16 March 2023 05:21 pm
S. Thomas' College struck back with three wickets, but Royal College continued to pile on the runs on the first day of the 144th Battle of the Blues at the SSC grounds.
Royal were 326 for 7 after 73 overs, Savindu Seneratharachchi (8*) and Bulan Weeratunga (2*) at the crease.
The Thomians finally broke the fifth wicket partnership between Dasis Manchanayake and Ramiru Perera, when the Royal skipper was bowled by Kavindu Dias for 137, ending a partnership of 229 that had well and truly turned the tide of the match.
Sandesh Ramanayake was dismissed without scoring, leg before wicket to Akash Fernando, before the other Royal centurion Rumiru Perera was caught in the deep for 128, which came off 186 deliveries, with the Royalists looking for quick runs at the tail end of the day.