S. Thomas’ beat Sebs to clinch title after 30 years
S. Thomas’ College clinched the Schools Under-15 Division I cricket championship title after a lapse of three decades defeating St. Sebastian’s College by 6 wickets in the final played at the MCA ground yesterday. The foundation for the Thomian win was laid by skipper Dellon Peiris, Dineth Wanniarachchi and Shehan Kannangara. Wanniarachchi and Kannangara shared eight wickets between them to bundle out St. Sebastian’s to a low score.
St. Sebastian’s taking first lease of the wicket was given a sedate start by openers Praveen Cooray and Nishitha Abilash who together added 34 runs. But from there on they lost wickets at regular intervals and slid to 59 for 5 in the 28th over. The Sebs were on the verge of being bowled out for a score of under 100 but useful knocks in the latter stages helped them reach the three figure mark of 103 runs.
S. Thomas’ in their run chase underwent some anxious moments after losing three early wickets by the fourth over. The list included S. Thomas’ top batsman Mohamed Ishaq. Even though they were bogged down by the St. Sebastian’s bowlers Yohan Perera and Dineth Wanniarachchi settled down and frustrated the opponents.
The pair posted a stand of 50 runs in 96 balls and then went on to add a further 21 runs for a valuable partnership of 71 runs for the fourth wicket before being separated. Yohan made a dogged knock of 60 in 78 balls comprising of ten boundaries.
The Thomians at this stage were 91 for 4 and they went on to reach the required target with ease in the 36th over. Yohan for his match-winning knock was adjudged the man of the match. The Thomians last won the title in 1985 when the side was led by Sunil Abeynayake.
St. Sebastian’s 103 in 45.5 overs (Praveen Cooray 20, Nishitha Abilash 20, Mahela Fernando 15: Dellon Peiris 3 for 10, Dineth Wanniarachchi 3 for 18, Shehan Kannangara 2 for 7)
S. Thomas’ 104 for 4 in 35.2 overs (Yohan Perera 60, Dineth Wanniarachchi 15 n.o.: Sasika Perera 2 for 25)