Grand recovery by Trinity

by S. M. Jiffrey ABDEEN - Kandy Sports Correspondent

In one of the greatest ever fight backs in school cricket in the hill capital Trinity College from a hopeless position of 57 for 6 recovered to make 382 for 8 to take honours in their inter school cricket match against St. Joseph's College, Colombo which ended in a draw at the Asgiriya Stadium, Kandy yesterday.

In reply to Josephian first innings total of 286, the lions were not too happily placed at 54 for 3 overnight. But disaster struck them early in the morning when they lost 3 more wickets for the addition of 4 runs and the score board read 58 for 6.

They had to make a further 128 runs to avoid the ignonimity of a follow on in their own den.

At the wickets were last years captain Akila Jayasundera and 16 year old Dinuk Wickremanayake. They were the last of the recognised batsmen and the team depended on their performance.

Taking a cue from their schools motto "Respice Finem (look to the end) the pair rebuilt the Lions innings with a great stand of 266 for the eighth wicket.

This changed the complenion of the game and could be a record stand in school cricket at this venue.

Dinuk Wickremanayake made 150 not out with 20 fours and 2 sixes and faced 190 balls. Akila Jayasundera scored 131 with 15 fours and one six and faced 184 balls before giving a return catch to Weerasena.

Left arm spinner Supeshala Jayatilleke bowled best to capture 4 for 31 while Flavian Fernando took 3 for 35.

St. Joseph's College: 286 all out

Trinity College: (54 for 3 overnight contd.) 382 for 8 wickets in 89 overs (Ron Chandragupta 14, Akila Jayasundera 131, Dinuk Wickremanayake 150 not out, Alwin Fernando 24 not out, Supeshala Jayatilleke 4 for 31, Flavian Fernando 3 for 35).