S. Thomas’ in control, Royal College 83/4 at lunch

S. Thomas' College took control of the 144th Battle of the Blues encounter against Royal College, accounting for four wickets in first session of play which concluded a short while ago. 

Royal College were 83 for 4 at lunch on day one of the encounter, with their captain Dasis Manchanayake holding strong, despite his team having found themselves in trouble early in the session. 

Akash Fernando struck in the first over of the day, finding the edge of Rehan Pieris, caught down the leg side for four, before Nathan Caldera accounted for the key wicket of Sineth Jayawardena, three overs later. 

The Royalists lost a third wicket inside the first hour of play, when a mistimed heave off Kavindu Dias' first ball was caught by Caldera, and were reduced to 19 for 3. 

a 44-run partnership between Manchanayake and Ovina Ambanpola ensued, as Royal staged a recovery of sorts, before Ambanpola was bowled by Fernando for 30. 

Royal College 83 for 4 in 23 overs (Dasis Manchanayake 26*, Ramiru Perera 12*, Akash Fernando 2/24, Nathan Caldera 1/22, Kavindu Dias 1/15)