Navy SC in command

S.M. Jiffrey ABDEEN, Kandy Sports Cor.

Navy Sports Club were in a strong position at the end of the second days play in their Sri Lanka Cricket's Division One Under-23 quarter-final match against Kandy Cricket Club at the Welagedera Stadium, Kurunegala yesterday. The match will be continued today at 9.30 a.m.

Batting first, the Sailors made 229 with Buddhika de Alwis top scoring with an unbeaten 71 which had 10 hits to the ropes.

Kandy Cricket Club in reply folded up for 117 with Kasun Ekanayaka 42 (7 fours, 1 six) and Janishka. Premasinghe 35 being the main contribution. Right-arm medium pacer Yohan Kumara (5 for 55) and left-arm spinner Dulanjith Mendis (5 for 26) being the destroyers.

Navy batting a second time were 259 for 5 at close. They were helped through an enterprising unbroken stand of 140 for the sixth wicket between Chamil Rhunasiri 96 not out (13 fours, 1 six) and Malith Cooray 64 not out (7 fours), spinner Lakshan Jayasinghe took 5 for 57.

The Sailors now have a lead of 371 and look poised for an early win today unless Kandy Cricket Club could bat through the day.

Navy Sports Club: 229 all out in 64.2 overs (Yohan Kumara 41, Dilan Chandimal 32, Buddhika de Alwis 71 not out, Gehan Bopitiya 3 for 40, Kasun Ekanayake 2 for 30, Janishka Premasinghe 3 for 57) and 259 for 5 in 79 overs Chamil Ruhanasiri 96 not out, Malith Cooray 64 not out, Lakshan Jayasinghe 5 for 57).

Kandy Cricket Club: 117 all out in 37.2 overs (Kasun Ekanayake 42, Janishka Premasinghe 35, Dulanjith Mendis 5 for 26, Yohan Kumara 5 for 57).