S.Thomas’, chasing a victory target of 286 in little over one session, were 41 for no loss at tea on the third and final day of their 132nd Battle of the Blues cricket encounter against Royal continued at SSC grounds today.
Resuming the final day at their overnight second innings total of 99 for one, Royal went on to make a commanding 314 for 5, thanks to some valuable contributions from skipper Ramith Rambukwella, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Imal Liyanage and H. Kumarasiri.
Royal captain went on to make 79, thus completing twin centuries following his majestic knock of 165 in last year’s big match. Thomian skipper Chamod Pathirana followed his five-wicket haul in Royal first innings with another disciplined spell of 3 for 85.
Chief scores:
Royal first innings - 276 for 9 decl. (Ramith Rambukwella 83, Bhanuka Rajapaksa 55, Chamod Pathirana 5 for 101, Madushan Ravichandrakumar 4 for 50).
S. Thomas’ first innings – 323 all out (Kavindu Perera 61, Chamod Pathirana 63, Madushan Ravichandrakumar 69, Ramith Rambukwella 4 for 54).
Royal second innings – 315 for 5 decl. (Ramith Rambukwella 79, Bhanuka Rajapaksa 30, Imal Liyanage 65, H. Kumarasiri 60 n.o, Chamod Pathirana 3 for 85).
S.Thomas’ second innings – 41 for no loss at tea (A. Wickremanayake 23 n.o, J. Bongso 8 n.o).