Roy-Tho: Captain and Perera revive Royal at Tea

Royal skipper Dasis Manchanayake and Ramiru Perera revived their innings sharing an unbroken 126 run stand for the fifth wicket as Royal took tea at 189 for 4 on day one of the 144th Battle of the Blues encounter here at the SSC grounds.

Royal were reeling at 83 for 4 at lunch, when Thomian seamers ran through the top-order, after inviting the Reid Avenue boys to take the first lease of the wicket.

Manchanayake could have easily resorted to attacking style, nevertheless, knowing that the onus lied on his shoulders, he decided to pause the procession.

The southpaw’s patience and approach, soon gifted at least his second fifty in the series, leading from the front. His fifty came off only from 54 deliveries to the delight of Royal roar.

But the star of the session was Ramiru Perera, who registered his maiden big match half-century.

The right-handed batter also joined his captain, who was in his second partnership of the match, taking their team past the 100-run affair.

Thomians, after enjoying a desired start, still displayed much athleticism in the field of throwing themselves out in the field.

They were still unlucky though after certain tough chances went down. One such chance, rocketed above the first slip, leaving the field completely taken aback.  

After a wicket-less session, which belonged to Royal completely, Thomians will have to get their act together and thwart this growing stand.

Brief scores at tea

Royal: 189 for four (48) (Dasis Manchanayake 80 not out, Ramiru Perera 60 not out, Ovina Abanpola 30, Akash Fernando 2/35, Kavindu Dias 1/23, Nathan Caldera 1/22)

(Pix: Eshan Fernando)