Cricket: Lanka Academy beat Reederei Eugen Friederich with 3 balls to spare

Lanka Academy won the 9th Mercmarine Premier League Cricket Tournament, defeating Reederei Eugen Friederich (REF) in a thrilling final at the Malay Grounds, Colombo 2. 

K.S.I. Indika and Vimukthi Jayamanna excelled in Lanka Academy's victory, in a match dominated by batsmen. 

The Mercmarine Premier League, considered the most popular sporting event among Sri Lanka's seafaring community, saw 26 teams representing, educational institutes, Master Mariners, shipping companies and allied services such as banks and insurance companies, compete in the tournament. 

REF batting first, after winning the toss, raced to 69 for 2 in 5 overs. 

REF's C.J. Ariyasingha was in exceptional form with the bat. 

Lanka Academy, chasing a challenging 70 runs in 5 overs, were initially, kept in check by the REF bowlers, but the seasoned Lanka Academy batsmen were too good, with their winning run coming in the 3rd ball of the 5th over. 

REF's C.J. Ariyasingha was adjudged Best Batsman, while Lanka Academy's K.S.I. Indika was adjudged Best Bowler, of the Series. 

Lanka Academy's Vimukthi Jayamanna was adjudged Man of the Series. 

Mercmarine Premier League organising committee rewarded the winning team with a cash prize of Rs 50,000, with the Runner-up receiving Rs 25,000. 

The Mercmarine Premier League Tourney, the most popular sporting event in the Sri Lankan seafaring community's calendar, was held for the first time in 2009, by the Mercmarine Group's Sports & Welfare Society. 

It quickly became an annual event for Sri Lankan seafarers to come together and to showcase their Cricketing talent.