners of the ground.

He struck 103 off 82 deliveries with thirteen fours and a six, and was also associated in a 149 run opening stand with Varuna Dissanayake (48) in 21 overs prior to being run out.

The match was reduced to a 41 overs per side affair due to a heavy drizzle in the morning which delayed play till 11.45 am.

Royal captain Rambukwella won the toss and invited the Thomians to take first lease, hoping the rain would have freshen the pitch.

The Royalist with a lively pace attack exploited the situation when Imran Khan struck in the fourth ball of his first over sending opener Brian Dharmasena for nought. Then Gaurau Deva had the wicket of in form Nuwan Kavinda caught behind for 6 and the Thomians were in a spot of bother losing 2 for 11.

But, two useful partnerships between Sachin Pieris and Asiri Wickremanayake for the third wicket which realised 54 runs and further 38 run stand between Neomal Wickremasekera and Ramith Gunaratne helped Thomians reach their final destination of 167 in 40.5 overs. Leg spinner Devind Pathmanathan bowled best for Royal taking 4 for 34.

The following awards were presented.

Man of the match: Ramith Rambukwella (Royal) Best bowler S. Thomas': Umesh Fernando Best bowler Royal: Devind Pathmanathan. Best Batsman Royal: Ramith Rambukwella Most Promising Fresher: Rishane Mathagaweera ( S.Thomas') Best Batsman S. Thomas': Neomal Wickremasekera.

 	S. THOMAS'

Brian Dharmasena c Rambukwella b Imran Khan	00
Asiri Wickremanayake c Rajapakse b Pathmanathan	34
Nuwan Kavinda c Abeysekera b Deva		06
Sachin Peiris st. Abeysekera b Rajapakse	29
Chamod Pathirana run out			02
Kavindu Perera c Rajapakse b Pathmanathan	16
Umesh Fernando c Abeysekera b Pathmanathan	11
M Ravichandrakumar c Khan b Pathmanathan	04
Neomal Wickremasekera run out			34
Ramith Gunaratne c Ramanayake b Deva		15
Rishane Mathangaweera not out			01
Extras (lb-1, w-12, nb-2)			15
Total (40.5 overs, 179 minutes)		       167

Fall of wickets: 0, 11, 65, 70, 89, 103, 112, 112, 150.
Bowling: Imran Khan 5.5-1-32-1
	 Gavran Deva 6-0-24-2
	 Bhamika Rajapakse 8-1-30-1
	 Hashan Ramanayake 4-0-21-0
	 Ramith Rambukwella 8-0-25-0
	 Devind Pathmanathan 9-0-34-4

	ROYAL

Varuna Dissanayake run out (Madushan)		48
Ramith Rambukwella not out		       103
Supun Subasinghe lbw b Mathangaweera		02
Imal Liyanage b Umesh Fernando			06
Heshan Kumarasiri not out			01
Extras (lb-1, w-7)				08
Total (3 wkts in 27.5 overs, 128	       168

Fall of wickets: 149, 151, 165.
Bowling: Chamod Pathirana 6-0-47-0
	 Umesh Fernando 5-0-26-1
	 Rishane Mathangaweera 9-0-58-1
	 Brian Dharmasena 1-0-10-0
	 Madushan Ravichandrakumar 5.5-0-25-0
	 Neomal Wickremasekera 1-0-1-0