St. Thomas’ College, Matale win u.17 cricket final by 7 runs

by S.M. Jiffrey Abdeen – Kandy Sports Corr.

St, Thomas College, Matale, lifted the inaugural Senarath Siyambalangama Memorial under 17 cricket championship for Matale schools by defeating Christ Church College, Matale by 7 runs in the final of the tournament organised by the Old Boys of Government Science College and played at Bernard Aluwihare Stadium, Matale.

This was a befitting tournament for one of the finest cricketers produced by Government Science College, Matale. He was affectionately known as ‘Tikka’ by his friends and had his early education at St. Anthony’s College, Kandy before moving over to Science College, Matale for highest studies.

One match which will greatly be remembered is the big match between Government Science College and St. Thomas College, Matale. The Thomians were set a target and if they did not achieve it, then they would be giving the Science College their first win in the series.

But Senerath Siyambalangama bowled his heart out to capture 9 for 60 which stands todate the best bowling analysis in the series. But the manner in which he achieved it is worth mentioning. He opened the attack and spun the ball viciously and his fingers were bleeding and used his handkerchief to wipe away the blood till victory was achieved. That was Tikka Siyambalangama.

In the first semi finals, St. Thomas’ College beat Hindu College by 18 runs. In the second Semi-finals Christ Church College beat Vijaya College by five wickets.

The scores of the final:

St. Thomas College: 43 for 5 in 5 overs (Pandula Udupihilla 20, S. Ratnasiri 2 for 8).
Christ Church College: 36 for 5 in 5 overs (S. Spun 10, D.D. Silva 2 for 8).

Awards:

Best batsman: P.M. Silva (Vijaya College)
Best Bowler: Sachintha Padmasiri (Christ Church College)

Man of the tournament: Pandula Udupihilla (St. Thomas College)

Jayatillake Bandara – Manager, Commercial Credit Limited was the Chief Guest and he distributed the awards.