Fingara CA nudges Roy Dias SC

It was a fascinating final at the CCC Grounds yesterday as Fingara Cricket Academy nudged Roy Dias School of Cricket by seven runs in the final of the third annual CCC School of Cricket Open International Cricket Tournament played for the Nelson Mendis Trophy.

Last year’s losing finalists Fingara CA won the toss and mustered 144 runs on a pitch helpful to spinners.

An opening stand of 38 runs between openers Akila Weerasinghe (32) in 53 balls (four boundaries) and H. Perera (12) helped them somewhat. However the middle order batting crumbled to the wiles of left arm spinner R. Tharanga (Isipathana) who had figures of 8.1-1-11-3. Only Sasindu Nanayakkara showed some resistance to score 36 (47 balls, 2 fours).

In reply the Roy Dias School of Cricket ran into trouble facing the wily left arm spin of Thomian all-rounder Samuel Edward and T. Rukshan (4 for 14). This duo spun a web and after being 50 for 3 at lunch Roy Dias SC were tottering 106 for 9 at one stage.

Amongst the top order V. Shenuka (24) and D. Sandaruwan (18) batted confidently. Fine rearguard action by Kasun Jayantha (16) and Ruchith Tharanga (9 n.o) who put on 31 runs for the last wicket brought them almost in sight of victory. At this stage Roy Dias SC had to make 10 runs for a win in 12 balls before Jayantha skied to be caught and bowled by Rukshan for 16.

It was sweet revenge for Fingara to win with two balls to spare.

Rumesh Ratnayake the former Sri Lanka pace bowler was the chief guest at the presentation held at the Bishop’s College Auditorium.

Fingara International Cricket Academy – 144 in 40.1 overs (Akila Weerasinghe 32, Hashtika Peiris 12, Chamod Wickremasinghe 13, Sasindu Nanayakkara 36, Samuel Edward 12; D. Danushka 2 for 39, R. Tharanga 3 for 11)

Roy Dias School of Cricket – 137 in 44.4 overs (V. Shenuka 24, Danushka Sandaruwan 18, Lahiru Chaturanga 13, Kasun Jayantha 16, R.Tharanga 9 n.o; Samuel Edward 3 for 23, C. Wickremasinghe 2 for 8, T. Rukshan 4 for 14.

Man of the Final: Sasindu Nanayakkara of Fingara ICA.