Army SC continued to dominate the Tier B 50-over tournament when they logged in their fourth consecutive win beating Galle CC by seven wickets at the Mahinda Rajapaksa Cricket Stadium, Hambantota yesterday to retain top spot in Group B.
Army SC made light of Galle CC’s total of 206 by scoring 207-3 to win with 76 balls to spare. An opening partnership of 93 by Ashan Sudarshana (40) and Pathum Dilshan (47) set the stage for their successful run chase. Manushka Samith (42) and Sukitha Devthilina (49*) completed the formalities for the win. Only captain Amith Eranda batted with any authority for Galle CC scoring 50 off 85 balls (2 fours).
Chilaw Marians CC kept pace with Army SC with their third win in as many matches beating Sebastianites by 25 runs (DLS method) at the SLLDC grounds, Kirimandala. In a game reduced to 40 overs, Chilaw Marians CC batting first scored 210-6 with skipper Kasun Vidura (59 off 54 balls, 4 fours) and Gimhan Rasanjana (68 off 55 balls, 7 fours, 2 sixes) putting together a partnership of 108 off 87 balls. Sebastianites chasing a revised target of 165 were dismissed for 139.
Unbeaten Navy SC suffered their first defeat in four matches when they lost to Negombo CC by 70 runs at Welisara. Chasing a target of 286 Navy SC collapsed to 91-6 and it was contributions from the lower order that saw them to their final score of 215. Koshan Jayawickrama top scored with 52 off 51 balls (6 fours, 2 sixes). Half-centuries from Dinitha Lochana (59 off 91 balls, 5 fours, 1 six), Rashmika Mevan (66 off 79 balls, 3 fours, 1 six) and captain Dimuth Sandaruwan (50 off 37 balls, 5 fours) made up Negombo CC’s total of 285.
Following three losses on the trot Kandy Customs SC finally ended their barren run with a seven-wicket win over United Southern SC at Army grounds, Dombagoda. Off-spinners Kosala Ravindu (4/21) and Kaveesha Induwara (3/32) curtailed United Southern SC for 112. Kandy Customs SC knocked the runs off in 25 overs with opener Lahiru Attanayake contributing 71* off 76 balls (9 fours, 3 sixes).
Kurunegala SC ran up the highest total of the day – 315-6 and beat Ragama CC by 144 runs at the Welagedara Stadium. Kaveen Bandara struck a splendid century (105 off 128 balls, 10 fours, 3 sixes) and shared a third wicket stand of 145 with Dilshan Kolure (75 off 71 balls, 5 fours, 1 six) for Kurunegala SC. Ragama CC were dismissed for 179 by left-arm spinner Ruchira Silva who finished with figures of 5/37. (ST)