Spinners help Ananda beat Joes by an innings after 81 years

By Ranjan Anandappa

Ananda spinners spearheaded by offspinner skipper Samuu Ashan who had a match bag of (10 for 22) andably assisted by Dilanka Sandeken and Shenal Koralage helped themto a morale boosting innings and 7 run win over St. Joseph's in theSinger Under 19 school cricket encounter at Darley Road yesterday.

With their 'big' matches with insight ,just one week away , Ananda gave a fine display in defeatingthe Joes after 81 years and only for the second occasion in their 47 school cricket match history.,The two schools have been playing eachother on and off at times. For the Josephians it would be ademoralising experience prior to their big encounter which is alsojust seven days away.

Ananda batting first piled 301 for 9declared with Nisal Francisco top scoring with 91 , Nipun Hakgalla61 and Sammu Ashan ( 58) displaying his fine all round qualities.

The Joes who were 13 for 1 overnight crumbled to the spin of Sammu Ashan and,Dilanka Sandaken for 170.Only skipper Pathum Madusanka (34) and Hashindra Perera (54 n.o)batted with some authority.

Following on with a deficit of 131runs the Joes fared no better when they were shot out 124 in 44overs. Besides Vimukthi Peiris (47) and Nipun Samarsinghe ( 30) therest of the Josephian batsmen once again surrendered meekly to Ananda spin combination.

Chief scores. Ananda College 301 for 9 declared ( Nisal Francisco 91, Sammu Ashan 58, Nipun Hakgalla 61,Dilanka Sandaken 33, Kavishka Anjula 36 n.o, Malshan Rodrigo 5 for50)St.Joseph's College 13 for 1 overnight170 ( Pathum Madushanka 34, Hashindra Perera 54 n.o, Samuu Ashan 5for 63, Dilanka Sandaken 3 for 28) and 124 in 44 overs ( Vimukthi Peiris 47, Nipun Samarasinghe 30, Sammu Ashan 4 for 57, DilankaSandaken 2 for 37, Shenal Koralage 4 for 11)