Rain ruins MCA ‘B’ division final
Shehan Fernando hit 101 not out for MAS Silueta
Rain and bad light ruined the Fair and Lovely-MCA ‘B’ division 50-over Tournamemt cricket finals at the Mercantile Cricket Association grounds yesterday.
Wet outfield, due to overnight and morning rain, prevented play in the morning session and play was possible only after 2.30pm. HNB skipper Madawa Warnapura won the toss and put MAS Silueta into bat in a shortened 23-over-a-side match. His decision proved wrong as MAS opening batsman Shehan Fernando made merry with the Bankmen bowling, scoring a lusty century just in 45 deliveries, which included 10 massive hits over the ropes and three well-timed hits to the ropes.
MAS batsmen expecting rain to come down at any time, went after the bowling and were 154 for the loss of three wickets off 16 overs when bad light brought the match to a premature end around 4.00pm. Both teams were declared joint champs.
While cricket was prevented due to darkness the upstairs of the MCA was alighted with a fellowship organised by former Sri Lanka captain Anura Tennekoon on an invitation of MCA of Ceylon’s and Sri Lanka’s cricketing stalwarts get-together. This became a once in a life time occasion for the young cricketers to see these seniors who have sweated for years for Sri Lanka to gain test status. It was a rare appearance of Ceylon and Leicestershire professional Stanley Jayasinghe graced the occasion along with cricketing stalwarts like Anura Tennakoon, Michael Tissera, Dr. H.I.K. Fernando, Anuruddha Polonowita, Tikiri Banda Kehelgamuwa, Daya Shabandu, Ranjith Fernando, K.M. Nelson, Nihal Kodituwakku, Muttiah Devaraj and David Hyen.
Chief Score:
MAS Silueta ‘A’ 154 for 3 wickets in 16 overs (Shehan Fernando 101*, Sangeeth Cooray 33) when bad light stopped play vs HNB
MCA hosted cricket stalwarts to a fellowship lunch - Pix by Ranjith Perera