Roy-Tho: Day 02: Thora in trouble for 95/4 at lunch

S. Thomas' College were struggling to revive their innings after a top-order collapse and were trailing by 231 runs with a score of 95 for four at lunch on day 02 of the 144th Battle of the Blues cricket match at SSC.

The play resumed with an early declaration from Royal College of their overnight score, and their opening fast-bowler, Bulan Weerathunga, quickly removed Thomians' opener Thisen Ehaliyagoda. This caused a cautious mindset among the Thomians' batsmen, leading to several plays-and-misses.

Dineth Goonewardene also fell to Sandesh Ramanayake, and the Thomians' skipper, Romesh Mendis, only managed to edge to second slip, giving Ranuka Malaviarachchi a crucial wicket.

Royal College was tactically using their two fast bowlers from both ends to put additional pressure on the Thomians. They also had Dasis Manchanayake, and Ramiru Perera in action, who were instrumental in Royal's comeback in the match on day 01.

In a surprising move, the Thomians promoted Nathan Caldera up the order, but he was also removed by Perera before lunch approached. The Reid Avenue men are in a commanding position, preserving their advantage well and keeping their opponents on the back foot.

Brief scores at lunch:

Royal: 326 for eight decl (74) (o’night) (Dasis Manchanayake 137, Ramiru Perera 128, Ovina Abanpola 30, Akash Fernando 4/55, Kavindu Dias 3/58, Nathan Caldera 1/64) 

STC: 95 for four (29) (Senadhi Bulankulama 37 not out, Ranuka Malaviarachchi 1/27, Bulan Weerathunga 1/18, Sandesh Ramanayake 1/25, Ramiru Perera 1/9)