Royal fall flat once again

By Harry Jayachandra

S. Thomas’ scored their third consecutive win over Royal in the 32nd edition of their limited overs encounter played at the Singhalese Sports grounds yesterday. Following their resounding win over the same opponents in the ‘big match, the Thomians were seemingly brought down to earth. They were bowled out for just 150 runs The Thomians got off to a rollicking start.

V.Malwatte of Royal College drives one to the cover boundary. Pic by Saman Kariyawasam

The opening pair put on 25 in just 3 overs. Then opener Sashreeka Pussegolla attempting an extravagant drive only managed to spoon the ball to cover. His partner Ashan Fernando followed just five runs later. He was needlessly run out for seven runs.

S. Thomas’ decision to bat on a pitch that generally offers some assistance to the seamers in the first hour, may have been influenced by the fact that Royal were with out two key players in wicket keeper batsman Kushal Perera and seamer Lakshitha Fernando. Both were apparently down with flu and their places were taken by all rounder Dilan Nanayakkara and batsman Vinod Malwatte. Perera’s place behind the stumps was taken by Kavisha de Silva.

However, Royal kept getting wickets and in just the 29th over, the Thominans were struggling at 111 for 6. They never recovered and were bowled out for a paltry 150 with more than four overs remaining. Leg spinner Manisha Thanthirigoda claimed three scalps.

But Thomian Ashan Peiris went on the attack from the start. Even after 15 mandatory overs, he kept seven fielders in the circle. Royal’s seamer’s were not able to get much swing from the wicket. But Thomian Dinesh Walpita did and in the process wrecked the Royal top order.

Right arm off spinner Sashreeka Pussegolla and left arm leggie Milan Fernando split the rest of the wickets between them. Royal’s inability to cope with the Thomian pace and spin attack is made obvious by the fact that the second highest scorer for Royal were extras.