Rain deprives Trinity of certain victory

by S.M. Jiffrey Abdeen - Kandy Sports Cor.

Rain and bad light on both days thwarted the defending schools league champions Trinity College of a certain outright win in their schools under-19 cricket tournament over St. Peter's College, Bambalapitiya concluded at the Asgiriya Stadium, Kandy yesterday.

A total of 245 minutes play was lost on both days due to rain and bad light which no doubt deprived the Lions of starting their season on a winning note.

Trinity College taking first strike made 239 all out with skipper Dinuk Wickremanayake stroking a fine 55 with 8 fours while useful contributions came from Ron Chandragupta (48) and vice captain Rajitha Jayatunga (44) Left arm spinner Julian de Zilwa was most successful bowler for the Peterites claiming 5 for 69.

Peterites in their turn at the wickets despite two stubborn knocks by Dushan Hemantha (33) and Chamila Abeyasekera (22) crumbled against the spin of the Trinitians to be all out for 120 after batting for 46.4 overs.

Dimuth Wickremanayake was the pick of the bowlers capturing 2 for 8, and left arm spinner Charith Sudaraka took 3 for 18. Following on 129 runs behind the Peterites were struggling at 35 for 5 in 27 overs when bad light followed by heavy rain stopped play 90 minutes before schedule.

Trinity's left arm spinner Lakshan Jayasinghe took 3 for 1 and his figures read 7-6-1-3.

Trinity College: 239 all out in 55.3 overs (Bhaghya Pallihawadana 12, Lakshitha Dassanayake 21, Ron Chandragupta 48, Rajitha Jayatunga 44, Dinuk Wickremanayake 55, Arjuna Jayasinghe 17, Lakshan Jayasinghe 24, Ramith Liyanarachchi 2 for 35, Julian de Zilwa 5 for 69).

St. Peter's College: 120 all out in 46.4 overs (Dushan Hamantha 33, Chamila Abeyasekera 22, Dinuk Wickremanayake 2 for 9, Lakshan Jayasinghe 2 for 28, Charith Sudaraka 3 for 18) and 35 for 5 in 27.2 overs (Sashin Fernando 12, Lakshan Jayasinghe 3 for 1).